Now that we find ourselves in the midst of the summer holiday season, we’d better get on with it or before we know it, it will be finished! Joss Harwood in his article “Relish your holiday but avoid any pickle” discusses what we should do in the event of anything going wrong on holiday as well as how to minimise the effects of potential disasters before you set off.
The article observes a number of things that we ought to do before we set off on holiday, that we don’t do. With regards to money, be aware that withdrawing cash from an ATM often incurs an additional charge of a minimum of £2 to £3. Stretch your money out by not withdrawing small sums. It doesn’t make sense to take out small amounts like £10 when you have to face a thirty percent charge.
Another money saving pointer! If you are going abroad, save money getting your currency converted by using the people who don’t charge commission such as the Post Office!
If your mobile phone gets stolen, you should report this to your provider immediately so they can block your account. As all calls made on it are your responsibility until you report it stolen, a good tip is to remove your SIM card and place it in your wallet, then place your wallet securely about your person. An alternative s to get a limit put on the phone. To do this, you will need to speak to your provider too.
In the event of something going wrong on holiday where you need hospital care, do not panic for you will have already given consideration to the following details before your trip (hopefully!). In Europe (or specifically a European Economic Area or Switzerland), you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Obtained from the Department of Health, one of these cards will entitle you to the treatment and care that you would receive in the UK. Unfortunately we do not have a reciprocal arrangements with the US so if you were to require hospital treatment, you had better have adequate travel insurance.
While sorting out your travel insurance cover, you should take into account, your valuable belongings like your passport and money as well as luggage and delayed or cancelled flights. Make your motor insurer aware of any plans to take your car abroad, as this may affect your cover. While you are at it, ensure you have suitable overseas breakdown insurance also.
In essence, the things to do before you leave include making a list of important telephone numbers in case a credit card gets stolen or you lose your mobile phone. Make sure you also have the details of your travel insurance company. Ensure you have your EHIC and any car registration papers, green card and emergency numbers for breakdown. While away, leave your pet insurance documents with the kennels or cattery and entrust your house insurance details are left with a neighbour or trusted key holder in case of problems.
That is about it. You are now ready to embark on your holiday!