Travel Tips

 

  
 

  • Essential Travel Tips

    We’ve put together this travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there.

    Before you go:

    * check travel advice for the country you are visiting.

    * find out where the nearest embassy will be – check their website to find out what services they offer and their opening times

    * don’t travel without insurance – make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports

    * travelling within the European Economic Area? Then get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care - you still need full travel insurance though! Also remember, you can call 112 to contact the emergency services in any EU country.

    * check with your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel

    * make sure you’ve got correct visas for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid.

    * All first time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to verify their identity. It now takes up to six weeks to get a first passport. For more information please visit DirectGov

    * for certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check the entry requirements before you go

    * take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them online using a secure data storage site.

    * make sure you fill in the emergency contact details in your passport. This will make it much easier for us to contact someone if necessary

    * tell a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number

    * take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travellers cheque - make a note of the cheques’ numbers before you go

    * invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip

    * driving abroad? Make sure your licence is current and valid. Make sure you are aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting

    * check HM Revenue & Customs Travel website for information on duty-free allowances, banned goods etc.

    When you are away:

    * think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don’t take risks that you wouldn’t at home!

    * don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks

    * find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws -there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home

    * be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations

    * consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you’re away. Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate

    * check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad

    * check whether it’s safe to drink local tap water- if not, stick to bottled water and avoid salads, non-peeling fruit and ice in drinks

    * use your judgement when buying and eating food you’ve not prepared yourself

    * respect the environment – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don’t drop litter

    * check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK