In the rush to get ready there are many small details that are often forgotten – paying attention to these will mean difficult situations can be avoided when you are meant to be having a break.

First of all, check the expiry date on your debit and credit cards to ensure that your payment cards will be valid throughout your vacation, memorise your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and do not disclose it to anyone. In the important documents you take with you keep a record or your card number and bank contact information: this will be useful if you need to contact your bank; and always look up the location of ATMs at your holiday destination (you can do this on www.visa.com). Also, check the available credit on your credit cards and for debit cards make sure there are sufficient funds in your bank account. Make a note of your bank’s lost or stolen number and programme it into your cell-phone just in case you need to report a card loss or theft. Finally, check with your bank whether you have access to any emergency services when you are overseas such as emergency card replacement and cash advance in case the card is lost or stolen.