#1 Passport
Make sure you remember your passport and that of all the other passengers.
Note. Please ensure you have at least 6 months remaining on your passport from the date of travel to EU countries.
#2 Travel Insurance
Always cover yourself when travelling abroad. This gives you extra cover including lost luggage and special medical treatment.
#3 GHIC
You should have a Global Health Insurance Card to accompany your travel insurance.
This assists you with basic medical cover abroad when you have your GHIC. Something you’d have to pay for upfront without a card.
Apply for a FREE card at www.nhs.uk/ghic or phone 0300 330 1350
#4 Booking Documents
This includes both your flight and accommodation details which should be kept separately.
#5 Money
You should always have money for you country and origin and the one in which you’re travelling to for emergency purposes.
Tip. Lift what you think you need from your own country, as you’ll get more favourable rates than using an ATM abroad.
#6 Travel
Have you organised transport to and from the airport including parking fees. How long the journey takes and allowing at least 2 hours prior to flight time in arriving at the airport.
Tip. Check to see if there are any roadworks on your day of travel and what the weather is doing on that day.
#7 Security
Have you left your home secure and everything switched off. Informing your neighbours that you’re going away (if applicable).
#8 My Suggestions
I like to start my holiday early. So I always book the VIP lounge at the aiport we’re flying from. It’s nice to feel pampered prior to take off and that £35 per person is money well spent.
If fast track is available then use it. I hate queuing, so £7 per person is money well spent.
If you’re going on a flight longer than two hours get extra leg room seats for that added bit of comfort. That additional £20 per person is money well spent.
Tip. Mix your clothes up in the suitcases of other family members. If one of the suitcases goes missing, you’ll all have something to wear in the following days.
Enjoy your holidays
Mark Boyle