Summer your way: Practical tips for a smoother holiday

Summer your way in 2026, whether that means a relaxing beach break, a family getaway, or an action-packed adventure. No matter what your plans are, some preparation can go a long way. From ensuring your passport is in date to making sure you have travel insurance that meets your needs can help you feel better prepared if something unexpected happens.

Family packing checklist:

Packing for a family holiday can feel overwhelming, but a checklist can help ensure nothing important gets left behind.

Travel essentials:

• Passports and travel documents
• Boarding passes
• Travel Insurance details
• EHIC/GHIC cards

Kid’s essentials:

• Snacks and drinks
• Tablets and chargers
• Spare clothes
• Favourite toys or comfort items

Health and safety:

• Sunscreen
• First aid basics
• Prescription medication
• Hand sanitiser

Airport delays during school holidays:

If you’re travelling during school holiday periods, it usually means busier airports and longer queues, so make sure to plan ahead to reduce stress upon arrival.

Tips to prepare:

A little preparation can help your holiday get off to a smoother start.

Aim to arrive at the airport early and allow extra time for check-in, security and any unexpected delays. If you are travelling to Europe, remember the new EES system is in place. You can see more information about how this works here, you may need to plan in extra time to complete these checks on the way out and on your return.

Before you travel, check in online and monitor your flight status for any updates.

Keep essential items in your hand luggage so they are easy to access if your plans are disrupted, and if you’re travelling with children, pack snacks and entertainment to help keep them comfortable throughout the journey.

Hand luggage essentials:

Keeping a few important items in your hand luggage can make your journey more comfortable and convenient.

Chargers, power banks, medication and toiletries are useful to have close at hand, particularly during delays or long journeys.

It’s also worth packing a spare set of clothes, as well as activities and comfort items for children, so everyone is better prepared for the unexpected.

Protecting gadgets and valuables:

From keeping children entertained to capturing holiday memories, gadgets are travel essentials you don’t want to lose!

To reduce the risk of loss or theft, always remember to have an app like Find My iPhone or Find My Device to make it easier to locate missing items.

Avoid leaving devices unattended by the pool or at the beach to avoid the risk of damage or theft, use lockers or leave them in a safe and secured area if there’s one available.

Why Does Travel Insurance Matter?

Travel insurance can help cover certain unexpected events, depending on your policy terms, conditions and exclusions. Before you purchase a policy, check the cover is suitable for your trip and any activities you plan to take part in.

If you decide to travel, make sure you consider Holidaysafe Travel Insurance as part of your plans.

Wherever summer takes you, make sure you have travel insurance that suits your needs.