Things To Do Before Going On Holiday

As your holiday departure date approaches ever nearer, the sense of excitement and anticipation only grows. But hold it. Pause for a moment. Think about the 101 things you ought to do before you even leave the house and head for the airport.

You don’t want to spend the whole flight worrying over whether or not you’ve locked the front door, for example. Do you?

Two or three weeks before setting off, check that you, and anyone else travelling with you, have all the necessary documentation, such as passports and visas. What about inoculations, or any regular medication you might need to take? Do you have enough to cover you while on holiday? If not, see your doctor.

Then there’s travel insurance to think about, currency and traveller’s cheques to arrange, and holiday travel tickets and documentation to double check. If you have a dog or a cat, now is the time to confirm any kennel arrangements. If any problems do crop up, you’ve enough time to sort them out.

And keep up to date with what’s happening on the news, both at home and in the country you’re holidaying in. Are there any airport disruptions on the horizon to worry about? No erupting volcanoes or rising political tensions? Keep checking the Foreign & Commonwealth Office web site (www.fco.gov.uk) for all the latest UK government travel advice and warnings.

Departure check list:

Be aware of any airport hand baggage rules and pack appropriately.

Gather all documents, tickets and currency together and put them in a handy bag to keep with you at all times.

Arrange with a neighbour, relative or friend – someone you trust – to check your house from time to time. Leave them a set of house keys. Give them the telephone number and address of where you’re staying abroad in case they have to contact you urgently.

Empty the fridge of any food that’s likely to spoil.

Empty the rubbish bins.

Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries for the length of the holiday and ask the neighbour, relative or friend to gather up any post and place it out of sight.

If you have one, set the timer to switch on the lighting at night to make it appear as if someone is at home.

Move any high-value items such as laptops out of sight of any windows to avoid tempting burglars.

Pull out all electric plugs for safety reasons.

If it’s winter, turn the water off at the mains to prevent pipes freezing.

Call the airline for a final check in case there’s a last-minute delay before setting out.

Make sure all windows are closed and the front and back doors are securely locked before you leave.

Have a worry-free holiday!

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