For the average family holiday encompassing a trip to a European country, or similar,
Preparation is not too tricky but is still essential. For those travelling further a field, there may be much more to consider.
Picture if you will, a holiday to a popular British tourist destination such as Lanzarote (one of the Canary Islands). In most resorts on this island, you should find everything you need is close at hand as they are very tourist orientated. Preparation for this holiday should not be too difficult, although there are still several items that should be regarded as essential.
First of all and most important; make sure you have a European health card (replaces E111 form), which can be applied for through your local post office. This will ensure that if you were to have an accident the initial emergency treatment will be covered (in most countries). To add to this you should seek a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy. This will cover you for eventualities such as theft (in terms of items, cash and baggage), cancellation, personal injury and many other varying possibilities. Something you should be aware of is the need to file a police report if you are a victim of theft. If you do not file a report within the first 24-48 hours (varies, usually the former) you will not be able to claim.
After that brief scare we shall continue along similar lines to talk about holiday money.
The main thing to consider here is what forms this should come in. You should never have your entire holiday spend in cash. It more prudent, for interests of safety to have the remaining amount loaded onto on of the new breeds of pay as you go currency cards. These are basically visa connect cards with chip and pin, that can be preloaded with credit to use. A brilliant idea as if they are stolen they are as secure as a debit/credit card. Most companies offering this service will also have in place duplicate card security to allow a second card to be hidden somewhere in case of theft of the first. As mentioned above, holiday money will also most probably be covered on your holiday insurance policy.
Another essential piece of kit you should take with you is a first aid kit. This can be invaluable and is easy to stock yourself with essential items, such as; Loperamide (anti-diarrhoea drug), antihistamines (in case of insect bite/ prickly heat rash), pain killers (such as paracetamol), hangover cure, antiseptic wipes/liquid, plasters, cotton wool, emollient cream, indigestion remedies, thermometer, first aid scissors and anything else you can think of (Vinegar can be especially useful to neutralise jelly fish stings).
To enter into a topic that is always readily addressed and repeated in articles such as this, don't forget sun cream. This is possible one of the most important items to take and something that cannot be overrated. You most probably already know that the sun is at it's strongest between the hours of 11am and 3pm. It is important to apply at least a factor 15 sun cream/block and reapply this every 2 hours and after swimming (even if the product suggests it is waterproof) Small children should be kept out of direct sunlight if possible and covered wherever necessary. Sun block of factor 50+ is advisable if young children are to be exposed to the sun.
See part 2 for information on travelling further a field.
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