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Make a list of everything you need to do before you depart - lists are absolutely invaluable and items can be ticked off when the task is completed. PLAN When you've booked your holiday, you have every right to look forward to your break and the anticipation and excitement can start weeks beforehand. Plan well in advance and all should run like clockwork - you hope! PASSPORT Make sure your passport is current and valid. Remember, some countries require that your passport is valid for a full six months following return to Cyprus. If your passport is out of date, apply for a new one at the district officer of your county. BANK Visit the Bank who will advise on money exchange. Travellers cheques and eurocheques are probably the safest way to carry money abroad, but a small amount of the local currency is handy for arrival (for porters, tipping etc.). Of course, credit cards are also widely used and accepted worldwide, so these should be a vital part of your baggage also. VISAS & VACCINATIONS If you are flying long haul, check with your doctor if any inoculations or vaccinations are necessary for that area. A course of injections may need a specific time to "kick-in", so don't leave this to the last minute. Equally, some countries require entry visas, so apply in good time, if this is relevant to your destination. We will be happy to advise you whether a visa is needed. FLIGHT TICKETS When you receive your flight tickets, double check all the timings and ensure you are completely aware with check-in times and departure times. Work out the journey time to the airport (with some time to spare for emergencies) and arrange your taxi, lift or whatever to coincide. If you intend to drive to the airport, make sure the car is serviced beforehand to avoid mechanical breakdown and make sure to leave plenty of time to find a parking space! HOLIDAY DATES Advise neighbours, family or friends of your holiday dates, so they are aware your house will be vacant for a period. Leave a spare set of keys with a trusted one and advise a mobile or other contact number when abroad, if possible. CANCEL DELIVERIES Cancel newspaper and other deliveries, if applicable. HOUSEPLANTS Houseplants should be fed and watered before departure and settled on a damp towel in the bath, so they receive a constant trickle of moisture. PETS Family pets should be booked for boarding in a veterinary surgery and make sure your pet has up to date vaccinations in readiness for his/her own little holiday. MEDICAL If you have a medical condition or specific ailment, make sure you bring adequate medicines, lotions, pills etc. as these may not be available abroad (or have the recognised brand names). If your condition is serious, it may be necessary to carry a letter from your Doctor confirming your fitness to travel. CLOTHING Make a list of clothing items you wish to bring - swimwear, underwear, dresses, trousers, shoes and cosmetics (then delete half the items on the list and you will still have too much!!!). When you've decided on the ultimate holiday wardrobe, wash, iron, dry clean etc. well in advance and be prepared. DOUBLE
CHECK / DEPARTURE Morning of departure, turn off the gas, oil etc., water
the plants or leave to soak in the bath, deposit the pets in a veterinary
surgery, leave
spare keys with the neighbours, turn on the alarm and sit in the car or taxi.
BUT before you actually set off for the airport, do a double check again: You are now allowed to drive into the sunset in the sure knowledge that if anything goes wrong at this stage, it is DEFINITELY not your fault. Ultimately, apart from your passport, a forgotten item really can be replaced. After all, your holiday destination will have shops, there will be supermarkets and there will be pharmacies, so it's not as if you cannot buy supplies! So, forget about everything. You deserve a holiday! |