Travel Advice

Before you Travel...

Check with your GP if you will need any vaccinations before your trip.
Put the medical emergency telephone number in your mobile phone. The Start Travel emergency assistance number is +44 (0)1444 454 540. For the US or Canada, the number you require is +1-844-780-0494. For those travelling to Mexico, the number is 00-1-819-780-0494.

Make sure your passport is up to date and that there is at least 6 months left on it from when you travel.
Write a checklist of items you will need to take with you to avoid forgetting anything important.
Book your airport parking in advance to get the cheapest deal.
Leave plenty of time to get to the airport – there is nothing worse than having to rush around before your holiday or having to panic when you hit heavy traffic!
Make sure that every part of your trip is covered and if you plan to participate in any activities whilst you are away, check page 21 of your starttravel.co.uk policy wording to ensure that we can cover you. If you have any questions, simply get in touch by ringing 0333 320 12402 and we will be happy to help.

Use a comparison website for your travel money to find the best deal for the currency you require.
Let your bank know that you are travelling and check what the charges are for using your bank cards abroad.

Ensure all windows and doors in your home are properly locked and all electrical items have been turned off before you leave, apart from your fridge and freezer of course.
If you have pets, book kennels and catteries in advance or ensure that someone you know can take care of them whilst you are away.

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Don't forget your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are travelling to Europe. You can sign up for one of these free of charge at the Post Office or online. Beware of companies trying to charge money for one as these cards are free. For more information please visit the official site.
Keep all your important travel documents in a folder or plastic wallet to protect them and keep them all together.

If you are going on a shorter trip, you may be able to fit all your belongings in your cabin baggage which will save you money and save you having to wait for a suitcase when you reach your destination.
Double check what the restrictions on baggage are with your airline to ensure that there are no unnecessary problems when you get to the airport.

Check that all liquids in your cabin baggage are in a clear bag and are in bottles no larger than 100ml each.
Make sure lids on bottles are on tightly and if you are putting them in your suitcase, wrap them up in plastic bags to protect other items should anything leak.
If you are going on a shorter trip, you may be able to fit all your belongings in your cabin baggage which will save you money and save you having to wait for a suitcase when you reach your destination.
Double check what the restrictions on baggage are with your airline to ensure that there are no unnecessary problems when you get to the airport.
Ensure that you have everything you need for your journey in your cabin baggage so you don't have to sort through bags at the airport.
Don't forget to pack insect repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Check whether it is safe to drink the tap water in the country you are visiting and if it is not, buy bottled water and avoid having ice in your drinks.
Check that all food is piping hot and if there is any doubt whether something is not cooked or not fresh, do not eat it.

Wear beach shoes that you can also wear in the water as there may be hidden dangers under the sand or sea such as glass, sea urchins or weaver fish.
Wear sunscreen suitable for your skin and remember to re-apply it regularly and avoid the midday sun.

Decide roughly how much money you are able to spend each day during your trip so that you don’t run out before the end of your holiday.
Make sure that you are aware of the charges involved to use your mobile phone abroad and if you have a smart phone, turn off your internet data to avoid any surprises on your phone bill.

When you are out and about, put your belongings in a bag with securely fastened pockets so that you are not an easy target for pickpockets.
Don't risk venturing to any areas that could be unsafe.
Be sure to abide by local customs and respect the country you are going to. You can look up important information for each country on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

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