There is so much to remember when booking and preparing for a holiday! Make sure you are one step ahead with our Quick Find guide to Summer Holiday Checklist.
According to the ONS, 2016 saw 12 million of us travel abroad for our summer holidays; how many of these people forgot to renew their Passport, take out insurance, or even find a dog-sitter? Our short guide to summer holiday essentials is the perfect companion when preparing for your trip.
Look at your passport now
Make sure it is in date for the period that you are travelling. Some Countries require your passport to be valid for a particular period from your date of arrival Check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website for all regulations.The standard passport renewal time is approximately 3 weeks in the UK.
Essential documents for your trip
This could be entry visas or your driving licence, travel tickets, or hotel confirmation. Make a note of your passport number and any emergency contact telephone numbers, such as your bank, in case you lose your debit/credit cards.
Sort out your travel money
Leaving it to the last minute could be a costly mistake. An alternative to cash is to get a prepaid card, which works as a pay-as-you-go, where you can load a certain amount of money on to this in advance and can top up on line, as and when you need to.
Tell your bank
Always tell your bank before going abroad, this ensures they are not suspicious about any overseas transactions, which may result in your card being stopped.
Check your luggage allowance
Check your allowance with your airline in advance, do not forget to weigh packed luggage at home to ensure you are under the allocated allowance. Over-weight luggage will result in hold ups at check-in, plus can result in costly charges. If necessary, pre-book extra baggage with the airline beforehand, it is normally cheaper than waiting until check-in.
Make sure your home is secure
Double and triple check that all windows and doors are locked before you leave – if you encounter any problems you can always call a Quick Find approved Locksmith! Ask a trusted neighbour or member of your family to regularly pop in to check on your house and pick up mail from behind the front door.
Take out travel insurance
Get an EHIC if you are going to Europe. Do not forget that travel insurance is essential, it covers a large variety of things that can potentially ruin your holiday, such as lost luggage, delayed flights and medical charges not covered by the EHIC. The EHIC is free and you can apply on-line here through the NHS website.
Take care of your pets
Make sure you have organised your pet care. Kennels and Catteries get booked up very quickly.
Pre Book your Hire Car
Be sure to book your car hire when booking your holiday, you will get the best deal and the best choice.