Booking Your Holiday: Complete Family Checklist

Before You Start Researching

Get these essentials sorted first to avoid wasted research:

• Check all passport expiry dates - many countries require 6 months validity
• Note when each passport expires and add renewal time if needed
• Confirm school term dates and any inset days
• Check work commitments and book time off in principle
• Discuss rough budget with partner/family
• Agree on destination type - beach, city, adventure
• Consider any medical appointments or commitments
• Check if any family birthdays or events conflict

Research Phase

Smart research saves money and avoids poor choices:

Destination Research

• Check weather patterns for your travel dates
• Research local school holidays - avoid peak local periods
• Look up public holidays at destination
• Check travel advisories on gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Research visa requirements for your destination
• Look into vaccination or health requirements
• Check flight times from your local airports
• Consider time zone differences for young children

Accommodation Research

• Filter reviews by families or travellers with children
• Check photos for pool fencing and safety features
• Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for current quality
• Look for mentions of food quality for children
• Check distance to beach, restaurants, supermarkets
• Note what is included - cots, high chairs, pool towels
• Check cancellation policy carefully
• Compare prices across multiple booking sites

Price Comparison

Do not just compare headline prices - compare total costs:

• Note base price for accommodation
• Add transfer costs (return journey for family)
• Add baggage costs if not included
• Add meal costs if not all-inclusive
• Factor in car hire if needed
• Include travel insurance cost
• Check for any booking fees
• Look for credit card payment fees
• Compare total cost, not per-night rate

Before You Click Book

Final checks to make before committing:

Dates and Names

• Double-check travel dates match your availability
• Verify names match passports EXACTLY (middle names, hyphens)
• Check date of birth for each traveller
• Confirm children ages are correct for pricing
• Note check-in and check-out times
• Check flight departure times work for your family

Policy Checks

• Read cancellation policy in full - not just the summary
• Check what amendment fees apply
• Note any non-refundable deposits
• Understand what COVID-related changes are covered
• Check payment schedule - deposit now, balance when
• Verify ATOL or ABTA protection status
• Look for any resort fees or taxes not in price
• Check if price is locked or subject to change

Inclusions to Verify

• Return flights from correct airport
• Hold luggage allowance (how many bags, weight)
• Airport transfers included or separate
• Room type and bed configuration
• Board basis - room only, B&B, half board, all-inclusive
• Kids club access and age restrictions
• Pool towels, beach towels
• WiFi included
• Cot and high chair if needed

The Booking Process

Make the booking carefully:

• Use a credit card for payment protection (Section 75)
• Take screenshots of the price and inclusions before paying
• Save a copy of terms and conditions
• Note any reference numbers given during booking
• Check your email immediately for confirmation
• Verify all details on confirmation match what you booked
• Save confirmation to a dedicated travel folder
• Add payment due dates to your calendar

Immediately After Booking

Do these within 24 hours of booking:

• Forward confirmation email to partner or family member
• Add flights to phone calendar with confirmation numbers
• Set reminder for online check-in window
• Set reminder for balance payment due date
• Request any special requirements (cot, dietary, accessible room)
• Check in online if window is open
• Book airport parking or transfers if not included
• Start looking at travel insurance if not already arranged
• Check passport validity again now dates are confirmed

Travel Insurance Checklist

Arrange insurance as soon as you book to cover cancellation:

• Check if existing bank account or credit card includes travel cover
• Verify cover dates match your travel dates
• Check cancellation cover amount matches trip cost
• Verify medical cover is adequate (minimum 2 million GBP for Europe)
• Check cover for pre-existing conditions if relevant
• Verify all travellers are named on policy
• Check baggage cover and single item limits
• Note excess amounts for each claim type
• Save policy documents with booking confirmations
• Add insurance emergency number to phone contacts

Document Organisation

Set up a system now that will make pre-departure easy:

• Create email folder for all trip correspondence
• Create phone folder for screenshots and confirmations
• Start a shared notes file with partner for trip info
• Save emergency numbers in phone contacts
• Email yourself copies of passport photo pages
• Take photos of travel insurance documents
• Note booking reference numbers in an accessible place
• Create a folder in cloud storage for travel documents

Early Tasks to Start Now

Get ahead on things that take time:

• Apply for/renew passports if less than 6 months validity
• Register for EHIC/GHIC card if travelling to Europe
• Book any activities that sell out (Disney, popular tours)
• Research restaurant bookings for special occasions
• Start a list of items to pack
• Research local customs and tipping expectations
• Look into mobile phone roaming options
• Consider travel credit card for fee-free spending abroad

Booking Summary Checklist

Quick reference for the essential checks:

• Passports valid for 6+ months after return date
• Names on booking match passports exactly
• Travel dates confirmed correct
• Total cost understood including all extras
• Cancellation policy read and understood
• Payment made on credit card for protection
• Confirmation received and saved
• Travel insurance arranged
• Key dates in calendar (balance due, check-in opens)
• Documents organised in accessible location