Travel - useful hints and tips for your holidays
Going away? Who do you leave your keys with?
New research from our Changing Face of British Homes report reveals that 66% of Brits said that they would turn to their family to check on their home while they were on holiday. The other people we would trust with our house keys are friends, 48%, and neighbours, 42%.
There's usually so much to do when you leave home for a few days, that it's often easy to forget about something really important such as your home security. So in all the excitement…or panic! the following checklist is designed to help you remember those important things you should do before you go away. That way you should be able to relax and enjoy your break knowing your property is safe.
When you've booked your holiday
- If you don't have one, consider installing a burglar alarm before you go away. If you do have one, check that the alarm works.
- Inspect and check that your smoke alarm works - make sure you have installed new batteries and it is clear of dust.
- Check locks fitted to all accessible windows are in working order, particularly if they have not been opened for a while.
- Check shed and any outbuildings are secure - this may mean replacing any locks that are rusted and repairing any damaged window frames.
- If you have a garage, make sure it has a visible lock and it works.
- Remember to lock away any ladders.
- If you have pets, book them into kennels or arrange for them to be looked after by a trusted friend or family member.
A few days before you're off
- Leave a spare key with a trusted friend or neighbour and ask them to keep a watchful eye on your home while you're away
- Ask a trusted family member, friend or neighbour to collect your post and move it away from your front door
- Leave your alarm code with a trusted family member, friend or neighbour, just in case your alarm does go off
- Arrange for someone to water your plants
- Don't say that you're on holiday on your email
- Don’t leave notes for tradesmen on your door
- Cancel a newspaper delivery if you have one
- Cancel the milk if you have it delivered
- If away in winter: Check the likely temperature and consider leaving the heating on so pipes do not freeze
- Remember to put bubble wrap around your less hardy potted plants
The day you're off
- Switch off electrical and gas appliances such as cookers and computers and the TV. Don't leave electrical items on stand-by.
- Double-check your windows and doors are all locked
- Set any timers for lights, radios and other appliances
- Check that taps are turned off
- Check any spare keys are out of sight / locked away - including spare keys for a car left in the garage
- If you have one make sure valuable items such as jewellery / other credit cards are locked in a safe or in a safe place that is out of sight.
- Leave your contact details with a trusted family member, friend or neighbour in case they do need to contact you
- Activate mobile phones for use abroad
- Leave details of your location with friends, family and a trusted neighbour
- Empty the fridge
- Empty the rubbish
What you need to take
- Passport
- Flight tickets
- Money and debit/credit cards/prepaid cards
- Driving licence, if hiring a car
- Have you got your travel insurance and if going for winter sports are you adequately covered?
- Travel insurance documents
- Details of your household insurance provider, policy number and emergency contact number
- Other emergency insurance telephone numbers
Medical requirements and first aid when travelling
- Have you had your inoculations?
- Do you need malaria tablets?
- Any special prescription medicines
- Remember to pack first aid, headache tablets, plasters and antiseptic spray
- Insect repellent
- Sun tan lotion
Electrical equipment
- Electric socket adaptors
- Hair dryer or hair straighteners
- Travel iron
- Camera
- Video camera
- Batteries
- Mobile phone charger
Enjoy your break!
