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Top 10 holiday travel tips before you go

Travelling abroad on holiday should be a pleasurable experience. Avoid stress and holiday hassle by organising your trip in advance. That way you will be left to enjoy your holiday without any worries. Top ten holiday travel tips include:

1. Passport and Visas

Make sure you have a signed, valid passport or visas before you travel. More people than you think forget to renew their passports and are turned back at the airport. Don´t wait until the last minute and renew your passport 6 months before you are planning to travel. Make sure you check any visa regulations for the country you are visiting and apply for them in plenty of time.

2. Consular information sheets

Read any consular information sheets, public announcements or travel warnings about the country or countries you intend to visit. Get a good knowledge of the area and you will know what to expect when you arrive.

3. Local laws and customs

Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs before you travel. Laws often differ from those at home, so be aware of any local rules and laws which may affect car hire, clothing or even medication.

4. Photocopy your passport

Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will help if your passport is lost or stolen. Carry one copy with you, in a separate place to your passport, and leave one at home.

5. Contact details

Leave contact details with family or friends in case of an emergency. Most of us don´t check our e-mails when we are on holiday, so give a phone number where you can be contacted if you are not carrying a mobile.

6. Take care of your luggage

Never leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers to take with you.

7. Avoid crime

Avoid being a victim of crime. Don´t wear expensive jewellery and never carry excessive amounts of cash. Foreign criminals are always on the look-out for tourists who usually carry more cash than locals, and also carry gadgets such as iPods, camcorders and cameras. Traveller´s cheques are much safer than cash, and keep your camera well hidden when you are not using it.

8. Money exchange facilities

Only use money exchange offices which are run by authorised agents. If something appears too good to be true it normally is. A friend of mine exchanged money in Spain, after seeing a fantastic rate of exchange written on the door. She was short changed, and later told that this rate only existed if she was changing more than £3,000. The cashier refused to return her cash and a court case ensued. Make sure you understand the exact rate you are getting before handing any cash over.

9. Contact the embassy

If you get into any serious trouble abroad, contact your country´s embassy in that country. If you are in trouble with the law or a victim of serious crime, the embassy should provide some level of assistance in an emergency.

10. Medication

If you are taking regular medication, make sure you have enough to see through your holiday, particularly if you are delayed for any reason.

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