ABTA Releases Essential Checklist to Jumpstart Your Summer Trips

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As the summer peak season draws near, ABTA – The Travel Association, is urging vacationers to utilize its Travel Checklist to ensure they are fully prepared for their upcoming trips.

This comprehensive eight-step guide includes verifying travel advisories from the Foreign Office for your destination, securing extensive travel insurance, adhering to current airport security regulations regarding liquids and laptops, and confirming the validity of your passport for your travel dates.

Graeme Buck, ABTA’s Director of Communications, said:

“Getting the final preparations in place for your holiday can be part of the excitement of going away, but it might also start that nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten to do something really important. That’s why we’ve put together our Travel Checklist – following the eight simple steps should make sure that preparing for your holiday this summer is as stress-free as possible!

“If you haven’t booked a summer holiday yet but would like to, an ABTA travel agent or tour operator is best placed to help you. They’re experts at helping you snap up a late deal, as they can have access to better prices and a wider choice of trips compared to booking independently.”

Here’s what ABTA’s Travel Checklist advises:

1. Consult the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice relevant to your destination.
2. Ensure your passport is valid for your travel period and renew it if necessary. For EU travel (excluding Ireland), passports must be issued within the last ten years and remain valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the EU.
3. Obtain extensive travel insurance that caters to your particular needs, including planned activities and any pre-existing health conditions.
4. If you don’t have a valid GHIC, apply for one at NHS.uk at no cost. This card grants you access to necessary medical care in the EU, Switzerland, Montenegro, the Channel Islands, and Australia.
5. Familiarize yourself with EU travel regulations concerning prohibited items, required documents for driving or traveling with pets, and possible roaming charges based on your mobile network.
6. Follow established regulations for carrying liquids and electronic devices in your hand luggage at airports to prevent travel delays.
7. Prepare your travel finances, considering the varying preferences for cash and card usage abroad. Ensure you have enough money for initial transport and small purchases.
8. Prioritize safety to make your trip memorable for the right reasons. When engaging in activities like swimming, adhere to safety measures, pay attention to local warning signs, and always supervise children near water. ABTA offers numerous tips to help you stay safe while enjoying your holiday.