Are you planning a holiday? If so, then congratulations! A trip abroad can be a much-needed break from the everyday grind and a chance to explore new places and cultures. However, before you jet off on your adventure, there are a few things you need to remember in order to make sure everything goes smoothly. From getting your passport to booking your accommodation, here are the key things to remember before boarding your plane:

 

  1. Travel Insurance – This is a must have in case of any medical emergencies or other unforeseen events. Make sure you are covered for the duration of your trip and that your policy includes activities that you might be doing, such as hiking or skiing. Read the fine print to check what’s excluded, and buy additional insurance (check out onesure, for example) for any additional insurance you may need to cover high risk activities.
  2. Passport – Make sure your passport is up to date and will not expire during your travels. To be on the safe side, your passport should be within 6 months of the expiration date, just in case you get stuck abroad for an extended period of time. Additionally, your passport photos need to be relatively up to date – some airport security can be picky about photos that are too old, so make sure your photo still looks like you.
  3. Vaccinations – Check if there are any vaccinations required for the countries you will be visiting. Common jab requirements include TB, hepatitis B, rabies and meningitis, and it is best to get these done well in advance as some can take a few weeks to be effective. Many countries now require Covid-19 vaccinations as a condition of entry, so make sure you’re jabbed to ensure you don’t get stopped at the gate.
  4. Money – Research the currency of the country you will be visiting and get some cash in advance. It is also a good idea to have a card that can be used internationally in case of emergencies. Your local post office should be able to provide you with all the information you need to know.
  5. Accommodation – Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak season. This will ensure that you have a place to stay and don’t have to worry about finding a last minute hotel. Make sure to research the area the hotel is located in – you don’t want to end up somewhere unsafe.
  6. Packing – Make a list of everything you need to pack well in advance. This will help you remember everything and make sure you don’t forget anything important. If you have kids, help them to pack and give them a check-list of things they need to be responsible for, but give their luggage a quick check before you actually go, just in case they’ve packed something that they shouldn’t have.
  7. Documents – Gather all the important documents you will need for your trip, such as your boarding pass, and keep them in a safe place. Most documents are now digital, but it’s a good idea to print the most important so that you have a physical copy too.
  8. Transportation – Plan your transportation to and from the airport as well as around the city/town you will be visiting. In some countries, it can be quite common for a taxi to exploit a naïve tourist looking for a ride, so your best bet is to book in advance with a reputable service.
  9. Activities – Research things to do in the areas you will be visiting and plan out your days. This will help you make the most of your trip and see everything that you want to. If you book ahead, don’t forget the tickets!
  10. Emergencies – It is always a good idea to have a plan for emergencies, such as losing your passport or getting sick. Make sure you know the contact information for your embassy as well as the phone number for your travel insurance provider in case you need to use them, and keep them in a safe place, such as your wallet or in your hotel room.

 

So, there you have it – a few key things to remember before going on holiday. By following this list, you can be sure that you will have a stress-free and enjoyable trip. Bon voyage!