Know before you go
A government backed scheme to get us checking before we travel.
Having worked in travel for many years now, the one thing that we have always recommended to our clients is to do a little background research. It is amazing the doors a few words of the local language can open, or the God send that a headtorch can be when stumbling around in the dark! With this in mind, we have teamed up with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in their "know before you go" campaign, which addresses a few of the main issues that you need to think about when traveling abroad.
The FCO website (www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo) offers straightforward travel advice, top tips and up to date country information to help you plan your holiday.
Tips include:
· Make sure you have valid travel insurance, even if you’re only planning a short trip. Please see the recent info graphic that they have prepared.
· Check what vaccinations you need by visiting www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk, your travel health clinic or GP at least 6 weeks before you travel
· Read up on your destination, local laws and customs. Check the FCO travel advice pages or sign up for email alerts for the latest information.
· Tell family and friends where you are going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details and your itinerary and/or store them online using a secure date storage
· Make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies.
· Check your passport and requirements for the country you are visiting.
It’s also worth reading up on what the local British Consulate can do to help if you run into problems abroad – and what they can’t do. You can also find handy checklists to use before and during your trip.
For more information, visit the FCO website or call the 24 hour FCO travel advice line on 0845 850 2829.