30 January 2020

So I've been asked this a few times now - today is the day so thought I would clear up a few myths! What does Brexit mean for travel? The UK will enter a transition period after Brexit on 31 January 2020 until 31 December 2020, meaning that you can continue to travel as you do now until the end of the year. Despite everything remaining the same this year, it's worth thinking about the points below to ensure you enjoy seamless travel experiences, plus your Travel Counsellor will always be on hand to offer further help and advice. Passports: Check the date your passport expires. The UK Government has published a website tool to check the validity of your passport for travel to Europe. There's more information here: https://lnkd.in/eKKBsYU Whilst the situation remains the same this year, when travelling to the EU on or after 01 January 2021 the UK Government recommends that you have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival to an EU country. Please click here for more details: https://lnkd.in/eKKBsYU If you need to renew your passport you may wish to do it sooner rather than later to make sure you have it in time for your holiday or travel plans. Full details on renewing your passport can also be found here: https://lnkd.in/eRyDGTV Health care in Europe and travel insurance: Don't just rely on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for health care in Europe. EHIC allows any EU citizen to access state medical care when they are travelling in another EU country. However, we always advise customers to hold appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an EHIC or not, and adequate insurance is a condition of your booking. If you want to discuss arranging travel insurance with our preferred insurance provider, please get in touch with me, your Travel Counsellor, or if you require some general guidance on travel insurance, try here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance#history It’s always worth checking that your insurance covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions. We can send you a link for our travel insurance provider if needed. Driving abroad: If you have a full UK driving licence you don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU this year. UK travellers driving in the EU on or after 01 January 2021, however, may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can keep up to date with the latest government advice on driving abroad here: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abr…/international-driving-permit Please check carefully which permit is required for each country you intend to drive within, as you may need more than one permit to comply with the law. Also, because travellers will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover, you will need a Green Card when travelling on or after 01 January 2021, which insurance firms currently issue free of charge. Disruption: Consider giving yourself extra travelling time in the event of any unforeseen disruption, for example when travelling through passport control. Further useful Government information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/…/passenger-travel-to-the-eu-by-air-rail… The European Commission has confirmed that flights to and from the UK will continue to operate as normal. For further information check the latest FCO Travel Advice, and always ask me your Travel Counsellor for all the help and support you need.

09 December 2019

TUESDAY'S TOP TIP Whether you're going on a business trip or taking a well deserved holiday, there is travel—and thus the ever-daunting task of packing—in your future. Because every last inch of your suitcase counts, and you don't want to wrinkle your clothes, break a precious bottle of Chanel No. 5, or worst case scenario: lose your bag at the airport, it's time to streamline/safeguard your approach. Here are a few top packing tips - thank me later 1: Roll, Don't fold clothes 2: Ladies - stack your bras 3: Cover shoes with shower caps 4: Pack 2 tops for every bottom 5: Put heaviest items closest to the wheels 6: Use dryer sheets to keep clothes smelling fresh 7: Put loose wires/cables etc. in sunglasses cases 8: Put breakables in socks 9: Use up every inch of space - underwear in shoes 10: Get a practical stand out suitcase to avoid the dreaded picking the wrong case off the conveyor belt Being a Travel Counsellor is not just about booking your trips, it's about going that little bit further to make sure those trips are as hassle and stress free as possible. Like I've said before with me all you have to do is sit back, relax and think about what to pack in your suitcase..... and now you even know how to pack it!