Travelling Extras

There's no doubt travelling abroad is great fun and can really broaden your horizons. Employers and universities definitely like to see foreign travel on applications and CVs, especially if you have worked, studied or volunteered overseas, but don't forget the all-important things you need before you can get out of the country.

Passport

Everybody needs a passport to travel abroad.

If you're under 16, you need to apply for a child passport which will be valid for 5 years. This costs £49. If you're 16 or over, you must apply for the 10-year adult passport which costs £77.50. There is also a handling fee of £8.17 if you use the "Check & Send" service at a Post Office. (Prices correct in October 2011)

Make sure you apply in plenty of time before you are due to travel. You can pick up an application pack at the Post Office, apply online for your passport or you can ring 0300 222 0000, the Passport Adviceline, from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5.30pm weekends and public holidays.

Once you've got your passport, take a photocopy of the details page and keep it separate from your passport when you travel.

Visas

Many countries outside Europe require you to have a visa before you can go there. Ask your travel agent if you need a visa.

Make sure you apply way in advance as in some cases it can take a long time. You will always have to pay a fee and sometimes you may have to go to the nearest Embassy (usually in London) to collect your visa in person. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office gives details of foreign embassies in the UK, it will also make recommendations about countries that are dangerous to travel to, so do check this out before you apply for a visa.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are travelling within a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you are entitled to free or reduced-cost medical care if you become ill or have an accident. To get this treatment you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

You can get an application form free of charge from your nearest Post Office, phone 0845 606 2030, or apply online for you EHIC card. In order to apply, make sure you have your NHS or National Insurance Number to hand.

Insurance

Even if you have an EHIC, you will need to take out travel insurance before you go abroad. This will cover you if you lose your luggage, have something stolen or have an accident. STA Travel specialises in travel for students and young people, and their website has a good section on insurance, with competitive prices. Do shop around for quotes though either from specialist travel insurance companies like Travel Insurance, Insure & Go and Travel Insurance Web, or use a price comparison site like Confused.com or Money Supermarket.

Vaccinations

If you are travelling to countries further afield, you may well have to have some injections before you go. These will protect you from diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, yellow fever, malaria, tetanus and rabies. Check with your doctor in plenty of time for what you might need, as some injections need to be given several weeks in advance. There's loads of information about health and travel on the Travel Doctor website.