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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I need you all to give all the tips for travelling abroad

52 replies

wanderpanic · 07/01/2024 21:37

So, I haven't travelled abroad for over 20 years. Many reasons, mainly small children, lack of finances and lack of time off work.

I've enjoyed some lovely holidays in Uk but now I have teens and we are in a better position to save, I'd really like to get off abroad in 2025.

But I'm petrified. It's become a silly irrational fear, and I need to get it sorted.

So give me all your tips, guides and ideas.
I'll take it all. Places, packing and ideas.

Eg of some of things I'm stressing about include: what you're allowed on the plane, when you arrive at the airport and things I may not have even thought of.

I know I can google and research but thought I'd try here first, so be gentle!

I'm usually not so wispy about things but for some reason I've made this a much bigger thing then it needs to be and need you lot to shake me out of it!

Thanks

OP posts:
TigerJoy · 07/01/2024 23:27

What sort of holiday do you want? A package holiday somewhere in the sun? That might be the easiest route in. I tend to book my own trips, flights, hotels etc but it might be easiest to book a package holiday with Tui or Jet2 as others have said. It is VERY IMPORTANT you book these directly and don't try to save a bit of money by booking via a 3rd party. British Airways also offer holidays that generally are the same price as just the flights. Check your passport has more than 6 months left in it at the time of your trip - before you book (this caught me out once).

Where: I'd recommend you stay in Europe. I love the Greek islands for sun, nice food, beautiful sea. I love Crete. Avoid Zakynthos. You don't need to go to the famous places to have a lovely time - you pay a premium for them.

When researching, check out reviews on Google from people who have stayed there and their photos of their stay, look at photos on Google Maps, check what the local beaches actually look like, are there huge motorways close by etc. Do you want self-catering or a hotel? I'd recommend avoiding the huge AI resorts and go for somewhere smaller, e.g. that has its own pool and the beach is short walk away. I like to go for a place that offers breakfast, get a snack at the beach for lunch and go out for dinner. But have a think about what your ideal holiday would look like - what do you do each day? Do you want to be able to visit places or just chill? Be in the middle of nowhere or near a little town for walking around in the evening? Do you want to go out for cocktails and dancing every night, or drink wine on your room's balcony before a quiet dinner and an early night? This will help you work out what you want and are willing to pay for.

A package tour will get you from the airport to your hotel - but make sure there are as many amenities nearby as you need within walking distance (e.g. supermarket, restaurants - it may be none if you're going for a resort).

When you book the holiday, get checked luggage as particularly the budget airlines are MEAN about the rules and it's just a stress. Check not only the dimensions of your baggage but also weight (some places like Ryanair require luggage under 10kg which is bonkers). You can buy cheap suitcases on Amazon. If you check luggage you can also take suncream with you - the stuff from Aldi is great.

Buy travel insurance as soon as or even before you book your holiday. Moneysupermarket for comparisons, but Admiral and the Post Office offer good products. Often an annual multi-trip isn't much more than an individual trip and covers you for overnight stays in the UK.

I take about £100 in local currency, as I have a debit card and multiple credit cards I take with me, and most places take cards these days. Take a smaller purse with just your debit cards, credit cards, GHIC card and driving licence - but your loyalty cards all stay at home. If you want to be super covered, take pictures /photocopies of all your cards and your passport, keep them in the hotel safe in case they get lost / stolen (in 27 years of international travelling I've never had anything stolen).

If you are travelling in Europe apply for the GHIC card which covers you for medical treatment post-Brexit. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Take 2 swimsuits, and fewer clothes than you think. Don't take expensive jewelry on holiday. Take a sarong and one of these in XL https://uk.dockandbay.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=0&tw_source=google&tw_adid=0&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A20048024048%3A%3A&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtOmsBhCnARIsAGPa5yaqZHdkoRROctT5zlkUUEWzlvuUa6OmnxWDQUnItj70F4Cl3Vaj4CYaAmpKEALw_wcB

At least one pair of trainers for walking around.

Wear comfortable things on the plane. Small bag with toiletries of no more than 100ml each. Only take what you need on the plane - lip balm and hand cream. I always take 1 swimsuit in my hand luggage just in case my suitcase is delayed (never happened to me). Use your beach bag as your hand luggage (check airline restrictions for hand luggage). You'll only need minimal make up on holiday, and don't take fullsize toiletries - you can buy minis at Boots before you go or silicone bottles to decant your faves.

Make sure you have enough of any medications several weeks before you travel. Carry those in your hand luggage. Take a reusable water bottle, empty, through security and fill up on the other side. Use your card for a small purchase at the airport and your bank will realise you are going on holiday.

Apologies for the essay!

nhs.uk

Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC)

Find out if you're eligible to apply for a new UK EHIC or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic

MegBusset · 08/01/2024 07:35

Place marking as we’re flying this summer for the first time in 20 years and this is a really useful thread

quisensoucie · 08/01/2024 07:39

Don't go on a package holiday
Definitely don't do an all-inclusive
There is no escape from a cruise
Speak to locals - reps will tell you not to. Ignore them

Kendodd · 08/01/2024 08:45

TigerJoy · 07/01/2024 23:27

What sort of holiday do you want? A package holiday somewhere in the sun? That might be the easiest route in. I tend to book my own trips, flights, hotels etc but it might be easiest to book a package holiday with Tui or Jet2 as others have said. It is VERY IMPORTANT you book these directly and don't try to save a bit of money by booking via a 3rd party. British Airways also offer holidays that generally are the same price as just the flights. Check your passport has more than 6 months left in it at the time of your trip - before you book (this caught me out once).

Where: I'd recommend you stay in Europe. I love the Greek islands for sun, nice food, beautiful sea. I love Crete. Avoid Zakynthos. You don't need to go to the famous places to have a lovely time - you pay a premium for them.

When researching, check out reviews on Google from people who have stayed there and their photos of their stay, look at photos on Google Maps, check what the local beaches actually look like, are there huge motorways close by etc. Do you want self-catering or a hotel? I'd recommend avoiding the huge AI resorts and go for somewhere smaller, e.g. that has its own pool and the beach is short walk away. I like to go for a place that offers breakfast, get a snack at the beach for lunch and go out for dinner. But have a think about what your ideal holiday would look like - what do you do each day? Do you want to be able to visit places or just chill? Be in the middle of nowhere or near a little town for walking around in the evening? Do you want to go out for cocktails and dancing every night, or drink wine on your room's balcony before a quiet dinner and an early night? This will help you work out what you want and are willing to pay for.

A package tour will get you from the airport to your hotel - but make sure there are as many amenities nearby as you need within walking distance (e.g. supermarket, restaurants - it may be none if you're going for a resort).

When you book the holiday, get checked luggage as particularly the budget airlines are MEAN about the rules and it's just a stress. Check not only the dimensions of your baggage but also weight (some places like Ryanair require luggage under 10kg which is bonkers). You can buy cheap suitcases on Amazon. If you check luggage you can also take suncream with you - the stuff from Aldi is great.

Buy travel insurance as soon as or even before you book your holiday. Moneysupermarket for comparisons, but Admiral and the Post Office offer good products. Often an annual multi-trip isn't much more than an individual trip and covers you for overnight stays in the UK.

I take about £100 in local currency, as I have a debit card and multiple credit cards I take with me, and most places take cards these days. Take a smaller purse with just your debit cards, credit cards, GHIC card and driving licence - but your loyalty cards all stay at home. If you want to be super covered, take pictures /photocopies of all your cards and your passport, keep them in the hotel safe in case they get lost / stolen (in 27 years of international travelling I've never had anything stolen).

If you are travelling in Europe apply for the GHIC card which covers you for medical treatment post-Brexit. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Take 2 swimsuits, and fewer clothes than you think. Don't take expensive jewelry on holiday. Take a sarong and one of these in XL https://uk.dockandbay.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=0&tw_source=google&tw_adid=0&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A20048024048%3A%3A&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtOmsBhCnARIsAGPa5yaqZHdkoRROctT5zlkUUEWzlvuUa6OmnxWDQUnItj70F4Cl3Vaj4CYaAmpKEALw_wcB

At least one pair of trainers for walking around.

Wear comfortable things on the plane. Small bag with toiletries of no more than 100ml each. Only take what you need on the plane - lip balm and hand cream. I always take 1 swimsuit in my hand luggage just in case my suitcase is delayed (never happened to me). Use your beach bag as your hand luggage (check airline restrictions for hand luggage). You'll only need minimal make up on holiday, and don't take fullsize toiletries - you can buy minis at Boots before you go or silicone bottles to decant your faves.

Make sure you have enough of any medications several weeks before you travel. Carry those in your hand luggage. Take a reusable water bottle, empty, through security and fill up on the other side. Use your card for a small purchase at the airport and your bank will realise you are going on holiday.

Apologies for the essay!

Great tips, everything covered. Much better than mine 'don't worry, it's fine, even if you forget all your clothes'.
One tip I'd add, take pictures of passports, other important documents and email them to yourself and a UK friend. Then if you lose your bag you should (if you can remember your passwords) still be able to access information needed. I send one email with everyone's documents to everyone coming away with us.

crumpet · 08/01/2024 08:48

You are still limited on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage through security. Nothing over 100 ml (but there are shops on the other side of security - generally a Boots, places to buy food and bottles of water, plus Duty Free etc). Also your total liquid contents must fit into a small clear plastic bag. Only one per person. Anything over that will be confiscated and binned.

Jewelanemone · 08/01/2024 08:58

Travel hangers - there are never enough coathangers in hotels or apartments

If luggage weight is an issue - shampoo bars and soap rather than bottles

If flying long-haul - a small toiletry bag for the flight, containing face wipes, moisturiser, lip balm, toothbrush and paste and some paracetamol. Ear plugs too, if you have room!

Grab a handful of the plastic bags at Security, then next time you fly you can pre-pack any liquids in a bag to save faffing around at the airport.

Beezknees · 08/01/2024 09:08

Most of it has been covered, some great advice on here.

Enjoy it. I've been travelling as a lone parent since DS was 2. Been to many countries over 4 different continents. You'll have a ball!

HareSalient · 08/01/2024 09:09

Kendodd · 07/01/2024 23:09

My advice is don't worry.
Last short trip we went on, city break with three teens. My kids all pack their own bags and have to be responsible for their own stuff. Got to the airport, asked son where his bag was, reply - what bag? Anyway, my son when away for the weekend with only the clothes he was stood up in. And it was fine.

This amused me.

So what had actually happened,@Kendodd? Had he forgotten his bag, or just thought he didn’t need a change of clothes (or underwear, charger or toothbrush?) for a weekend?

ClareBlue · 08/01/2024 09:11

Make sure you have at least 6 months left on your passports and they were issued in the last 10 years. Have your travel insurance for health. Our family year travel for Europe is only 160 Euro but doesn't cover Albania, so check it covers where you are going.
Have two methods of payment kept separately. If you have these sorted then the rest is just comforts and if you forget anything it can be easily sorted. Just leave plenty of time for everything at airports, travel etc.
Alot depends whether you are travelling independent or package and where to. Let us know and we can add more.
But don't forget it's meant to be a new experience and enjoyable, so do make time to actually enjoy the travel.

ClareBlue · 08/01/2024 09:17

crumpet · 08/01/2024 08:48

You are still limited on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage through security. Nothing over 100 ml (but there are shops on the other side of security - generally a Boots, places to buy food and bottles of water, plus Duty Free etc). Also your total liquid contents must fit into a small clear plastic bag. Only one per person. Anything over that will be confiscated and binned.

We haven't been limited at Shannon for over a year now and don't have to take anything out of our bags what so ever. I believe other airports are following this.
Shannon is 30 minutes from car park to gate if anyone in Ireland is interested with 20 odd destinations and connectivity with Manchester and Standsted. Just saying😀

Kendodd · 08/01/2024 09:20

HareSalient · 08/01/2024 09:09

This amused me.

So what had actually happened,@Kendodd? Had he forgotten his bag, or just thought he didn’t need a change of clothes (or underwear, charger or toothbrush?) for a weekend?

He had left his bag at home, despite us asking them all have they packed everything and put their bags in the car repeatedly. His bag was probably a complete shambles anyway. He had his phone in his hand and I had his passport. We made him buy some underwear, socks and tee shirts and a toothbrush when we got there. He was 16.

HareSalient · 08/01/2024 09:28

ClareBlue · 08/01/2024 09:17

We haven't been limited at Shannon for over a year now and don't have to take anything out of our bags what so ever. I believe other airports are following this.
Shannon is 30 minutes from car park to gate if anyone in Ireland is interested with 20 odd destinations and connectivity with Manchester and Standsted. Just saying😀

I always think Shannon has a weird vibe, though. Partly the location, on what looks like the edge of nothing, but when I used to use it most, in the 2000s, I seemed to coincide a lot with US military flights, plus there were protests about its use by the US military, and gardaí were always getting onto the bus to check on the perimeter. I think the protests still happen?

HareSalient · 08/01/2024 09:30

Kendodd · 08/01/2024 09:20

He had left his bag at home, despite us asking them all have they packed everything and put their bags in the car repeatedly. His bag was probably a complete shambles anyway. He had his phone in his hand and I had his passport. We made him buy some underwear, socks and tee shirts and a toothbrush when we got there. He was 16.

Mine is 11. I’m looking at my future!

Gunnersforthecup · 08/01/2024 09:34

Great thread.

I put my travel money on a pre paid Post Office card, the exchange rate was quite good and it proved convenient.

LittleOwl153 · 08/01/2024 10:29

I've just come back from Germany... some things on my list which will apply wherever you go...

Chargers... if you can get some European (or wherever you are travelling to) plugs for your/teens kit it makes things so much easier to charge on proper chargers and you can get easily from amazon etc. Get decent ones though as cheap adaptors are very slow charging. We take 1 per person and a spare!

Don't forget you GICH cards as well as passports (formerly EICH) for reciprocal health care as well as insurance. Don't pay for these go to the NHS site - there are lots of companies who will charge you to input the same details! Shop around for insurance- travel agents are expensive. But do it quickly after you book so that you are covered for cancellations too.

Liquids - check your airport many UK airports still have liquid restrictions which means you'll need to be careful what you ha e in hand luggage.

Take empty water bottles which you can fill up airside in the airport.

Google maps (or iPhone equivalent!) Is fab and will help you with local travelling- find bar/supermarket/chemist etc and local sightseeing bus/train trips

Come back here in the travel area for where you book and ask about local sights/transport mumsnetters are/have been everywhere! And are very helpful with specifics. Also once you know where you are flying from mn's can help there too.

Destinations.. what languages are the kids doing in school? Spain, France, Germany are all easy to do. Spain will have plenty of packages. Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy, Bulgaria are all good destinations too. What kind of place do you want to go to - a beach resort or seeing the world? A trip to Paris, Rome or Berlin are as easy as a trip to London sightseeing.

Have fun OP!

wanderpanic · 08/01/2024 10:32

Hey all!

I've just logged back on and can I say you lot absolutely rock. I couldn't have asked for more friendly, helpful and spot on suggestions. Thank you so much. Dare I say I'm feeling a little excited about going to warmer climates already. Grin

I'm going to make a cuppa and go through each suggestion and get busy with my notepad.

OP posts:
GettingStuffed · 08/01/2024 10:46

I agree with a package holiday, but check you have a baggage allowance so you're not trying to squeeze your stuff into a cabin bag, you can try that later if you want.

We found that we needed cash in Antigua as many businesses didn't have card payments those that did had the risk of the system going down, twice in a large supermarket when we were in there.

Think what you're must haves are. If you get stuck between a couple score them by each element you need.

Theatrefan12 · 08/01/2024 11:00

If you are checking in hold luggage don’t have a suitcase per person, split clothes for each person across suitcases in case one gets lost

Packing cubes are great and you can throw a cube for each person into each of the cases

MaryActsLikeSheDontCare · 08/01/2024 11:10

I’m off to google packing cubes!

Kendodd · 08/01/2024 11:16

Oh, and top tip. Download some Google maps onto your phone so your not using your data.

Lincslady53 · 08/01/2024 11:54

I like to go on early flights, 7.00am ish Yes, its a pain getting up early, in the middle of the night, but the roads are empty, so no panic from traffic jams on the way to the airport, and the airport is quieter. The airport may be a bit confusing, with the checking in and security protocols, so allow plenty of time, the staff are generally very friendly so ask. Food and drink at airports is expensive and not very good. We have got in the habit of taking sandwiches both for the airport and plane, you can't take drinks through security, so we buy these from Boots inside the airport, or on the plane. Make sure you have something to occupy yourselves and kids. Books, magazines, tablet games etc. Go to toilet before getting on the plane. If you go on a package, I like Jet2 more than Tui, everything is done for you, someone will meet you at the airport, and tell you where to get your transport to your accommodation. They also have contacts at the hotel, and arrange trips out. Breakfasts at holiday hotels are usually buffet style with loads of choice. Check the price of BnB and Half Board. It is often not a lot more, one we looked at was less than £10 a day for evening meals. Again, evening meals are usually buffet style, but if you haven't paid much more for half board, its not an issue to eat out on one night or two. Check the location of the hotel on Google maps, some are away from town centres, some in the middle of them. Depends what you want, we like to be in walking distance of the centre. It is a worry, we had several years without going abroad when the kids were younger, but first holiday abroad was basic, but we all really enjoyed it and have been abroad every year since. Money and phones abroad. We use Smarty for phones, which has free roaming in Europe, and for cash, we take a small amount in Euros, around £100, handy for tips etc, using credit cards usually involve charges, but we have an account wih Starling, and their debit card has no charges and excellent exchange rates. If you are planning for 2025, you have plenty of time to open accounts to get the best deal abroad.

WinkyTinky · 08/01/2024 12:26

I'm just back from a three night break to Denmark/Sweden with my kids 16 and 12, and it was all very straightforward despite the journey being multiple transportation to get there (and booked independently) - taxi - train - tram - plane - train - bus - walk, it all worked out. We took a small bag each, and that was fine. What I didn't realise until arriving at the airport was that in addition to your small bag (Ryanair) you can also take a bag of duty free shopping on the plane, so if you can't fit everything in your bag, there's an overflow available to you!
Make sure you have your global health card (used to be EHIC) and travel insurance.
Check with your bank if you can use your debit card for free abroad and you only need minimal local currency. I'm with First Direct and just used my card as I would at home and didn't take any cash with me at all. It depends where you're going, but some countries are almost cashless anyway, so it's easy to use your card.
And most importantly, just go for it! You can worry about these things forever and lose valuable time. I was never a traveller, and didn't have holidays as a kid, only flying for the first time in my late 20s. And then when I turned 40 I went on a couple of city breaks on my own which was amazingly liberating! Please do it!

SisterHyster · 08/01/2024 19:35

Pack two pairs of pants per person per day and then an extra ten, just in case.

wanderpanic · 08/01/2024 19:38

SisterHyster · 08/01/2024 19:35

Pack two pairs of pants per person per day and then an extra ten, just in case.

This made me laugh soooo hard!

OP posts:
Cosyblankets · 08/01/2024 20:43

MaryActsLikeSheDontCare · 08/01/2024 11:10

I’m off to google packing cubes!

They're an absolute game changer