to ask for guidance re applying for a passport plus any other paperwork I need to have for holiday?

[HateCompletingForms]

I know it seems ridiculous, given that I’m a grown woman, and usually capable.

For the last six years I’ve been totally engaged in the task of caring for a loved one, and I feel not as confident, and tbf a little worried.

it’s been many many years since I’ve flown, so I have had a passport, but because so much time has elapsed, would I be applying for a passport as tho it was the first time?

These days, can I apply “online”, and is it still the case that I’d need to obtain four photos from a booth, or can I take an appropriate photo from my camera roll, and use that?

I also don’t know (can’t remember) anything about insurance, and how I go about protecting myself from leaving my house, having the flights, holiday, and return back to my front door, and have everything and anything covered, in the case of illness or worse.
I will be mstaying with family, and I know I’ll not need a visa. and it’ll be roughly four to six weeks, I’ve not fully decided yet.

I also have no idea about how many suitcases I can take, and how much carry on luggage, and what size and or weight restrictions are currently in place.

I guess I could access this info on Google, but, I’m so tired and exhausted, and finding all of this a trial and I just wish it could be like
sci-fi Star Trek and “ beam me up Scotty”.

Thank you to all that kindly reply….

You can renew your passport online here:

https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew

Government website, very clear, step by step guidance.

Baggage restrictions will depend on the airline you go with and the ticket you buy/how much you're willing to pay. You can sort that out once you have got passport and decided on timings.

I used the post office service for a few quid more; they check it all and take your photo, send it off recorded etc, felt safer...😊hope they still do it!

There are strict rules about the photo, eg plain background, directly face on, not smiling, so it's unlikely you'll have a suitable one on your photo roll already. You can get someone to take a photo though.

Timpsons do passport photos. They print a set but also email it so you can attach it digitally to your application.

Step 1: Renew passport. Do it online, read the guidance notes for anything you are unsure about. The instructions for the picture are very clear.

Step 2. Book your flights. They will give you options as to what bags to take. For 4-6 weeks you will almost certainly want a full sized case, usually with an allowance of 20Kg. Then generally they will also allow you a hand baggage.

Step 3. Buy Travel Insurance. Do it very shortly after booking flights because it will cover you for any cancellation that may occur between getting insured onwards. You can use a site such as MoneySupermarket to research and find the best insurance / price. Be sure you book insurance for the right destination (Europe or USA or other destinations). It will cover health, accident, your possessions and cancellations (depending on circumstances)

Do you need any vaccinations?

Plan your travel to the airport , leaving plenty of contingency time, and noting the check in time. You might want to think about convenient timings first your flight. Airport parking is very expensive so you probably don’t want to park there for such a long trip.

Check your .home insurance: are you covered if you leave your house empty for 4-6 weeks? Call them for extra cover if not.

Check whether you need a plug adaptor, and which kind.

Check your phone contract for use abroad, if you want to use it, and how to get an allowance for ‘abroad’ added to your phone.

Packing: carefully check the items allowed in luggage / hand luggage

Plan your holiday wardrobe and reading…and have fun!

Don't forget to get a GHIC card as well as health insurance.
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Allow enough time for your passport to be done - there were long waits last year, and it's now the time of year when the passport office starts to get busy. It can take up to 12 weeks if they are bust. If do the application digitally, you can get updates on the progress though.

Thank you so much to everyone for your kind and helpful advice.

I did try to reply to individual posters, but since the Mumsnet adjustments, I can’t figure out how to do that….. gee, I sound even more of an idiot now 😱

I especially liked pp step by step guidance.

Thanks again, all.

The post office will do the passport for you, photo included, check and send off... we've just done them and they were back in just over a week :)
The rest is straightforward.. book flights (ensure you've ticked 'checked baggage') Most checked baggage is at leask 20kg and you can stand on your own scales (with and without bag) to check.
Insurance.. I just go online for quotes and do it there and then, covering a day either side for safety!
Enjoy :)

Whether or not you need a Visa depends on where you are going. I think you still need some sort of paperwork or a Visa Waiver for the US even if staying for a short time or with family. There is some additional paperwork for travelling to Europe due to be implemented this year. No-one here can cover all the requirements for anywhere in the world. You'd be best to consult government travel advice website to be sure. Have a good time It sounds as if you deserve it!

Thank you… I’m not sure if I would say I deserve a holiday, I hope I do.
Itll also be probably the last chance I ever get to be with this part of my family, and to meet new members…

Ok, what I’m also telling myself is that millions of people have to go through the process of obtaining passports, insurance, and all the other “stuff” you have to have in place, even before contemplating what to pack in my suitcase!
I reckon there won’t be much room for my clothing, as I’m taking small “light” gifts, and no doubt I’ll get requests to bring over choc bars that they can’t get, or if they can, the choc just doesn’t taste the same as in U.K..

At least with all the help and advice you guys have provided, I can actually look forward to getting there and not have a huge headache in ticking off the “must do” tasks correctly.

Thank you all.