Don't leave these tasks until the last minute.
Sections
Renew your passport
When to do it: At least a month before your trip
Some countries insist on travellers having a minimum of three or six months left on their passport – so check the expiry date.
Renewing your passport will cost a minimum of £72.50 and, in theory, should take three weeks. However last summer saw chaos at the Passport Office and much longer processing times.
You can pay more for a quicker service. The Passport Office’s Premium service costs £128 and you can get your passport within four hours of your application being accepted. However, you will need to visit the Passport Customer Service Centre in person.
A Fast Track service costs £103 and means your passport will be delivered to your home address within a week of your application being accepted.
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Shop around for currency
When to do it: A few days before
Exchanging sterling for foreign currency at the airport might be the easiest option, but it’s also the most expensive. Banks aren’t much better either.
For the best currency deals you need to compare what’s on offer from specialised foreign exchange bureaux, then either order online and collect in person or arrange for the money to be delivered to your home.
Some bureaux allow you to order online and collect the money at the airport. This will be at a much better rate than if you just turn up at the airport without placing an order first.
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Get the right credit card
When to do it: One to two weeks before
For security reasons it’s best not to take all your holiday money in cash, so plastic can come in very handy.
However, most debit and credit cards charge users extra to use their card abroad, adding on both foreign loading fees and transaction charges.
Thankfully, some cards are designed for travellers so offer you a much better deal. For a comprehensive round-up, read both The best debit cards to use on your travels and The best credit cards to use on your travels.
Buy travel insurance
When to do it: When you book your holiday
It’s best to buy travel insurance at the same time you book your holiday so that you’re covered for cancellation immediately. You might need to claim on this part of your policy if you become ill before the trip or someone in your family dies.
If you're travelling to Europe, it's a good idea to also apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which entitles you to free or cheap state healthcare in your holiday destination. Your card should take a week or so to arrive.
Read What does an EHIC really cover?
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Vaccinations
When to do it: Three months before your trip
If you’re travelling somewhere exotic you might need vaccinations against some nasty diseases.
Some jabs are free on the NHS, others you have to pay for. However, some doctors’ surgeries have arbitrary deadlines on when you need to have vaccinations – some say a minimum of nine weeks before travel.
There’s often no medical reason for this but if you’ve left it too late for a jab on the NHS you’ll have to go to a private travel clinic which will cost a lot more.
Book airport parking and car hire
When to do it: At least a month ahead
You can save money by booking both airport car parking in the UK and car hire abroad in advance of your trip: being a walk-up customer at either will cost you far more.
What's more, the earlier you book your car, the more choice of vehicles you'll have.