When you’re about to set off on your much-anticipated holiday, excitement and a sense of adventure often take centre stage. Yet, amidst the rush to pack your bags and finalise your itinerary, it’s easy to overlook some essential tasks.
Taking the time to make sure everything is in order prior to departure can save you a lot of stress once you’re already at the airport or abroad. A bit of prior preparation now will undoubtedly help your trip to run smoothly. Here are some of our tips for hassle-free travel planning:
Review your travel documents
Before you do anything else, ensure you have the right travel documents for the duration of your holiday. Some countries stipulate that your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months after your departure date, so make sure you triple-check your dates a few months before you leave home. You can confirm the requirements for the country you’re travelling to using the UK Government’s foreign travel advice. If your passport is nearing its expiry or you’ve misplaced it, apply for a renewal as soon as possible.
Similarly, check you have any other necessary visas, tickets or travel documents arranged, and that you have copies of these in case of loss or theft. Also consider saving digital copies to a secure cloud service for easy access.
Notify your bank
Banks are increasingly vigilant about preventing fraud, which is great for your security, but it can also mean that any unusual foreign transactions may trigger a four-day hold on your account.
To prevent this from happening while you’re abroad, remember to notify your bank of your travel plans. They can flag your account as ‘travel-approved’, allowing you to use your debit or credit cards without issue. This small action will give you peace of mind you can access your money if needed.
It’s also smart to carry a backup payment method, like a prepaid travel card or some local currency, just in case. We always take a credit card that specifically has low foreign transaction fees to reduce costs, so if you don’t have one, this is definitely worth looking into.
Check your coverage
Next, ensure you’re covered for any unexpected events while travelling. Many people assume they’re automatically covered by their health insurance, but this isn’t always the case when overseas. It’s also wise to take out travel insurance for potential cancellations, delays or lost luggage.
Additionally, it’s wise to take out an appropriate level of mobile phone insurance for travelling abroad. Some policies offer limited coverage outside the UK, so reviewing this beforehand can prevent costly surprises later.
Preparation is key
The tasks we’ve shared above might seem small, but these preparations make all the difference once you’re on your way. When everything is sorted before you even leave, you can focus on enjoying your holiday rather than dealing with avoidable issues.
Make these simple checks a part of your pre-trip routine, and you’ll not only save time and stress – you’ll also have the peace of mind to enjoy your travels without worrying about the basics. Spending a little time planning before your trip can make a huge difference when it comes to having a seamless and memorable journey.
