Holiday Checklist: The Basics
Did you turn the iron off? Did you pack the sun cream? Do you have your passport?
If you aren’t prepared for your holiday, the stress can make you forget almost anything. So I’ve put together a helpful pre holiday checklist that’s got everything you’ll need to do before you jet off.
Check your passport.
Few of us think about it, but checking your passport months in advance is essential. The earlier you do it, the more chance you have of getting everything sorted. It can take up to 3 weeks to renew a passport, and at least 6 weeks if applying for a new one. Don’t leave it until the last minute!
Always keep your passport in a safe place, you don't want to lose it before your holiday has even begun.
But even if your passport is in date, you could still be in trouble. Some countries require tourist passports to have a minimum of 6 months left before it expires. Be sure to check the regulations of your destination country as early as possible.
Organise essential documents.
From your driving license to your boarding pass, there’s lots more things you’ll need to take other than your passport. So just like the passport, make sure there are no other documents you’ll need to have before you travel.
Getting a European Health Insurance Card is important if you’re travelling to Europe. It’s free of charge and easily available to order online. This may cover some health care costs if you were to fall ill while travelling. However, this isn’t a substitute for travel insurance. That will cover you for a much wider range of problems that could occur.
It’s also a good idea to make a note of all the addresses and phone numbers you may need. You can store them in your phone too, but it’s a good idea to have a paper copy of everything just in case your mobile gets lost or stolen.
Pay your bills in advance.
Save some extra money in the build up to your holiday and use it to pay your bills in advance. It’s best to cover your financial responsibilities for the time you’re away sooner rather than later. You don’t want to come home to no hot water.
Sort out any medication.
If you or anyone you’re travelling with take regular medication, make sure you have enough. You'll need enough to cover the time you're away and for a few days when you get home. Just in case you travel home on a weekend and are left without medication for several days.
If you have asthma, make sure you have your inhalers on you at all time. Especially if you're doing lots of walking in a warm country.
Pre-book an airport transfer.
When you’re first travelling, you may be able to get one of your family or friends to take you to the airport. If not, you could order a taxi or even drive yourself. If you are planning to park your car, book in advance to get the cheapest deal as it can be expensive.
But when you arrive at your holiday destination, how will you get to your hotel? There’s bound to be lots of taxis at the airport, but if you’re travelling at peak times i.e. the summer holidays, all those will be taken quickly. You don’t want to be left stranded, so it’s best to pre-book an airport transfer to take you straight to your hotel from the airport.
Pre-booking is also the best option if you’re planning on hiring a car when you arrive on holiday. You will save money and are likely to have a wider choice.
Sort out pet care.
If you have any pets that you’re unable to take on holiday with you, make sure that they will be safely taken care of. Whether this is with a family, friend or kennel. If the kennel is your only option, it’s best to do some research and get recommendations from local people to make sure your animals are safe.
Your pet deserves the best holiday too!
Organise someone to look after your house.
Your house is just as important as your pets, so don’t leave it all alone while you travel. Be sure to ask a family member or trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your house for you. Watering plants and moving your post are simple things but will be a big help.
Make a list of what you need.
It’s best to write down everything you want to take on holiday with you. Whether that’s toiletries you need to buy or just a handy reminder to pack your sunhat. A packing list will make the run up to your holiday easier. But make sure you know what you need at least a week beforehand so you have enough time to buy everything.
Buy your holiday money.
Leaving exchanging your holiday money to the last minute could cost you. Airport fees are expensive so don’t get ripped off.
Check and compare the holiday money rates for a while before you travel.
It’s best to check the currency exchange rates online or at shops in your local areas. Compare rates and see where you’ll get more for your money. But make sure you do this for at least a few weeks, or you’ll be stuck with the only rate you can find a few days before you travel.
Make sure your home is secure.
Last, but most certainly not least; make sure that your house is safe and clean. You don’t want to come home after a lovely holiday to have to start cleaning straight away. Have a little spring clean before you leave. Empty the fridge of any products that could go off e.g. milk, and do all the washing up.
Switch off all non essential electrical devices before you leave. Put a few lamps on timers so it will still look like someone is at home. Make sure all your windows and doors are locked. Check them twice, three times, maybe even ten times just to be sure. Also, if you have a house alarm, be sure to set it as you leave. If someone is coming to check your house, let them know the pin and tell them to reset it every time they leave. Always take as many precautions as you can.
Put your feet up.
Once you’ve gone through this pre holiday checklist and are certain you’ve got everything, just relax. It’s time to enjoy your holiday! Hopefully with some weights lifted off your shoulders as you'll feel more prepared.
Relax and make the most of your holiday.
Article by Vicky L.
Vacation Money is a UK-based currency exchange service provider. Offering excellent rates on holiday money and wholesale currency solutions for businesses.