Peace of Mind While You’re Away: A Travel Checklist for the Unexpected
- Tanya
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Introduction
I always aim to share what I learn — both in my practice and in life. Recently, while on holiday, my mum became unwell, and the experience brought up some important (and honestly, stressful) lessons about being prepared for illness while travelling.
So, I thought I’d turn that experience into something useful: a simple checklist that might help bring peace of mind if you or a loved one find yourselves in an unexpected situation abroad.
We never think these things will happen to us… until they do. A little planning can go a long way in easing worry and making things smoother for everyone involved.
🌍 Pre-Holiday Checklist for Emergencies
1. Register Your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Online - If you or a loved one have an LPA in place, make sure it’s set up online. Even if you have the paper version, being able to access it electronically is often quicker and more widely accepted by companies and services abroad.
2. Everyone Needs a Phone - If you’re travelling with others, make sure each person has a working mobile phone. It might seem obvious, but when my mum’s partner didn’t have one, communication became much more difficult.
3. Share Access to Each Other’s Phones - With the rise of fingerprint and facial recognition, getting into someone’s phone in an emergency can be nearly impossible. Either share passcodes or key emergency information with each other ahead of time.
4. Create an ‘In Case of Emergency’ Pack (and print it!) - Include:
Passport and flight details
Travel insurance policy numbers and emergency contacts
Hotel/accommodation info
Next of kin and GP contact details
Consent form to share medical information
List of current medication, allergies, major health issues, recent history
Dietary requirements
Emergency contacts at home — including landline numbers
5. Family & Friends Who Can Help - Make a list of trusted people who can help out back home, especially if something delays your return. Setting up a WhatsApp group can be a great way to keep everyone informed and supported.
6. Don’t Forget About Pets and Plants! - Have a clear plan for pet care, and someone to water your plants. Include a backup person in case you’re away longer than expected. Also, make sure someone you trust has a spare key.
7. Know the UK’s International Dialling Code - It’s +44 — not something you think about until you suddenly need it!
8. Get healthcare cover whilst abroad with a UK GHIC or UK EHIC - The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area, and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. It is free and lasts up to five years but it is not a replacement for travel insurance though.
💬 Final Thoughts
These aren’t things we want to think about before a holiday, but having a little structure in place really helps reduce anxiety in the moment. Whether you’re heading off on a quick weekend break or a long adventure, taking time to prepare can offer a sense of calm that stays with you on the journey.
If you have anything you'd add to the list, please do share — I'd love to hear your ideas and learn from your experience too 💜
Wishing you safe, relaxing, and joy-filled travels,Tanya x