Before you go make sure you:

• Cancel milk / newspaper deliveries.
• Arrange for the post office / neighbours to keep your post for you.
• Ask neighbours or local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator to keep an eye on your home.
• Leave an address and number where you can be contacted.
• Lock all windows and doors, garages and sheds.
• Lock away ladders.
• Use a time-switch to turn on some lights at night.
• Set the burglar alarm.
• Show a neighbour or keyholder how the burglar alarm operates and how to turn on/off water, gas and electricity.
• Make sure the police have the keyholder details.
• Tell your household insurer if you're planning a long trip abroad.
• Move valuable objects out of sight.
• Lock small valuables and credit cards away safely.
• Empty bins and fridge (to avoid nasty surprises when you get back!).
• Check the Foreign and Commonwealth office website (opens in a new browser window) for travel advice and tips for where you are going.

Arrange travel insurance, and make sure it covers:

• Cancellation of your holiday.
• Medical and legal expenses.
• Personal accident cover.
• Personal liability.
• Personal belongings.
• Delays and missed departure.
• Activities you plan to take part in (if appropriate).
• Winter sports (if appropriate).
• Motoring abroad (if appropriate).

Holiday essentials - make sure you take:

• Passports, tickets and travel money.
• Visa (if necessary).
• E111 (if travelling in EU).
• Booking forms / reservation letters.
• Travel Insurance policy and contact details.
• Good maps of your holiday destination.
• Sunglasses.
• Sweets / drinks / travel games / books.
• Address book for holiday postcards.
• Photocopies of important travel documents, kept separate from the originals.
• Padlock and name tag for your luggage.

When abroad - make sure you:

• Take a range of plasters and mini First Aid Kit.
• Take anti-histamine / antiseptic ointment / insect repellent.
• Remember sun tan lotion / aftersun care.
• Have had the correct jabs.
• Use a safety deposit box if available for valuable documents and money.
• Tell others if plans change and you move hotels (for example).
• Behave like you would at home regarding money and valuables (You wouldn't walk round with £500 in your wallet at home, so why do it there?).

If you are driving abroad make sure you:

• Have adequate insurance before you leave the country.
• If you are travelling in the EC your insurer will provide you with a Green card as standard - however this normally only provides minimal insurance cover abroad (3rd party only) - you often need to pay extra to make sure that your Green card provides comprehensive insurance cover abroad. Speak to your insurer to check.
• If you will be driving in Spain, get a 'Bail Bond' to secure the release of both you and your car after an accident.
• Buy a breakdown policy that covers overseas motoring.
• Beware of car thieves - always lock your car, don't leave valuables on show, keep your car documents with you and use an anti-theft device.
• Take a warning triangle.
• Take a spare set of car keys.
• Put a GB sticker on the rear of your car.
• Take a fire extinguisher, tool kit and spare light bulbs.

Back to top