2020 has been, for the majority of us, the first time we have ever lived through a pandemic of any kind, let alone a global one.
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When travelling, it pays to be prepared as failing to be organised can cost you valuable time and sometimes money!
Here are our top 10 tips & tricks. Read more
Going away for Christmas?
We are very jealous! If you’re struggling to think of presents that will fit in your luggage, we’ve listed our favourite 2017 ideas below for you (you can thank us later!).
Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of going away; finding the balance between packing too much and not enough is very difficult.
Here are our top 10 useful tips to stress free and successful packing:
1. Forget everything you knew about packing, do not fold your clothes, roll them to reduce space and prevent creasing.
2. Remember that airlines have size and weight restrictions on hand and hold luggage, check and weigh your luggage before you leave home to avoid expensive fines.
3. Remember that you cannot pack these items in your hand luggage;
4. Decide what you actually need and what you could live without, put outfits together before you leave, with accessories and shoes etc. Not only will this save space it will also save you the stress of having nothing to wear despite the suitcase full of clothes.
5. Mix and match your clothes, a maxi dress looks great on the beach and for a night out.
6. Always carry a change of clothes and any vital possessions (as long as they are allowed, see point three) in your hand luggage. Not only will this save space it will also cushion the misery if your case goes missing.
7. Wear your bulkiest things on the plane, this may sound silly but it will save you lots of room and bulky coats make great pillows for the journey.
8. Don’t pack things that are dry clean only, or things that will need loads of ironing, it’s just not worth it. Pack suitable clothing and ALWAYS remember to pack comfortable shoes.
9. Always leave room in your case, no matter how hard you try; you may come home with souvenirs and purchases, and you need to fit these in your case to get them home.
10. Think outside the box;
The final rule for successful packing is to remember to pack your important documents, for example your travel insurance documents in your hand luggage.
For more tips, check out our handy Packing Guide Video
There is nothing worse than returning from a wonderful holiday to immediate stress and panic. No one wants massive bills simply for using their phone in another country, but it is important that you are aware of how you can prevent these bills.
This is our guide to avoiding huge phone bills whilst abroad;
Travel Insurance can seem like a boring and unnecessary item, why spend money on insurance when you could spend it on holiday clothes and drinks? However, travel insurance should really be at the top of your priority list; in fact you should purchase travel insurance as soon as you have booked flights and accommodation, to ensure you’re protected against unexpected cancellation costs.
Quality travel insurance will protect you if you have to cancel your holiday due to sudden illness or injury. It will also provide cover if you become ill or injured, or if you lose your vital possessions or travel documents whilst you are overseas – without insurance these holiday disasters could cost you thousands of pounds.
From 1st January 2021 rules around travel to Europe have changed, visit the Government website for up to date information on passports, EHIC, healthcare and more. We’ll update this page with more information as and when the Government release it.
When planning any trip it is extremely important that you check whether you need a visa to enter the country. You can do this online, with your travel agent or with the Consulate or Embassy of the country you are planning to visit. In some instances you can even apply at the airport when you arrive, but this usually proves more difficult.
You will normally have to fill out a form, providing information about yourself, your trip and your background, plus a passport sized photo. You then send this off with your passport. Make sure you do this in plenty of time, as it could take several weeks to get your visa through and your passport back (always send recorded delivery, just in case). Some visas are easy to obtain and others are more difficult. Always ask for help from the Embassy or a travel professional if you are unsure.
A visa is an official document or stamp proving that you have been granted permission to enter the country. A Visa will usually determine;
Plus much more
If you are planning to travel, work, get married or study abroad you must make sure you have the correct type of visa.
If you do not have the correct paper work you will not be allowed to enter the country, which will make your trip short and expensive. It is your job to make sure you have all the correct paper work in place before you arrive.
Some countries are constantly changing their rules and regulations regarding visas and border control. View the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for specific countries here. Remember that a visa does not always guarantee you entry into a country.
If you’re travelling within the European Union, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card or EHIC. The EHIC replaced the old E111 form in 2006. The EHIC is free and you can apply for one online here.
If you need medical treatment whilst abroad, the EHIC should entitle you to free or discounted health care in European countries including Switzerland.
If you need health care whilst travelling, make sure you visit a state hospital and take your EHIC and Passport as proof of EU citizenship. In some European countries, such as Spain, you may be directed to a private clinic instead of a state facility; however the EHIC is only recognised by state hospitals.
Remember that the EHIC is not a substitution for travel insurance – it will not cover you for repatriation or private treatment. You should always make sure you invest in quality travel insurance before you depart for your holiday.
If you already have an EHIC make sure it is still current, as they expire every 5 years.
For further information and to apply for an EHIC, please click here.
Most travellers are familiar with passports, but for anyone who is unsure or has a query, we have collated our top tips and advice concerning passports; whether that is renewing, travelling or reporting one stolen.
• A passport is an official document which allows you to travel to other countries.
• You can renew your passport 9 months before the expiry date onwards, if you renew early the time will be added to the next expiry date.
• To renew an adult passport usually costs around £70 – £80.
• A passport application should normally take 4 weeks to process.
• Even when visiting EU countries you should take a passport. It may not be checked, but some authorities ask for it as proof of ID.
• If you’re flying, most airlines now want to see your passport as proof of ID even if you’re using a domestic flight.
• Check that your passport will not expire during your trip.
• Remember that some countries will only accept a passport that is valid for at least another 6 months.
• Take a photocopy of your passport, visas and any other important documents. Make a note of passport numbers, dates and where they were issued. Also take a note of your travel insurance policy number.
• When you reach your destination, keep your passport and travel documents in a safe place (the hotel safe if possible), don’t carry them around with you if you can avoid it.
• Some countries ask you to carry your passport as a form of identity card, check if a photocopy would suffice, if you do need to carry the original make sure you leave a photocopy in the hotel safe.
• Should your passport be stolen, your travel insurer will offer advice on how and where you can get a replacement passport. You should report the theft to local police and obtain a police report, then go to your local embassy who should be able to cancel your passport and issue you with emergency paperwork, there may be a fee and background checks involved in this.
Holidaysafe is a trading name of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 306537. Registered Office: 1 Tower View, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4UY. Travel Insurance Facilities Plc registered in England No. 3220410. All rights reserved. All policies offered are on a non-advised basis.
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