It's worth thinking about those little extras that will make your holiday extra special.
Here are a few tips we hope will make your journey a more convenient one.
Ensure your passport is valid
Leave plenty of time for processing if you need to renew your passport. Bear in mind some countries refuse entry if your passport is nearing expiry so contact the consulate for each country you are travelling to for exact details.
Check your visa requirements
Visa requirements can differ dramatically between countries, so be sure to have the correct visa for each destination. Don't forget to allow enough time for the visa to be processed.
Travel Insurance
You can't plan for the unexpected but you can minimise the inconvenience by taking travel insurance.
Take relevant licences
If you plan to rent a car, scooter, or any other vehicle while you are away, don't forget your driver's licence. In some countries an international licence is also required. It can also be used as an additional photo identity proof besides your passport.
Take copies of all documentation
It is always a good idea to have a number of copies of your travel documentation (passports, visas, tickets) in case the originals are lost or stolen. Give a set to a family member or friend who's staying at home and keep another set separate from the originals with you.
Take Passport size photos
Many activities such as buying a mobile SIM card requires a photo for identification and registration, so keep a few passport-sized photos of yourself handy.
Take some local currency with you
You'll need some cash as soon as you reach your holiday destination and it's best to have some low denominations handy for tipping etc.
Take travellers cheques
Take the bulk of your holiday money in travellers cheques. This is a safe choice as they will get refunded and/or replaced if they are lost or stolen. Remember to keep your receipts separate from the cheques as the receipts contain your traveller cheque numbers, and tell you what to do if you need to get a refund.
Cash your travellers cheques at a bank
It's best to cash your traveller's cheques at a bank, as they usually charge less commission than hotels.
Don't carry large amounts of cash
Your holiday insurance will only cover you for a limited amount of cash so don't carry large amounts with you. Only carry what you need for the day, plus some travellers cheques or your credit card for emergencies. You should also be able to use your card to withdraw cash from machines. check with your bank before you go.
Do not carry any liquids in your hand bag
Liquids such as face wash, shampoos, gels etc must be strictly carried in your check in luggage as the airlines do not permit them to be carried in your hand baggage.
Get rid of loose change
If you are lucky enough to have some money left at the end of your holiday, remember that banks and bureaux de changes will only change notes. Get rid of all your loose change while you're away, or save it for your next trip!
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