Firstly you need to arrange adequate insurance for your trip as soon as you book your holiday.
Make sure your insurance policy covers for cancellation and curtailment. With medical expenses, personal belongings all included.
Check the cancellation cover is enough to cover the cost of your trip
Always, always declare pre-existing medical conditions and hazardous sports/activities to be undertaken
We can help you choose the best policy for you either the Post Office, the tour operators own or through our specialist travel insurer Journeys Insurance. Just click on the link to get a quote!
Make copies of your passport, insurance policy, 24-hour emergency number and ticket details
While on holiday
Obtain a police statement within 24 hours of a loss: you will need one to claim against insurance
Leave valuables, spare cash and passport in the hotel safe, not your room
Keep all money exchange receipts to prove you obtained your currency legally
Make copies of your passport, insurance policy, 24-hour emergency number and ticket details
Passport
· If you need a new passport or have to renew your passport we have all the necessary forms at The Post Office, we can also Check and Send your application, this gives you a two week turnaround. Full details are available at the Passport Agency website
Visa
Do you need a visa to travel? If you have booked through You Choose Holidays you will know the answer to this question. If you are not sure check at www.visaswift.co.uk
Health
Check to see if you need extra health precautions and vaccinations at www.dh.gov.uk
Do you have an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)? You can pick up an application form at The Post Office or apply on line at www.dh.gov.uk They are free and are used in all EU countries plus some other European countries.
Euros and US$ can be obtained over the counter at The Post Office, as can Travelers Cheques
We recommend a 40/60 split of cash to travelers cheques
If you don’t like travelers cheques, try a Post Office Travel Money Card,you can use it at most ATM’s in most countries. It a fantastic way of accessing your money safely abroad.
Remember the cost of obtaining currency abroad from your debit or credit card and the cost of purchases can be very high, check on the charges with your bank and if these are too high why not take out a Post Office credit card, it has lower charges than most other credit cards.
BIG TIP
Tipping is the norm in many parts of the world, and us Brits aren’t naturals.
Take a few $1 bills, no matter where you are travelling they will be accepted and appreciated; they are worth roughly 50p, so you can hand them out without worrying too much about the value.
Obviously where you have received good service you may want to leave a larger tip, but on these occasions you usually have a bit more time to work out the amount you want to give and can give the tip in the local currency.
ps
Your passport needs at least SIX months validity remaining – if in any doubt check with us at
