Travel tips and advice
We’ve gathered some of the best travel tips you may not have heard of. Each will help you have your best holiday and, even more importantly, ensure your health and well-being are a top priority during your trip.
Many of us have travel habits or even rituals we like to stick to when venturing overseas. From using your favourite trusty suitcase to leaving your passport by the front door the night before departure there are plenty of travel traditions. Some feel as much a part of going on holiday as the first poolside cocktail.
Download and save Free Spirit’s travel checklist
When choosing a destination
Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) website. The FCDO provides non-biased, straightforward travel advice and tips by country including extensive and up-to-date information about destinations.
Free Spirit works with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) to help British travellers. Just one way we do so is by supporting Travel Aware – another great source of travel tips and advice to stay safe abroad.
As soon as you book your trip
Always buy suitable travel insurance ASAYB – As Soon As You Book. This way you are covered in case you need to cancel your trip straight away.
The most essential travel tip will always be to secure travel insurance for your unique health needs. Specialist travel insurance providers (like us) are dedicated to offering cover to people of all ages with a range of medical conditions and disabilities.
If this is you, we’re keen to show why Free Spirit is different. Our medical travel insurance is designed for all ages to ensure emergency healthcare and help. View a summary of the cover to see how it can fulfill your travel needs.
Remember the ‘Travellers Ten’ when taking out insurance…
(The Travellers Ten was sourced from the ABI website. The ABI is the voice of the UK’s world-leading insurance and long-term savings industry).
Passports and Entry Requirements
Your passport/s must be in date. You can find information on passport validity, visa information, and entry requirements online at the FCDO travel advice country page.
Download and save Free Spirit’s infographic – 6 ways to travel with confidence – with your passport.
Three months before leaving home
- Check with your GP if you need any vaccinations – visit the Fit for Travel NHS website for more information.
- Plan to take enough money for emergencies.
- Add your flight number to your car rental booking. If you’re flying to your destination and then renting a car, remember to include your flight number on your car rental booking. This way, if your flight is delayed or even cancelled, your car rental company will be aware.
- Apply for your free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). That is if you don’t already have one or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with adequate time left on it to last your trip.
Medicare - Australia
If you are travelling to Australia you can enroll in Medicare which will entitle you to subsidised hospital treatments and medicines. You can do this by contacting a local Medicare office in Australia. All claims for refunds under the Medicare scheme must be made before you leave Australia.
For more information on Medicare visit: medicareaustralia.gov.au or email: medicare@medicareaustralia.gov.au
Travel Tips to follow three weeks before leaving home
Find a good guidebook and read up on your destination’s local laws and customs.
The world is always changing. While most foreign travel is perfectly safe, it’s always good to be aware of any events happening at your destination that might affect your holiday. This is especially important if you’re planning to travel somewhere far-flung or off the beaten track.
Also, if you’re driving abroad, make sure you’re aware of the local driving laws and requirements in the country you’re visiting. They may be very different to those in the UK.
Make copies of your travel documents and email them to yourself.
A travel insurance policy should include cover for the loss or theft of your passport. Plus, other travel documents. However, having electronic copies of them gives you peace of mind while you’re away. Also, it can help if they’re misplaced, ruined, or stolen.
Scan your passport and driver’s license. Then email them to yourself, so that you can access them from any connected device. Flag these email(s) or mark them as important so you can find them in your inbox.
Let your bank or credit card company know where you’re going.
This is usually just a case of ticking a box on your online banking portal or informing an assistant in your local branch. It is well worth it as it ensures you can use your debit and credit cards without arousing suspicion while overseas. Otherwise, the unusual activity on your cards while you are away may cause the bank to think it has been stolen and freeze it.
Also, it may be worth having a conversation with your bank about any potential foreign transaction fees they may impose on your account. Find out if there’s any way to avoid these – such as using cash machines connected to your bank.
Travel tips to follow three days before leaving home
Tell a trusted friend or family where you’re going. Leave them your contact details, where you are staying, and your itinerary.
Check the weather
Review the weather regularly. Especially, if you’re travelling during hurricane season.
On the other hand, if you’re due to arrive during a heatwave in Europe visit the European Meteorological Services website.
Set for Spain? Keep up-to-date with severe weather warnings and updates by visiting the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET).
Going to Greece? Register for the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service for emergency alerts.
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