Planning

• Check with your GP or pharmacist well in advance of your holiday to find out whether you need any vaccinations for the country(ries) you’re visiting
• For the latest information about the country you're visiting, including safety and visa requirements, check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk
• Check the expiry date on your passport - some countries will require your passport to remain valid for a minimum period (usually at least 6 months)
• Ensure your passport is in good condition
• Check whether you need to reconfirm your flights or hotel bookings
• Plan your route to the airport, ferry etc. Our online route planner can help you do this. If you’re driving, check for any road works or, if travelling by public transport, check for engineering works
• Research about the area you’re going to - try and find recommended restaurants or places of interest.
• Obtain an EHIC card from www.ehic.org.uk if you are travelling to Europe

Preparing

• Leave details of your holiday, including photocopies of your passport and flight tickets, contact numbers and travel insurance details, with a friend or family member. Leave spare keys with someone you trust
• Use a timer so lights come on at night
• Pack your travel insurance policy booklet, schedule and information cards. If you’re taking your mobile phone, programme in your Churchill travel insurance emergency numbers
• Cancel milk and paper deliveries
• Clear your fridge and kitchen of anything that might go off. Put out the bins
• Ask someone to water plants and care for your pets (get a pet insurance quote from Churchill)
• Ensure all the house and shed windows and doors are locked
• Unplug electrical appliances (except fridges and freezers)
• Check your home insurance is in order
• Prepare a first aid kit to take with you - include diarrhoea and rehydration sachets
• Leave the heating and hot water on a low setting if you are going away during winter months
• Ask the post office to hold your post if you are going away for a long time

Packing

Some things you might not want to forget!

• Mobile phone charger and country adapter plug
• Padlock and keys to lock your luggage
• Eye mask and ear plugs if you want to sleep on the plane
• Put your house keys somewhere safe - so you can find them on your return
• Camera, spare film and batteries/charger
• Sun cream and lip protector
• Sunglasses and sun hat