For those without a fully functional crystal ball, these tips may provide a little more piece of mind when travelling and help make for a more hassle free trip for the unlucky few.

Open 2 Bank Accounts

Have a primary account for day to day stuff and a back up just in case. The current uncertainty surrounding financial institutions provides reason enough, but 2 accounts also means back up plastic in case a credit/debit card gets lost, stolen or broken.

For UK customers, Nationwide is a good bet. It generously offers free ATM withdrawals from some countries to save you a quid or 2. Check your country against this list to see whether you are in luck. Other overseas transaction fees are at the top of that page.

Check Important Expiry Dates

It sounds basic, but don’t get caught out whilst travelling. The big ones are credit/debit cards and passport. Replacing cards abroad can sometimes be a real headache and remember that most countries require you to have at least 6 months remaining on your current passport before they will grant you entry.

Purchase Travellers Cheques

A great back up if it all goes horribly wrong - its money that you don’t lose if it goes missing. They can be replaced at anytime and can be exchanged for real cash (for a small fee) almost anywhere in the world. Ideal.

Change up some ‘Just in Case’ Money

Changing up a couple of hundred quid into either US Dollars or Euros and keeping it tucked away somewhere (preferably in more than one place) is prudent. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but it’s there as a backup if need be. Moneysavingexpert’s ‘Money Maximiser‘ tool will ensure you get the best foreign exchange deal.

Photocopy Important Documents

Photocopy your passport, Traveller’s Cheque receipts, birth certificate and any other important travel documentation such as airline tickets etc and keep them separate from your originals. With 2 copies, you can also leave one set at home with someone you trust. If you lose one set, you’ll still have at least 1 other – it’ll help get things back on track quicker.

Scan Important Documents

Another option would be to scan the documents mentioned above and store the image files on either a memory stick, a laptop if you travel with one, send them to a family member for safe keeping, or alternatively send them to your email account for storage.

Make a List of Important Numbers

Travellers Cheque numbers, card lost and stolen numbers, flight booking references, travel insurance emergency numbers and policy references, Embassy numbers for the countries you will be visiting– the list goes on. Write them down and send to your email account so they can be recalled in an instant when abroad.

Sort Out Your Online Life

The internet offers many great free services for travellers. Travel Blogging, Photo Hosting and Social Networking sites are just 3 of the ways that’ll help you keep in touch and share experiences with friends and family. All these can be arranged prior to departure.

Arrange Travel Insurance

Self explanatory, but always check the small print very carefully to ensure that you will be covered on your journey. Be aware that you won’t always be covered for some activities and in some countries.

Vaccinations

Last but not least, the biggie: Jabs. Ensure your inoculations are up to date and will remain so throughout your trip. In addition to talking to your GP, The World Health Organisation offer extensive information on current health risks and provide immunization profiles for every country. From this page, just click the link to the country you require health information on.

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