What do you have to do before going on holiday abroad?

Question

I'm going away with a few friends to Italy. I don't know how long for as it really depends on how things go, I don't know where we're going because, well, wheres the fun in that? But do I need insurance or anything and where do I get it from? And what else would I need document-wise?

Answer 1

If you're not sure as to the length of the trip, buy a blue ticket from STA, it's a student ticket or for someone under 26. Be specific on this type of ticket, as it is by far the most flexible ticket on the market. You can change dates, before and after departure, change your route (ie fly back from somewhere different), refund all or part of the ticket (if you don't come home) and you can change dates after your flight (ie you wake up 2 hours after your flight left, this is a biggie, most other tickets will cancel if you are a no show).

As for insurance, it's not a bad thing to have, but not necessarily vital. Insurance covers medical (from hospital visits to emergency evacuation (airlift to hospital)), baggage protection (if things are lost or stolen), trip cancellation (if you or a travel companion can't go because of a valid reason, you can get your money back).

Depending on how much you will be moving around Italy, and/or Europe, a rail pass is not a bad thing to look into.

As for other documents, make copies of your passport, tickets, etc, before leaving, best solution is to make scans and put them on a webserver (in your email inbox, for example) in case you need copies.

That's all the documents I can think of that you might need. Hope this helps. All of this you can sort out at STA Travel (tickets, insurance). I spent two years working there, which is why I know their products, and 3.5 years traveling the world, which is why I know their products work well.

Answer 2

Check that your passport is not out of date.Get travel insurance for the max length of your holiday- make sure that you read the small print before you buy as there may be health restrictions that apply.
Buy insurance from an insurance broker or on line as this is cheaper than the travel agent insurance. Take two copies of your passport and insurance policy and leave one set with your relatives at home.
Cash -If you have a Nationwide Visa debit card (UK) this is the cheapest way to get cash abroad from a cash machine( they charge less) , but also take some travellers cheques and maybe a little in £ sterling for emergencies. You wont need any injections for Italy or a visa if you are a UK citizen ,but the E111 Insurance from the post office is is a good idea. Don't forget the contraceptives !

Answer 3

I'm assuming you're British.

You'll need a passport that is current and valid for the duration of the trip to Italy. You won't need a visa. If you have less than 9 months on the passport, it may be worth getting a renewal and asking for the unexpired time to be added to the new passport. Visit the Passport Office website http://www.passport.gov.uk/index.asp for more info.

You will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for medical treatment if travelling within the EU. The Department of Health http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/fs/en and the NHS website https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do can provide info on what it covers and how to apply.

You will need insurance that will ar least the medical cover that the EHIC does not. Worldwide Insure http://www.worldwideinsure.com/ where I have got my insurance from for the last 10 years or so. They have excellent customer service and their coverage is very good for the price.

Take two bank cards: a Mastercard and a visa. Keep them separate. That way if one is stolen or does not work, you still have the other one. Nationwide Building Society http://www.nationwide.co.uk/default.htm issue Visa cards and do not charge commission for foreign transactions. The Post Office http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1?catId=19400177&mediaId=34100665 issue Mastercards and do not charge commission for foreign transactions either.

If you're going to be staying in Youth Hostels, it may be worth your while becoming a member of the English Youth Hostel Association. Visit http://www.yha.org.uk/ for more information.

Also buy a Lonely Planet travel guide http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ for Italy from your local bookshop as it will help answer some of the questions you will have.

Answer 4

There are many insurance companies around I use insure and go
you also would need your E111 card to qualify for medical care without paying,fill in a form from your local post office or on line(type in E111 form).Don't forget your passport and it must have 6 months left on it when you return to the UK.Money wise either use travellers cheques or plastic.
Have fun

Answer 5

you will need a full passport with at least 6 months on it. travel insurance is very important & you can get it almost anywhere now, just shop around for the best price. also make sure you have your E111 which is your medical cover in the EU. you can get the form in the post office. ok just check that all your injections are up 2 date. have a good time, dave

Answer 6

Documents:
Passport,
Visa.
Check with the Italian immigration authorities about how long you are ALLOWED to stay in their country on a VISA.
Fun, or no fun, they MAY require you to have an address in Italy so you don't become a bum on their streets and a liability for their social system.
As far as insurance, check with a local agent in the US and see if they have a foreign countries policy available.

Answer 7

Talk to a travel agent. Their services are free. You will need a passport, travel insurance and possibly other documents. The travel agent can get you ins.

Answer 8

travel insurance is a must and an e111 card would be good,, both can be got at the post office

Answer 9

there's no better value http://www.cheapholidaysun.com