TOP TIPS FOR GETTING HOLIDAY READY

The countdown has begun to the getaway you’ve booked with Holiday Gems and now it’s time to get down to some serious preparation for your departure.

Your long-awaited escape to the sun is just a week away, your excitement level just moved up a gear and it’s suddenly dawned on you how much you still need to organise.

What you need to do now is compile a pre-departure checklist of the important things to do, to ensure you have everything organised in the run up to the day you set off for your holiday.

Some key tasks should already have been completed, including vaccinations, booking your travel insurance and checking your passport and visa’s validity. Many destinations insist that your travel documents are valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.

Here’s our guide to some of the key things you should consider adding to your to-do list for the week before the big day arrives, when it’s time to jet off for a feast of fun in the sun.

Seven Days To Go

• If you need any prescription or over-the-counter medication, you should ensure you have enough for the time you’re on holiday and that you’re allowed to take the medicine into your destination. You may also need to seek approval from the relevant authorities before travelling.
• Get all your important travel documents together and either print out physical copies or make digital copies on your mobile phone.
• Sort out care of your pets while you are away, such as leaving them with someone you know or booking them into a kennel or cattery.
• Wash and iron any clothing you'll need for your holiday.
• Arrange for trusted friends, family or neighbours to carry out important or regular tasks in your house when you are away, such as taking out and bringing in your bins, watering your plants and feeding the fish.
• Get your airport parking booked, if you are driving yourself, or book a taxi to take you there.
• Make sure that data roaming is in place for using your mobile phone abroad.
• Organise any foreign currency you wish to bring with you and ensure your credit cards, and other travel cards, won’t expire while away.
• Complete the online check-in for your holiday flights.

Three Days To Go

• Double check your luggage weight limit to avoid the risk of incurring charges for excess baggage when you get to the airport.
• Start getting your case packed with clothing that’s suitable for your destination, such as short-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, vests, light trousers, skirts and dresses and shorts.
• Pack a jumper or light jacket if you expect the evenings to be cooler, while a light raincoat or umbrella is worth bringing if your destination experiences occasional downpours or wet spells.
• Footwear you should consider packing, depending on the type of holiday you have booked, may include hiking boots, walking shoes, trainers, sandals, flip flops or water shoes.
• Don’t forget to pack your swimwear, towel and beach bag.
• The following list is by no means exhaustive, but other items to consider adding to your case include plenty of sunscreen, after-sun lotion, brimmed hat, sunglasses, wet wipes, insect repellent, power cables, ear plugs, water bottle, travel adaptors, chargers and power banks, travel hairdryer, travel kettle, deodorant wipes, hand sanitiser and tote bag.
• Prepare a toiletry bag with everything you need, such as toothpaste and toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner, razor, nail clippers, deodorant and moisturiser.
• Pack a basic first-aid kit which can assist with minor injuries and could save you a visit to the doctor. This could include bandages, plaster strips, painkillers, sterile cotton balls, tweezers, scissors and a thermometer.
• Make sure you have any medication you might need and, if required, documentation showing you are allowed to take it into the country you are visiting.
• Cancel the newspapers and milk, and don't buy any fresh food that you can’t consume before leaving.
• It’s also worth packing a little carry-on bag for the flight which could include a few snacks, something to read, neck cushion, travel documents, eye mask, travel sickness tablets and valuables. You should also consider bringing a light jumper as cabins can get quite chilly.
• Don’t forget to put any liquids and creams you intend taking on board the plane, up to 100 ml, in an approved-size, clear plastic bag for checking at airport security.

Departure Day

• Remove all perishables from your fridge and bread bin etc.
• Lock up your garage and any outbuildings.
• Unplug all electrical items which are prone to causing fires, such as toasters and kettles, and consider turning off your Wi-Fi router to prevent the risk of any hackers getting into your Wi-Fi while you're away from home.
• Close and lock all windows in your house and your back door, plus your conservatory door and any other doors with locks.
• Ensure you have your mobile phone, wallet, passport and important documents to hand.
• Set your burglar alarm, if you have one, exit your house and lock the front door. Then it’s time to get on your way, allowing plenty of time to get to the airport should you encounter any traffic delays on the way.

We’re confident our handy tips and advice can play a key part in getting you ready for your big departure day and reduce the risk of those niggling worries on the way to the airport.