Everything You Need To Check Before You Go On Holiday

Going on holiday should be exciting, not stressful. Avoid last-minute panics by ticking important pre-departure boxes that ensure you are fully prepared, packed, and ready to enjoy yourself. Here is a comprehensive checklist covering all the essentials to verify before take-off:

Passports And Visas

Check all passports are valid for at least 6 months from your return date and have adequate empty pages. Obtain any required visas for destinations well in advance – processing can take weeks. Ensure passport names match tickets. Keep digital copies of documents as backup. Carry a physical copy when travelling.

Travel Insurance

Secure comprehensive travel insurance to cover health, lost baggage, cancellations, delays, and liability. Review policy terms for exclusions like high-risk activities. Check your credit card – it may include basic coverage you can supplement. Print your policy and emergency numbers for handy reference in case issues arise.

Immunisations

Research if any vaccinations or medications like malaria pills are recommended for your destination. These often need to be started weeks ahead. Visit your GP for advice and necessary jabs. Keep a copy of immunisation records that may be required on arrival in certain countries. Don’t put this off!

Medications You Need

Refill any regular prescriptions to bring ample supplies to last your whole trip. Keep meds in carry-on luggage only, in original containers. Ask your doctor for a letter listing required drugs in case of border checks. Also, pack over-the-counter remedies you typically use, like painkillers, antacids, and antihistamines.

Emphasize Health Safety During Travel

Don’t neglect your health while planning your holiday. For individuals with chronic conditions or severe allergies, precautions such as medical ID products can be vital. These resources, like medical alert bracelets, can communicate critical information to emergency responders during a crisis. This can be incredibly important, especially in foreign locales with a language barrier. This important pre-travel step ensures your medical needs are known, allowing you to enjoy your holiday with greater peace of mind.

The Weather Forecast

Research expected temperatures, precipitation, and climate at your destination, so you pack suitable clothes. Bring options for colder versus warmer days. Be prepared with gear like umbrellas, waterproofs, or sunscreen the forecast indicates you’ll need. Knowing the conditions allows for preparing properly. For example, if you’re planning a ski holiday, you’re going to want to know that there’s going to be plenty of snow where you’re going. Piste Pro gives you the latest weather and snow updates so you can book with confidence. They also have maps of the ski routes!

Your Accommodation

Print out reservation confirmation and contact details for all hotels/rentals booked. Reconfirm details directly with properties one week ahead. Verify check-in times and policies around deposits, cancellations and late arrival in case plans change. Test out room apps and virtual keys if available.

Transport To/From The Airport

Book any airport parking, shuttles, trains, or taxis required to get you to and back from the airport if not being dropped off. Look up terminal maps so you proceed quickly to ground transportation upon arrival. For complicated journeys, print step-by-step directions. Check real-time traffic conditions before departing.

Your Flight Details

Sign up for flight status notifications from your airline so you are alerted about delays, gate changes and other updates. Print or save your ticket/boarding pass barcode to your phone for easy access. Verify baggage rules and fees for carry-on and checked luggage to avoid surprises. Arrive early in case of problems.

Transport At Your Destination

If renting a vehicle, reconfirm reservations and pickup details. For public transport, download schedules and pre-purchase passes where possible to skip lines. Book excursion trips like wine tours ahead of time as well. Map out transit routes from airports/stations to your lodging.

Special Requests And Accessibility

Advise your hotels and transportation providers ahead of time if you have any special needs like wheelchairs, refrigerated medication storage or ground floor rooms. Alert the airline about accessibility requirements, severe allergies needing special meals or anything impacting your air travel comfort and inclusion. Reconfirm supports will be in place.

Pet Care

If boarding pets, verify dates and policies with kennels or pet sitters. Provide emergency contact numbers and written care instructions highlighting medical needs, feeding routines and favourite toys/blankets to minimise separation stress. Arrange transportation to and from borders. Pack enough food/medication to last your trip.