Posted: Friday 23 April 2010
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Category:
Travel Tips
A few simple preparations can smooth your way to a happy holiday. Here are our common-sense tips to keep you on the right track.
Passports and Visas
Check the validity of your Passport well in advance. The Passport Agency aim to process all applications within 10 days but don't take the risk! Applications can be handed in to main post offices and directly at Passport Agency offices. Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and put them in a safe place.
Your home
It's always good to get home ... but you don't want to return to disaster! Is your house secure?
- Fit window locks and an alarm to make it more difficult for the opportunist burglar to break in.
- Ask a neighbour to look after your house - why not get them to open and close your curtains and keep your letterbox clear?
- Go out and buy some power timers and connect lamps and a radio to come on at different times.
- Buy a security marker pen and write you postcode on all appliances and valuable items.
- Take photographs of valuable jewellery, ornaments or personal posessions.
- Notify your Dairy to cancel your milk deliveries and your newsagent to cancel your newspapers, well in advance.
You can also get the Royal Mail to hold your post safely while you are away (for up to 2 months), through their "Keepsafe" service - contact your local post office for more information.
Money
Decide early on the amount of money you may need to take with you, and the best way to carry it whilst on holiday. Investigate the exchange rates you will be charged when using your Credit Cards abroad and compare them with rates for Cash. Always shop around and compare rates and commission charges - "no commission" deals are not always as attractive as they seem.
Mobile phones
If you are taking your mobile phone, check that it is set up for "roaming" and what the charges will be for calls, texts and data. Bear in mind that whilst you are connected to the foreign network, you will be charged for any downloaded data, which will include emails or web-based messages from sites like Facebook, Twitter, MSN etc. These charges soon add up and give you a nasty shock on your return.
Health
The Department of Health publish a booklet on advice for travellers, again available from your Post Office, or go online for the latest information. Check on vaccination requirements for the country you are travelling to, get to your GP at least 6 weeks before you leave, and remember to take your vaccination certificate with you when travelling. Use Malaria tablets if relevant, and take insect repellant and bite-relief cream.
If your are pregnant, disabled, or know you have a condition which can affect your well-being (such as a heart condition or diabetes), then take advice from your doctor before travelling. It is also a good idea to inform the Agent or Tour Operator prior to departure, so that they can make any special arrangements required.
Travel Insurance
Don't leave without it! Whether you buy insurance from the Travel Agent, Tour Operator or organise your own (again, shop around), make sure you are fully covered. Over 30% of claims are not actually made against what happened on holiday, but are for Cancellations, usually due to unforeseen circumstances, or indeed accidents that happen on the way to or from the Airport. When you are packing, don't forget the policy documents and emergency contact numbers.
Motoring
If you intend using your car to travel, check on the condition of tyres (including the spare), fluid levels, lights etc. When going abroad, don't forget your driving licence, vehicle registration document, a warning triangle and first aid kit (law in some countries), and to convert your headlights for driving on the right (adhesive or clip-on kit available at stores like Halfords).
General
Learn as much as you can about your destination. Buy a guide book to check-up on details such as local customs and etiquette, tipping, best places to see, food, cost of living, etc. Do you have pets? Who is looking after them while you're away? Contact kennels and catteries early to book your pet in, so as not to be disappointed. Replenish stocks of items you need to take with you, such as suntan lotion, first aid supplies, etc.
And now you've done all that ... just enjoy!
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