Whether preparing for a business trip or a holiday our handy guide can help ensure you have left nothing to chance.

Documents and papers

• Flight reservations confirmed
• Checked on possible vaccinations
• Got the tickets
• Photocopies of documents (packed separately from originals) or emailed to an internet e-mail account
• Form E111 (for travel in the EU)
• Credit cards/travellers' cheques/currency
• Checked destination with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
• Passport/visa has not expired
• Driving licence
• Travel insurance
• Destination or your home address written on outbound luggage labels

House and pets

• Have told a neighbour you'll be away
• If your car is alarmed, leave spare keys with a neighbour
• Throw/give away any fresh food
• For long periods of travel, have the post office hold your mail
• Unplug electrical appliances, except freezer and fridge
• Arrange cattery/kennels, feeders or walkers for pets
• Leavespare keys/contact number with someone you trust
• Get plants watered
• Lock windows and doors
• Set timers, to make your house appear occupied
• Be discreet about going away to reduce the risk of burglars

Hand luggage

• Camera, mobile phone
• Medication
• Essential replacements in case your hold luggage does not arrive at your destination
• Support socks/leg exerciser for long flights
• Glasses, spare contact lenses if required
• Small amount of cash for when you arrive
• Book, Magazines, Newspapers
• Moisturiser and bottled water
• Sweets for take-off, to help stop your ears popping

General packing

• PDA, iPod with chargers and travel adaptors
• Suntan lotion and after-sun
• Phrasebook/guidebook
• Travel plugs/adaptors
• First-aid kit
• Toiletries

Download a hard copy here