Before you go - Checklist
 
 
Have you researched your destination?
  • Check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice online at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo, or contact the FCO on 020 7008 0232/02.
  • Find out about local laws and customs especially relating to drugs and alcohol.
  • Check relevant guidebook and FCO country facts sheets and take a phrase book that you can use in emergencies.

Have you taken out adequate travel insurance?
  • It should include medical and repatriation cover for the whole time you are away.
  • It should cover you for all the activities you will be doing.
  • Ensure you have disclosed any existing medical conditions.
  • Take your policy number and emergency number with you.

Have you got enough money for the trip?
  • Take traveller's cheques and a valid credit card and make sure you have a source of back-up cash.
  • Have a return ticket, or enough money to buy one.

Is your passport still valid?
  • Make sure it is valid for at least 6 months.
  • Write details of your next of kin in the back.
  • Take a copy with you and leave a copy at home.
  • Take another form of ID with you.

Do you need a Visa?
  • Check with your travel agent or with the relevant Embassy in London.
  • Do you need any vaccinations?
  • Check with your doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel and visit http://www.doh.gov.uk/.

Have you checked your medication?
  • If you take prescription drugs, take the prescription in case you need a replacement.
  • Pack your medication in your hand luggage.
  • Check if your medication is legal in the country you are visiting by calling the relevant Embassy in London.

Have you told your friends and family where you are going and when?
  • Tell your friends and family where you are going.
  • Contact family and friends if trouble flares up.
  • Have you made copies of all your documents?
  • Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number and ticket details.
  • Leave copies with family and friends.
Have you filled out an E111 form?
  • If travelling within the EU, Iceland or Norway, get an E111 from the Post Office for access to free or reduced cost basic emergency medical treatment in some hospitals.
  • REMEMBER, you still need adequate travel insurance.
  • Airport security - find out the latest advice from the
  • Department of Transport
  • For full details on preparing for your flight please visit www.dft.gov.uk/airportsecurity
  • Check out any risks associated with your destination
  • The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides great advice on your destination and on preparing to go abroad. Visit their website www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call 0870 606 0290.

Get the right travel insurance

Check that it gives you all the cover you need.

If you're travelling to the EU, apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
To find out more go to http://www.dh.gov.uk/. This card entitles you to reduced cost, sometimes free, medical treatment. This should not be used as a substitute for your travel insurance.

Find out what vaccinations you need at least six weeks before you go
Your destination may carry a risk of malaria, typhoid, cholera or rabies, so visit the FCO website, http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel, to find out more.

Make sure you have a valid passport.

Remember, it needs to be in good condition and contain the necessary visas.
 
Make provisions for any pets

Do this well in advance of your holiday. Kennels and Catteries can get very booked up especially during the summer months.
 
Photocopy your passport and insurance policy

Then make notes of 24-hour emergency numbers, together with credit card and ticket details. And leave your copies and notes, plus your itinerary and contact details, with family and friends.
 
Make sure you have enough money for your trip

You should even take some back up funds in traveller's cheques, sterling or US dollars.
 
Keep your home safe while you're away

Ask neighbours or your local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator to keep an eye on your home for you. Lock all windows and doors, garages and sheds before you go and remember to set the burglar alarm if you have one. Consider using a time-switch to turn on some lights at night.
 
Pick up a good guide book and get to know your destination

It's always a good idea to find out about local laws and customs.