Holiday Documents
If you're travelling abroad then the passport is the most important document of all. Some weeks prior
to leaving, I'd recommend that you check your passport. Is it about to expire? If it is, hurry to get a
passport photo taken and get it submitted as soon as possible. If it's not about to expire then put it
in a safe place where you'll remember it - there's nothing worse than finding out that you've misplaced
your passport the day before you're due to travel.
In the list above I also mention the need to make sure that you pack your visa. This may seem like a
strange thing to mention, since visas are not required for short stays in many countries. You should,
however, check that the location that you're visiting does not require that you have a visa - this is
something that comes as a surprise to travellers visiting Russia, for example.
These days many of us book flights online. If you've taken advantage of the internet to get a good deal
then make sure that you take a printout of your flight confirmation and details with you. Have you
checked to make sure you know what time the flight's leaving? How long before the flight do you need to
check in?
The same applies for those booking car hire. Make sure to take your driving licence with you. If you're
a UK resident then be aware that you'll usually be expected to present both parts of the new-style
driving licence - that means the card and then paper document.
I tend to think that money is a matter of personal choice - make sure that you've thought ahead though
and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Take precautions too - do you know how to cancel your credit
card in case it is lost or stolen during your trip?
If you're an EU resident then you should have a European Health Insurance Card (the replacement for the
old E111 form) - don't forget to take it with you.
If you follow all of the advice given here then you can look forward to a lovely, stress-free holiday.
Enjoy your trip!
Holiday Essentials
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