Important information before you travel abroad
UK residents make approximately over 58 million journeys abroad per annum. However, as many as 1 in 7 of these people fail to take out adequate travel insurance. This can turn your holiday from a blissful time to a holiday in hell. As everybody faces some level of risk by pre-planning your holiday will prove invaluable once you start that important break.
To be well prepared we recommend that you make a note of the address and telephone number of the local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate before you go and always follow the advice given on your visas, not forgetting your terms and conditions are fully understood of travel insurance , plus any currency or money matters such as travellers cheques are prepared are handled before you fly and finally you have all necessary medication when you travel.
Travellers' Checklists
Please find below 10 top tips before you travel:
- On purchase of your travel insurance check that the cover levels are appropriate to your needs.
- Pre plan the local route of the country you intend visiting
- Make sure you understand local laws and customs and religion of your destination.
- Ensure you have a valid passport/visas – see Passport/Visa
- Check out the necessary vaccinations you need (if required) at least 2 months before your journey.
- Always purchase your holiday through a bonded company See www.abta.com .
- Take copies of your documents such as passports, travel insurance policy the 24-hour emergency assistance number, Flight and travel ticket details and leave copies with close family friends or even a neighbour.
- Always have plenty of money for your holiday trip and some back-up funds such as travellers cheques, credit cards etc.
- Always leave a contact number with a family member or friend.
- A translator dictionary in non-English speaking countries may assist
Before you travel
- Buy a good guidebook of where you are travelling.
- Find out about where you are going.
- Find out about local laws, customs and culture.
- Take a phrase book that you can use in emergencies.
- Get adequate travel insurance – see travel insurance
- Consider purchasing a comprehensive first-aid pack.
- Check your passport is valid – see general passport information .
- If you plan to work abroad, obtain a valid work permit before you leave.
- If you plan to drive abroad find out about the laws and driving license requirements of the country to be visited. Get an International Driving Permit (valid for 1 year) before you leave, as you can only obtain this in the UK.
- It is wise to purchase a padlock and chain or a security in order to secure your baggage at airports, railway stations, etc.
- On arrival at your destination call home to confirm your safety
- Always obey the local laws as you could be imprisoned, fined or deported for offences that would normally only be a caution in the UK.
- British consular staff cannot get you out of prison abroad.
- Never get involved with Drugs Penalties are severe and include massive fines and long prison sentences in awful conditions. You can receive the death penalty in some countries. .
- NEVER carry unknown packages through Customs for strangers.
- Do not drink alcohol in a country where laws do not permit it. Penalties again can be severe. Do not drink and drive.
- Be security conscious.
- Be very cautious about hitchhiking.
- Whilst working abroad make sure you comply with all the relevant employment regulation - you may have to pay tax.
- Do not overstay your visa. You can extend your visa in most places; if you do not you can be imprisoned or fined.
Disclaimer:
Cheapest Travel Insurance accepts no responsibility for any of the content contained herein. The information contained within these pages, are intended purely as informational only. Cheapest Travel Insurance will accept no responsibility for any consequential loss, injury, or accident that may arise from the reference materials herein. Cheapest Travel Insurance also does not accept any liability for external sites linked to by us. The information should be taken ‘as is', and is intended to serve purely as a help guide.
