Travel Checklists

Before you go

Addresses for postcards
Driver's licence
Flights - check your flight times haven't changed - check your departure terminal - make sure you know when you have to check-in for your flight
Guide Book/Phrase Book
Home security - timer lights - inform friends of your plans- ensure no deliveries are scheduled for while you're away
Foreign Office website - check the FCO website for any issues that may affect the countries you are travelling to.
Passport - check it hasn't expired and that it is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you are due to return to the UK -many countries have this requirement.
Photocopies of important documents
Travel insurance - make sure that you know how to get in contact with your insurers from abroad.
Travel tickets -make sure you have them and that all details are correct.
-if you're travelling on an e-ticket take your printout or reference.
-take a print-out of your hotel or destination address -you can always show this to a taxi driver if you can't speak the language.
Visas - check to make sure that you have any appropriate visas for the countries you are travelling to -or for the countries you are travelling through.
Wallet - cash - debit/credit cards - travellers cheques -call your bank and let them know that you will be using your cards abroad.
-remember to have enough in cash to get you from the airport to your hotel.

Toiletries

Comb
Deoderant
Hairbrush
Nail Clippers
Razors
Shampoo
Shaving foam
Small mirror
Soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Towel

Electronic Items

Adaptors/plugs
Alarm clock
Digital camera - charger
ipod/mp3 player
Laptop - flash drive
Mobile phone - charger - make sure your voicemail has been set up to work abroad
Watch

Medical Items

Diarrhea treatment
Glasses/contact lenses
Insect repellent
Lip balm
Menstrual, contraceptive supplies
Painkillers - paracetemol/aspirin
Prescripted medication
Sunscreen
Vaccinations - certificates
Vitamin tablets

On the plane

Bottled Water - with the recycled air in an aircraft cabin you can become dehydrated. Budget airlines especially will charge you a fortune for a drink -take a bottle of water/juice with you.
Change of clothes - if you're taking a long flight pack a fresh t-shirt/socks for you to change into en route.
Earplugs
Entertainment -books, magazines, music, batteries
Rucksack/small bag
Pillow

Misc

Clothes - walking shoes/boots - flip flops/sandals - sun hat - swimming gear
Small change for when you arrive at the airport
Sunglasses

Finally

A Positive Attitude! Travel often means expecting the unexpected: delays, detours, unfamiliar surroundings, unfamiliar people, different ways of doing things, strange languages and funny money. A smile, a few words of the local language and a good attitude works wonders!

In addition to our list above there are a few more important things you will need to think about before you travel. This list is courtesy of the Foreign Office:

Before you go

• Check the FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk/travel) or call the travel advice line (0845 850 2829) to find out about your destination and your safety abroad.

• Make sure you have full travel insurance which is up to date, valid for the entire trip and covers everyone who is traveling.

• If you are traveling within the European Economic Area or Switzerland, get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

• If you are going to live abroad check the Department for Work and Pensions’ website (www.dwp.gov.uk) to find out whether the UK has a social security agreement with your destination.

• Make sure that all your vaccinations are up to date and find out about any other suggested medical advice by visiting your health-care provider.

• Fill in the contact details at the back of your passport for your next-of-kin or someone who can be contacted in an emergency.

• Make sure you are aware of the immigration and customs controls of the country you are traveling to, including any necessary visas.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

• Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, such as traveller’s cheques, cash (sterling or US dollars) or credit cards.

• Buy a good travel guide that includes basic information on local laws and customs. Talk to your travel agent or tour operator about possible risks.

• If you are planning to drive, make sure your UK driving licence is current and valid.

•If you are travelling in uncertain local conditions or remote areas, register with the local British Embassy.

When you are there!

•Be aware of security and take sensible precautions. Leave your jewellery and valuables at home and only carry as much money as you need for the day.

•Keep copies of your passport, insurance details and other important travel documents separate from the originals.

•Carry a form of ID such as a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport.

•Stay aware of what is going on around you. Find out from your guidebook or tour guide about any local scams and keep up to date with local events in the media.

•Keep a note of the local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate phone number

•Protect your passport: carry a photocopy and keep the original in a safe place.

•Stay in regular touch with your family and friends in the UK, especially if you are traveling alone or in a remote area

•Be aware of local laws and customs, particularly when visiting religious sites, markets and rural communities.

•Check that what you are bringing back to the UK is legal.

•Be aware of local attitudes to alcohol and know your own limit.

•Be aware of penalties for any association with drugs. Pack your own baggage, fasten it securely and do not leave it unattended.

•Follow any health advice you received before travelling. You should, for example, drink plenty of safe drinking water, use sunscreen, and take care what you eat and where you eat it.

•Check out the lists of local lawyers, interpreters, doctors and funeral directors that are available on Embassy, High Commission or Consulate websites.