Preparing for a family holiday can be stressful, and if you're a parent, you'll know all too well the demands placed upon you. From making sure everyone's passports are valid, to sorting through itineraries, paperwork, and insurance to remembering your own toothbrush, there's a lot going on in the run up to a holiday. During this busy, often stressful time, you could benefit from a holiday checklist, against which you can check and cross off holiday must-haves as you go. Provided your holiday checklist is well planned, you could avoid the stress of juggling lists and remembering must-haves and must-dos. Firstly, make sure that you and your family's passports are valid; if not, you'll need to move quickly to renew them, but you could find out more information by contacting the Passport Office. You'll also want to make sure that your credit card will remain valid for the duration of your holiday so double check its expiration date. If you're travelling within Europe, you and your family will require a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will ensure you receive immediate medical treatment for free or at a reduced cost at the point of demand; you can apply for an EHIC over the phone, online or by post. Check visa and vaccination requirements for your holiday destination, either online or by contacting your nearest embassy or consulate for that country. You can also find out more information and international travel updates by contacting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FOC) before you leave home. If you and your family are flying, you'll want to check airport updates on carry-on items, including liquids, flammables and sharp objects; you could find this information by contacting your airport or looking online. Since January 2008, carry-on hand luggage has been reduced to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, so you'll have to make sure that yours doesn't exceed the required standard. Obviously, you'll want to guarantee that you and your family have sufficient and appropriate clothing for your holiday destination, whether warm or cold. Don't forget sun cream, with a high factor for children and fair skin, which could be handily decanted into smaller, handbag-sized containers. Other items that always come in handy when travelling, especially with young children, include pocket-sized tissues, wet wipes and hard-boiled sweets. You'll want to make sure that your itinerary, passports and foreign currency are well protected but accessible and kept in your hand luggage at all times, should you require them at any stage of your journey. One of the most important elements of organising any holiday is making sure that you and your family are covered by travel insurance. There are a number of different kinds of travel insurance policies available such as single trip travel insurance and annual travel insurance, depending on the length of time you are travelling for. Once you have your holiday checklist covered, you are free to relax and fully enjoy your holiday time.
About the Author:
Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Author: Victoria Cochrane