Useful tips for your personal travel checklist

Personal documents

Photocopy all documents that you intend to take on holiday with you, be it your credit card, (international) driver's licence, ID card/passport or car papers. This simplifies getting a replacement if they are lost.

Valid identification

Whenever you travel abroad, you are obliged to carry travel documents for crossing national borders. Check that your ID card, passport and children's passports (even for infants) are still valid. Many countries insist that all passports (including children's ones) are valid for at least six months after entering the country. (This is particularly important when travelling to faraway destinations)

Visa regulations

Some countries require foreigners to possess not only a valid passport but also a visa. Make sure you apply for your visa in good time before leaving. Visas can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to travel to, but may take several weeks to issue.

Immunisation

Make sure you know about the immunisation regulations in the country you are travelling to. Animals also require proofs of immunisation.

Note down the following numbers for emergencies:

- The telephone number of your bank
- The telephone number of the airline
- The telephone number of the car rental firm
- The telephone number of the hotel you are booked into

Hotel address

Important tip when travelling to countries not using the Latin alphabet (e.g. China): Ask the receptionist to write down the name and address of your hotel in the local alphabet. This is also very useful when taking a taxi.

Last but not least:

- Always keep an eye on your hand luggage, and never leave it unattended
- Keep passports, cash, cheques and credit cards on you
- Leave valuable items and jewellery at home or in the bank safe
- Don't accept offers from strangers asking you to take packages with unknown contents
- Check in advance what items you may take on board during the flight

Information on this is always from your airline or by calling the German Border Control hotline: +49 1805 234 566 (24 hours a day)