Travel Tips

Buying Insurance

• Do not risk travelling without buying Freedom Travel Insurance – it could cost you a lot more in the long run. 

 

Before you go

• Make sure all your exterior doors and windows are equipped with good quality locks.
• If possible, arrange for someone to check on your home while you are away.
• Putting some of the lights inside your home on variable timing devices will give a lived-in appearance.
• Check that your home contents policy is up to date and that any expensive items you plan to take on your trip are insured.
• Ensure that passports and visas are up to date and valid.
• Photocopy important documents including airline tickets and passports. Place them in your suitcase and hand luggage and leave a copy at home.
• Check that your EHIC is still valid. This replaced form E111 from 1^st January 2006. If you need to apply for a new EHIC, visit  www.dh.gov.uk for further details on how to apply.
• It is important that you have all the necessary vaccinations for the country you are visiting.
• If you are travelling to a ‘high risk’ area, visit the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk this knowledge can help you assess the risks and take any necessary precautions during your stay. Check your travel insurance to ensure you are covered for travelling to these areas.
• Give your travel plans, to people you can trust in case of an emergency.
• When packing, do not put valuables in ‘check-in’ baggage.
•  Cancel newspapers/milk.

 

At the Airport 

• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the airport.
• If you plan to leave your car at the airport whilst away, remember to take note of you car’s location.
•  Never leave your luggage unattended. 
•  When your luggage arrives on the conveyor belt remember to check that it is not damaged before leaving the airport. If your luggage is lost or damaged, report it to the airline immediately and ask for a written report before you leave the airport.

 

Business Travel 

• Business people, who travel to ‘high-risk’ countries, should consider arranging special kidnap, ransom and extortion insurance.
• Check your company has arranged proper travel insurance.
• Ensure all personnel files are closely guarded. 
•  Do not use a laptop in public areas for processing sensitive information.
•   Do not keep computer passwords, safe combinations and important company information in your hotel room. Ensure it is kept in a safe place.
•  Avoid using company logos, names or business cards to identify luggage.
• Never leave your laptop or briefcase unattended.  

 

Driving Abroad – using your own vehicle 

• Check whether your vehicle is due for a Service before you travel.
•  Get a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle for your vehicle. Many of these items are a legal requirement in some EU countries.
• Don't forget that a GB sticker is a legal requirement in most countries.
• Remember to take your car registration and insurance documents, Green Card (if issued), driving licence and passport, details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers - but don't leave them in the car when unattended.
• Tell your motor insurer that you are taking your vehicle abroad. UK motor policies usually provide the cover required for the EU and certain other countries, but this does not normally include theft, fire or damage and, may not completely cover personal liability. Extend your policy to cover these areas whilst abroad.
•  If hiring a car, make sure you have adequate insurance cover, especially in the USA.
•  Check that your vehicle breakdown insurance covers travel abroad. If not, extend the cover or buy a separate specialist breakdown policy for the duration of your trip.
•  Park your car in a secure parking area.
•  Parking garages can sometimes be difficult to find and may have less than adequate security and lighting. If this is the case, particularly in high crime cities, park elsewhere in a well-lit place.
•  If an attacker tries to pull you over or block your way, do not stop the car - sound the horn, flash your headlights to attract attention and stay in the locked car if possible.
• Always keep the car locked and check inside and outside the car when getting in.
•  Avoid leaving your possessions in an unattended vehicle.
•    Never pick up hitch-hikers or strangers, no matter how innocent they may appear.  

 

Travel Tips - Emergencies

In the event of an EMERGENCY, e.g. death, medical incident, accidental injury or illness likely to require hospitalisation, repatriation or any major alteration to travel plans, call the 24-hour 'emergency assistance' helpline immediately. They will advise on and/or make the necessary arrangements for the best course of action.

In the event of THEFT e.g. theft of Personal Baggage, Property, Money or Documents:

Report the theft to the police authority as soon as possible. If you intend to make a claim against your travel insurance policy, you must report the theft within 24 hours and obtain an official report. Contact your travel insurer’s claims department as soon as you return home.

 

In the event of Loss or Damage of Personal Baggage, Property, Money or Documents:

Report the loss or damage to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible (if in a public place contact the police). If you intend to make a claim against your travel insurance policy, you must report the incident within 24 hours and obtain an official report.

If the loss or damage takes place on public transport or in a hotel, you must report the claim in writing to the carrier or hotel within 24 hours and obtain an official loss/damage report. Contact your travel insurer as soon as you return home.

Keep all receipts, accounts and documentary evidence. You will need these to make a claim against your travel insurance policy.

 

Travel Tips – Packing 

 

Equipment Backpack / beach bag Travel guides / maps Camera Film Batteries Torch Diary/Calendar Address book Sewing kit Umbrella Money belt First aid kit Phrase book Books Travel games Binoculars Mobile phone / or phone card    Money/documents Passport Insurance Tickets Vaccination certificate Drivers licence Drivers Green Card Photocopy of all documents Local currency Travellers cheques Credit card Wallet / purse Visas Document bag

Clothing Swimwear Jumpers T-shirts Shorts Underwear Socks Sandals Walking shoes Trousers Skirts Jacket Sarong Shirts / blouses Hat Dress Tie Flip flops    Personal/hygiene Sunglasses Make-up Scissors Women's hygiene products Condoms Perfume / aftershave Soap Hair care products Skin care products Sun creams Shaving cream Razor Deodorant Mosquito repellent Towel Tweezers

 

Travel Tips - When You Arrive 

• Do not leave your personal effects unattended anywhere.
•  Avoid travelling alone.
•  Familiarise yourself on the use of telephones. Find out how to make emergency telephone calls.
• Familiarise yourself with hotel emergency procedures.
• When checking-in to your hotel, arrange to have personal use of a safety deposit box for the safe-keeping of any valuables, money and documents. Items may not be covered for loss under your travel insurance if they are not kept in a safe.
• Always check that the water is drinkable, including water for food preparation as well as for cleaning teeth and ice making. 

 

Travel Tips - While You Are There 

• Beware of strong sun. Apply high factor protection sun creams frequently, wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids.
• Never leave your possessions unattended.
• Always take your room key with you.
• Only carry a minimum amount of cash.