Travel and holidays - checklist for travelling abroad

Information for people with dementia who are considering travelling alone and for carers of people with dementia.

It covers practical information about how to cope with travelling if you have dementia, and what to consider if you are a carer.

We have not included any specific holidays or establishments since these are subject to change. The organisations listed under Useful addresses and specialist holidays can help you source a holiday or break that fits your needs.

Checklist for travelling abroad

At least six weeks before you plan to travel

Speak to your GP:

• to discuss whether you need to take any extra health precautions (eg vaccinations, anti-malarial tablets) for the country you are visiting
• to make sure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip
• if you are visiting a country with strict drug controls ask for a letter about your medication and a copy of your prescription which you can show to customs officers
• about whether any health issues (eg diabetes, obesity, recent surgery) will put you at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during and after air travel
• about any information you would need to disclose on an application fortravel insurance.

Organise your paperwork:

• check that your passport is still valid for a minimum of 6 months at return date
• if travelling within the EAA (European Economic Area) make sure that you have an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• get adequate and comprehensive travel insurance
• order foreign currency or traveller's cheques and make sure your credit cards are valid
• check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) up-to-date travel advice and travellers tips on the internet at www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas or call 0845 850 2829
• check if you need a visa – your travel agent should be able to advise
• if you have a mobile phone check with your service provider whether it will work abroad and how much it will cost.  Ask your network which foreign network will be the cheapest for you to connect to when you arrive.

A week before you travel

• start to let family and friends know where you are going and how long you will be away
• make two copies of a personal informal sheet.  This should include your passport number, insurance policy, ticket details, itinerary, traveller's cheque numbers, credit card emergency numbers, home and away contact details.  Keep one and give the other to friends or family so that they can contact you in an emergency and so that you can contact them if you lose any of the information you need
• cancel any services such as milk or newspaper delivery
• check your buildings and contents insurance is up-to-date and let your insurers know if your house will be unoccupied for more than two weeks
• let a friend or neighbour know that you will be away and ask them to make sure the house is secure in your absence.

Packing

• check your ticket for the weight restrictions for checked-in luggage and weight and size restrictions for hand luggage
• check the tickets for items which you may not be allowed to pack
• remove any old airline tags and make sure your luggage is labelled inside and out with your name, contact details and destination address but avoid putting your home address on the outside label – use an e-mail or mobile phone number instead
• put something bright on your luggage that will enable you to identify it at a distance eg a ribbon, coloured tape or a large sticker.

In your hand luggage you should have

• passport and visa (if necessary)
• tickets
• contact details for your destination
• contact details for your friends and family at home
• traveller's cheques/credit cards/currency
• small denomination currency for arrival/on board plane
• insurance certificate and emergency contact details
• inoculation certificates
• any medication you might need
• driving licence if you are hiring a car

Keep a copy of your personal information sheet in a separate place from your documents.

During an aeroplane flight

• move around the seat and cabin as much as possible to stretch your legs.  Exercise your calf muscles while seated and avoid crossing your legs or ankles
• stay hydrated.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink lots of water and soft drinks instead.