Before you travel

Make sure all passports, visas, plus any vaccinations and health requirements are up to date.

DaltonsHolidays.com recommends that travellers visit the UK Government's Department of Health Travel Advice website. This carries all the latest up-to-date independent travel and health risks information on destinations worldwide, including sources of medical treatment.

www.doh.gov.uk

Take all your travel insurance documents with you including your travel insurance certificate. Keep them safe and handy.

Take a separate note of your policy numbers in case of loss or damage to your certificate or policy cards. Also leave a copy at home with next of kin as a contingency.

At home lock all doors, windows and cancel any milk, newspapers or extra deliveries. If possible get a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property whilst you are away.

Don't take large quantities of cash. Take travellers cheques and/or credit cards and don't forget most travel insurance policies have limits of the value of any single article covered.

Make sure you have with you the emergency numbers to cancel your credit cards.

Don't forget an appropriate electrical adaptor for the country you're travelling to. You'll need one to power any electrical items you have with you.

Taking a small first aid kit is a good idea, plus a basic sewing kit, if your on a winter sports holiday don't forget ski or snowboard wax and tools - multitool, edge file, wax scraper etc - if you have them. It will save you time and money too.

Check through our General Safety Guide and FIS Code of Conduct. Always keep up to date with your ski, snowboard and mountain safety education. Print a copy if required and keep for reference.

When you are travelling or on holiday

Be aware of the latest airline and travel security measures. Allow plenty of time for check-in and be careful when packing any carry-on bags. Travellers are advised to keep hand baggage to a minimum and not to carry any sharp items, including scissors or penknives, in hand baggage or on their person.

Don't leave your home address visible on your baggage.

Keep all valuables, passports and money on you. Keep your insurance documents or policy cards with you.

When you get to your destination

Take time to acclimatise to the altitude and be careful when moving around. Many have ended a trip before even getting to the slopes by falling over on icy walkways, roads and stairs.

Find out where all the main services are such as the Post Office, Police, Doctor and Medical Facilities.

Check that the electrical fittings and heaters in your hotel room are safe.

Check that the tap water is safe to drink - not usually a problem in Western resorts.

If unsure, drink bottled water and avoid ice drinks.

Never leave belongings unattended or with strangers, especially at airports, stations, in resorts, or unattended in a vehicle. If you are skiing be aware of potential equipment theft from areas such as lift systems, mountain restaurants, cable cars, car parks and especially in resorts at the end of the day. Always keep an eye on your equipment. Check with the lift pass office and/or local papers for any special offers on passes - if you've not pre-booked - and other local services which may save you time and money.

At your hotel, keep valuables and cash in a safe deposit box or in the hotel safe.

Remember that you must obtain a police report in the event of any loss or theft. Original documents are required in order to settle your claim.

Please make sure you photocopy them before you send them to our claims team.

Enjoy your holiday!