Counting down the days until your holiday? Whether you’re heading off on a quick weekend city break, long beach getaway or embarking on a bucket-list cruise, getting ready to travel is always exciting. But amidst the packing and the daydreaming about poolside cocktails, there is a checklist of things you need to sort out before you step onto the plane.

To help you get holiday-ready without the stress, we’ve put together the ultimate pre-travel checklist. Here is everything you need to check off before you go. 

Step 1: The Planning Phase (A few weeks before)

Before you even start hunting for your passport, there are a few big-picture things to sort out.

• Booking accommodation and transport. When booking your stay, check the following information before finalising your holiday itinerary. 
  • Verify booking details and passenger names. Ensuring that transport tickets and accommodation reservations exactly match the spelling on valid passports prevents unexpected fees or boarding issues at the departure gate.
  • Make sure your passport documentation is still valid. For the EU and Schengen Area, British passports must be less than 10 years old on the day of arrival and retain at least 3 months of validity beyond the planned departure date, with visa-free stays limited to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. For the United States, passports generally only need to remain valid for the actual duration of the stay, but travel directly to the US requires an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) prior to boarding.
  • Review cancellation and refund policies. Many transport providers and hotels offer various booking tiers, with flexible or free-cancellation options often providing extra security if itineraries need to be adjusted closer to the departure date.
  • Confirm check-in windows and deposit rules. Accommodation providers and car rental companies frequently require a physical credit card in the primary guest's name to hold a security deposit upon arrival, rather than accepting debit cards or mobile contactless payments.
  • Travel insurance providers can cover cancellations or rescheduling if stuff goes wrong, that includes if you get injured or ill. Travel insurance is valid from the moment you take out the policy until you’re home, it means you can claim even if you’re a few weeks out from your holiday. 
  • Declare pre-existing medical conditions. Insurers generally require full disclosure of your medical history when setting up a policy, as omitting details can lead to a claim being refused - even if you’re not making a medical claim! 
  • Review the covered activities list. If you’re into adventure holidays, or you like to be active when you’re away, you can see which activities are covered on your policy. Winter sports account for 11% of all travel insurance claims, so it’s worth checking whether these need to be added as an optional add-on.
  • Verify common activity exclusions. Standard travel insurance policies frequently exclude specific activities. These often include quad biking, off-piste skiing outside resort boundaries, competitive or professional sports, marathon (often only covered if they’re not the only reason for the trip), and heavy manual labor (such as lifting over 25kg or using power tools).
  • Check cruise-specific terms. Sea voyages generally require an optional Cruise Cover add-on, so if you’re heading off on a trip around the world,  review the covered activities list in your policy. 

Step 2: The Packing & Prep (The week before)

The countdown is officially on, here’s what to do a week before you go on holiday. Time to tick off the essentials.

• Check the FCDO advice. Keep an eye on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice on travelling to your destination right up until your departure, especially while there is global disruption going on.
• Grab a GHIC if you’re heading to Europe. If you're travelling to the EU, you can apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) from the NHS. When you present your GHIC at a public healthcare facility, medical treatment is provided free or at reduced cost under the reciprocal health agreement between the UK and EU. When you use a reciprocal health agreement or private health insurance to reduce medical costs, your travel insurance excess may be waived from your claim.
• Pack extra medications. Always bring a few days' extra supply of your regular meds in case of delays.
• Set up a secure document folder. Make sure you keep all your documents - including your passport, boarding pass, and others - in a safe place while travelling. 

Step 3: At the Airport & On the Move

You’ve made it to the departure lounge! But what happens if travel disruption hits? Here’s your immediate game plan:

1. Missed Departures or Connections. Make sure to always arrive early to the airport, in line with the guidance of the airline you’re travelling with - this generally tends to be 2 hours in advance for shorthaul and 3 hours for longhaul flights. 
2.  Flight Cancellations or Delays.  If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your airline should be your first port of call. Contact them to understand your entitlements and available remedies. Your travel insurance may also provide additional cover for certain disruption scenarios—review your policy schedule for details.
3.  Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Luggage. Bags gone missing? Take these steps:

• If your luggage is stolen, report the theft to the local police and get a crime reference number.
• Get written confirmation if your bags go missing with a hotel or transport provider.
• If an airline loses them, get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) within their strict time limit.
• Top Tip: Loss or theft of valuables left unattended may not be covered under Travel Insurance unless deposited in a safe or locked accommodation! If you aren’t physically with your stuff, or if it's not locked away in a safe, safety deposit box, or locked accommodation, loss or theft of valuables, documents, or personal money probably won't be covered.

Ready to head off?

Preparation is key to a stress-free holiday. By taking a few simple steps before you leave, and making sure you have the right cover in place, you can kick back and relax knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens.