Holiday Checklist

THINGS TO TAKE WITH YOU: Documents

Please make sure you take with you:

A valid passport, your tickets, baggage labels, holiday invoice, driving licence and car hire voucher if you intend to hire a car, a copy of your holiday insurance cover and your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).

You are advised to take suitcases and holdalls with wheels as porters and trolleys are not always available.

Money - it is advisable to take a small amount of local currency with you - however, please be aware that most insurers will only cover the first £250 in the event of loss or theft (please check your policy). Eurocheques, travellers' cheques, credit & debit cards - it is advisable to check whether these are accepted in the country to which you are travelling. You may have difficulty using a debit card and travellers' cheques are no longer widely accepted by hotels and banks. NB Italy - Most hotels and the majority of banks do not accept travellers' cheques.

Vital medication - if you have to take vital medication regularly for any reason, please take a sufficient supply for the length of your stay and it is advisable to carry a supply in your hand luggage and a prescription where possible. Passengers suffering from allergies and having special dietary requirements e.g. diabetics, are advised to carry in their hand baggage a supply of foods* that may be required in the event of a delay, as suitable meals may not be available at airports.
Important: If you suffer from a medical condition which requires you to carry a syringe, it is essential that you contact Palmair Client Services Tel: 01202 200700 to be advised of the special procedures involved.

Passengers travelling with young children are advised to carry a supply of disposable nappies, sweets, drinks and toys in the hand baggage, in the event of a delay.

Passports and Visas

A standard 10 year passport is required for travel to Europe. Please ensure that your passport is valid for the period of your holiday and any additional timescale stipulated by the country you are visiting. It is the passenger's responsibility to have the correct documentation which should be completely intact, any sign of tampering or serious damage may result in your not being able to travel on holiday. Persons holding passports other than British may require a Visa and should therefore check with their travel agent or appropriate consul.

It is important to apply for new passports well in advance of your departure date. Passport photos now have to meet stricter quality standards and photo booths are being upgraded with digital technology, those that meet with the new high resolution standards will have a sticker indicating this. For further information regarding biometric passports visit website www.ukpa.gov.uk.

For all first time applicants for a UK passport who are over the age of 16, the Passport Office will need to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and you will have to attend an interview. This means that the application process will take longer. If you are 16 or over and haven't yet got a passport, the recommendation is that you should apply for one at least six weeks before your holiday.

For information, telephone the National Enquiry Line 0870 521 0410 or access the website: www.passport.gov.uk or email: info@passport.gov.uk

Passengers on all domestic flights are also required to provide a valid passport or other photographic ID (for details of acceptable ID, please call 01202 200700).

Worried about travel to a specific country?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides advice for British travellers to stay safe overseas. Before you travel overseas, check the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.com. It is packed with essential travel advice and tips, and up to date country specific information.