You have been saving up for your holiday for ages, your flights are booked and you've packed your shorts and flip-flops. Ready? Almost. Follow these top tips to ensure a jolly holiday.

Top Tips

• Remember to drink plenty of water, especially if you are on a plane, or sitting out in the sun. This will help you to feel hydrated, which is also good for your skin.
• Buy bottled water if you are unsure of the quality of the water in a country.
• Re-apply your suncream as regularly as possible. It might make your hands a bit greasy but it will help you avoid crispy red skin. Never a good look!
• Don't keep all your money or travel documents together in case you lose them or they get stolen.
• If you are travelling with friends think about spreading your money out so that if the worse comes to the worst and a bag is stolen, you should have enough money left between you all. 
• It's a good idea to keep a note of all your ID - passport number, flight numbers etc, just in case they are stolen and you need to report the theft to the local police. Leave a copy at home with someone you trust as well.
• A local guide book will provide loads of useful info, from local travel networks and fantastic restaurants to what to do in an emergency. You can buy a travel guide before you go, or from the tourist information when you arrive.
• Carry your valuables close to your body. Find out what works for you that’s practical and safe. Don't show off your cash or jewellery as it screams 'steal from me'.
• At the beach keep a close eye on your bags, especially if you go swimming. 
• Don't go swimming in random beaches as you don't know how strong the current is.
• Upload new tunes/Podcasts to your MP3 player so you have something different to listen to while you're travelling or lying by the pool.
• Check with your mobile phone company that you can use your phone abroad, and keep it with you at all times in case of emergencies or getting split up from your mates. 
• If you're drinking, remember that in some countries the measures might be larger than you're used to and that the alcohol will dehydrate you even more in the sun.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is a way to protect yourself in case something happens on your holiday - e.g. your luggage is stolen, your flights get cancelled, or you get ill or injured. If you do not have travel insurance and something goes wrong you could end up shelling out hundreds of even thousands of pounds!

If you're under 18, you can't get your own travel insurance but you can go on your parents' policy if you're travelling with them. Travel insurance can be bought from banks, building societies, travel agents, supermarkets and online.

Remember to take your European Health Insurance Card with you on holiday. This will provide your with access to free or reduced cost healthcare in all European Economic Area countries and Switzerland, if you become ill or have an accident.

Travel Advice

Before jetting off it is worth while checking with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK as this website has specific travel advice and tips for each country.