Check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice online at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo, or contact the FCO on 0845 850 2829

Get adequate travel insurance

• make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
• make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year)
• make sure it covers you for all activities, including hazardous sports
• disclose pre-existing medical conditions
• take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency number with you
• if you have any doubts about the cover, check with your insurer

Take enough money for your trip

• consider taking travellers cheques and note numbers separately
• check your credit card is valid and check the expiry date
• make sure you have a source of back-up cash

Ensure you have a valid passport and the necessary visas

• make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months at return date
• take a photocopy with you and leave a copy at home
• write the full details of your next of kin in your passport
• make sure you have valid visas
• take another form of ID with you (preferably with a photograph)

Plan to stay healthy

• check what vaccinations you need with your GP at least six weeks before you travel
• check if your medication is legal in the country you are visiting
• pack your medication in your hand luggage
• if taking medication with you, also take the prescription and a GP's letter
• if travelling within the EEA (European Economic Area)1, get an EHIC from the Post Office, or at www.ehic.org.uk
• check to see if extra health precautions are needed for the country you are visiting (e.g. malaria zones)

Research your destination

• make sure you know about local laws especially relating to alcohol and drugs
• make sure you know about local culture especially relating to dress codes
• take a phrase book that you can use in emergencies

Plan to avoid trouble

• check the FCO up-to-date travel advice and travellers' tips
• tell friends and family where you are going
• contact family and friends if trouble flares up

Leave copies of important information with family and friends

• a copy of your passport and details of your next of kin
• a copy of your insurance document plus the 24-hour emergency number
• a copy of your ticket details
• a copy of your itinerary and a way of contacting you such as e-mail

1 Countries in the EEA (European Economic Area) are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK