Travel Essentials

Please note this site does not give advice, all content is for general information, where ever possible we offer links to specialist web sites or contact details for those in the know.

WHAT TO TAKE

The most important thing you can pack for any holiday is a good insect repellent and Suncream.  You're in the right place for that already!

PACKING & MONEY TIPS

Don't take too many clothes, especially if travelling to warmer climates. Sort out the minimum you think you will need then take some out, you'll have less weight to carry on the way out and more room to pack souvenirs on the way back. NOTE: If your luggage is overweight or oversized, you may have to pay high charges for the excess. Check with the airline or travel agent before packing.

MONEY TIPS

Work out how much money you need to take with you then add some more. It is better to bring money back than to run out before the end of your holiday.

Take a mixture of cash and credit cards or travellers cheques. Be sure to get small denomination notes and, if possible, some coins.

Don't forget to take a note of the number to ring if you lose credit cards. Keep it safe and leave a copy with a friend you can contact immediately if you lose both.

DOCUMENTS TO KEEP SAFE:

• Passport
• Travel tickets
• Visas and/or work permits
• Inoculation certificates
• Accommodation vouchers and addresses
• Credit card and bank account details
• Travellers cheque numbers
• Insurance certificate and contact details
• Driving licence (if you're going to hire a car)

DOCUMENT TIP

Copy all important documents. Take one copy with you, but keep separate from your originals. Leave another copy with someone who can fax them to you just in case you lose everything you'll have almost instant access to documents you need.

Here's a reminder list of other essentials:

• Natural Insect Repellent which is available in 30ml, 60ml pump spray or 60ml Roll-On.
• Lip salve - cold places, warm places and airports dry them out.
• Natural Sun Cream which includes Insect Natural Repellent.
• Empty plastic bags and rubber bands.
• Sunglasses - essential if you're going for snow, sun or sea.
• Swimwear.
• Camera, (film, spare batteries extra memory cards if digital) packed in a waterproof bag.
• Natural After Sun which includes twice as much Natural Insect Repellent.
• Phrase book, rough guide book to where ever you are going.
• Light weight day bag.
• Small sewing kit and safety pins.
• Travel Iron.
• Hairdryer.
• Alarm Clock/watch and spare battery.
• First-aid kit, including plasters, pain killers and antiseptic cream
• Plastic water bottle.
• Earplugs – you can't stop your neighbours partying!
• Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit, brush & comb, shampoo, deodorant, bubble bath or shower gel.
• Something to read or play while waiting.
• Adapters for electrical items.
• Natural 14 Hour Insect Repellent Candle which comes in a handy travel tin.

If you are Self Catering Remember:

• Pot washing cloths and scourers, tea towels, small bottle of washing up liquid.
• Tin opener and corkscrew - don't rely on finding them on arrival or expect them to be usable if you do!
• Small amounts of salt, pepper or other spices, make sure they are in airtight containers or double wrap in plastic sandwich bags.
• Enough food for one meal and bottled water, in case the shops are closed when you arrive
• Matches
• Hand wash liquid or powder and clothesline.

WHAT TO KNOW

You will usually be allowed one small bag that will fit in an overhead locker. Most airlines impose a 5kg limit. Check with the airline or agent well before leaving for the airport.

Security at airports has become much stricter – if you don't want to be delayed, or stopped from travelling altogether, make sure your hand luggage or pockets do not contain

• Knives (no matter how small).
• Cutting or puncturing instruments such as pocket knives, box cutters, ice axes, razors, scissors, corkscrews and metal nail files.
• Toy or replica guns (metal or plastic).
• Sports equipment that could be used as a weapon such as baseball/softball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles and hockey sticks.
• Mace, teargas, or pepper spray.
• Aerosol spray cans - hair spray, deodorant, insect repellent, or butane fuel (such as in curling iron refills, scuba tanks, camping gas).
• Explosives - fireworks, sparklers or signal flares.
• Flammable liquids or solids - fuel, paints, paint thinners or cleaners, lighter fluid and more than 16 oz of perfume.
• Catapults and darts.
• Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons – you will need certificates or official documents as proof of need).
• Knitting needles.

CULTURE & “SITUATIONS”

Always respect local culture, customs and the law (if you are a guest in another country you are subject to their laws, not UK law) research you're destination before booking your holiday. If there is anything in local culture you object to or may feel offended by or if you feel you may fall foul of local laws DON'T GO. Obviously don't take (or bring back) illegal drugs or alcohol penalties in other countries can be much harsher than in the UK .

If you need to take prescription drugs with you make sure they are legal in the country you are visiting, if not check to see if you can still take them with official documentation that can be easily verified by the British Consulate and make sure you have a copy ready translated to the local language.

back to the top