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

[wanderpanic]

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

It might help to know roughly where you're travelling from/to.

Reiterating much of what has already been said;

Check your passports. Email copies to yourselves. Likewise with other travel documents.

Get GHIC cards for everyone travelling, but look at travel insurance as well - shop around.

A Starling card is great (other cards are available) both for not paying fees, and also for controlling how much you have on the card at any one time (you can transfer from your bank on your phone if you do that sort of thing).

A travel charger - I use one like this, but there are other options - like this.

I don't know about the plastic towel someone suggested up above (I'd want to feel it before I tried it), but Hammam towels are both thin and lightweight, but dry you properly and dry themselves out quickly. Something like this perhaps.

Packing cubes can be useful if you're packing large hold bags, but make sure you leave room to bring goodies back!

Some handwashing stuff and a bit of string to keep your undies fresh!

Other than passports, insurance and money plus your phone if you need internet access for boarding passes etc nothing else matters and can be bought later if you forget it!
if you are a novice try jet2 holidays which include luggage transfers flights and accommodation and are very reliable
we prefer self catering options and cut our cloth according to budget better this way