HOLIDAY CHECKLIST
We can help you stay organised and hopefully give you peace of mind – meaning you can get on and enjoy your time away.
Getting ready for your global getaway
Getting fully prepared for your holiday means you can make the most of the time you spend away. But where to start? Our guide to holiday essentials should set you off on the right track.
What you need to do before you go on holiday
Travel insurance
Top of your holiday checklist once you’ve booked your trip is to arrange your travel insurance. Choose a policy with cancellation cover and you won’t be left out of pocket if you can’t go due to unforeseen events.
Home insurance
Make sure your home remains protected while you’re away. Home insurance usually covers an unoccupied property for up to either 30 or 60 days in a row with no additional terms or cost. Check your policy to see how long your home can remain empty and still be fully insured.
Passport
Check your passport. To travel abroad you must hold a full 10-year passport that’s valid for the duration of your trip. Some countries require the passport to be valid for a minimum period – usually six months – beyond the date of entry. UK passport holders travelling to EU countries must have at least three months left on their passport after the day they plan to leave the EU.
EU 10-year rule
Have you heard about the post-Brexit ‘10-year rule’ when travelling to EU countries (not including Ireland) as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland? Your passport must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you enter the country.
If your passport was renewed before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any UK passports with more than 10 years on them are no longer valid in parts of Europe although they can still be used for travel in the rest of the world.
Entry requirements
Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to make sure your passport is valid. And if it needs renewing, apply in good time to the HM Passport Office – for information call 0300 222 0000 or visit the government’s passport information page.
Which other documents are required?
Visa
Do you need a visa? For all enquiries, you should contact the consulate or embassy of the country you’re visiting.
Global Health Insurance Card
European Health Insurance cards (EHICs) are being phased out but if you’ve still got one that’s valid for the time you’re away, you can use it. Applications for new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can be made through the NHS website.
Both GHIC and EHIC cards are valid for 5 years and entitle you to necessary state healthcare in countries and territories with reciprocal agreements. They’re not a replacement for travel insurance though.
What else needs arranging?
Airport planning
When flying you’ll need to sort out transport to and from the airport, or car parking. Airport assistance can be arranged by contacting your tour operator or airline. Be aware that airlines now ask you to provide either a disabled badge or a doctor’s certificate confirming you need assistance.
Mobile roaming charges
Find out from your network provider whether your mobile phone has international roaming and can be used in the country you’re visiting. Make sure you’re aware of any roaming charges. You can avoid these by turning roaming off or putting your phone on airplane mode. Use free wi-fi wherever possible if you have a smartphone.
Car insurance
If you’re planning on taking your vehicle overseas, does your car insurance cover you? And for how long? Check your breakdown cover too. You may want to consider upgrading this if it doesn’t already include European assistance.
Phoning the UK
If you do need to phone home while you’re away, check international call charges and, if your phone is ‘Pay as you go’, make sure you have enough credit. When calling the UK from abroad, dial 00 (International Access Code), 44 (UK Country Code) then the person’s number, remembering to omit the initial ‘0’ from the Area Code.
Things to pack in your hand luggage
Carry the following with you and make copies of important documents, such as your passport and GHIC, and keep them separately to the originals just in case of loss or theft.
Don't forget your:
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Passport
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EHIC or GHIC
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Travel insurance documents
(you may also be able to access these through an online account like MySaga) -
Debit/credit cards and travel money
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Driving licence, motor insurance and breakdown cover, if you’re likely to be using a car
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Visa, if required in the country you’re visiting
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Travel tickets/boarding passes
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Accommodation details and directions
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Bank and credit card provider phone numbers
Other things to keep handy on a flight:
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Mobile phone and charger
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Essential medication and prescription if it’s over 100ml
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Glasses/contact lenses
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Pen for filling in forms
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Something warm to wear
Looking for more pre-travel tips?
Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for a range of useful pre-travel planning tips as well as the latest foreign travel advice for the country you’re visiting.
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