1. Get travel insurance. Compare the prices and cover before you buy.
2. Check that the cover is appropriate and also check exactly – what your insurance does and does not cover. Make sure your policy cover provides for –
a. All medical bills
b. Bringing your family home in the event of your illness or injury
c. Any potentially hazardous sporting activities you may be planning
3. If you plan to rely on free cover provided as a benefit on your credit card, get a copy of the cover and read it carefully. For example, it may not cover your return journey, or may only cover you if the full amount of the holiday was paid via the card.
4. Get a good tourist guidebook and get to know the places you are going to. Find out about local laws and customs etc..
5. Make sure you have a valid passport and visas you need to visit that country. Also, do not forget to check the passport regulations of the country you are visiting, as some require a passport that is valid for at least six months after your arrival date.
6. Check what all vaccinations you need at least six weeks before you go.
7. Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, for example – traveller’s cheques, credit card etc.
8. Consider leaving valuables and jewellery at home. If you do take valuables with make sure your insurance cover is sufficient and that you abide by the policy terms (such as storing them in a safe). Consider covering them under your household contents insurance.
9. Take photocopies of your passport, insurance policy, 24-hour emergency numbers and your ticket details and leave copies of all the above documents in a safe place, or with a trusted friend or relative. Alternatively, you can scan and upload them to a secure data storage site, which means that they can be accessed remotely anywhere in the world in case you lose the originals.
10. Tell your close family or friends, where you will be staying and what you plan to do, and give them a way of contacting you, (such as an e-mail address, temporary contact no. or hotel phone no.).