How to prepare for your travel?

It's time to travel! The thought of travelling is exciting but at the same time, it can feel overwhelming for some people. And we understand them. That's why below you can find a simple travel checklist which will save you some nervousness and make sure you won't forget anything.

What is travel checklist?

The travel checklist is an easy guide for people who are planning to travel. The checklist contains a number of steps starting from the very choice of your desired destination up until the point of your arrival.

Travel checklist:

1. Choose your dream destination
2. Book the tickets
3. Book the accommodation
4. Prepare the necessary documents
5. Prepare the foreign currency
6. Plan your trip and check all the essential attractions
7. Book transportation
8. Packing time
9. Check your home before leaving
10. It’s time to enjoy your ultimate vacation

Quickly create your travel checklist:

If you want to have your personal travel account where you will have your own essential travel checklist, just create an account and we will make sure you are on the right track.

1. Choose your dream destination

In order to begin your journey, you have to choose where you want to go. The choice of your dream destination can be based on many factors, which we listed for you below:

❑ Budget
❑ Weather
❑ Season
❑ Type of Visa
❑ Language
❑ Travel buddies
❑ Travel goals
❑ Type of activities
❑ Country safety
❑ Duration of your trip
❑ Architecture
❑ Recommendations from other people

2. Book the tickets

Tickets

When you decide on where you want to travel - it's time to get you there! Depending on your choice, there could be different ways to travel to your final destination, but especially for medium to long haul destinations, the fastest way is by taking a plane. We recommend you to check the tickets in advance. If you are not sure where to purchase your tickets - check BudgetAir.co.uk to find flight options that fit your budget! You can also find our latest deals and promotions.

Travelling with pets

How do you travel with pets?

The requirements regarding flights with pets vary from airline to airline. It should be noted that not all airlines allow or provide animal transportation service. Also based on seasonality, certain type of pets may not be allowed for transportation.

• Check with the airline carrier(s): Prior to booking, check whether this service is available and the requirements
• Carrier/cage size and weight: After booking, don't forget to inform the airline(s).
• Preparing the necessary documentation (going to the vet, blood tests, immunizations, microchip id, permits, health certifications, veterinarian's note, etc)
• Reducing stress: Getting your pet used to be in a carrier, taking walks before going to the airport, asking your vet for advice, etc.

For EU citizens, important notes when travelling with pets and other animals in the EU.

Travelling with children

A trip with the youngest members of the family also might require some extra steps when it comes to booking flights and hotels. But don't worry, in case you are travelling with children, we recommend you to check our essential tips of flying with children. We will make sure you are prepared and will enjoy your family vacation without stress.

3. Book the accommodation

Finding a place to stay is an important step while planning your vacation. We recommend checking options of accommodation as soon as possible in order to have an overview what your destination has to offer. After you found your perfect place to stay - go ahead and book it. Most of the time if you book your accommodation in advance (meaning 2-4 months prior to your trip) - the price is lower. The choice of accommodation can be based on the following aspects:

❑ Budget
❑ Preferable location
❑ Number of guests
❑ Reviews
❑ Facilities
❑ Type of rooms
❑ Inclusion of breakfast
❑ 'All inclusive' option
❑ Transportation
❑ Free cancellation policy
❑ Pet-friendly

4. Prepare the necessary documents

Passport

If you are EU-citizen, then it's not required to show your passport or national ID while travelling from one border-free Schengen EU country to another. However, even if you don't need a passport to cross borders inside the Schengen region, it's always smart to have a passport or ID card with you so you can confirm your identity if necessary. For instance, if you are being stopped by police, boarding a plane, etc. In case you are a non-EU citizen, we suggest to check for more detailed information. Please note that the following documents are not being accepted as legitimate evidence of identification:

• Driver licences
• Student ID
• Postcards
• Bank cards
• Tax cards

Visa

What is a visa? Do I need a visa if I have a passport?

A visa is an official document that permits its holder to enter a foreign nation legally. Typically, the visa is stamped or affixed to the bearer's passport. There are numerous types of visas, each of which grants the bearer unique rights in the host nation. If you are not sure what type of travel visa(s) you need to travel to your desired/transit destination(s), you can check this visa platform in order to make sure you have one and if not, how and when you can apply for one depending on your final destination.

Travel Insurance

You never know what can happen to you even during your vacation. That's why it's better to make sure you are secure even in a foreign country. The travel insurance covers:

• Treatment in the event of illness or accident: Abroad, treatment is often (much) more expensive.
• Theft or lost luggage: Items are reimbursed up to a maximum amount (varies per the insurance policy, check your coverage).
• Breakdown when travelling with your own car: Replacement transport is usually included. The rental company policy applies to rental cars.
• Death or permanent disability as a result of an accident.

If you want to learn more about travel insurance - you can find out more about what is it and why you need it.

Extra documents

❑ Tickets for aeroplane, boat, train and/or bus - it's not mandatory for some of the transportation to have your tickets printed but it's better to not take a risk and have your tickets on your phone and in the printed version.
❑ Copy of the passport - in case of unexpected emergencies such as the loss of your passport, it's better to have a copy of it.
❑ Driver licence - if you are planning to rent a car in a foreign country then don't forget your licence.
❑ Student card - if you are a student it might be handy to have a student card with you. Many museums are having discounts for students.

5. Prepare the foreign currency

Depending on where are you coming from, the currency of your final destination can be different. It's worth making sure you are aware of that and get the chance to either convert your money prior to your travel or find the place to do so when you are gonna be at the airport. You can always check the current currency by using the converter. Don't forget to bring credit cards/debit cards with you!

6. Plan your trip and check all the essential attractions

It's always an option to be spontaneous and don't plan your activities in advance. But if you have limited time to explore the place maybe it's worth going over the essentials of your destination beforehand. It's convenient when you already have a list of attractions. But if you don't know where to begin or where to find the recommendations you can take a look at our blogs where our travellers share their experiences.

7. Book transportation

To the airport

It's important to have your transportation to the airport ready. Make sure you book your taxi, ridesharing on time. Depending on the location of your departure airport, you should calculate the time yourself when you should leave your house especially during peak traffic hours. Usually, airlines can send you a message regarding how many hours prior you should be at the airport (most of the time ranging from 2 hours to 4 hours). In case you are going to the airport with your own car, you can find parking at the airport. The price per day depends on the airport.

Car hire

It might be convenient to have a rented car for your trip in order to be able to visit more local places or even travel between cities. It might be convenient to have a rented car for your trip in order to be able to visit more local places or even travel between cities. If you are planning to rent a car for your trip, we recommend you take a look at our car hire tips & tricks to smooth your vacation. In addition, you can use our car hire in order to find the suitable options and get your car upon arrival.

8. Packing time

When everything is finally arranged, you can start thinking about what kind of clothes you should take with you. We recommend you to not postpone your packing for too long in order to avoid doing it in a rush and possibly forgetting things. You can already start packing one week prior to your flight, this way you will set up your travelling mode, elicit your excitement about the upcoming journey and prevent you from forgetting essentials. When you book your tickets make sure you know how many kilogrammes, according to your airline(s) you can take with you for carry-on baggage and for checked baggage.

Add Extra Luggage

It happens that during your packing you realize that you cannot possibly fit all of your clothes in one luggage. But don't worry, most of the times it's possible to add extra luggage. You can add it while booking your plane ticket or you can add it even after your purchase. However, we highly advise you to check this option with your airline because the prices for this service vary. But if you already know that you are planning to have some shopping time during your vacation then we recommend you leave some extra space in your luggage.

Helpful packing lists and tips:

• Generic packing list
• For a beach holiday
• For a weekend getaway
• For a road trip

9. Check your home before leaving

The worst feeling is when you are on your way to the airport and suddenly the wave of anxiety hits you because you start questioning yourself 'Did I take my passport with me?', 'Did I close the window in the living room?', 'Did I turn off the heater?'. Don't let these intrusive throughs distract you from what is important - enjoying your holiday. That is why we recommend you go over these points just before you have to leave your house:

❑ Check your documents
❑ Check if all the windows are closed
❑ Take out the trash
❑ Unplug electronics around the house
❑ Make sure your fridge is empty
❑ Set up your security
❑ Put your mail on hold
❑ Shut the garage
❑ Turn off the boiler
❑ Make sure if all the doors are closed

10. It’s time to enjoy your ultimate vacation

And now it's time to go to the airport and stop worrying because with this checklist you should be fully prepared. Planning your trip is not hard if you think about your vacation in advance in order to make sure you are ready to visit foreign, undiscovered lands. And even if you plan your spontaneous trip, make sure to cover some of the essential points within a list to avoid any issues.

We highly recommend you to register and check out this essential travel checklist that will make sure you are well-prepared for your journey. Do you feel ready to book your trip now? Alright, then get ready to head to your dream destination to explore this world without worries. Check and compare our great flight deals on BudgetAir.co.uk and start planning your break. Enjoy!

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