Credit Cards
Check the validity, expiry dates and cash available on your credit or debit card(s)
Make a separate note of their numbers and your credit card emergency number should you need to report their theft or loss.
When you are there:
Keep your credit cards separate and don’t carry all your cards with you - leave at least one in the hotel safe.
Drugs
Avoid any involvement with drugs - the penalties are severe and could include the death sentence;
Don’t carry parcels or luggage through customs for other people;
Don’t cross land borders with people you don’t know;
Carry a doctor’s prescription for any drugs you may need.
If you have anything stolen
If your money, passport or anything else is stolen abroad speak to your Tour Manager or local guide at once who will help you report it to the local police and obtain a statement about the loss; you will need one to claim against your insurance.
Money - phone your bank at home about transferring money;- see your Tour Manager.
Credit cards - phone emergency number/bank at home to report theft and cancel cards; see your Tour Manager.
Travellers’ cheques - contact the issuing agent; see your Tour Manager.
Tickets; see your Tour Manager.
Passport; see your Tour Manager.
Insurance
Before you go:
If you have purchased Travelsphere’s exceptional value insurance in your policy will meet all your requirements. If not, please check your policy for the following:
An air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home;
All medical bills (which can be expensive);
Any potentially hazardous sports activities;
Bringing the body home, in the event of death;
Bringing your family home, in the event of your illness or injury.
Please note Travelsphere’s insurance policy provides cover for pre-existing medical conditions providing they are declared at the time of booking, and that you are not travelling against doctor’s advice.
Money
Before you go:
Make sure you have enough to cover emergencies;
Take travellers' cheques and keep a separate note of their numbers should you need to report their theft or loss.
When you are there:
Do not carry all your cash in one pocket or bag and only carry as much money as you need for the day. If you have to carry a lot of money, ask your partner or a friend to carry some of it for you;
Leave extra cash/travellers' cheques in your hotel's safe or safety deposit box if available. Alternatively, if you need to take them on an excursion use a concealed money belt. Do not leave them in your room when you're out.
New European Health Insurance Card
Before you go:
As a UK resident, you're entitled to free, or reduced cost, state healthcare when you visit a European Union (EU) country - but only if you have a NEW, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This replaces the E111 forms which are no longer valid. For further details or to apply on-line for your EHIC please visit www.dh.gov.uk/travellers.
Passports & Visas
Before you go:
You will require a valid passport for all overseas holidays including journeys through the Channel tunnel. If you do not have a passport, you should enquire at your main Post Office or visit www.ukpa.gov.uk at least three months before departure. For holidays to Ireland, we recommend that you take a passport as a form of identification if you have one.
Check that your passport is valid. Make a note of your passport number and date of issue. Keep it separately in a safe place in case of theft;
Take a copy of your passport with you and leave a copy at home;
Check if you will need a visa - Travelsphere can advise;
Children, including babies, who are not already included on a valid 10 year passport, need to hold their own passport if they are to travel abroad. It is not possible to add or include children on British passports. Children who are already included on an existing passport may continue to travel with the passport holder until either the child reaches the age of 16, or the passport on which the child is included expires or needs to be amended; Ensure that any children included on your passport will still be under 16 by the end of your journey.
Important Note
For all holidays to USA, Canada, Long Haul destinations, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia and Russia your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of the holiday.
Non-British passport holders should check the requirements for entry with the consulate of the country being visited or transited before booking a holiday.
When you are there:
Leave valuables like your passport in your hotel’s safe or safety deposit box if available. Alternatively, if you need to take them on an excursion use a concealed money belt. Do not leave them in your room when you’re out.
Plan to stay healthy
Before you go:
Check what vaccinations you need with your GP at least six weeks before you travel;
Check if your medication is legal in the country you are visiting. Pack it in your hand luggage;
If you are taking prescribed medication, take the prescription with you;
If you’re travelling within the EU, get a new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) form at the Post Office for reduced or free emergency care. Click here for further Travellers’ Health Advice or visit www.doh.gov.uk/travellers
Tickets
Ensure that you have your tickets;
Leave valuables like your tickets in your hotel’s safe or safety deposit box if available. Do not leave them in your room when you're out.
Travel Advice
Up-to-date information on local conditions in around 160 countries is available at www.fco.gov.uk.
Alternatively you can contact:
FCO Travel Advice Unit
Consular Division, Old Admiralty Building, London, SW1A 2PA
Tel: 020 7008 0232/0233.
Don’t forget, our Travelsphere Tour Managers are available during your holiday to answer any queries you may have.