7 tips before a weekend trip

Practical information

1. Currency:
Make sure you know the destination's currency before you take off. For example, in Hungary the currency is still the Forint, so don't assume Euros will work all across Europe.

2. Warn your bank:
If you don't want to experience the embarrassment of your direct debit card being refused in a long supermarket queue, call your bank to let them know your plans.

3. Money:
Check the exchange rate before deciding which method of payment is the cheapest: whether you want to withdraw money upon arrival, pay by card, or change cash before leaving. If you are planning on changing money at the destination, avoid using airport currency exchange bureaus as they tend to be more expensive. Paying for items by card isn't usually the best plan, as the exchange rate can be extremely unfavourable, so it is worth checking the rate with your bank before leaving.

4. Adaptor:
The sockets may not be adapted to the plugs of your appliances, so avoid a bad hair day by bringing an adaptor (usually three pin to two pin in the rest of Europe).

5. Hand luggage & beauty products:
If you don't want the hassle of checking in your hand luggage, make sure that every single beauty product in your hand luggage is under 100ml. Put the lot in a sealable transparent plastic bag. The products must fit like a jigsaw puzzle, no cramming of products, so that all products are instantly visible for security.

6. EHIC (European Health Insurance Card):
Renew your EHIC, which replaced the ancient E111 form in 2006. The EHIC entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment within the country they are visiting and the service provided will be the same as received by a person covered by the country's 'insured' medical plan in the EU. See our Practical Information section: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

7. Take the Foreign Commonwealth Office's (FCO) number with you:
This is useful for all types of emergencies; have the number in your wallet just in case you lose your passport, if you are a victim of crime at the destination, or if you are admitted to a hospital. The number to take is: +44 (0)20 7008 1500. See our section about the FCO for more details.

  All practical advice