FCO Know before you go

Travelling within the EU? Then get a free European Health Insurance Card 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.

Research your destination – know the local laws and customs

Check the FCO’s country travel advice

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.

All first time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to verify their identity. It now takes up to six weeks to get a first passport. For more information please visit www.ips.gov.uk

For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel

Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them 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 for us to contact someone if necessary

Tell a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number

Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travellers cheque - make a note of the cheques’ numbers before you go

Invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip

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

Check HM Revenue & Customs website "Travel" for information on duty-free allowances, banned goods etc.

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

Consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you’re away. Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate

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

Use your judgement when buying and eating food you’ve not prepared yourself

Respect the environment – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don’t drop litter

Check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK

Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting – including local speed limits and which side of the road they drive on!

You should be aware that provisional licences are a national document issued within the framework of driver training and do not entitle the holder to drive outside the territory of the issuing member state.

Check with your insurance company that you’re fully covered to drive abroad including breakdown recovery and any medical expenses resulting from an accident

Check whether you need a Green Card for the country you’re visiting – this provides minimum insurance

Check whether you need an International Driving Permit

Service your vehicle before leaving the UK

Check you can comply with the vehicle requirements of the countries you’ll visit.

A spare set of car keys

Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs

Your registration document, driving licence and passport- check if you’ll need an International Driving Permit

Your UK motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued)

Breakdown policy and contact numbers

Travel insurance documents

Emergency helpline numbers

Drive defensively and expect the unexpected – the local driving style may be different to that of the UK

Don’t drive when you’re tired and take regular breaks on long journeys

Always wear a seat belt and make sure other passengers do to

Don’t drink and drive – the alcohol limit may be lower than in the UK and in some countries there is zero tolerance for drink driving

Don't use your mobile whilst driving

Don’t overload your vehicle and ensure you can see out of the back window

If you’re involved in an accident, contact your insurer immediately and take photographs of damage to your vehicle

Hire from a reputable company – the cheapest deal may not always be the best!

Insurance cover is often limited to the legal minimum of the country or state you hire in. You could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit.

Ask your tour operator or insurer if they can provide top-up insurance to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you before you decide to drive or be a passenger on a motorbike - check the exclusions carefully

Travelling by motorcycle, scooter or moped is significantly more dangerous than by car - if you’re not accustomed to riding a motorcycle you should not attempt to ride one for the first time abroad on unfamiliar roads

If you do decide to hire a motorcycle or scooter, make sure you use a reputable hire company – check that they are licensed to hire bikes to tourists

Always wear a helmet and protective clothing, whether you’re the driver or a passenger

There should never be more than two people on a bike

Never ride the bike when you have been drinking alcohol

If you hire quad bikes check your travel insurance covers you for their use. Only hire them from a reputable company and find out whether it’s legal to ride them on the public road

Ensure your insurance includes third party cover

When crossing the road, remember that traffic may from coming from the opposite direction to that you expect

Don’t assume drivers will stop at zebra crossings

Jay-walking is illegal in many countries – always cross at designated points

Ace the oncoming traffic when walking along the roadside – this way you will be able to see vehicles approaching you

When walking around at night, wear light coloured clothing so that you're clearly visible to drivers

Take a torch with you to help you see your way in dimly lit areas where the ground could be uneven and possibly unsafe.

If you have concerns over the safety of the vehicle don’t get on and inform the tour rep or organiser. You should always wear a seatbelt if one is available and avoid travelling in overcrowded vehicles

Don’t be a victim of theft and fraud when you’re abroad.

Get some local currency - order less common currencies a week in advance

Order a mixture of cash and travellers’ cheques

Write down the numbers on your travellers’ cheques

Write down your credit card numbers and expiry dates – leave a copy at home

Check your credit card is valid in the country you’re visiting

Note your credit card’s emergency cancellation phone number

Take enough money to cover emergencies

Familiarise yourself with the local currency as soon as you arrive

Don’t carry more money than you need for the day/evening

If you need to carry a lot of cash ask your partner or friend to carry some for you

Keep a small amount of cash in your wallet and the rest in a secure money belt or inside pocket

If you have several credit/debit cards, only take one out with you

Leave your cash, cards and travellers’ cheques in a hotel safe – check it is secure

Don’t pass on any personal (e.g. bank) details unless you are confident the request is genuine as financial scams are becoming increasingly common worldwide.

£35-45,000 - air ambulance from USA’s East coast
£12-16,000 - air ambulance from the Canary Islands
£15-20,000 - scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort from Australia

Medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad

24 hour emergency service and assistance.

Personal liability covers in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property.

Lost and stolen possessions cover.

Cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover.

Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as jet skiing.

Personal accident cover

Legal expenses cover

Financial protection if your airline goes bankrupt before or during your trip

Most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.
60% of travel insurance policies now cover terrorism. Where possible, ensure that your policy does not exclude terrorism.
You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Cheaper policies will usually have less cover – for some the price seems most important, but is it worth the initial saving? With packyourbags we can give you a full cover at a great and highly competitive price – don’t take the risk of cheap policies, they may not cover you when it really matters!

Consider annual multi-trip insurance if you make several trips a year – you’ll save time and money.

Pregnancy (unknown when you buy the policy)

Jury service or witness summons

Home emergency: fire, storm or flood, burglary

Bad weather – affects the departure of flights and ships.

Will refund the full cost of your holiday

Pays out if you need to cancel or cut short a trip because you fall ill for example

Covers pre-paid expenses such as excursions

Covers extra costs incurred to get home.

Any Questions? Call Now:
0800 652 5986

When you are away:

Driving abroad - before you go:

Don't go without taking:

Whilst you’re away:

Hiring a vehicle:

Motorbikes:

Pedestrians:

Bus and Coaches:

Travel money:

Before you go:




	The team at packyourbags want to make sure that you have the best holiday possible, so we have put together this travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there. Travelling within the EU? Then get a free European Health Insurance Card 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. Research your destination – know the local laws and customs Check the FCO’s country travel advice 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. All first time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to verify their identity. It now takes up to six weeks to get a first passport. For more information please visit www.ips.gov.uk For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them 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 for us to contact someone if necessary Tell a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travellers cheque - make a note of the cheques’ numbers before you go Invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip 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 Check HM Revenue & Customs website "Travel" for information on duty-free allowances, banned goods etc. 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 Consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you’re away. Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate 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 Use your judgement when buying and eating food you’ve not prepared yourself Respect the environment – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don’t drop litter Check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK Driving abroad - before you go: Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting – including local speed limits and which side of the road they drive on! You should be aware that provisional licences are a national document issued within the framework of driver training and do not entitle the holder to drive outside the territory of the issuing member state. Check with your insurance company that you’re fully covered to drive abroad including breakdown recovery and any medical expenses resulting from an accident Check whether you need a Green Card for the country you’re visiting – this provides minimum insurance Check whether you need an International Driving Permit Service your vehicle before leaving the UK Check you can comply with the vehicle requirements of the countries you’ll visit. Don't go without taking: A spare set of car keys Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs A warning triangle Your registration document, driving licence and passport- check if you’ll need an International Driving Permit Your UK motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued) Breakdown policy and contact numbers Travel insurance documents Emergency helpline numbers Whilst you’re away: Drive defensively and expect the unexpected – the local driving style may be different to that of the UK Don’t drive when you’re tired and take regular breaks on long journeys Always wear a seat belt and make sure other passengers do to Don’t drink and drive – the alcohol limit may be lower than in the UK and in some countries there is zero tolerance for drink driving Don't use your mobile whilst driving Don’t overload your vehicle and ensure you can see out of the back window If you’re involved in an accident, contact your insurer immediately and take photographs of damage to your vehicle Hiring a vehicle: Hire from a reputable company – the cheapest deal may not always be the best! Insurance cover is often limited to the legal minimum of the country or state you hire in. You could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit. Ask your tour operator or insurer if they can provide top-up insurance to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad. Motorbikes: Make sure your travel insurance covers you before you decide to drive or be a passenger on a motorbike - check the exclusions carefully Travelling by motorcycle, scooter or moped is significantly more dangerous than by car - if you’re not accustomed to riding a motorcycle you should not attempt to ride one for the first time abroad on unfamiliar roads If you do decide to hire a motorcycle or scooter, make sure you use a reputable hire company – check that they are licensed to hire bikes to tourists Always wear a helmet and protective clothing, whether you’re the driver or a passenger There should never be more than two people on a bike Never ride the bike when you have been drinking alcohol If you hire quad bikes check your travel insurance covers you for their use. Only hire them from a reputable company and find out whether it’s legal to ride them on the public road Ensure your insurance includes third party cover Pedestrians: When crossing the road, remember that traffic may from coming from the opposite direction to that you expect Don’t assume drivers will stop at zebra crossings Jay-walking is illegal in many countries – always cross at designated points Ace the oncoming traffic when walking along the roadside – this way you will be able to see vehicles approaching you When walking around at night, wear light coloured clothing so that you're clearly visible to drivers Take a torch with you to help you see your way in dimly lit areas where the ground could be uneven and possibly unsafe. Bus and Coaches: If you have concerns over the safety of the vehicle don’t get on and inform the tour rep or organiser. You should always wear a seatbelt if one is available and avoid travelling in overcrowded vehicles Travel money: Don’t be a victim of theft and fraud when you’re abroad. Before you go: Get some local currency - order less common currencies a week in advance Order a mixture of cash and travellers’ cheques Write down the numbers on your travellers’ cheques Write down your credit card numbers and expiry dates – leave a copy at home Check your credit card is valid in the country you’re visiting Note your credit card’s emergency cancellation phone number Take enough money to cover emergencies When you’re away: Familiarise yourself with the local currency as soon as you arrive Don’t carry more money than you need for the day/evening If you need to carry a lot of cash ask your partner or friend to carry some for you Keep a small amount of cash in your wallet and the rest in a secure money belt or inside pocket If you have several credit/debit cards, only take one out with you Leave your cash, cards and travellers’ cheques in a hotel safe – check it is secure Don’t pass on any personal (e.g. bank) details unless you are confident the request is genuine as financial scams are becoming increasingly common worldwide. Travel insurance: Many people deeply regret not taking out travel insurance. They think their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover is sufficient. The real cost when things go wrong: An emergency abroad can be extremely expensive. If you need to be returned to the UK it could cost you thousands of pounds, unless you are adequately insured: £35-45,000 - air ambulance from USA’s East coast £12-16,000 - air ambulance from the Canary Islands £15-20,000 - scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort from Australia Figures supplied by FirstAssist Services Ltd. Remember: the British Embassy or High Commission will not pay for this. Packyourbags are FSA regulated, which means we are certified by the Financial Services Association to sell insurance. We can provide you with travel insurance even if you haven't booked your holiday with us. Get your travel insurance with us today by calling Freephone 0800 652 5986. What should my travel insurance policy cover: Medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad 24 hour emergency service and assistance. Personal liability covers in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property. Lost and stolen possessions cover. Cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover. Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as jet skiing. The policy should cover the whole time that you’re away. Your policy may also have: Personal accident cover Legal expenses cover Financial protection if your airline goes bankrupt before or during your trip Common travel insurance policy exclusions: Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy: Most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents. 60% of travel insurance policies now cover terrorism. Where possible, ensure that your policy does not exclude terrorism. You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you. Travel insurance buying tips: Cheaper policies will usually have less cover – for some the price seems most important, but is it worth the initial saving? With packyourbags we can give you a full cover at a great and highly competitive price – don’t take the risk of cheap policies, they may not cover you when it really matters! Consider annual multi-trip insurance if you make several trips a year – you’ll save time and money. Cancelling or cutting a trip short: A good insurance policy will cover you for cancelling or cutting a trip short. Check carefully to see exactly what you’re covered for: taking an insurance policy with packyourbags.com will cover you for the following, subject to terms and conditions. Accident Illness Pregnancy (unknown when you buy the policy) Jury service or witness summons Home emergency: fire, storm or flood, burglary Redundancy Strikes Bad weather – affects the departure of flights and ships. Ensure your policy: Will refund the full cost of your holiday Pays out if you need to cancel or cut short a trip because you fall ill for example Covers pre-paid expenses such as excursions Covers extra costs incurred to get home. It is important that when you book your Travel Insurance you make sure that Travel Company holds an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) or is a member of an association that can offer financial protection like packyourbags.com for your travel arrangements, e.g. ABTA or AITO. Personal liability insurance: If you accidentally cause an injury to someone or damage their property they may sue you. Good travel insurance will cover you for personal liability. Personal accident cover – disability and death: Travel insurance can cover a personal accident payment made for permanent disability or death. Cover for stolen, lost or damaged possessions: You can normally choose the limit in your policy. Limits for single items such as cameras and jewellery can vary from as little as £250 up to £1000 or more. Check these limits are adequate and realistic. You should report a loss to the Police within 24 hours. Proof of notification will be required when you make your claim. All insurance policies say that you must take care of your belongings at all times. If you don’t, the policy may not pay out. Tip: take as much care of your property as if it were uninsured. Lost baggage on flights: Do not rely on compensation from an airline if it loses your luggage. By law, airlines only have to pay a specified minimum value per kilo of lost luggage. This is unlikely to cover the full value of your things. Legal expenses cover: Taking out legal expenses cover will help you to pursue compensation or damages following personal injury while you're abroad – very important in countries without a legal aid system.