Travel Guide

Don't go on holiday without our handy checklist of travel essentials. Ten top tips for your most enjoyable holiday yet

1. Online check in Checking in online can save you loads of time at the airport. You can drop your luggage off in a designated area at the airport, or better still, just take hand luggage and start your holiday while everyone else is waiting for their bags!

2. Luggage love Don't lose your luggage or walk off with someone else's. Get a really distinctive suitcase, or decorate yours with colourful straps and ribbons. If you don't want to put your address on your suitcase, just put a mobile number instead.

3. In flight essentials Your holiday experience begins on the flight. Take ear plugs, eye mask and travel pillow for sleeping on the plane, and socks and a jumper to keep warm.

4. First aid kit As well as any prescription medicines, remember to pack paracetamol, plasters, insect repellent and dehydration sachets.

5. Spare juice You'll need batteries or the charger for your camera, MP3 player, laptop or handheld computer. Make sure they're charged up, take spares and a battery charger, and don't forget the right adapter for the country you're going to.

6. Extra eyes Lose your glasses and sightseeing loses its edge. Take a spare pair with you, it's a requirement in some European countries if you're the designated driver. Contact lens wearers should go disposable. You won't have to worry about losing a lens or carry solution around with you.

7. The right suncream Take suncream that's the right strength for your skin. Cancer Research recommends at least SPF15, higher for children, people with fair skin or lots of moles or freckles.

8. A pre booked parking space For the ultimate in convenience, pre book a guaranteed parking space at the airport. A Meet and Greet service is ideal if you've got lots of luggage and/or kids. Check out Post Office airport parking

9. Connections Don't get stung when making calls, sending texts or using the Internet on holiday. Ask your network provider if your phone will work abroad and what the charges are. Remember that it can cost as much as £1 per minute even to receive calls abroad. It may work out cheaper to buy a local phone card when you are there or an international SIM card before you go.

10. Travel insurance Your own travel insurance is essential, even if you have an EHIC card. It's your peace of mind in case your luggage gets lost, or someone in your family becomes ill. Post Office travel insurance policies start at just £5.50 for singe trip travel insurance, or - if you're going away more than twice this year - save money with an annual travel insurance policy, and kids go free!

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