Prevent holiday headaches
This year when many people head off to warmer climates to bask in the sun, frolic in the sea, relax and unwind, the way to make your summer holiday as carefree as possible is to make sure you plan in advance all the little chores you have to complete before you go away - things that if you forget could turn your dream holiday into a nightmare.
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If you're going somewhere exotic, check if you need to have vaccinations before you go. Some vaccinations such as for Hepatitis and Tuberculosis need to be received several months before you go, so go and visit your GP as soon as you've decided to travel.
Another thing you may want to consider before you go away is travel insurance. Depending on where you're going and what you're doing, insurance can be a good idea. If you're going somewhere that's potentially a bit dodgy and has a good chance of you being hoodwinked, robbed or mugged (why would you want to go there?) or if you're doing some kind of sport like skiing or skydiving that involves an element of danger, being covered in case the worst happens is not such a bad idea. A great place to search for money advice is and where to find the best deals is moneysavingexpert.com.
One thing that you could leave until the last minute is booking the actual holiday. Often you can find brilliant value deals on package holidays and cheap flights from budget airlines if you aren't too picky about where you're going.
Our final piece of advice is to get your currency exchanged before you go. Don't buy your currency at the airport - that's the most expensive place of all! But you can pre-order your money to be collected at the airport, this way you'll get a better deal. Companies such as Travelex and the Post Office usually offer good rates but it's better to order online. Do be very careful when using credit and debit cards abroad - you can have all sorts of fees and extortionate exchange rates piled onto them.
Have you ever had holiday headaches from leaving things to the last minute? Share your experiences here by leaving a comment.
