Before you go on holiday it is important that you organize and plan carefully, to avoid common problems and ensure that your holiday runs smoothly. Here are a few essential issues you will need to sort out before you set out for your holiday:

* Passport – If you are travelling abroad you will need to make sure your passport is up to date, and has more than 6 months left before its expiry date. If you need a new passport you must organise this well before your holiday, as you will not be able to travel abroad without a valid passport. Certain countries also require you to apply for a visa that will allow you to enter the country on holiday, and again this can take some time to sort out so make sure you apply well in advance.
* Travel Insurance – A good policy will cover the costs if you or a member of your family falls ill and is not able to travel, and also pays out if your flight/train etc is cancelled. Travel insurance can also protect you if you are involved in an accident whilst away and most policies provide emergency funds and travel documents for you if your money/luggage is stolen or lost.
* Medical Cover - healthcare abroad can be very expensive, so make sure you have sorted out cover before you leave. If you are travelling from the UK then you can apply for an EHIC card from www.dh.gov.uk, which will cover you for emergency treatment, pre-existing illnesses and routine maternity care. You can also get private medical insurance to cover you whilst you are away, but these policies usually elude maternity cover.
* Luggage - making sure you have the right luggage before you start to pack can make things so much easier. Buy small bottles to transfer your favourite hair and beauty products into to save space in your luggage, and make sure you have the right sorts of clothes you need for the climate you are travelling to.
* Medications – if you take any prescription medicines make sure you pack enough for your trip, and also pack some everyday medications like paracetamol, indigestion tablets, diarrhoea/constipation pills etc… as it can be expensive and difficult buying these abroad.
* Maps/local amenities – it is a good idea to check out the place you are visiting online and get a feel for the local area and amenities before you go. You can purchase a map when you arrive, or better still order a map plus guidebook before you leave as this will also have some helpful tips on where to go and what to do. This can help prevent you from getting lost in unfamiliar places and also save time looking for things to do and places to go once you arrive.
* Connections – if you need any connecting flights, trains or even just taxis from the airport to your hotel then it can be a good idea to book these before you leave, especially around busy times of the year such as Christmas and mid summer. Although this may not necessarily save you money, it will save you a lot of hassle and stress, and should help prevent you wasting too much of your holiday waiting around in airport and train stations.
* Hire Cars - book hire cars before you leave, to ensure you get the right size car for your needs. This will also be much less stressful, as the car will be waiting for you to pick up when you arrive, and you will not have to worry about rushing around trying to find an available service. Most companies now also require booking to be done with a credit card, and will not accept cash bookings at all, which can be difficult for travellers as many leave their credit cards at home when travelling abroad.

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