A Timely Reminder......

.....A reminder before you start booking your holidays and before you depart....from The Foreign Office...

* Get a good guidebook and find out about your destination. Especially make sure you know about local laws and customs

* Tell family and friends where you're going and leave them your contact details or use an online storage centre with secure access

* Note the details of the nearest British Embassy or Consulate. In the event of any major crisis, the FO provide advice and updates - see the web addresses at the end of this piece.

Insurance

*Get Comprehensive Travel Cover, for example, with Holsure, and check it covers all the activities that you want to undertake. Make sure your policy covers:
Air Ambulance
All Medical Bills
Any Pre-Existing Conditions
Any Potentially Hazardous Sports Activities
Bringing A Body Home in the event of death
Replacing and/or transporting your car home

Stay Healthy

Check what vaccinations you need
Check any medication you take is legal in the country you're going to. Pack it in hand luggage
Take a copy of the prescription with you - and maybe a Doctor's letter
Make sure you take your EHIC card if travelling in Europe

Passports and Visas

Check your passport is valid. Some airlines and operators may require a minimum of six months remaining at return date. Make a note of your passport number, or better still take a photocopy and leave it with a friend or add it to your secure message centre online.

Make sure next of kin is noted on your passport.
Check with the FO website to see if you need a visa
Take another means of ID as well as your passport (Driving Licence) and keep it separate

KEEP THESE SECURE AT ALL TIMES

Drugs

Avoid any involvement with all illegal drugs - the penalties are severe and could include the death penalty.

Don't carry parcels or luggage through customs for other people.

Money

Make sure you have enough for emergencies
Find out if Travellers Cheques are appropriate for your destination and keep the numbers recorded.
Check the expiry dates of credit and debit cards
Use a money belt or secure inside pocket. Do not openly display cash
Don't carry all your cards with you all the time
If any cash, passports etc are stolen - ALWAYS report to the police as you will need a number to claim back from your travel insurance.

Consular Assistance

Make a note of the local British Consulate number - they will always help in times of need

Safety

As in the UK, be alert and observant, report any suspicious activity or unattended packages to the police. You can call 121 in any European Country.

BE SAFE AND ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY, YOU'VE PROBABLY WORKED HARD FOR IT.

FOREIGN OFFICE WEBSITE
HOLSURETRAVEL INSURANCE