Booking a holiday is just the beginning; securing travel insurance should follow swiftly. An annual travel insurance plan can be a cost-effective choice if you’re planning multiple trips. For instance, a quote on Comparethemarket showed that a one-week break in France costs £5.55 for an individual in their 40s, whereas an annual policy covering multiple EU trips starts at £12.15. These basic policies are economical, but for higher coverage or fewer exclusions, expect to pay more. Be aware that most annual policies cap each stay, often at 24 days.
Travel insurance typically covers emergency medical treatment, repatriation, and cancellations due to illness or government travel advisories. Ensure you declare any pre-existing conditions and thoroughly read the policy terms to understand what is covered.
Look After Your Pets
Ensuring your pets are well-cared for while you’re away can be managed through various services. Professional dog sitting in London, as listed on Gudog, averages £32 per night. For cat care, Happymeow offers daily visits at £20 or twice-daily visits at £39. Alternatively, you can find individuals willing to care for your pets in exchange for accommodation through services like TrustedHousesitters.
For added peace of mind, having both home and pet insurance is advisable if someone is staying in or visiting your home. Most professional house-sitters carry public liability insurance. According to Mark Shepherd of the Association of British Insurers, inviting someone to stay generally doesn’t invalidate home insurance, but it’s wise to check for specific exclusions related to theft or damage.
Manage Roaming Charges
Roaming charges can vary widely among UK providers post-Brexit. Virgin Media/O2, Tesco Mobile, and smaller providers like GiffGaff have not imposed new charges for European travel. However, EE, Vodafone, and Three have introduced fees.
EE charges £2.47 per day for data, calls, and texts within their EU roaming zone, or £25 for a month-long pass. Vodafone offers a daily pass at £2.42 or package deals for £12 (eight days) or £17 (15 days), with some plans including EU roaming. Three’s Go Roam service costs £2 per day, with options for £5 three-day passes and £12 seven-day passes.
For those on pay-monthly contracts, it’s essential to check if roaming is included in your plan. Pay-as-you-go customers and travelers to non-EU destinations should verify charges and available packages before departure. Notably, Turkey and Morocco often surprise travelers with higher fees.
Pack Adapters
Modern travel involves carrying multiple electronic devices. UK plug adapters compatible with EU, US, or worldwide sockets cost around £5. Consider bringing a four or six-gang extension lead to use multiple UK plugs with a single adapter. Alternatively, USB chargers with detachable cables, like the Anker 543 (£30), offer versatility. EU-compatible figure-8 cables are available for £5 from Maplin or local stores abroad.
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Weigh Your Baggage
Understanding airline baggage policies can save money. Weigh your packed luggage to ensure it meets cabin baggage restrictions or determine if you need to check it in. Bringing home souvenirs can push your luggage over the weight limit, so plan accordingly.
Different airlines have varying baggage rules. British Airways allows a small bag (40 x 30 x 15cm) and a second cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25cm) with a combined weight of up to 23kg. Economy Basic passengers pay for checked luggage. EasyJet offers one free bag (45 x 36 x 20cm, up to 15kg), while Ryanair allows one free bag (40 x 20 x 25cm). Always verify specific airline allowances, especially when purchasing new suitcases.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother and more cost-effective holiday experience.