*This is a collaborative post*
Hurrah! You’ve just booked your next big adventure and it’s time to plan all the amazing memories you’re going to make with your family. But before you get too carried away with organising the logistics to visit that must-see sight or Googling where serves the very best local cuisine, let’s wind things back a notch. In the weeks leading up to your travels there are a few things you should tick off your holiday check list to give yourself the freedom to enjoy a care free trip.
Tick off this holiday check list for peace of mind before you travel
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Arrange holiday insurance
We have an annual holiday insurance policy that comes with a few extra features to help cover all eventualities. We are a military family so could have to cancel our travels at the last minute. Our policy covers this. It also allows for cruises which adds an additional premium just like water sports or adventurous activities. Whether you have a single trip or annual policy make sure you are insured should the worst happen.
Up your home security
If you’re going to be away from home for any length of time you need to make sure you have good home security in place. We have an home intruder alarm and make sure all our windows and doors are locked. My parents have a key and can pop round to check everything is OK from time to time. If you have someone who can do the same for you ask them to remove post from behind your door and take in parcels that may have arrived while you’re away. You might also like to think about putting a light on a timer so that it looks like someone is in during the evenings.
Check your passports and visas
I know my passport and Tot’s are going to run out in the next 12 months so this is top of my 2019 holiday check list. Dependant on your destination, airline or holiday provider your passport may need to be in date by up to six months or more for you to be allowed to travel. Also check whether you need a visa for your destination. This is easy to do by looking at the UK Government’s latest advice on travelling abroad.
Research and book vaccinations
The NHS recommends you get advice on which vaccinations you might need for your travels eight weeks in advance of your departure date. Routine childhood vaccinations and boosters will cover you for travel in much of Europe. There’s a handy tool for searching the health advice you need for any destination on the Travel Health Pro website.
Book transfers or hire cars
If you’re flying to your destination it will give you peace of mind and make the next stage of your journey less stressful if you have transfers organised before you arrive. If you’re planning on hiring a car abroad do this in advance to save yourself some money.
Buy currency or get a currency card
Get the best exchange rates by picking up currency before you travel. There are also some handy pre-paid currency cards so you’re not carrying large amounts of cash. Money Saving Expert has lots of top advice on these and where to get the most up to date currency deals.
Set up data roaming
I eat through data when we travel, even in the UK – it comes with the travel blogging gig. The good news if you’re travelling in the EU is that you can now use the data in your allowance at no extra cost. Do check with your provider though as some have ‘fair usage’ small print so a certain amount of data may come free and then extra charges start to be added. If you can connect to wifi at your hotel, resort or campsite, or even at the local cafe, it might save you a larger than expected bill when you get home.
Arrange a pet holiday or passport
If your four-legged friend can’t travel with you then make sure you book their pet holiday early. Good kennels and catteries fill up fast. If you prefer the thought of them staying in a real home chat to friends or neighbours to see if they can help, or look up dog sitting services.
If you’re travelling in the EU you can easily take your dog, cat or even ferret with you. Your vet will be able to talk you though the process of getting a Pet Passport. Make sure you speak to them no later than a month before you plan to travel as you need to arrange for microchipping, a rabies vaccination and a tape worm treatment (for dogs) before you go on holiday. You won’t be able to get these all done at the same time.
Save copies of your travel documents
I have copies of all my travel documents saved in my emails and as PDFs or images on my smartphone. This means I have them to hand if the paper copies get mislaid. As soon as we get to our destination I store the original documents somewhere safe. If you do have a problem while travelling then it will make things a lot easier to have access to more than one copy when you are out and about.
What’s on your holiday check list? You might also like to take a look at my pre-cruise check list and if you’re planning a self catering holiday then this packing list is a handy read.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post with Verisure.
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