Travellers’ checklist

Check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice online at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo, or contact the FCO on 0845 850 2829

Make sure whoever you book through is with ABTA or ATOL

Get adequate travel insurance

make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year)
make sure it covers you for all activities, including hazardous sports
disclose pre-existing medical conditions
take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency number with you
if you have any doubts about the cover, check with your insurer

Take enough money for your trip

consider taking travellers cheques and note numbers separately
check your credit card is valid and check the expiry date
make sure you have a source of back-up cash

Ensure you have a valid passport and the necessary visas

make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months at return date
take a photocopy with you and leave a copy at home
write the full details of your next of kin in your passport
make sure you have valid visas
take another form of ID with you (preferably with a photograph)

Plan to stay healthy

check what vaccinations you need with your GP at least six weeks before you travel
check if your medication is legal in the country you are visiting
pack your medication in your hand luggage
if taking medication with you, also take the prescription and a GP's letter
if travelling within the EEA (European Economic Area)1, get an E111 from the Post Office
check to see if extra health precautions are needed for the country you are visiting (e.g. malaria zones)

Know about where you are going

make sure you know about local laws especially relating to alcohol and drugs
make sure you know about local culture especially relating to dress codes
take a phrase book that you can use in emergencies

Plan to avoid trouble

check the FCO up-to-date travel advice and travellers' tips
tell friends and family where you are going
contact family and friends if trouble flares up

Leave copies of important information with family and friends

a copy of your passport and details of your next of kin
a copy of your insurance document plus the 24-hour emergency number
a copy of your ticket details
a copy of your itinerary and a way of contacting you such as e-mail

1 Countries in the EEA (European Economic Area) are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK