12 Things Every Traveller Forgets

Article in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Whether you’re a first-time traveller or an experienced backpacker, everyone knows the feeling of getting swept up in the excitement of where you’re going… only to forget to do something major a few days before your trip starts!

Taking care of your essentials is the easiest way to ensure a seamless experience. So to help get you prepared before you go, here’s our guide to the 12 things that every traveller needs (yet may forget)!

1. Passport and ID ✅

It goes without saying that your passport is one of the most important documents to have prepared before you travel. It is extremely important that you keep your passport in good condition. We always recommend that you have at least 6+ months validity on your passport from your date of exit and that you always stay up to date on relevant FCDO advice on your destination’s entry requirements.

Alongside this, we strongly recommend that you keep emergency photocopies of your passport to keep inside a safe compartment of your luggage, as well as a backup online and at home with family or friends.

A second form of identification, such as a driving licence, is also strongly recommended for your trip. Please note that if you wish to do some driving abroad, you may sometimes need to apply for an international driving permit in advance.

If you lose your passport whilst abroad on one of our trips, please inform your trip leader and the local authorities. You should also cancel your passport as soon as possible; this will reduce the risk of anyone else using your passport or identity. If you’re abroad, lose your passport and need to travel urgently, you can apply for an emergency travel document, but you will need to pay a fee. If you need support with a lost or stolen passport, contact HM Passport Office.

2. Travel Insurance ✅

Travel insurance can be a safety net that covers you from the moment you book, whether that is cancelled flights, emergency medical expenses or other unforeseen circumstances. As everyone’s dream trip is different, we encourage travellers to do their own research and decide the most appropriate cover for their needs, preferences and any chosen activities.

Here at Gap 360, travel insurance is a requirement for all of our trips and it is easy to get cover in a few steps. If you are wondering when to buy travel insurance, you can check out our helpful guide or visit the FCDO Travel Aware insurance page for more advice. 

3. Global Health Insurance Card / European Health Insurance Card ✅

Did you know that a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can grant UK residents access to necessary state healthcare in Australia and much of Europe? Depending on the country, this healthcare is either free or at a discounted rate (typically that of how much a local resident would have to pay).

European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid until their expiration date. If you have an EHIC, ensure you replace this with a GHIC once it is no longer valid. UK residents can apply for a GHIC through the NHS. It is completely free of charge, only takes a few minutes and lasts for up to 5 years! 

You will still need to purchase travel insurance alongside obtaining a Global Health Insurance Card regardless of where you are visiting. Many insurers will insist that you have a GHIC in order to cover any medical costs. See above for further details.

4. Vaccinations ✅

Vaccinations and other medical precautions can protect you from serious infections abroad and may be a requirement to enter certain countries. Travellers should consider a variety of factors, such as the destinations they plan on visiting and their chosen activities, and talk these through with a medical professional.

Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, which is one of the UK’s biggest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a phone or in-person consultation and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.

Please always allow at least 8+ weeks to visit a GP or travel clinic before your trip starts.

5. Entry Requirements (Including Layovers) ✅

It is easy to forget to check the individual entry requirements for each country you plan on visiting, including for layovers. Even if you are only staying in the airport, some countries will require you to have a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). For further information on entry requirements check FCDO Travel Advice for your destination. 

6. Travel Aware ✅

Entry requirements are subject to change, so make sure that you are regularly checking country-specific FCDO Travel Advice during the weeks and months leading up to your trip and make sure you sign up to email alerts for your destination.

The FCDO Travel Aware campaign offers amazing resources and advice for your trip abroad. From sticking with your mates to drinking safely and downloadable foreign travel checklists, they have everything you need to help you prepare for your dream trip.

7. Connecting vs Self-Transfer Flights ✅

If you are booking your flights independently and they include a layover (meaning that it is a non-direct journey), it is important to check first whether this is a connecting route or a self-transfer.

Connecting flights are when you book one ticket that includes multiple flights. Your hold luggage will typically be transferred by your airline; however, we recommend contacting them if you are unsure as certain destinations (such as South Africa and the USA) still make you pick up your luggage. The great thing with connecting flights is that if there are any issues with flight delays or disruptions, in most cases your airline will be responsible to get you through to your final destination.

Self-transfer flights are when you recollect your hold luggage, recheck in and clear through immigration for your next flight. If you are flying with non-partnered airlines, there is a good chance that your flight is a self-transfer. If there are any delays on your first flight and you miss your second one, for self-transfer flights there is almost no protection from the airlines in regards to rebooking.

Our flights partner, Flights 360, can take care of all these essential details and find you the best journeys at competitive prices. Whether you are nervous about flying or want someone to match up flights to your travel itinerary and preferences, they are the best people to ask. You can find out more by checking out our guide on reasons to book with Flights 360 today!

8. SIM Card or eSIMs ✅

Staying connected abroad is one of the easiest ways to ensure seamless travel, whether that is being able to contact your trip leader and new mates or keeping in touch with loved ones back home. Choosing either a SIM card or an eSIM can help you stay safe abroad and skip out on high-roaming fees. 

9. Cash and Card ✅

Whether you’re a budget backpacker or coming back with loads of souvenirs, everyone needs a little bit of spending money! How much spending money you should take is up to you, and this depends on factors such as where you are travelling to and what activities you are planning on doing. Generally, we recommend that you take some cash and a card to ensure that you have more options abroad.

Some countries, such as Morocco, have closed currencies. All this means is that you will need to exchange some money in the country, either upon arrival at the airport or take out local currency with your card at the nearest ATM that your trip leader has recommended. 

One of our biggest travel hacks has to be registering for an international debit card, allowing you to spend money abroad while saving on exchange rate fees. Wise covers 40 currencies around the world, and even works for Apple Pay and Google Pay!

Gap 360 Pro Tip: Splitting up your cash in a few different luggage compartments is a great way to ensure you always have emergency money available. Never check cash in your hold luggage though, always keep it with you!

10. Backpack vs Suitcase ✅

Okay, it is fairly unlikely that you will forget your backpack or suitcase before you go. What is more likely is that you forget to give yourself enough time to choose the right one that suits you, your preferences and where you are travelling to. This advice also applies to day bags (such as a small rucksack) as well, because who wants to lug around all their stuff every time they go out?

“Backpack or suitcase?” is one of the biggest questions that our travellers ask. Whilst we generally recommend taking a backpack, everyone likes to travel differently, and each trip is unique. You can most likely get away with a suitcase on our Europe tours… yet trekking Mount Everest Base Camp? Maybe not so much.

Once you have booked your dream trip, we recommend reading over the confirmation and pre-departure details, which will be sent over by email. You can also log in to the bookings portal and access everything you need ahead of your trip. If you are still unsure of anything, please reach out and we can chat over any questions or queries you may have. We’re just a message, email or phone call away!

11. Adapter and Charging Cords ✅

Plug types can change around the world depending on where you are travelling to. While the Type A & B plug types are most popular in the Americas and parts of Asia, you are more likely to find Type I in Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the UK uses Type G plugs.

Finding plug adaptors and charging cords at the airport can be fairly straightforward, so we always recommend making sure that you have it packed, so that your devices are fully charged if and when you need them. We also strongly recommend that you pack a portable charger for your trip, as this is a handy way of staying connected while on-the-go!

Gap 360 Pro Tip: Universal / worldwide travel adaptors are a budget-friendly option which typically offer 3 or 4 different plug types on a single charger.

12. First Aid Kit and Medications ✅

Health and safety can be a bit different for everyone, yet every traveller will benefit from taking a small first aid and medicines kit with them. While your trip leader will be able to point out the nearest pharmacies and supermarkets, who doesn’t like having all the essentials readily available in one place?

When travelling to new environments, you may need to take factors like tap water safety and high altitudes into consideration. Alongside reading our pre-departure details and following the advice of your trip leader, we encourage travellers to do their own research using resources such as the NHS and TravelHealthPro.

… Have Your Essentials Ready? ✈️

No matter how experienced you are, we completely appreciate that travelling is a big deal. We want you to enjoy your time abroad, which is why you can always reach out if you have questions. We have heard it all before, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us over email, live chat, WhatsApp or by giving us a call.

Other than having all your essentials ready, if there is one thing we want you to take away from this guidebook, it is that everyone travels differently. At Gap 360, we want you to feel fully empowered and supported in choosing whichever options make you feel the most comfortable. This is your dream trip, so why not live it to the fullest?

While forgetting to pack your charging cable is fairly common, one thing’s for sure… You will never forget the memories made on our group tours with new mates! Discover your perfect adventure today, or if you have already found it and are wondering what comes next, check out our ultimate what to take travelling packing list! 🎒