Twenty Top Travel Tips

In preparation

" Make sure you have travel insurance. " Get together some information on your destination, such as recommended restaurants, nightspots and excursions. The internet has a whole host of sites with free information that you can print out. Also, you can print out useful words and phrases if youre unfamiliar with the language. " Double check your flight times, and plan your routes  not just to the airport, but also for when you get there if youre hiring a car. " Check youve bought the essentials such as chargers; plug adaptors, bug repellent, sun cream and a first-aid kit. " Check your home insurance is in place. " Set timers for both lights and, in the winter, heating/hot water  so your pipes dont freeze. " Cancel any regular deliveries, throw away perishable items and empty your bins. " Give a friend or family member spare keys, just in case, and some brief details of your holiday too. " If necessary, ensure youve had any vaccinations needed and check if there are VISA requirements.

On the day of travel

" Take an extra wallet/purse to hold things that you wont need until you return, like car keys, house keys and any English money. This can then be in a safe place, locked in your room, or your rooms safe, until you leave. " Make sure you have valuable items on you, and have not packed them in your hold luggage: e.g. expensive jewellery, passport, money etc. " Check your hand luggage has nothing sharp in it and that all your liquid items dont exceed 100ml each  or the items will be confiscated. You are asked to put these items in one see-through bag with a litre capacity. " Ensure youve securely locked the house up, stored any valuables away from view and unplugged any electrical appliances.

For the plane

" Wear layers  the air conditioning on the plane is usually out of your control, and you want to be able to keep yourself at a comfortable temperature. " On long-haul flights remember to walk around the cabin every now and then, or at least do the recommended foot and leg exercises, to reduce the chances of DVT. " Keep hydrated. Long flights with air conditioning can not only give you a dry throat, but also dehydrate the body. Drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Even if its free, it can still dehydrate you!

Whilst Away

" Divide your money up between family members and dont take all of your holiday money out with you  leave some of it locked away in your room. Be aware of pickpockets who prey on tourists. " Write your hotel address on a piece of paper and keep it on you at all times. Then youll have something to show a taxi driver if you dont speak the language and get lost. " Use plenty of sun-cream if its hot. You dont want to get so burnt on the first day that you ruin the whole trip. " And finally& enjoy yourself!

Rob James is the Communication Coordinator for Direct Travel, providers of travel insurance