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 be left to handle arrangements. If your time comes while on the road or across the globe, those arrangements can be especially burdensome.

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 present unique challenges, and costs of transporting a person’s remains or flying to the country of death can be staggering.

Local Dignity Memorial providers are compassionate and trained in the process of making final arrangements when you or your loved one is either living or traveling far away. Pre-planning 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.

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 ten years.You may be putting off pre-planning because you plan to move eventually or consider your current location temporary.That uncertainty doesn’t have to be a barrier to making your final arrangements; Dignity’s expansive network allows for full transfer of your prearranged services should you move more than 75 miles from where you originally made your plans.

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.

Michael Higgins is Sales 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.