The Ultimate Travel Checklist

Ultimate

travel

checklist

Important Documents

Spare Glasses/ Contact Lenses

We all have methods for packing, whether its a last-minute rush or a well planned activity but these handy tips might just make your packing experience a little easier...

Print this document off and keep it with your passport so you’re always prepared.

Valid for at least six months beyond your return date and have a minimum of two blank pages. Take a photo of the main page and keep it on your phone.

Visas

For all the countries you are visiting, if required.

Some vaccinations may be required for entry into certain countries. They may need to be administered a set period before you depart.

Passport Travel

If you wear glasses, make sure to take a spare pair or take note of your prescription in case you lose them.

If you wear contact lenses, take spares, along with contact solution.

Make sure you pack your sunglasses.

Vaccinations & Medication

See a healthcare expert prior to departure. Every trip and traveller requires different needs.

Your booking with us is invalid without travel insurance. You don’t take out insurance because you think you’ll need it, you take it out because you don’t know when you’ll need it.

Make sure your policy covers you for all your destinations and activities.

Make sure your insurer is aware of any preexisting medical conditions.

Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation.

Most policies no longer cover COVID-19 related claims so take this into account.

The World Health Organisation recommends that all travellers are up-to-date with routine vaccinations including measles, mumps, rubella, diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and influenza.

In the UK, most of these are given for free on the NHS. In other countries, they may be given as part of a National Immunisation Program.

You may require a booster or re-vaccination to ensure you still have immunity.

Medications

Make sure you have enough prescription medication to last for the whole of your trip. Check with your airline about taking some medication onboard the aircraft.

First Aid Kit

Either purchase a pre-packed kit or make sure yours has everything you need.

Wound Care

Bandages, plasters, strapping, disinfectant cream, blister care, anti-itch cream etc.

Gastro Care

Anti-diarrhoea medication, laxatives, indigestion tablets, oral rehydration tablets, anti-emetic tablets (stops nausea) etc.

Regular Medications

Carry prescription and important medication in your hand luggage in case your hold luggage is lost or delayed. Check with your airline that you can take your medications onboard the aircraft.

Pain Relief

Make sure to carry some paracetamol or ibuprofen, suitable for children if you’re taking the kids.

Cosmetics

Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, hair spray etc)

Skin care products (toner, moisturiser, cleanser etc)

Sanitary products

Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss etc

Remember that you can only take liquids under 100ml onboard the aircraft.

Travel Vaccination Record

Eye Care

Eye drops, allergy medications etc.

Allergy

Antihistamines, nasal spray, saline spray etc.

Sun Protection & Insect Repellant

Sunscreen (higher SPF), after sun lotion, moisturiser, lip balm, insect repellant spray etc.

Name

Use this table as a record of travel vaccinations/medications and the date they were administered.

Vaccine/Batch No

Date

Vaccine/Batch No

Date

Vaccine/Batch No

Date

Other Items

Earplugs, eye mask, travel pillow (you may get these items on the plane but quality varies depending on airline and class).

Compression socks

Luggage tags and locks (don’t forget the keys!)

Money belt, bumbag, rucksack, reusable bags etc

Booster (if required) (if required) (if required)

Booster Booster

Power adaptors, travel adaptors, device charging cables and portable power banks.

Travel sewing kit

Water bottle

The map below gives you an indication of the disease risks you may need to consider for some commonly visited destinations. For some diseases there may be vaccines or preventative medication available; for others there are precautionary measures you can take to help minimise your chance of being infected. Ensure you see your doctor or healthcare professional at least nine weeks prior to departure.

Asia & Russia

Disease risk

Europe

Disease risk

North America

Disease risk

Influenza

Influenza Rabies

Tick-borne encephalitis

Cholera

Dengue fever

Hepatitis A and B

Influenza

Japanese encephalitis

Malaria

Rabies

Tick-borne encephalitis

Typhoid fever

Oceania

Disease risk

Central America & Mexico

Disease risk

Cholera

Dengue fever

Hepatitis A and B

Influenza

Malaria

Rabies

Yellow Fever

South America

Disease risk

Dengue fever

Hepatitis A and B

Influenza

Malaria

Rabies

Yellow Fever

Africa

Disease risk

Cholera

Dengue fever

Hepatitis A and B

Influenza

Malaria

Meningococcal disease

Rabies

Typhoid fever

Yellow Fever

Middle East & North East Africa

Disease risk

Cholera

Hepatitis A and B

Influenza

Malaria

Meningococcal disease

Polio

Rabies

Typhoid fever

Dengue fever

Hepatitis A and B

Influenza

Japanese encephalitis

Malaria

Rabies

Typhoid Fever

Keeping healthy on holiday

Don’t let sickness cut your holiday short. Here are some tips to keep diseases at bay when on holiday.

Compiled by Worldwide Caravan and Motorhome Holidays with information from VaccineHub.

Other

things to consider

Airbourne and contact diseases like COVID-19 and influenza are still in circulation. Vaccinations can lessen the risks but precautions should still be taken. If you’re skiing, trekking or travelling to a high altitude, more than 2,500 metres above sea level, you should get medical advice from a healthcare professional regarding altitude sickness.

Crowds Ascend slowly

Avoid spending long periods of time in densely-packed crowds.

Touchpoints

Food & Waterbourne

5 star or no star, the risks are still there, especially in developing countries. It only takes one hotel, restaurant or bar staff’s poor personal hygiene, suspect ice in drinks or the inadvertent use of tap water when you’re brushing your teeth to put you at risk of diseases. No one wants to be ill on holiday so consider taking the following precautions:

If you’re travelling to a high altitude, ascend at a relaxed pace and avoid flying direct to the peak.

Acclimatise

Avoid touching high touchpoints (toilet door, flush, tap) where possible. Allow rest time when you arrive and remember to hydrate regularly.

In developing countries, stick to bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.

Water Ice

Food

If buying food from street vendors, choose a busy one and make sure it’s steaming hot.

Handwashing Fruit

Freezing water preserves rather than kills germs, so ask for drinks without ice. Do it regularly and be thorough. Always carry alcohol-based anti-bacterial hand sanitisers.

If you buy loose fruit, make sure you wash it and peel it yourself.

Insect & Animal Bites

Visiting a developing country? A snooze without a mosquito net, or a stroll by a river can put you at risk of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and Zika. A lick, bite or scratch from an animal such as dogs, monkeys, bats and rodents can place you at risk of tetanus, rabies and other infections.

Stay away from dogs, monkeys, bats and other animals.

Check for ticks after being outdoors (under your arms, in and around ears, belly button and legs, around your waist, and in your hair); be sure to properly remove them. Use repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. If using sunscreen as well, apply before repellent.

Choose accommodation with screened doors and windows or netted protection over beds.

Get medical help as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel sick, have been vaccinated or your wound doesn’t look serious.