Travel Insurance Buyers' Guide Part 4: Holiday and Travel Tips

• Guides
• Published: 14 Oct 2008 in Travel and Travel Insurance

Holiday and travel tips

Before you travel

• If you wish to travel abroad you must hold a full ten-year passport, even for a day trip. Apply in good time. In the UK, you can get advice from the Identity and Passport Service website or call them on 0870 521 0410 (lines are open 24 hours a day and calls are charged at the national rate).
• Some countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period (usually at least six months) beyond the date of entry to the country. Therefore, ensure your passport is in good condition and valid for at least 6 months at the date of your return. This is a requirement of the country concerned, not the UK Passport Service. Any questions should be addressed to their Consulate or Embassy.
• Outside the UK, you should get advice from the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Staff can issue standard replacement passports in most places. However all missions are able to issue emergency passports if more appropriate.
• If you plan to travel outside British territories you may require a visa to enter the country you are going to.
• Check visa requirements with your travel agent or contact the Consulate or Embassy of the country you plan to visit.
• Check the Department of Health's travel advice website - it's full of useful travel information, including local sources of medical treatment.
• Don't forget to cancel any regular deliveries at home. If possible get a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your home while you are away.
• Don't forget an electrical adaptor - and make sure it's for the right country!
• Taking a small first aid kit with you is a good idea, plus a basic sewing kit.

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Money and credit cards

• Don't take large quantities of cash. Instead, use travellers' cheques and bank or credit cards. If you're planning to use cash machines, it's worth checking whether your bank will charge you each time.
• Use a money belt or secure inside pocket. If you have to carry a lot of money ask your partner or a friend to carry some for you.
• Make sure you take the emergency numbers to cancel your credit and bank cards with you. Plus don't carry all your cards with you - leave at least one in the hotel safe. If you lose or have your credit card stolen, cancel it immediately.
• Change money in banks or legal foreign exchange dealers. It is often illegal to change with unauthorised persons, and you run the risk of receiving fake currency and arrest.
• Keep all exchange receipts, as you may have to prove you obtained your local currency legally.
• Ensure your credit card bills are paid and kept up-to-date whilst travelling.
• Don't take only one form of money with you - take a mixture of cash and travellers' cheques.
• Don't keep your credit cards, money, passport and travellers' cheques together in one place in case you lose them or they are stolen.
• Leave a credit card at home with your family or friends in case of an emergency.
• Leave details of travellers cheques with your family or friends in case you lose your own.

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Driving abroad

If you are planning to drive, make sure your UK driving licence is current and valid. Make sure you know the driving laws, licence requirements and driving conditions in the country you are visiting. In some countries you will need to have an international driving permit as was your UK licence. Be aware that in many countries, there are on-the-spot fines for traffic offences.

For more detailed information about driving abroad, follow this link.

When you're away

• Keep up-to-date with the latest airline and travel security measures. Allow plenty of time for check-in and be careful when packing any carry-on bags. Keep hand baggage to a minimum and don't carry any sharp items (including scissors or penknives) in hand baggage.
• Don't leave your home address visible on your baggage.
• Keep all valuables, passports and money on you. Keep your insurance documents with you too.

When you get to your destination

• When skiing, don't forget to take time to acclimatise to the altitude. You don't want to miss your ski holiday just because you fall on icy ground when you arrive!
• Find out where all the main services are such as the post office, police, and medical facilities.
• Check whether the tap water is safe to drink. If you're unsure, drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
• Never leave belongings unattended or with strangers - especially at airports, rail & bus stations.

If you have anything stolen

• If your money, passport or anything else is stolen report it immediately to the local police.
• Obtain a police statement about the loss: you will need one to claim against your insurance.
• Theft of money - phone your bank at home to transfer money or to cancel your credit card using the relevant 24-hour emergency number.
• Theft of traveller's cheques - contact the issuing agent.
• Theft of tickets - see your tour representative or airline agent.

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Next - page 5: Winter sports insurance

Back to page 3: Travel insurance advice