Holiday handbook

Passport & visas

Everyone needs a ten year passport, but make sure that it has at least six months to run from the date of travel. If you're applying for or renewing a passport, do it with plenty of time to spare. You can get advice from the UK passport service website (www.ukpa.gov.uk) or call them on 0300 222 0000. In some cases, you'll also need a visa.

Please note - The entry requirements for British Citizens may differ to those for British Subjects, British Dependant Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas Citizens), British Protected Persons or any other British passports. Please check your passport carefully and if you are not specifically a British Citizen you must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling to or through.

Travel money

Carrying money needn't be a headache. A mix of cash, debit and credit cards is best.

You'll be able to use a debit card at ATMs abroad just as you do at home - provided that you have a PIN. Another option is a travellers' cheque card, which acts like a prepaid debit/credit card and can also be used at many ATMs. Before you go, load it up with funds in your destination country's currency; funds are guaranteed if the card is lost or stolen. The best way to carry cash and cards is in a money belt worn under your clothes. Take care when taking money out in public. Keeping some cash in a pocket or wallet is a good idea. Bum bags are a bad idea - they all too readily identify you as a tourist.

In the developing world, US dollars are almost always the most useful currency to have. Euros are increasingly welcome too.

Travel insurance

No matter how careful you are, things can go wrong on holiday. Your luggage could be lost or stolen, you might get ill, or need to fly home in a hurry.

The cost of an accident, illness or theft can be covered by taking out travel insurance. So it's a condition of booking a holiday with us that you're fully insured.

Europe & the EHIC card

The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) entitles you to free or discounted medical care in many European countries.

The EHIC replaced the old E111 form, which is no longer valid. It is valid in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries, plus Switzerland. For a full list of EEA countries, go to www.dh.gov.uk/travellers.

Producing a valid EHIC entitles you to the same state provided healthcare as the nationals of the country you're visiting. This doesn't mean that you'll be entitled to the same standard of medical care offered by the NHS at home, but you will get what's on offer to the locals. An EHIC is no substitute for travel insurance, so make sure that you have sufficient medical cover.

An EHIC is free - apply on-line at either www.dh.gov.uk or www.ehic.org.uk, by telephone on 0845 606 2030 or by picking up a form at your local post office. Visit the Department of Health website (www.dh.gov.uk/) for more information. When on holiday, carry the document and a copy - and leave another copy with someone back home.