Travel Advise

Before you go

Travel checklist
We've put together this travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there.

Check the travel advice for the country you are visiting.

Embassy
Find out where the nearest embassy will be, check their website to find out what services they offer and their opening times.

Insurance
Don't travel without insurance, make sure it covers you. and your Vehicle Car or Motorcycle.

Travelling within the EU
Get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care - you still need full travel insurance though! check with your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel, make sure you've got correct visas for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid.

Passports
All first time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to verify their identity. It now takes up to six weeks to get a first passport. For more information please visit www.ips.gov.uk
for certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel check before you go. Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them online using a secure data storage site. Make sure you fill in the emergency contact details in your passport. This will make it much easier for us to contact someone if necessary, tell a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number, take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travelers cheque - make a note of the cheques' numbers before you go be careful of your credit or debit card make sure you keep your PIN number in your head DONOT WRITE IT DOWN & PUT IT WITH YOUR BELONGINGS....

Don't openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks, find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws - there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home, be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations
Consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you're away.

Driving abroad
Make sure your license is current and valid.
Make sure you are aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
Make sure you have sufficient cover to drive your Car or Motorcycle and it covers the third party in case it becomes your fault. (Do not Admit any part of any accident consult your insurance company)

Motorcycle Travel
Driving License (Check your class of entitlement)
Mot Certificate (If Required)
Vehicle Excess License Road Tax
V5 (Registration Document)
Display the GB (Sign) or Country of registration on the rear of your machine (Normally on the Rear Number Plate)
Check Your Machine is Road Legal (For the country your are travelling to) its for your safety and others around you
Tyre's (Tyre Pressure, Cuts, Damage and Tread Depth)
Lights (Front & Rear including Indicators carry some spare bulbs
Oil Leval (Any Leaks and any other fluid leaking)
Your Brakes Pad / Shoe Ware Level and Fluids (Consult your Dealer)
Advise: Normally a service from your garage or dealer would be the best way to detect any faults.

When you are away!
Think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don't take risks that you wouldn't at home!

Mobile Telephones
Store useful telephone numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate.

Check With your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad
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