Are you drawn to destinations unknown? Do you divide your time between your company’s U.S. and overseas offices? Does the thrill of outdoor adventure appeal to you? Or is relaxing on an exotic island what you crave?

Whatever the reason, frequent travel requires a lot of advanced planning. Passport? Check. Swimsuit and flip flops?
Check. Briefcase and quarterly report? Check.
But in all that preparation, there is one item that likely has never been included on your to-do list – your final wishes.

It’s a fact of life we understandably don’t like to think of too deeply or too often – death can occur at any time, any age, anywhere. As difficult as that can be to face, it is crucial to consider, since your loved ones will ultimately be left to handle the arrangements. And if your time comes while on the open road or across the globe, those arrangements can be especially burdensome.

That’s where pre-planning with Dignity Memorial can help.

Navigating an international process is often time-consuming and confusing. Protocols for handling a death vary widely overseas. The consulate or embassy in the location of a death should be contacted, and loved ones might have to decide whether to travel there to handle affairs in person or to stay put to provide comfort to others who are grieving.
Language barriers can present unique challenges, and the cost involved in transporting a person’s remains or flying to the country of death can be staggering.

Luckily, local Dignity Memorial providers are expertly equipped to handle this situation. They are trained in the process of making final arrangements when you or your loved one is either living or traveling far away, and are compassionate about the special issues and emotions that can arise.

Dignity understands that, these days, family members could live across the street from one another… or across the state, across the country or even across the globe. If you are far from the place you once called home, preplanning ensures your family won’t have to deal with the increased stress and high cost of last-minute travel. Dignity’s team of
Bereavement Travel Program specialists will work with your loved ones to find the best available travel options throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as many international destinations.

On a moment’s notice, dedicated travel specialists will seek the best available airfares, hotel accommodations and car rentals for all family and friends to attend your service, with just a nominal fee for the issuance of an airline ticket.

While you’re away from your home, Dignity Memorial network providers are looking out for your future, even if you aren’t sure where you’ll be in the next five or 10 years. You may be putting off preplanning because you plan to move eventually or consider your current location temporary.

But that uncertainty doesn’t have to be a barrier to making your final arrangements, since Dignity’s expansive network allows for the full transfer of your prearranged services should you more than 75 miles from the city or town in which you originally made your plans.

So, wherever life takes you, you can jet-set and see the world with full confidence that Dignity will keep you connected to the place that matters most – home.

Patrick Kelly is Family Service Manager for Dignity Memorial®, which cares for more than 300,000 families each year through its network of more than 2,000 providers throughout North America. Learn more at www.dignitymemorial.com or call Greenlawn Memorial Park, Oleander Memorial Gardens and Coble-Ward Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, (910) 799-1686.