When we book holiday there is a lot of things to do before we depart. To make sure your holiday will be great and you prepare well made a list about the most important things to check before you travel.
- Covid-19 restrictions, Entry requirements, Visas for the country. You can get some basic information and guidance about your chosen country as well.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - All passport is up to date and valid at least for 3-12 month depending where you go. You can check the requirements for the different countries on the link above. Some country even prohibit your entry if you have stamp from certain other country in your passport.
- Visa granted if needed.
- Check if you need any mandatory vaccinations and what else the NHS advise about the chosen country and get an appointment in time if needed.
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations - If you going by car check what documents, compulsory equipment requirements and advices.
https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe/country-by-country - Make sure you have travel insurance because even the smallest emergency treatment can cost you several hundred pound. Don’t just buy the cheapest. Check the voluntary excess and compare what is included in their offer.
- Print out your bookings, reservations, insurance contacts to make sure you can show or check them even if your phone battery is flat or missing.
- Make a photo from passports, visas, reservations, tickets so you can identity yourself even if your original documents gone missing and have access for the necessary documents even if you can’t reach your e-mails.
- Change some money. More and more places accept card payments but always good to have at least a small amount of cash with you. If you prefer cash don’t keep all in one place. Split for smaller amounts to keep it safe and never put in your checked luggage if you flight.
- If you take credit or debit card with you inform your bank about your travel or your card might will blocked when you try to use it.
- If you travel by plane make sure your luggage size and weight is accurate with the airline restrictions and print your boarding pass to avoid extra fees, book a transfer or parking in time. If you happy to take a shuttle bus close from the airport that can be much cheaper than parking in the airport.
- Check your mobile operator about the roaming charges. If you need a lot of mobile data might worth consider to buy an e-sim for roaming or buy a local sim card.
- Don’t put on the social media you are away, but let your neighbours know you not will be at home so they can keep their eyes open.
- Check all of the departing times, hotel check-in and check-out times. If you arrive to the accommodation too early usually you can ask a reception to leave your luggage with them while your room will be ready.
- If you have any medical conditions and take medicines, make sure you have more than enough for your entire travel.
- Check if your EHIC card is still valid or if you didn’t have one apply for a GHIC(old EHIC) card what give you access some medically necessary healthcare when you’re visiting an EU country or Switzerland.
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ - For your electrical appliances more likely you will need an adaptor or a converter if you want to use them abroad.