Your summer holiday deserves a brilliant start.
Sun, sea and adventure await but a little preparation before you go makes all the difference. Here's everything you need to know to travel smart this summer.
Check GOV.UK Travel Advice
Before you head off
A bit of planning before you leave means more time to relax when you arrive. Here's your summer travel checklist.
Check the travel advice for your destination
The FCDO publishes up-to-date travel advice for every country. Entry requirements, safety conditions and health risks can all change quickly, so check before you book and again before you travel.
Get the right travel insurance
Don't leave home without it. Make sure your policy covers medical treatment, cancellation, lost baggage and any activities you're planning, from water sports to hiking. Buy it as soon as you book so you're covered if plans change. Read the FCDO insurance guide.
Check your GHIC / EHIC
Travelling within the EU? Your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers state-provided emergency healthcare, but it is not a replacement for travel insurance. Make sure it's in date and pack it alongside your policy documents.
Check your vaccinations
Some destinations require or recommend vaccinations before travel. Check the NHS Fit for Travel website and speak to your GP or a travel health clinic well in advance, as some courses need to start weeks before departure.
Check your passport validity
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Check this well before you travel, as renewing at short notice can be costly and stressful. If you're travelling to an EU country, be aware of the new EES border system too.
Share your travel details
Leave a copy of your itinerary, insurance policy number and emergency contact details with someone at home. Keep digital copies in your email too, so you can access them wherever you are if your wallet or phone is lost or stolen.
Don't risk it.
Get insured.
It might feel like an unnecessary expense when you're booking a summer break, but travel insurance can be the difference between a manageable situation and a financial disaster. Medical treatment abroad can cost tens of thousands of pounds without proper cover.
Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to enjoy. Water sports, excursions and adventure activities are often excluded from basic policies, so read the small print carefully before you travel.
Read the full FCDO insurance guideStaying safe in the sun
Once you're there, keep these tips in mind to make sure your summer holiday goes smoothly.
Sun safety
High UV levels abroad can cause severe sunburn quickly, especially around water and at altitude. Use high-factor sunscreen, reapply regularly, seek shade during the hottest part of the day and keep children protected at all times.
Stay hydrated
Heat and humidity can lead to dehydration much faster than you'd expect, especially in young children and older travellers. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and be cautious with tap water in destinations where it may not be safe to drink.
Water safety
Swimming in the sea, lakes or rivers carries real risks. Always supervise children closely near water, pay attention to local flags and warning signs on beaches, and never swim alone or under the influence of alcohol.
Road and vehicle safety
Road conditions and driving standards vary significantly around the world. If hiring a moped, scooter or quad bike, always wear a helmet, check your insurance covers it and familiarise yourself with local traffic laws before setting off.
Protect against insects
Mosquitoes and other insects can carry diseases including malaria, dengue fever and Zika virus in some destinations. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings and sleep under a mosquito net where needed.
Drink and food awareness
Be cautious about food hygiene standards, particularly from street vendors and in hot climates. Alcohol can also impair judgement in the heat and may intensify the effects of sun exposure. Stay aware and know your limits.
Health cards: what you need to know
Your GHIC or EHIC can help cover emergency healthcare in the EU, but it is not a substitute for travel insurance.
What it covers
Your Global Health Insurance Card or European Health Insurance Card gives you access to state-provided, medically necessary healthcare within EU countries and Switzerland on the same terms as a local resident. The treating healthcare provider decides what is medically necessary.
What it doesn't cover
Your GHIC or EHIC will not cover private medical care, repatriation to the UK, trip cancellation, lost or stolen belongings, or non-emergency treatment. It also provides no cover outside the EU and Switzerland, so you need full travel insurance regardless.
Check it's in date before you go
An expired card is no use in an emergency. Check your GHIC or EHIC expiry date before you travel. Renewing is free and straightforward through the NHS. Carry it alongside your travel insurance details, not instead of them.
Ready for a brilliant summer holiday?
A few minutes of preparation before you go means you can relax and enjoy every moment when you're there. Check the FCDO's travel advice for your destination, get the right insurance and travel with total confidence. Less hassle. More holiday.
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Information on this page is sourced from the FCDO. Always check GOV.UK for the most up-to-date travel advice for your destination.