The Ultimate Pre-Holiday Checklist

Necessary Travel Visas For Your Destination

Depending on which passport you hold, your destination may require a visa. More and more destinations require ESTA's (Electronic Visas) to be done online in advance (USA, Canada & Turkey for example).

For up-to-date list of travel requirements for British Passport holders from UK, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Put Everything Important ONLINE

Store those passport documents, itineraries, insurance, warranties, receipts, work certificates etc. online. Google Drive is great in helping you do this, and the best part of all? You'll be able to access it digitally ANYWHERE in the world!

• Scan/photograph your passport
• Save flight and hotel confirmations
• Upload travel insurance documents
• Store important contact numbers
• Keep copies of prescriptions

Travel Insurance

Make sure you sort this out before you leave your home country as trust us it will be a load more expensive if you buy it once already on your travels. Like all things in life, the future is unpredictable so you want to cover all the bases just in case you get into trouble.

Medicine & Toiletries

We're talking vitamins, panadol to cure those headaches, berocca to keep you as healthy as possible, plasters, travel shampoo, tampons, condoms (just in case you get lucky) and anything else you might need on your trip such as contact lenses, prescription glasses…you know the drill. It pays to be prepared.

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor before you leave on what jabs you might need for your trip, especially if travelling to Asia or Latin America. Keep your vaccination card safely stored with your travel documents just in case any authorities ask to see this whilst travelling.

Common travel vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria tablets (not a vaccine but important).

Unlock Your Phone

Unlocking your phone before you leave means you can purchase local sim cards everywhere you go – a MUCH cheaper alternative to paying roaming charges and less stress than depending on WiFi.

Pack Strategically

Take a good look at your wardrobe. What do you wear most? What goes with absolutely ANYTHING? Most likely plain colours (black, white and a few choice patterns are always good). Those will be your biggest assets which you'll end up wearing most of the time. Pack sensibly, do you really need that dress up wig or super high heels? Urr, no.

Packing Tips:

• Roll clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles
• Use packing cubes for organization
• Pack versatile items that mix and match
• Check weather forecast before packing
• Leave room for souvenirs
• Pack a change of clothes in carry-on

Micro-fibre Towel

Towels are bulky as. Micro fibre towels are thin, light, take up minimal space and do the job just as well. Problem solved.

Cash

Not too much of course, but some $$$$ are always handy. The US dollar in particular is accepted everywhere and is particularly useful when sorting out visas and the like. Also make sure you separate out your cash throughout your bag as you don't want to be carrying it all in one place. Carrying a little bit of currency for your destination is wise as you'll get better rates from home rather than the airport.

Credit Cards or Travel Cards

Travel cards are a great cash card option as they avoid these pesky conversion charges. Just be sure to activate your card before you go or if relying on credit cards, make sure you let your bank know which countries you're going to in advance.

• Notify your bank of travel dates and destinations
• Have at least 2 different cards as backup
• Know your PIN numbers
• Keep emergency card contact numbers
• Consider a multi-currency travel card

Electronic Gadgets

Portable speakers, headphones to keep you company on the bus/plane/train/car and a camera are all pretty essential. iPad's are a great laptop alternative as they're small and light, just make sure your gadgets are all covered in your insurance policy.

Don't Forget:

• Universal travel adapter
• Portable power bank
• Charging cables for all devices
• Headphones/earbuds
• Camera with spare batteries/memory cards
• E-reader for flights

A Journal and Pen

To write about your awesome experiences whilst travelling / to note down any information just in case your phone's out of juice…

Comfortable Shoes

Flip flops, a pair of runners – you never know what activities are around the corner. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for sightseeing!

A Reusable Water Bottle

Because we know you care about the environment. SIGG do some pretty awesome ones, and if you love your coffee don't forget your reusable travel mug too!

Stress Less

Travel is meant to be fun so enjoy it! If you've booked with Flights Now you know we've got the important bases covered; like transportation and accommodation (and way more), so really all you need is an open mind and a positive attitude for your holiday. Now roll on the adventure…