You’ve booked the flights, packed the suitcase and started counting down the days until you switch on your out of office. However before you head to the airport, taking just a few minutes to work through a simple holiday travel checklist could save you time, money and a lot of unnecessary stress. From checking your passport validity to making sure parcels don’t arrive while you’re away, these are my ten ‘must-do’s’ before you go on holiday.
Image by Lutz Dieckmann from Pixabay
1. Check Your Passport Carefully
One of the biggest mistakes we make is assuming that because our passports haven’t expired, we’re good to go.
Since Brexit, UK passport holders travelling to many European destinations must ensure their passport was issued less than ten years before the date they enter the country and is valid for at least three months after the date they intend to leave. Requirements can vary depending on where you’re travelling, so it’s always worth checking well in advance.
It’s also worth checking children’s passports if you’re travelling as a family. You’d be surprised how often they’re overlooked until check-in.
Top Tip: Don’t rely on your airline or travel company to spot an issue. The responsibility for ensuring your travel documents are valid rests with the traveller.
2. Make Sure Your Travel Insurance Covers What You Need
Travel insurance isn’t something to buy and forget about. Before you travel, take a few moments to read through what you’re actually covered for.
Have you declared any medical conditions? Are your gadgets and valuables protected? Will you be taking part in activities such as skiing, scuba diving or water sports that might require additional cover?
It’s also worth checking:
- Cancellation cover limits
- Medical expenses cover
- Delayed or missed departure protection
- Excess amounts payable if you make a claim
- Whether you’re covered for airline or travel disruption
The cheapest policy isn’t always the best value if it doesn’t provide the protection you need.
3. Check Payment Cards Before You Travel
Most banks no longer require customers to tell them they’re travelling abroad but it’s worth checking whether there are any restrictions on using your cards overseas.
Take at least two methods of payment where possible and avoid keeping them together. If one card is lost, stolen or blocked, you’ll still have a back-up available.
It’s also sensible to:
- Check foreign transaction fees
- Take a small amount of local currency
- Save emergency contact numbers for your bank
- Enable banking app notifications so you can quickly spot any suspicious transactions.
4. Don’t Forget About Your Parcel Deliveries
We’re all used to ordering things online but many people don’t stop to think about what’s arriving while they’re away. Whether you’ve forgotten about a subscription delivery or family members have ordered something in your name, parcels left sitting outside your home can quickly become an unwanted worry.
Before you travel, take a few moments to update your delivery preferences. Many delivery companies now allow customers to:
- Divert parcels to lockers or parcel shops
- Nominate a trusted neighbour
- Select a safe place for deliveries
- Change delivery dates through their apps
- Update accessibility preferences if required
It’s one less thing to think about while you’re relaxing by the pool and can help reduce the risk of parcels being left unattended for days while you’re away.
5. Check Mobile Roaming Charges
Don’t assume you’ll be able to use your mobile abroad exactly as you do at home.
Many providers have introduced roaming charges in some destinations so checking costs before you leave could save you from an unexpectedly large bill when you return.
Consider:
- Purchasing a roaming package for longer trips
- Downloading maps before you travel
- Saving films, books and playlists over Wi-Fi
- Using hotel Wi-Fi for larger downloads where appropriate
Returning home with holiday memories is far preferable to returning home with an sky high mobile phone bill.
6. Download Your Important Documents
Technology is wonderful when it works but batteries run flat and internet connections don’t always play ball.
Before travelling, download copies of:
- Boarding passes
- Travel insurance documents
- Accommodation confirmations
- Airport transfer details
- Emergency contact numbers
- Copies of passports
Having both digital and paper copies of important documents can make all the difference if things don’t quite go to plan.
7. Make Your Home Look Occupied
A few simple precautions can provide valuable peace of mind while you’re away.
Consider:
- Using timer switches on lights
- Asking a neighbour to keep an eye on things
- Making arrangements for post or deliveries
- Checking doors and windows are secure
- Leaving emergency contact details with someone you trust
One final word of warning, avoid announcing to the world on social media that you’re going away for two weeks while simultaneously posting real-time holiday updates. Save sharing those lovely sunset pics until you’re safely back home.
8. Don’t Forget Your Medication
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the duration of your holiday, plus a few extra days in case of delays getting home. Some medications have restrictions in certain countries or require supporting documentation, so it’s worth checking requirements before travelling.
Keep medication:
- In its original packaging
- In your hand luggage where possible
- Accompanied by any supporting documentation you may require
It’s a simple check that could save a lot of unnecessary stress at the airport.
9. Do Last Minute Home Checks
Before you lock the front door, take five minutes for one final walk around your home.
Have you:
- Switched off unnecessary appliances?
- Locked all windows and doors?
- Taken out the rubbish?
- Checked taps are turned off?
- Packed chargers and travel adapters?
- Set any alarms or timer switches?
A simple checklist can make all the difference when you’re rushing to leave for the airport.
10. Know Your Consumer Rights Before Things Go Wrong
Nobody books a holiday expecting delays or cancellations but understanding your consumer rights before you travel can save valuable time and stress if the unexpected happens. Keep receipts if you incur additional expenses and don’t be afraid to ask questions if your plans are disrupted.
Knowing where to go for information before things go wrong often makes resolving problems much easier should you need to.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your holiday shouldn’t feel like hard work. Spending just half an hour ticking off a few simple checks before you leave can make the difference between a relaxing break and an avoidable travel headache.
Whether it’s checking your passport, updating your parcel delivery preferences or making sure your travel insurance provides the right level of protection, a little preparation really does go a long way.
After all, holidays are for relaxing, enjoying and making memories, not solving problems from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
