All set for the Summer Holidays?
So you've booked the time off work, found a beautiful destination and then booked the complete holiday package including flights, transfers and accommodation. Unfortunately it's still only February and there are another 5 months before you can start to pack your suitcase. You can still prepare early though to make sure that you have the best summer holiday of your life this year. Here is a list of things that don't tend to get thought about until the last minute - if at all.
1. Airport parking
If you've booked your holiday package through a tour operator or travel agent such as Thomas Cook, then although your transfer fees may be included in the price of the holiday, airport parking isn't. If you used a Thomas Cook voucher code, then the airport parking is likely to be easily covered by the amount that you saved. Airport transfer only counts as the airports in the destination country, not your own. So you will either need to book airport parking, or arrange for a taxi to take you to the airport ant collect you at the end of your holiday.
2. Sun tan lotion
Probably one of the most vital things that you should take with you when you're on a summer holiday. While it is easily available when you get to your holiday destination, you will find that it is considerably more expensive. You need it, and people know it so expect to pay through the nose if you don't bring your own. Being February, now is a great time to buy sun tan lotion as there are plenty of offers available as it is out of season. The same goes for sun hats and cheap sunglasses.
3. Passport and EHIC card
It sounds silly, but check that your passport is valid and is still valid for the duration of your holiday. If you have less than three months left until expiry then it is always recommended that you renew your passport. Sorting it out now, means that you have plenty of time to complete the application and get a new photo etc. Your EHIC card can be ordered online in as little as ten minutes, and it's free. Make sure you order one for each member of your family.
4. Travel insurance
Your EHIC card allows you to get hospital or doctors treatment to allow you to complete the duration of your stay, should you need it. This will be at a reduced rate or sometime free, but it is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover private medical healthcare, costs, flights back home or stolen property. Book your travel insurance in advance, but remember not to start it until the date you go away.
5. Insect repellent
Most hot climates have a high number of pests. The fact that we're not used to these pests mean that they can make our holiday quite unpleasant if we're not prepared. Always bring insect repellent and after bite on holiday, as this will ease the symptoms of being bitten by a pest and allow you to have a much more enjoyable holiday.
1. Airport parking
If you've booked your holiday package through a tour operator or travel agent such as Thomas Cook, then although your transfer fees may be included in the price of the holiday, airport parking isn't. If you used a Thomas Cook voucher code, then the airport parking is likely to be easily covered by the amount that you saved. Airport transfer only counts as the airports in the destination country, not your own. So you will either need to book airport parking, or arrange for a taxi to take you to the airport ant collect you at the end of your holiday.
2. Sun tan lotion
Probably one of the most vital things that you should take with you when you're on a summer holiday. While it is easily available when you get to your holiday destination, you will find that it is considerably more expensive. You need it, and people know it so expect to pay through the nose if you don't bring your own. Being February, now is a great time to buy sun tan lotion as there are plenty of offers available as it is out of season. The same goes for sun hats and cheap sunglasses.
3. Passport and EHIC card
It sounds silly, but check that your passport is valid and is still valid for the duration of your holiday. If you have less than three months left until expiry then it is always recommended that you renew your passport. Sorting it out now, means that you have plenty of time to complete the application and get a new photo etc. Your EHIC card can be ordered online in as little as ten minutes, and it's free. Make sure you order one for each member of your family.
4. Travel insurance
Your EHIC card allows you to get hospital or doctors treatment to allow you to complete the duration of your stay, should you need it. This will be at a reduced rate or sometime free, but it is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover private medical healthcare, costs, flights back home or stolen property. Book your travel insurance in advance, but remember not to start it until the date you go away.
5. Insect repellent
Most hot climates have a high number of pests. The fact that we're not used to these pests mean that they can make our holiday quite unpleasant if we're not prepared. Always bring insect repellent and after bite on holiday, as this will ease the symptoms of being bitten by a pest and allow you to have a much more enjoyable holiday.