ABTA, a UK-based travel agent’s association, has offered its top ten travel tips to help Britons enjoy a trouble-free holiday when planning their summer vacations.
1. Check your passport in advance – Check the validity of your passport well before the travel date to avoid the extra expense of having to fast track the renewal. Also, many countries outside of Europe require six months validity after the departure date, failing which travellers may be refused entry.
2. Weigh your luggage – Weigh your bags before you leave home to ensure they meet the airline’s baggage allowance, thereby avoiding expensive supplements at the airport.
3. Tell your bank you are travelling – Banks are always on guard for fraudulent transactions, so if they do not know when or where you are overseas they may block your ATM card from overseas use.
4. Be aware of restrictions when bringing back goods on your return – Refer to the full list of what you can and cannot bring back from your holiday destination. If you are travelling outside Europe it is often illegal for you to carry back food-based goods.
5. Make your drinks last longer – Spirit measures overseas are generally more generous than in the UK, so save money and your liver by opting for a mixer rather than more alcohol.
6. Buy travel insurance – Avoid the possibility of high medical bills by taking out travel insurance. It might be of help to know that treatment for a broken leg in the US costs around GBP44,000.
7. Get vaccinated – When travelling outside Western Europe, North America or Australasia, it is advisable to consult a medical professional to receive all of the necessary jabs to protect against preventable diseases.
8. Lunch like the locals – On a holiday it always helps to adopt the habits of local people, especially when it comes to food.
9. Learn a few words in the local language – one of the most basic things to do, but it will be greatly appreciated by the locals.
10. Learn these travel tips before you go.
ABTA said that it expects 14 million Brits to holiday overseas between July and September this year. There is still availability for locations including Mallorca, Turkey and the Canary Islands.
