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iD Mobile's 2022 Holiday Checklist

iD Mobile's 2022 Holiday Checklist
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Your Holiday Checklist

Planning a little holiday this year? After a long time in limbo, the easing of restrictions means many of us are rushing to book that little trip we’ve been set on ever since the start of the pandemic. But before you jet off, are you sure you have everything you’ll need?

Many big changes have happened since we were last freely able to travel to wherever takes our fancy. Among them are the UK’s covid restrictions, the restrictions and rules of the country you’re heading to, and the fact that UK passport holders no longer queue at passport control with EU passport holders. However, there are quite a few other things you’ll want to keep in mind before you put your out-of-office on and skip to the airport! Here they are…

 

Roam like at home:

Don’t worry about relying on dodgy café Wi-Fi or keeping your phone in airplane mode. iD Mobile still offer Inclusive Roaming in 50 destinations, and we have no plans to change our policy. That means you can use all the data, minutes and texts already included in your allowance, in any of these countries, at no extra cost.

Not only will your allowances come in handy when checking in with the news back home, but it also means you can use Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate like a native wherever you go! No oversized folding maps, no payphones and no add-ons needed…

Sidenote: don’t start your holiday off with the customary signal struggle. Instead, make sure you’ve got roaming turned on before you leave the UK. That way, your phone should be able to find and settle on a network with good signal the moment you land and take your phone out of airplane mode. Simply head to the iD Mobile app, tap on Services, then toggle Roaming to ‘on’. Now you’re ready to roam. And don’t forget iD Mobile have no current plans to alter or change the current roaming policy.

 

Make sure your passport is valid!

It may sound super basic, but it’s very easy to forget important things like when your passport expires, especially if you’re an infrequent traveller. Remember, you need at least six months remaining before your passport expiry date to be able to travel to other countries. If your passport’s set to expire within six months, you’ll need to get it renewed before you travel. You’ll need it to check in online and download your boarding pass anyway, so it’s good to be prepared!

And if you’re cutting it close to your holiday, it may be worth paying to get your passport renewed urgently. That way, you can be sure it’ll arrive before you’re set to go.

 

Need a visa?

Certain countries don’t require you to have a visa if you’re just going for a week’s break, or maybe even longer. If you’re holidaying to an EU destination, all you’ll need is your passport and all your COVID compliance stuff (we’ll get to that later) and you’re set. However, some countries, like the USA, require you to obtain a visa waiver to enter as a visitor.

Wherever you’re going, and however you plan to get there, it’s vital to check the entry requirements on gov.uk and leaving yourself plenty of time to make sure you’ve got everything in order. The last thing you want after a long-haul (or even short-haul) trip is to spend even longer at the security desk. The sooner everything’s sorted, the sooner you can get into relaxation mode.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Pass, tests and exemptions

Here’s where things get a little complicated. Whatever country you’re visiting will have its own rules and restrictions around COVID-19. For instance, if you’re soaking up the sun in Spain, you’ll need proof of your vaccination status and you’ll need to complete a Health Control Form before you arrive. In France, you’ll need to present a negative COVID test result and a sworn declaration that you don’t have any symptoms. Even then, without proof of your vaccination status, you’ll need to isolate for 10 days upon arrival. If you’re not vaccinated, it may be a lot trickier finding a holiday destination  Be sure to check out foreign travel advice before you book your trip, so you’re already one step ahead.

And don’t forget, there are also further rules when the time comes to return to the UK. You’ll need to complete a Passenger Locator Form, and if you’re going on holiday before 11th February, the chances are that you’ll have to book a PCR or lateral flow test to be done once you return. You may also be required to do a fit-to-fly test before going to the airport, so check before you travel!

Top tip: Because of the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, particularly from country to country, these rules are subject to frequent and fast changes. Book your private tests nearer to your holiday to avoid any unnecessary expense.

 

Don’t forget insurance

According to the stats in 2020, 30% of British people didn’t book travel insurance when they booked their most recent trip. While travel insurance isn’t a legal necessity, when it comes to real peace of mind, we’d argue it’s an essential.

With a good travel insurance policy you’re protected against the things that could potentially spoil your holiday. We’re talking about lost suitcases upon arrival, misplaced money, flight cancellations, medical bills should you become ill when you’re away, or even accommodation cover if you test positive for COVID-19 while you’re away and need to isolate beyond your planned trip dates. All these things are easier to deal with when you’re backed by a great insurance policy. Plus, with good cover, you’re way more likely to embrace your adventurous side while you’re away!

Be sure to add insurance shopping to your holiday prep. Head to one of the many comparison websites out there and compare insurance policies on the level of cover, customer satisfaction, and how much excess you’ll need to pay should the worst happen.

 

Snap happy

You’ll want to take some snaps while you’re basking in the unique architecture, stunning scenery and wonderful weather. But if your camera’s no good, you probably won’t ever look back on the pictures you take, let alone share them. For photos you’ll want to share on your socials, and for memories that you’ll never want to lose, you’ll need a good camera.

Luckily, smartphone cameras are only getting better. So, you don’t need to dedicate a chunk of your hand luggage space to a bulky digital camera. If you’re not a pro photographer, it doesn’t matter. Most new phones have incredible AI that recognises the scene you’re tying to capture and automatically adjusts the settings for the best result. That’s the quickest way to shoot a winning photo when you’re away. However, if you like to delve a little deeper and express your photographic style, the pro settings are the way to go.

Worried your phone isn’t going to cut it when it comes down to looking back on that holiday album? Our latest iPhones and Android smartphones have you covered.

Disclaimer: All information presented in this article was correct at the date and time of writing.

There you have it. Those are the essentials that are worth remembering when the time comes to prepare for that holiday. Have we missed anything out? What things do you consider essential when you book a holiday? Let your fellow Community members know in the comments below!

Competition Time:

For a chance to win a £100 Currys gift card all you need to do is tell us where you want to holiday next and why? 

Good luck!

T&Cs apply. 

Congratulations to@danhanjon you have won a £100 Currys gift card. 


151 replies

Userlevel 1

I'd like to go to Japan as I'm fascinated by the culture and technology, it's always been an ambition to go and I will one day. I suppose my next holiday I'll actually go on is in the Caribbean for my honeymoon at the end of the year 🙂

I'd love to tour Scotland… went a couple of times for work, but never had time to sightsee.

Now I'm retired we could take our time and take in this beautiful country, as well as their scotch 😍

Userlevel 1

I would love to go to the Netherlands. I have many friends who live there and it is a beautiful country. 

we are off touring France Spain & Portugal next month bits of culture loads of nature good food and the occasional beach cant wait

Userlevel 1

I’d love to take my wife back to the Dominican Republic we had our honeymoon there this August it will be 20 years definitely the best holiday I have had 

Userlevel 1

I would love to take my children to Germany 😊😊

Userlevel 1

Would love to go and visit Egyp I think it’s absolutely beautiful and full of interest I have always wanted to go and see the pyramids since I was so younger and actually picked it to do one of my assignments on school which I aced a lot more to egypt then what meets the eye 

I'm hoping to go to Budapest with a group of friends

Userlevel 1

We want to do the tour of Spain we were supposed to do in 2020, but Covid saw that trip cancelled. Can’t wait to go!

Userlevel 1

Poland to see fammily

I’d love to visit Romania. I absolutely love the architecture and have a friend there who I will force to be my tour guide lol

Userlevel 1

Croatia, immediately. I hear it's beautiful and economical! 🙂

Userlevel 1

I’d love to go to Croatia with my friend as neither of us have ever been before. With lots of trips abroad cancelled over the last 2 years, a trip away is just what the doctor ordered!!

Userlevel 1

I'd like to go to Vegas for my 40th Birthday next year. 

I can’t wait to take my kids to Italy to see the cities that inspired their names! (Roman & Siena)

And for the food. I miss all the incredible little trattorias.

I would love to visit Blackpool, partly because it's here in the UK but mostly because it's supposed to be amazing. The tourist attractions and the educational attractions along with the rich past make it an excellent choice for a holiday with family. I know most people would choose a warm sunny holiday and I would love some sun but I would also appreciate a more local fun holiday so given the chance I'd choose Blackpool

Userlevel 3

My next holiday will for sure be Persia, to experience the great history and heritage of Persepolis and many other historic sites that represented the Empire. Also to visit the beautiful villas in the countryside and get a taste of the legendary food there! 

Italy. I’ve been learning Italian since the first lockdown.

Userlevel 1

Nowhere really exotic...after so many months with only facetime to see anyone, all I want is to be able to visit (1) Aviemore to see my Niece and great niece “in the flesh”. You can’t hug an iPhone picture.

(2) to Ilkley to see my brother, sister in law, nieces and great nieces and nephews - been too long.

As I said, nowhere you would call exciting - but it’s the world to self and wife.

i would love to go back to Hawaii to see the bits i didn’t get to see on my honeymoon!

Userlevel 1

I would like to go to Florida with my two grown up children, their partners and two of my grandchildren this is on the top of my bucket list,  it may also be my last chance as age and my husbands Illness is catching up with us and I don’t want to miss the chance of us seeing the faces as they see all the beautiful places that Florida has to offer 

Hi I'm going to Corfu to see my family.

Userlevel 1

For my holiday next time..i would definately love to go to Dubai..

I was born and brought up there before a tragedy striked and we had to leave everything behind hence moving to a completely new country( which gave us shelter and a better life). However I would love to go back to Dubai to experience that childhood memories and places once again!

Userlevel 1

My next holiday would probably be Scotland - I think it will be another couple of years before going abroad is possible for us. I have always wanted to see the highlands and there are so many great events to get stuck into as well! I would love to visit the whole country, but we'll have to see what can be squeezed in!

Userlevel 1

Seeing all these exotic places listed, I can’t help thinking I’d like my next holiday to be on the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts!

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