Explore The World

But what are the key things to organise when time is tight?

Are you planning to travel abroad this year?

Maybe you’ve got an idyllic European cottage in mind, a short sunny getaway or are visiting a friend or relative who lives abroad? With all the doom and gloom building here at home, it couldn’t be a more reasonable time to want to get away from it all and clear your mind.

The devil is in the detail and we all know planning ahead is the secret to a stress-free trip. To help with this we’ve got some ideas to ensure you’ll have a break without the usual hassles:

Before you go:

1. If you see your holiday advertised for less, ask your travel company if it will refund the difference. But be sure you’re comparing like with like.

2. Go all inclusive. The (usually small) extra cost will be worth it so you needn’t worry about meal preparations or dodgy, overpriced restaurants during the trip. Some hotels offer a packed lunch service for if you are away from the hotel during the day.

3. Avoid the hassle of pre-ordering your foreign currency, queuing in the Post Office, rushing to an M&S or getting Traveller’s Cheques (which you then have to cash in at your destination) and use a pre-paid foreign currency card. A good card is Caxton FX which offers competitive exchange rates and won’t charge you to withdraw cash from the ATM. Another good point is, with a Caxton FX card you can also avoid the astronomical charges which you often receive at point of sale when paying with a credit and debit card. A pre-paid foreign currency card is a great way to save money and is easy to use – definitely worth exploring before you head way.

4. As simple as it sounds - set two alarm clocks, to ensure you reach airport on time.

5. Airport Parking; Many airports offer special deals for people who book online and in advance. See your local airports website for more details.

These top tips should ensure you reach your destination relaxed and worry-free. But what about when you arrive at your holiday - there are still potential worries. We’ve outlined some top tips to keep you one step ahead whilst on holiday:

Whilst you’re away:

• If you do get ill, if you’re within Europe remember you’re entitled to free or reduced emergency care with your European Health Insurance card. Remember it’s 112 to contact the emergency services in any other EU country, 911 in the US and 000 in Australia.

• Even when on an excursion or having lunch on a terrace, remember to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and keep reapplying plenty of sunscreen.

• Don't buy wildlife souvenirs that may have been made from endangered species and check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK.

• One of the greatest worries when travelling abroad is losing our money or having it stolen. You can avoid this by taking a pre-paid foreign currency card – such Caxton FX  which can be blocked immediately and a new one sent out – anywhere in the world. As the card is not linked to bank accounts, the threat of identity theft is minimal and the customer care team can be contacted any time or day.

• Be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood abroad, especially near military bases.

Now Enjoy Yourself!

With this easy to follow checklist, your holiday should be reassuringly stress-proof. Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. A holiday is the best way to de-stress and to experience new cultures. Enjoy yourself, you deserve it!

For More Information about the pre-paid Caxton FX Card

www.caxtonfxcard.com