What to do before you travel

Before you travel to our destinations, there are a number of things that you will need to think about before you travel. Here are our list of things to consider for a safer and more comfortable journey.

1. 1. COVID-19 rules. Before you consider travelling to any of our destinations, you should check the latest government guidance on travel restrictions and quarantine rules. We do not recommend travel to red list destinations. Talk to us, and we can give you advice if you’re unsure how coronavirus may affect your journey.
   2. Mobile phone. If you are planning on taking your mobile phone abroad please check the cost for making and receiving calls whilst overseas. This could turn out to be expensive and could ruin your holiday. You will also need to have international roaming on your phone, please contact your provider for more information about this. If you have a smart phone it is also advisable to turn off applications that are not needed. This will help prevent generating enormous phone bills. Please note that pay-as-you-go contracts are often not compatible overseas.
   3. Debit and credit cards. Make sure that you register your cards with your bank that you are travelling overseas.  Some cards are registered automatically, but it is best to check. Your payment could be refused or your card may be taken from you.
   4. Face masks. Local laws on face masks will vary, but it is sensible to bring some to comply with local rules and help protect yourself and others.
   5. Seats on flights. Sometimes it is possible to book your preferred seats on your flights, and we can try and do this for you. Otherwise you can do it online through the airline. Please be aware that it often costs to reserve seats.
   6. Currency. It is advisable to have local currency on you. Please check which currency you need for the country you are travelling in. Make sure you ask for small denominations as local vendors and street stalls will not be able to give you change from large notes. In some countries the local currency cannot be purchased overseas but other currencies are accepted such as Dollars or Rand. Please ask Sense Earth for information about this if you are unsure.

1. Vaccinations and testing. We highly recommend that you have proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel. Additionally, it will be likely you require a negative PCR test. It is also important to have the correct and up to date inoculations for other diseases and to take the best malaria prophylaxis for yourself. Some countries will only allow you enter if you have have a specific vaccination. There are also some vaccinations that are a course so leave plenty of time to ensure that you can have them all. Make sure you speak with your GP, nurse or a local travel clinic. Please do also discuss important travel health issues such as safe eating and drinking, sun exposure and insect bites. Many of the problems experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccinations and other preventive measures need to be taken. These include being sufficiently covered when walking in the bush, regularly drinking clean water and staying in the shade during the heat of the day. We recommend that you visit Masta health and the NHS Fit for Travel site for further up to date information.
2. Passport. Please check that you have at least four empty pages in your passport and that your passport does not expire within six months of your return date to the UK. If you have a burgundy passport from before the UK exited the European Union, you may want to check the issue date – these passports are now only valid for 10 years exactly, regardless of what it says for the expiry date.
3. Visas. Certain countries require visas. Visa HQ is a good website to check on your visa status. The UK government also offer advice on entry requirements for various countries. If in doubt, please contact us.
4. Insurance. You are required to have adequate travel insurance for your trip. We recommend Campbell Irvine Ltd as a reputable insurance company. Please ensure that you let them know exactly what you will be doing so that you are fully covered for your trip. Campbell Irvine also offers cover for COVID-19. You’ll be covered if you have to cancel your holiday if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, or if you have to quarantine by order of government or public authority (e.g. NHS England’s Test and Trace) if you or your travelling companion have been exposed to COVID-19. If you’re diagnosed with Coronavirus whilst travelling overseas with this policy, all necessary medical emergency and associated expenses will be covered. Visit https://www.campbellirvinedirect.com/ or call 0207 938 1734.

Check our list of what to pack for your holiday also.