We all remember that classic film moment in Home Alone when Kevin was left at home because of the manic rush to catch the plane… Whilst this might seem extreme, recent research from E.ON revealed some shocking pre-holiday organisation:
· Almost one in 10 holidaymakers have left a loved one at home in their rush to catch their flight
· 17% said that they have left important holiday documents such as passports
· Almost one in five have forgotten their luggage
So if you’re planning a holiday, here are some organisation tips to make sure you have everything covered before you all head off.
1. Check you have all necessary documentation
Sounds obvious but ensure you have your passport, entry visas, tickets, driving licence, hotel confirmation and boarding pass, and keep them together in a plastic folder. Take a list of useful numbers with you in case of an emergency, for example emergency contact details for lost mobile phones or credit cards.
2. Make sure you’re aware of the luggage allowance
Being stuck at the check in desk with overweight luggage will not start your break off on the right track. Different flight companies have different allowances so make sure you know the limits before you start packing. There are many digital luggage scales around these days so invest in one of those - it will be cheaper than the excess baggage charge you’ll end up having to pay!
3. Lock up your house
E.ON also discovered that 13% of people forget to secure their homes before they go on holiday, leaving them vulnerable to robbery.
Double check the doors and windows and ask a family member or neighbour to check on the house and move any mail left behind the door (an indication that the property is empty). Remember that if you haven’t properly secured your home before going on holiday your insurance may be invalid, so taking the time to check everything is important.
4. Take out travel insurance and EHIC if you’re off to Europe
Make sure you have an up to date European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), this will ensure that you are covered should any of you get ill in Europe. EHIC is free to apply for so avoid any websites that are charging a fee. Visit the NHS website to get your card.
Please note that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, things can still go wrong such as lost or stolen baggage or delayed flights so make sure you’re covered.
5. Get your finances in check
Travel money ordered at the last minute will cost you more, so it’s advisable to shop around online for the best deals which can then be picked up or delivered.
Remember to let your bank know you’re going abroad and that you intend to use your card overseas, if sudden overseas activity causes them to become suspicious your card might be stopped – so remember to take down their phone number just in case.
To read more tips on organisation, click here. Otherwise, happy holidays!
