Travel Europe articles
European travel guide articles from TravelSavvy
Travel tips: Before you go
There was a time when all you needed to do to prepare for a holiday was a three item checklist: tickets, cash, passport. Those days are long gone Here's a handy guide to preparations to carry out before you go. Make sure everything is in place and you can really sit back and enjoy that holiday break.
A little care before you take that well-earned break can make all the difference between a dream holiday and a never-to-be-forgotten nightmare. Take care of the details beforehand and you can leave the cares behind when you jet away.
For cheaper flight tickets book your holiday break well ahead of time. The closer you get to the holidays, the less choice and the more expensive the tickets. At least two months ahead of time is best.
Most budget airlines do not issue paper tickets so don't forget to take your booking reference when you go. Some airlines don't even check that but it can save you a lot of hassle.
Traveller's cheques are still the safest way to carry money as you can replace them if they are lost or stolen. But it's a pain to cash them on a short weekend break or if you can't find a bank open when you need it.
If you prefer to carry cash NEVER keep it all in one place. Tourist cities always attract petty thieves and pickpockets.
ATM machines are easy to use and widely available but there are almost always extra charges, especially if you go into the red. Check with your bank what it will cost you and always keep some spare cash for emergencies.
You can usually get foreign currency at the airport, but get some local currency before you arrive, especially if it's at night. Cash for a taxi, a meal and a night in a hotel should cover all eventualities.
If your flight is one way make sure you've got cash in the bank for a return ticket when you need to.
In the age in increasing terrorism and tight airport checks a clean, up-to-date passport is more than essential.
Check out your passport well before you leave, in fact don't book your holiday until you have checked your passport for the following:
Make sure it is valid for at least six months from the end of your stay - many countries now insist on this.
Make sure there are plenty of empty pages, especially when heading for stamp happy places like Africa.
Get a new passport from passport office by post or apply online. It takes up to three weeks but you can get express or even a same day service if you turn up in person and pay extra. You need an appointment first though. You can check out details at the UK Passport website.
Check you don't need a visa. If you do may have to send your passport too the relevant embassy and even attend an interview. Visa applications can take months and you could be in for a long wait.
Always carry copies of important documents such as passports and tickets in case they get stolen. To be double safe also leave photocopies behind friends or family in case of emergency.
Always have insurance, even for a cheap weekend break. An accident or a thief could ruin your holiday, without insurance you will pay dearly as well. Single trip and annual insurance is fairly cheap.
Get an E111 form from the post office for basic medical insurance in European countries.
Keep jabs up to date and check if you need vaccinations for the part of the world you are travelling to. Proof of immunisation is a requirement in some countries.
Always pack lightly. You are not going to need all those clothes, especially for a weekend city break. You are probably going to be the one carrying the case so keep it light. Charges for overweight luggage can be high, especially on budget flights and check-in desk scales are not always accurate.
Don't pack creams, lotions, shampoos and so on. They are heavy to carry and you can buy all you need while abroad. A lightly packed case means that you can bring more back home with you.
Pack to fit the holiday - you will not need flip-flops for the opera in Milan and that ball gown is going to look out of place on the beach.
Do not carry any sharp in your hand luggage. This includes hair pins, scissors, nail files and so on - they will all be confiscated. It's best to put all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and so on in your suitcase. If you want them in your hand luggage they must all fit into a single small 20cm x 20cm sealable plastic bag such as a freezer bag. If you want water for your flight take an empty plastic bottle with you and fill it air side.
If you are travelling to a world troublespot check with The Foreign & Commonwealth Office website at fco.gov.uk or contact them on 0207 0232/0233 before you go. It might just save your life.
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