It’s easy to overlook practical health and safety checks when you’re excited at the prospect of a holiday. However, these small but significant measures go a long way towards ensuring a stress-free trip. Discover the essential checks often overlooked by holidaymakers and take time to schedule them in before you go.
Checking your vehicle before long journeys can help you identify issues that could cause you big problems on the road. Assess the pressure and tread of your tires and look for any signs of damage like bulges and cracks. Test your brakes, wipers and lights, which are equally crucial to your safety. Finally, top up essential fluids including oil and screen wash. These quick and simple tests could help prevent breakdowns or an accident when you’re traveling to your departure point or first stop of your road trip.
You should also be prepared with your vehicle documentation, including driver's license and insurance details. Should you get into an accident on the road, you’ll need to provide this information to pursue a compensation claim with specialist solicitors and organize insurance payouts.
Many of us overlook the health advisories for our intended destinations, leaving ourselves vulnerable to potentially lifechanging diseases. Organizing relevant vaccinations and medication well in advance of your trip will minimize the risk of you getting dangerous illnesses, and/or reduce the severity of symptoms.
You can find out which health measures you need to take for your destination by visiting your doctor or a travel clinic or looking at the official government foreign travel advice online. Remember that some health advisories apply in-country, like not drinking tap water, and ensure you travel prepared.
When you’re rushing to leave, home security can take a backseat, but proper checks will give you valuable peace of mind while you’re away.
Ensure you lock your windows as well as your doors, leaving the keys with a trusted neighbor in case of emergencies. Leaving your lights on a timer or installing motion-sensor lighting on exterior walls are effective ways to keep burglars out of your property while you’re away. Many find peace of mind in smart cameras that can show any movement inside or around the entryways to your property. If you have one, ensure you set your burglar alarm before leaving.
When you’re abroad, your phone, laptop, or tablet can hold all your important documents and precious photos, so it’s vital to protect your devices from theft or potential cyberattacks.
Ensure your devices are fully updated, as software updates often include important security patches. Set strong passwords, using two-factor authentication for extra security. It might also be worth using a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi, as this adds a layer of encryption to your internet traffic. Another practical step you can take is to back up all your files to the cloud or an external drive before you go, so you won’t lose crucial information should your devices be compromised.
Usually, you don’t need to use your travel insurance, but it can provide valuable financial protection in the event something goes wrong, helping you recover costs relating to things like unexpected illnesses, flight cancellations and lost luggage.
Many providers are available, offering general and niche cover and a variety of levels. You can browse for the most suitable option for your trip and get a quote online and obtain a policy in minutes. Be honest about your destination and planned activities when taking out the policy, or risk invalidating your insurance.
