Holiday Preparation - What you need

Many of us will remember the classic moment in the film Home Alone, when Kevin’s mother realises that, in all the hustle and bustle of going on holiday, she’s forgotten her eight-year-old son.

While this may seem a little far-fetched, if you aren’t prepared, pre-holiday stress can make you forget even the most obvious and important items.

So, to help you if you’re jetting off soon, we’ve put together this handy checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered for your Golf Holiday Shop Trip.

1. Dig out your passport and make sure it's in date

It might sound simple but there is nothing that dampens your pre-holiday excitement quite like the realisation that you can’t find your passport or that it’s out of date. Checking it a couple of months in advance is something few of us would think about doing, yet it’s imperative you do – otherwise your holiday could be over before it’s even started.

Be aware that there are also some countries that require your passport to be valid for a particular period from your date of arrival. For example, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya and Turkey all require a minimum period of six months to be left on your passport from your date of entry. To check regulations for the country you are visiting, simply go to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

2. Check you have the essential documents for your trip

Boarding passes. Whether this is entry visas or your driving licence, your boarding pass or hotel confirmation, get organised and put them all together in a plastic folder.

3. Golf Holiday Shop travel pack documents.

In the pack will be the full details of your trip including a list of useful numbers, for example, emergency contact details for your transfer provider should your flight be running late.

4. Make sure you know your luggage allowances – even if you have flown recently.

Over-packing and being stuck at the check-in desk with luggage that’s too heavy can really start your holiday off on the wrong foot. In this situation, you’ll either have to try and disperse some of the weight by putting it into your hand luggage (if you have room) or pay extra. So before you go, make sure you have weighed your case. You can buy handheld digital luggage scales for just a few pounds.

If you do decide you are going to need to take extra luggage, pre-book it in online in advance. All airlines have different regulations so make sure you look at the fine print in their baggage policies.

Typically most airlines allow 20KG for a set of golf clubs which will give you more than enough weight to store some extra clothes, shoes and balls.

5. Check your route to the airport and pre-book a parking space.

Both before you set off and while you are driving, listen to the radio for traffic alerts. Make sure you have planned your route and allow extra time in case of disruption.

If you are planning on parking your car at the airport, make sure you book in advance to get the best price.

6. Take out travel insurance

To get the best possible deal on travel insurance, compare policies on a comparison site to find the best one to suit your needs.

7. Sort out your travel money

Leaving your travel money to the last minute is another mistake which could cost you. If you are planning on taking currency, the cheapest rates will be found online, which you can either arrange for delivery or pick up. Find the best rates by comparing online on MoneySavingExpert’s TravelMoneyMax.

An alternative to cash is to get a prepaid card. This works on a pay-as-you-go method and you simply load a certain amount of money on to the card and then if you want to top up, you just go online or ring up. It’s a great way to budget, however some of these cards do come with hidden charges.

If you are planning on using your credit card while abroad, avoid huge charges by applying for a credit card that is specifically designed for overseas usage. For example, the Halifax Clarity Credit Card charges no fee for overseas usage.

8. Tell your bank before you go abroad

It’s important that you contact your bank to let them know that you are going abroad and that you may want to use your debit or credit card while you are away.

This is because any sudden overseas activity can cause them to become suspicious and without warning your card could just be stopped. Also be sure to take an emergency phone number to contact them, just in case.

9. Get your Travel vaccinations

For many of our more exotic golf locations in Asia, Africa and South America you will need to find out exactly what travel vaccinations you will need to stay safe and healthy. Click on the link below to find out what you need to be fit for travel;

https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations

10. Pre-book your car hire

If you are planning on hiring a car when you go on holiday, pre-booking is the key to save money.

It’s especially important in peak time for holidays, where you could turn up to find there are no cars or little choice.

11. Pack your bags properly

Packing properly can make or break any holiday, but with a golfing holiday it’s especially important to not forget the essentials. While it’s easy to remember the more obvious things such as your clubs, the little things will make all the difference to how comfortable your holiday is. Prepare for the weather, even in sunny climates it does rain at
certain times of year, so be sure that you’re prepared. If you’ve checked the 5 day weather forecast and rain is due, Pack an umbrella, rain gear and those all-important rain gloves. It’s better to bring these things even if the forecast says you won’t need them than be without.

Also be sure to always pack sunscreen, as whatever the weather, you will need protection from the sun when spending plenty of time outdoors.

A good pair of sunglasses are a must for a golfing holiday too, particularly if you are sensitive to bright sunshine.

Rolling up clothes can help to save space, as can filling your shoes with small items in your luggage.

It’s always worth having swimwear whatever climate you’re travelling to, as you’ll no doubt want to head to the pool or hot tub after a day of golf.

It’s easy to focus so much on remembering all of your golfing essentials that you forget your everyday toiletries, so make sure that doesn’t happen to you! Things such as razors and toothbrushes are easily forgotten.

Be sure you don’t leave any of your essential medication at home, and even things such as anti-allergy tablets can be a lifeline to sufferers.

Don’t forget to check how many golf balls you have in your bag, and make sure you have tees, gloves, insect repellent and any other essentials you can’t be without as these will cost you a fair penny once you’re away.

Electronics wise, always bring spare batteries and chargers and overseas adaptors as you will definitely be grateful for these. Of course, a holiday is a nice escape from technology, but you’ll still want to stay in touch with family and possibly work at some point during your trip!

We hope this has given you some insight into how to pack for your golfing holiday, particularly if it’s your first time heading off on a golf trip!