1 this might sound obvious but before you set out for any trip abroad check your passport is still valid.

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2 Your Passport may well be in date but if there are less than six months remaining on it by your return date some airlines and cruise companies will not accept it.

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3 Important Id's, I recommend to keep a photocopy (and/or an online version) of it in a separate but safe place. That way if your lose your passport or it gets stolen you will find it much easier to get a replacement.

The same applies to your driving licence if you intend to drive while abroad.

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4 When travelling to a country where you think you might need a visa visit 

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Do it well in advance as getting a visa to some destinations can be long winded.

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5 It's surprising how many countries - even popular long haul package holiday destinations - require vaccinations. 

Check with  www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or see your local GP at least eight weeks before departure. 

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6 Travelling within Europe?  make sure you get an European Health Insurance Card (www.nhs.uk/ehic or dial 0300 3301350) so you can get the same sort of health treatment as the residents of the country you are visiting.

In addition to that make sure you have travel insurance. Single journey policies are available but annual policies are better value if you intend to make more than two trips abroad each year.

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7 Make sure you have a discreet money belt or at least a hidden pocket to carry cash safely.

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8 If you have more than one credit card leave one in a secure place and carry the other only when necessary. And make sure they will not expire before you plan to return home.........Just in case your card is stolen it’s worth considering taking the relevant telephone numbers in case you have to cancel them in a hurry.

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