Travel Checklist

06 Jun 2012 by Olga Brighton

Travel Insurance Tips

Globelink Travel Insurance are partners of the British Foreign Office in the Know Before You Go Campaign who have put together this travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there.

Before you go check FCO's website for the country you are visiting. Sign up for their email alerts and you’ll get the latest updates for that country. Don’t travel without travel insurance – make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports.

Know Before You Go

Travelling within the European Economic Area?

Then get a free EHIC for free or reduced emergency care - you still need full travel insurance though! Also remember, you can call 112 to contact the emergency services in any EU country. Check with your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel. Make sure you’ve got correct visas for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid.

For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check the entry requirements and make a note of the passport number and consider taking a photocopy with you or store online using a secure data storage site make sure you fill in the emergency contact details in your passport. This will make it much easier to contact someone if necessary. Tell family and friends where you are going and leave them your contact details, travel insurance details and your itinerary. Make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies find out if traveller’s cheques are appropriate for your destination and keep a separate record of their numbers.

driving laws

Driving abroad?

Make sure your licence is current and valid. Make sure you are aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting.

When you are away

Think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don’t take risks that you wouldn’t at home!

  • Don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks.
  • Find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws - there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home.
  • Be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations.
  • Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest Embassy or Consulate on your mobile phone and check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad.
  • Check whether it’s safe to drink local tap water - if not, stick to bottled water and avoid salads, non-peeling fruit and ice in drinks.

Read more: Can you Count on Credit Card Travel Insurance?

We accept