Plan Your Holiday

Airport departures sign

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Check that your passport is up to date and that it will cover your intended stay abroad. For information regarding passport applications or renewals visit the Identity and Passport Office website.
Check if you will require a visa or other special requirements for your intended visit. For general visa information visit the Foreign and Commonwealth website for an overview.
If you intend to travel to European Economic Area country, or Switzerland, make sure you have a valid EHIC card before you travel. For general information regarding the EHIC card, visit the European Health Insurance Card website.
For advice details for specific travellers, e.g marrying overseas, cruise ship travellers etc. visit the relevant Foreign and Commonwealth pages.
Check if there are any vaccinations or particular medical requirements for your intended journey. Visit the NHS vaccination health pages and the Fit For Travel website.
If you are less mobile, get information for access for disabled people from the Department of Transport.
If required, check that you have the correct International Driving Licence.

If you want to book a package holiday or plan your flights and accommodation separately. Choose to compare prices from 100s of the UKs top package holiday suppliers and book directly with them.by visiting either:

For a company that can provide availability and instant, accurate quotes visit the Flightline website
Alternatively, you may wish to search for discounted air fares with over 200 major airlines by using the ebookers online search facility.

Don't forget that you will need adequate travel insurance for your journey.
If you are worried about fluctuating exchange rates get a pre-paid debit card in Euros or US Dollars. A pre-paid debit card can be loaded with cash from a debit card, credit card or Internet bank transfer to lock-in market-leading currency exchange rates. Unlike most credit or debit cards, when people use the FairFX Currency Card abroad to pay for goods they won’t be charged any transaction fee.

Book your airport parking. By pre-booking customers can save up to 60% on their airport parking fees. To obtain a best price guarantee visit the Holiday Extras website. For detailed information regarding airport parking visit our airport parking page.
If necessary, reduce the stress and last minute rushes by booking an overnight stay at a hotel near to the airport. For detailed information regarding hotels near airports visit our airport hotels page.
Taxi hire from airports can be expensive so, if you are an independent travellers you should book airport transfers. A2B transfers offer a competitive, quick, flexible online booking facility with clear pricing.
If you prefer to hire your own car, Avis Car Rental can provide a choice of models available for collection at most airports.

Prepare for your holiday by updating your luggage, backpacks or outdoor clothing.
Treat yourself and make your journey just that little bit easier and book an airport VIP lounge pass from as little as £13.50.
Make your journey easier. Visit our travel accessories search page to select from a wide range of useful items.

Make sure you are up to date with the latest airport security advice for travellers.
Check out the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice for travellers.
All the important telephone numbers and information for each UK airport can be found at this link.
Make provision for your pets to be looked after while you're away.
Cancel newspapers and other deliveries.
Tell your neighbours / neighbourhood watch that you will be away.
Ask a trusted friend to push through any post from your letterbox daily while you're away.
Photocopy passports, insurance documents, driving license, travel tickets etc. Leave one set of photocopies with a trusted friend or relative. Pack the other photocopies in an item of hand luggage separate from the originals.
Make a list of travellers cheque and credit/debit card numbers and emergency contact telephone numbers and pack them in an item of hand luggage separate from the originals.
If required, top up your mobile phone and check that it will be usable at your destination.
Leave a spare set of house key with a trusted friend or relative. Make sure that they know how any alarms work.
Buy or prepare a travel first aid kit. Ensure you will have adequate prescription medicines for your stay.

Programme timer / security switches on lights etc.
Water the house plants.
Lock all doors and windows.
Unplug all electrical appliances, except your fridge/freezer.
If appropriate, turn off the water and gas at the mains.
Make sure you have all passports, visas, travel tickets, driving licenses, foreign currency, travellers cheques, credit/debit/atm cards, insurance documents, medicines, keys, luggage, directions and guide books.
Activate your alarm.
Leave home with plenty of time to allow for delays and MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A NICE HOLIDAY !