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Travel checklist

  • What to do before travelling abroad

    There's a lot to think about when you travel abroad. We've got tips to help your trip go smoothly.

Booking your holiday

Find advice on staying healthy and safe while travelling, and learn how to avoid holiday scams and fraud.

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Planning the important bits

Learn about travel insurance, staying connected, and other travel essentials.

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Preparing for departure

Check you have everything you need before you travel. Use our checklist to get ready for your trip.

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Booking your holiday

Check your destination and travel advice

It's important to research your destination before you book. You should also check for any changes just before you leave. Things to check include:

  • local laws and customs

  • national and religious holidays

  • weather and climate

  • safety and security information

  • entry requirements, such as visas or passport rules.

Checking these details can help you avoid unexpected problems and make the most of your trip.

The best place to find this information is the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice.

It's important to check official travel advice before you go. Safety conditions can change, affecting your travel insurance. Always look for the latest information and read your policy before you leave. This helps you avoid unexpected costs and ensures you have the right cover for your trip.

Book your travel and accommodation carefully

Other aspects to think about are transport and accommodation options. Before booking consider:

  • dates and times of transport

  • hotel location

  • cancellation or refund policies

  • luggage allowances

  • check-in requirements

  • additional fees

  • terms and conditions

Scam warning

Holiday scams are common, so it's important to make sure the company is genuine.

Before you book a holiday:

  • read reviews from other travellers

  • visit the company's website

  • be careful if prices seem much lower than expected

  • be cautious if there's very little information about the holiday or company

Read more about holiday scams.

Check whether your holiday has ATOL or ABTA protection

Package holidays combine the main parts of your trip into one booking. This usually includes travel and accommodation. It can also include extras such as airport transfers, meals, or activities. Many package holidays include financial protection. This can help protect your money if the travel company cancels your trip or goes out of business.

Two of the most common types of protection are ATOL and ABTA.

ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence)

ATOL is a UK government scheme that protects your money if your travel company goes out of business. If they collapse before you leave, you get a full refund. If you're already abroad, they'll bring you home safely.

Check if a company offers ATOL protection

ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents)

ABTA is a UK trade association that protects your money if your travel company goes out of business. If the company collapses before you leave, you get a full refund. If you are already on holiday, ABTA will help bring you home. It also checks travel companies to make sure they treat customers fairly and manage complaints correctly.

Check if a company offers ABTA protection

Planning the important bits

Get travel insurance

Consider arranging travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Depending on the policy, this may provide cancellation cover for eligible events that happen before you travel. Check the policy terms, exclusions and start date to make sure the cover meets your needs.

Travel insurance policies vary depending on factors such as your age, destination, and type of travel. Before buying a policy, check what it covers, including:

  • trip cancellations

  • medical treatment and emergencies

  • lost or stolen belongings

  • travel delays and disruptions

  • planned activities or sports

  • pre-existing medical conditions.

Check what's included

Travel insurance policies can have limits and exclusions. This means there may be situations where you cannot make a claim, or where the amount you can claim is limited. Before you travel, make sure your insurance provides the cover you need.

It’s also a good idea to check official travel advice for your destination, as it may include information about travel insurance requirements or recommendations. Some bank accounts offer travel insurance as part of a package. Check out The Co-operative Bank’s packaged bank account.

For more information on this subject, visit our guide on bank accounts with travel insurance.

Check vaccinations, medicines and health requirements

Some countries require travellers to have certain vaccinations before they travel. There might also be health advice for your destination that is important to know before your trip. Check vaccination requirements early. Some vaccines must be given weeks before travel for full protection.

If you take prescriptions or other regular medication, check the rules for your destination before you travel. Some countries have rules on certain medicines or you may need to carry additional documents. You can check out the latest guidance on the NHS travel vaccinations page.

Plan how you’ll pay while abroad

It's a good idea to take different ways to pay when you travel. You could bring a debit card, credit card, some cash, and a digital wallet. If one payment method doesn't work, you'll have others to use. Before you travel, it is worth checking:

  • any fees for spending in a foreign currency

  • charges for withdrawing cash from cash machines

  • exchange rates

  • extra charges from shops or cash machines

  • alternative ways to pay if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged

  • information on Section 75 protection

It is important to remember that certain charges can apply when using your card abroad. Check out our travelling abroad page for more information. If you use a credit card to pay for purchases abroad, some purchases costing more than £100 and up to £30,000 may be covered by Section 75 protection, subject to eligibility and the relevant terms and conditions.

0% currency conversion fees on debit card payments

You can now use your Co-operative Bank debit card abroad and pay in the local currency with no currency conversion fees. These are now free of charge for all our current account customers. Other fees may apply.

Travel with your debit card

Preparing for departure

Check your bank and mobile banking are ready for your trip

Every bank has its own rules and services for using accounts abroad. Before you travel, make sure you can easily access your account while you are away. A good first step is to check that your contact details are up to date. Your bank may need to contact you if it notices unusual activity on your account or needs to confirm a payment. Keeping your details current can help avoid delays and lower the risk of issues while you are travelling.

Connecting whilst abroad

It is also important to think about mobile phone access. Check with your mobile network provider to see if your SIM card works abroad and what charges may apply. You might also want to consider an eSIM, which can provide access to local mobile networks and data while overseas.

If you set up your mobile connection before you travel, it can help you stay connected, receive important calls and messages, access online banking, and avoid unexpected charges. See Money Saving Expert's mobile and data roaming guide for more information. The Co-operative Bank mobile app can be accessed overseas with an internet connection. Network or roaming charges may apply.

Pack appropriately for your destination

Every destination has different weather and different circumstances when you arrive. Be sure to pack clothing suitable for the climate and cultural expectations of each destination.

Warm climate packing list

  • Lightweight t-shirts and tops

  • Shorts and lightweight trousers or skirts

  • Breathable dresses or outfits

  • Light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection

  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals

  • Swimwear (where appropriate)

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Light rain jacket or compact umbrella

  • Reusable water bottle

Cooler climate packing list

  • Long-sleeve tops and shirts

  • Trousers or jeans

  • Warm jumper, fleece, or cardigan

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket

  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots

  • Warm socks

  • Scarf, hat, and gloves (if temperatures are expected to be low)

  • Thermal base layers for colder destinations

Consider local customs and cultural expectations when selecting clothing. In some destinations, modest dress may be expected, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural communities. Clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and knees is often recommended. A lightweight scarf or shawl can be useful for additional coverage when required.

Weather conditions can vary throughout your trip, even in traditionally warm or cool destinations. We recommend packing versatile clothing that can be layered to accommodate temperature changes, unexpected rain, or cooler evenings. Checking the local forecast before departure is also advised.

Complete your final checks before travelling

Before you leave, take a moment to review the latest information for your destination and make sure all travel arrangements are in place. Be sure to check:

  • FCDO travel advice

  • transport times and booking confirmations

  • your passport and other travel documents

  • travel insurance details

  • suitable payment methods

  • mobile connectivity details and roaming

  • emergency contact details

  • destination entry and health requirements

While you’re away

While you're away, continue to monitor the following:

  • local travel advice and updates

  • keep cards, cash and important documents secure

  • regularly check account transactions using mobile or online banking

  • be aware of card usage charges abroad

  • follow local authority and FCDO guidance.

Circumstances can change quickly, so staying informed can help you avoid potential issues while travelling.

Frequently asked questions

A travel checklist should include your passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, transport and accommodation bookings, payment methods, mobile connectivity options, emergency contacts, health requirements, and the latest travel advice. While travelling, continue to monitor local guidance and keep important documents and finances secure.

  • Check your destination and travel advice

  • Check your passport, visa, and entry requirements

  • Book your travel and accommodation carefully

  • Check if your holiday has ATOL or ABTA protection

  • Get travel insurance

  • Check vaccinations, medicines and health requirements

  • Plan how you'll pay while abroad

  • Check your bank and mobile banking are ready for your trip

  • Complete your final checks before travelling

It is a good idea to start preparing several weeks before you travel. Some tasks, such as renewing a passport, arranging a visa or getting certain vaccinations, may need to be completed earlier. Check the requirements for your destination as soon as you book.

If you are a Co-operative Bank customer, you do not need to inform us of your travel. If you have accounts elsewhere, they may need notifying of your travel plans as every bank will have different processes.

Before travelling abroad, check that your passport, visa (if required), travel tickets, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, health documents, driving documents (if applicable), and emergency contact details are valid and easily accessible. It is also advisable to keep copies of important documents in a separate location.

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