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Holiday Checklist

Going on holiday can be a stressful affair, but it needn’t be if you are well prepared and make sure that you are organised. To help make it all run a little more smoothly, the following holiday checklist covers all of the most important things you might need to remember before embarking on your holiday:

1. Is your passport in date? There is nothing worse than arriving at the airport and realising that you don’t have a valid passport. Check at least a month before you go to ensure there is enough time to organise getting a new one.
2. Have you had all necessary vaccinations? Obviously not all countries require you to have vaccinations before entering, but there are many that do. It is worth checking this out before you go. Not only will it protect you from any likely diseases, but it will also keep your mind at rest.
3. Travel insurance is a necessity when going away, whether it be in Europe or somewhere further a field. The E111 form for travel to European countries has now been replaced with the EHIC Card. It is possible to apply for one by phone, post or online. Buying insurance might seem like a hassle but it will serve you well when on holiday and is worth the small cost for peace of mind.
4. Have you told someone that you are going away? Obviously it is not a good idea to tell your entire street that you will be on holiday, but letting a close friend or neighbour know will help to keep your house safe whilst you are away as they might be able to check on it for you.
5. If going away with young children, have you packed something to keep them occupied whilst on the plane? Books, paper and colouring pencils will serve to be priceless if your little ones get bored, especially on a long flight.
6. Have you organised how you will be getting to your accommodation from the airport at your final destination? You do not want to turn up jet-lagged and tired only to find that you have no idea how you will be getting to your hotel. Sort this out before you go, or research the travel facilities that are available at the airport.
7. Lost luggage at the other end can be a nightmare, especially if you have not prepared for this unfortunate eventuality. Pack a change of clothes and some basic toiletries to ensure that if you do have to wait for your luggage, you won’t be stuck.
8. If you are looking to take your mobile phone with you and intend to use it abroad, ensure that it will work in your chosen country and that you have enough credit to use when out there. Many networks charge more to use a phone on holiday and will even charge for incoming calls and messages.
9. Have you got all necessary money or travellers cheques with you? It is possible to exchange money abroad but often the exchange rate is not so good. Get the most for your money by doing this before you leave.
10. Tickets! There’s no point trying to go on holiday if you haven’t packed your tickets. Avoid panic at the airport by checking at least twice that the all important tickets have been put in your hand luggage.

All that’s left to do after that is have a good time!

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