Q: What do I need before I travel?
A: Make sure you do your research on...
weather conditions,
what type of documentation and paperwork you will need
current exchange rates
what types of diseases are common and what you can do to prevent exposure
what your medical coverage will cover when you travel
the cost of local items(including taxes and tips)
dates of major holidays or festivals
make sure your car is ready if you plan to travel with it (change the oil, etc.)
the metric system(if traveling outside the US), as most of the world uses it
Q: What should I do about money?
A: Your credit card can be more valuable than cash. They handle the exchange and can often get a better exchange rate. It is also more secure in that they can handle disputed charges, and if you lose it, you can just cancel the card, whereas if you lose cash, you can't get it back. In addition, credit card companies can arrange to pay bills that will come due when you're gone. You may want to notify them of your trip as they may have special instructions concerning your travel.
An ATM card is also a good option for drawing out small amounts of cash, so you don't risk losing much. Check to make sure your ATM card will work in your destination. You can find a list of VISA's ATM locations here. MasterCard's ATM locator is found here.
Q: How do I leave my property safe at home? A: Make sure you do the following...
have a friend or neighbor check your home periodically
arrange for lawn care or snow removal
put valuables and jewelry in safe deposit box
move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap in plastic(they should keep for about 2 weeks without water)
empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil
unplug electrical items and unhook phone to protect from a storm
leave emergency contact information with your house sitter