Introduction - going on holiday even for a short period of time can be a major event, there are so many things to remember to do; here is list of the most important things to remember:-
 

Pre-Booking - remember to book your travel insurance as soon as you have confirmed your travel arrangements. Even if you are not traveling for quite some time, the cancellation and curtailment section of the insurance policy will come in to force immediately. This is essential cover as you may find that if you are forced to cancel your holiday, you are unable to obtain a refund of your deposit. There is usually no extra charge for cancellation and curtailment insurance cover, even if the police is effected many months in advance.
 

Key Facts - a variety of Travel Insurance policies are available but before purchasing cover, remember to check the Key facts leaflet about the contract. It is a good idea to make sure that your policy covers the following;

• Medical Expenses including repatriation cover.

• Ensure the policy covers your whole trip.

• Ensure that it covers everything that you will be doing on holiday; some policies will exclude hazardous sports.

• Ensure that the baggage limits are sufficient for your needs.

Airport Parking - book your Airport Parking well in advance, you will find that by pre booking airport parking online, providing you need in excess of 4 days, you can make substantial savings. If you leave it too late particularly in high season, you may find the parking you require is unavailable or is charged out at a much higher price.
 

Passports & Visas - some points to remember are:-

• Make sure your passport is up to date for a minimum of 6 months from the date of your return. Check it as soon as you book your trip, remember, it may not be that easy to obtain an updated passport in a hurry.

• Take a photocopy of your passport with you in case the original is lost or stolen, leave another copy at home or at least write down your passport number.

• Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport.

• Check to see if you need a valid visa for the countries that you intend to visit.

• It is a good idea to take another form of Id with you.

• Don’t forget your Driving Licence if you intend to hire a car

Staying Healthy Abroad - some points to remember are as follows:-

• Check well in advance if you need any vaccinations for your trip. Your GP will help

• If you are on medication, check that it is legal in the country you are visiting.

• Even over the counter medicines such are codeine are banned in some countries, always check with a good guidebook before taking any medications abroad.

• Keep all medications with you in your hand luggage, if you wear glasses or contact lenses that would be difficult to replace abroad carry these in your hand luggage as well.

• Take a letter from your Doctor confirming your medication and make a list of the type and doses of your medication; you may need to provide this in emergency.

• Take a basic medical kit with you and include antiseptic wipes and mosquito replant if you are traveling to a hot country. Also include something to help with travel sickness or upset stomach, as these are the most frequent problems abroad.

• If you will be travelling within the European Economic Area, obtain an E111 from the Post Office. European Economic Area countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. It is important to remember that this form is in no way a substitute for Travel or Holiday Insurance.

• Before travelling check to see if there has been an outbreak of a diseases etc in the countries you will be visiting, you may need additional protection.
   

Research your Destination

• Obtain a good guidebook and read as much as possible about your destination.

• Pay particular attention to sections on Health & Safety and information on areas to avoid.

• Pat attention to sections on local customs and laws, you will be in someone else’s country and you will be expected to know & obey their laws.

• Pay particular attention to the countries law on alcohol & drugs.

• Take a good phrase book with you.

• If you intend leaving the Hotel or place you are staying for any length of time, let someone know where you are going and when you intend to return.
   

Making sure you have enough money

• Obtain enough currency for your trip well in advance; make sure if you are holding currency from a previous trip that it is still legal tender.

• Make sure your credit & debit cards are in date and that they will not expire whilst you are away, you may need them to make emergency purchases.

• Take enough back up funds with you, Travellers cheques are a good idea, Sterling and Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange when abroad.
   

Home Security

• Make sure that you have unplugged all electrical items. Unplug the DVD & Video unless you intend recording.

• In the winter months, it is a good idea to try to drain down the water systems and switch off services at the mains.

• Check you have a valid Home Insurance policy and study the conditions relating to periods of un occupancy, your insurers may want you to make special provisions if you are going away for any length of time.

• Make sure all doors and windows are locked before you leave.

• Try to leave a Key with a neighbour or relative so that they can check your home; ask them to move your post away from the front door to so that you do not alert people to the fact that you are away.

Pets & Animals

• Make sure that if you have pets or animals you make arrangements as early as possible, catteries etc, become booked up very quickly, particularly during holiday periods. Quite a few will not take animals during the Christmas & New Year periods.
  
   

Keep People Informed

• Always let someone know where you are going, give him or her your travel itinerary and details of how to contact you abroad.

• If you own a mobile phone take it with you but check with your network provider before you leave that it will work in the area you will be traveling.

• Tell someone where your important papers are kept and give instructions of what to do in an emergency.

• Give someone a copy of your passport and next of kin details.

• Give someone a copy of your insurance policy in particular the emergency help line number.

• Give someone a copy of your Home Insurance policy, they may need it in an emergency such as a flood.

• Give someone copies of your Travel Tickets and details of where they were obtained.