Planning a summer holiday? 6 things to sort out before you leave

Do you find organising a getaway difficult? If so, you’re not alone. According to Heathrow Express research, 38% of Brits find preparing for family holidays more stressful than sitting exams or moving.

But careful preparation can pay off: you’ll have everything you need for your travels, from documentation to clothing. You’ll also have a better idea of local customs and potential issues to avoid.

If you tend to wing it, you might only discover that you’ve forgotten or ignored important steps once you arrive.

Pre-departure holiday checklist

Following a clear checklist is the simplest way to make sure you’re ready to go.

Make sure your passport and visas are in order

Some parts of holiday preparation can be sorted within a few days of travel. But your passport and visas can’t be left too late: check both at least two months before you fly.

To enter most countries as a holidaymaker, your passport must have six months or more left on it. You may lose track of when you received your passport, but check the expiration date before booking a holiday. Ordering and receiving a new passport can take several weeks.

Depending on your destination, you might need a visa for entry into the country. If you visit the United States, for example, you have to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Prepare to stream media safely

If you travel often, online streaming can become a massive part of your life. You may rely on the Internet for watching films and TV shows instead of consuming them traditionally. But as you go from country to country, the streaming content available to you will change.

For example, your Netflix selection may look significantly different once you arrive at a hotel or campsite. However, using a virtual private network (VPN) will help.

A VPN will hide your location from streaming services, giving you the freedom to enjoy your favourite media as you travel. Downloading a VPN app will let you watch your usual movies and TV shows wherever you are.

Secure your devices to protect your data

The Getronics 2025 Travel Trust Barometer found that 59% of British air passengers worry about losing personal data while flying. However, protecting personal data was the main priority for only 36% of the fliers questioned. The chief concern for 53% of Brits was a convenient, speedy flight.

While Brits may be worried about the safety of their data, many need to take it more seriously. Install a reliable security app on every device you’re bringing with you. Reputable apps will protect against data breaches, infections, and other issues that you could pick up from unsecured connections.

Sort your insurance early

Make sure you buy your holiday insurance well in advance. Signing up early will help you secure the most competitive deals and stop you from paying for a mediocre option. Taking out insurance early will also cover you if your holiday provider or airline goes bust ahead of your trip.

Start looking for reputable insurance brands as soon as you know your travel dates and destinations. Read reviews from other customers to get an insight into the best deals.

Pack for variable weather

Whether you love or hate packing for a holiday, give it plenty of thought. Look ahead to the places you plan to visit and check forecasts for every day of your trip. But even if a particular type of weather is predictable most of the time, pack for any eventuality.

Otherwise, you could find yourself sweltering in a waterproof jacket or facing a torrential downpour in nothing but a T-shirt and shorts.

Exchange your currency

Even if you try to pay for everything on a card while you travel, carry cash for emergencies. Digital payment systems may fail without warning due to power cuts or natural disasters. When you can’t rely on a card, having cash in your pocket can help you stay fed and sheltered.

Cash is also helpful for tipping staff in hotels, restaurants, and bars. Certain businesses may allow you to tip on a card, but others won’t. Some street food vendors, market traders, and taxi drivers might only accept cash as well.

Remember to enjoy the preparation process

Planning a summer holiday, even if you’re going solo, can be tough. Booking hotels, organising insurance, researching local attractions, and more takes commitment.

But don’t let thorough preparation interfere with your pre-holiday excitement. Create a list of the places and things you most want to see and do on your trip. That will help you focus on the reasons why you’re going away, even when the planning gets complicated.