Things to do before going on a Holiday

A few things to check before going on a holiday will make the vacation even more memorable. They are:

You should consider leaving valuables and jewelry at home. If you plan to take valuables with you make sure your insurance cover is sufficient and you abide by the policy terms.
Pack any medication in your hand luggage.
Carry a spare doctor’s prescription for your medication in a separate bag. Note the generic names of prescription drugs as brand names may vary.
Carry a prescription for your glasses.
Make sure you have enough to cover emergencies.

Don’t rely on one thing – take a mixture of cash, travelers’ cheques and credit / debit cards.
Keep a record of your travelers’ cheque numbers in a different place to your travelers’ cheques.

Have your suitcases open and start packing well before your departure date. This allows you to put things in your bags as you think of it.
Make a list of everything you need to tak, and then mark them off as you put them in your bags.
Take clothes that won’t crease easily. Don’t put easily crushed clothes at the bottom of your bags. Wrap your best outfits in tissue to reduce wrinkles.
Put creasing clothes into bags
Wrap shoes in plastic bags.
Pack all toiletries and sun creams in sealable plastic bags.
Always put valuables in your hand luggage.
It’s a good idea to carry a spare set of underwear and a top in your hand luggage too, just in case of delays or lost luggage.
The Check in suitcases should not be more than 158cm and should not weigh much more than 30kgs Hand luggage should not measure more than 23cm x 36cm x 56cm and weight should not be more than 4.5kgs.

A small sewing kit – essential for repairing clothes and removing splinters.
A small pack of baby wipes (in hand luggage) – to clean hands, face and toilet seats.
A hat that you will wear.
At least one toilet roll (if you’re pushed for space, take the middle out and squash it).
The basics of a first aid kit.

Let your neighbours know that you will be away and ask a friend, relative or neighbour to make a regular check on it.
Set lights and a radio on timers. Unplug televisions, videos and any electronic equipment that does not need to be left on.
Use up perishables in the fridge or bin them.
Lock everything.
On your outward journey write your destination on your luggage tags, not your home address. And put your destination address inside your suitcase as well just in case.
Know what airline check-in requirements are. These have changed since September 11th 2001 and do not appear to be consistent for each airport or airline.
To get the best deal in airport parking book it in advance

Report it to the local police about the loss. This might not always easy, but you will need a police report if you want to claim on your travel insurance.
You’ll need to phone your bank and card issuers to block your cards and phone your mobile phone company to block it. Your travel insurer will tell you how and where you can get a replacement passport though they won’t cover the cost. And your airline or travel agent will help you to get replace tickets.

Try to avoid lonely and crime prone areas.
Do not wear very expensive Jewellery.
Wear money belts.
Before answering the door always check through the spy hole.
Leave a television or radio on when leaving your room.
Take your room key with you.
Always use bolts or deadlocks of doors.
Carry small change for drinks and local transport. Keep small denomination notes or coins in a separate pocket so that you don’t have to get your purse or wallet out on the street.

Check bank and credit card statements carefully. Raise any charges you don’t recognize with your card issuer(s) immediately.
If you were taking a course of anti-malaria tablets make sure you complete the course.
Remember to tell your doctor that you have been on holiday if you become ill on your return.
Make sure you put any complaint about your holiday in writing to the holiday company within 28 days.
Report any claim to insurers immediately.

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Posted in Travel, Travel Tips