Basic Information

As soon as you have decided to go on holiday especially if it is abroad check you have:-

Passport. Is it up to date?

Visa. Is this needed for the country you are going to?

Health Insurance. This can also contain other insurance like for cameras and jewelery. 

Do you need vaccinations?

Check your prescription agains what is and is not allowed in the country you are visiting. For instance. Strong pain killers are NOT allowed in Egypt or India UNLESS you have a written letter from your doctor.

Once you have booked your holiday, double check the weight of baggage and if you can, travel lighter so you can bring home those souvenirs and gifts.

Find out what clothing is appropriate. For instance in Muslim countries if you intend to travel around and visit places of interest, you will need long leg and sleeve coverings and also something for the head as in when we visited a osque in India.

Study up and perhaps learn some simple phrases. This gives you an ‘in’ as it means you do not expect everyone to speak English.