Congratulations you’ve managed to grab yourself a great last minute hotel and flight deal and are ready to whisk your valentine off for a romantic weekend abroad. Low cost flight providers have made visiting Paris, Barcelona, Rome as well as many other romantic European cities far more affordable. Don’t fall down at the last hurdle by not planning the vital extras need for a stress free weekend away. Insurance, travel money, health and other essentials may not be as exciting or romantic but are vital for a successful trip away.
To make sure that your romantic break is stress free here are our top ten essentials.
- Travel Insurance and European health insurance card– You must always register for a European Health insurance card before you travel, it entitles you to essential medical care in the event of an accident or illness. Getting additional travel insurance gives you further health cover and offers financial protection against lost or stolen luggage and flight cancellations.
- Travel Money – Plan how much you want to spend before you go away and visit a currency comparison website online to see who is offering the best exchange rates on travel money and currency cards. Leaving the purchase of your holiday money till the last minute and having to exchange your money at the airport or at your destination will leave you feeling rather short changed. Compare Currency is a great site that trawls the high street for you meaning that you can view all of the leading currency provider’s foreign exchange rates without having to leave your desk on a cold and wet February lunch break. Many currency providers offer a free next day home delivery service and ordering the travel money online couldn’t be simpler.
- Credit Cards – Taking a credit card away with you is a great way of allowing for any additional unforeseen costs that may arise whilst abroad. They also offer some protection on the purchase of goods. Please be aware that there are many costs associated with using your credit card overseas and spending on it should be kept for emergencies or high value goods only.
- Destination Guide – Picking up a destination guide online or from your local bookstore before you travel will allow you to check out all of the top spots to visit in the limited time that you have. Travelling with no local knowledge could mean you waste time and are let down by a destination.
- Phone/IPOD charger – Don’t forget these or any other electrical essentials.
- Travel Plugs – Your girlfriend may never forgive you if she cannot plug in her GHD straightener or hairdryer.
- Driving Licence- You will need both your photographic driving license and paper copy if planning to hire a car abroad. You will not be able to rent a car without these two documents.
- Camera – Allows you to capture your wonderful weekend away.
- Hangover Remedy and other medicines etc – Don’t let your trip be ruined by feeling less than 100% during your short break. Packing adequate hangover remedies, paracetamols, plasters etc should allow you to be prepared for every minor illness. If either you or your partner takes a regular prescription make sure you take sufficient supplies with you.
- Clothing – Pack lightly, you are only away for 2-3 days. Taking the essentials allows you to travel around freely and gives you enough room in your luggage for any souvenirs you want to take home.
