Check ahead before you book your holiday

Tips for holidaymakers looking to book their holiday this month:

1. Don't forget to buy travel insurance: make sure you take cover to protect you and your family should the unexpected happen. Essentially cover will be provided for you becoming ill or getting injured whilst on holiday, are delayed at the airport or end up losing your luggage. Also, make sure you take your insurance documents with you as having telephone numbers and policy particulars at hand is crucial.

2. Check what's covered: if you're booking a holiday for the start of the skiing season in November, before booking any activity at a ski resort - such as glacier-walking, ski mobiling or cross country skiing - check your insurance to make sure the activity isn't excluded.

3. Cancellation: when you book your holiday, make sure you take your travel insurance cover out at the same time to ensure you are covered in case you suddenly fall ill / are not fit to travel and have to cancel your holiday.

4. Plan ahead before you travel: Make sure you check the British foreign and commonwealth office (fco.gov.uk) for any warnings about travelling to your holiday destinations and to see if you require any visas prior to travel. Make sure that all your vaccinations are up to date and find out about any other suggested medical advice by visiting your health-care provider. Follow this advice and be aware of possible health risks during your trip. Websites such as dh.gov.uk\travellers are also a useful source of information. Check the weather ahead of packing for your holiday (bbc.co.uk\weather\world ).