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For a totally enjoyable holiday good preparation is paramount. Whether you are travelling out of London Heathrow Airport for business or pleasure, take a look at our top preparation tips. |
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What's in your suitcase ... |
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Without careful planning and preparation you could ruin your next trip - check out our easy to use, at a glance tips to make sure you fly out of Heathrow Airport without a care or a worry.
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You'll find Airports Information advice on preparation useful on all aspects of your pre-flight plan - from advice on home security, packing and baggage allowance - let us help.
Make sure you don't add to your holiday blues by returning home to a house that's untidy and dirty, with gone-off food in the fridge and whilting pot plans - or worst of all, to a break-in.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the single most important factor of leaving your home for any amount of time is security. Did you know that nearly half of UK break-ins happen when homes are left for a long period of time.
Here are some useful tips on things to do before leaving for your trip:
- Home deliveries - cancel your milk, newspapers etc.
- Leave ordering Recorded items until after you return from your travels. If items aren't collected from the Post Office they will be 'returned to Sender' who will then know you are away
- Don't forget to cancel any meetings or appointments that are booked for whilst you are away
- It's a good idea to ask a family member or friend to check your home occasionally to remove post from the letterbox - they could even water your plants!
- Use perishable items from your fridge before you travel to avoid them going mouldy
- Unplug all electrical items - TV, stereo - as a fire safety precaution
- To avoid wasting energy (and money) turn off your central heating and hot water, however if you are travelling in the winter it is advisable to turn heating down low to avoid frozen pipes.
Look after your pets - if going to a cattery or kennels don't forget their favourite toys. If they are being 'pet-sat' by friends or family make sure both parties are fully acquainted before you leave
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Take advantage of these Top Ten security tips to protect you and your home. By following our tips you can enjoy not just a great holiday but peace of mind too.
We spend so much time preparing for our holidays so we should remember to spend the same amount of time securing our homes, especially when nearly half of break-ins are when homes are left unattended for longer periods of time.
Our houses and contents are, to most, our biggest asset - both finanically and sentimentally. Don't risk losing them, just because you were too busy racing out of the door to Heathrow Airport.
More Travel Tips from Help Me Park - Valet Meet and Greet Parking at Gatwick Airport >>
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Top Ten Security Tips |
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1. Automatic Lighting |
Light timers are a great idea as it makes the home look lived in and passers-by will think people are home as lights will go on and off at different times of the day. |
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2. Post |
Royal Mail offer a 'Keepsafe' service where they will store your post - both personal and business - for up to two months. .
Or why not arrange for a family member or friend to pop by occassionally to remove post from your letterbox and doorstep - it's an absolute giveaway that the house is unoccupied. |
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3. Deliveries |
Again, a real give-away of the house being unoccupied is milk and newspapers piling up on your doorstep - cancel them! |
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4. Baggage Tags: |
Only write your home address on the 'return' part of your baggage tag whilst you are checking in for your return flight, otherwise anyone handling your bags will see where you live and that your home will be empty. |
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5. House Checking: |
See if friends or family members, trusted neighbours even, can pop into your house just to check that everything is as it should be. Do ask if they can alternate the times of their visits though, so a routine isn't identified by potential burglars.
Ask them to open and close curtains to give your home the appearance that it is being lived in.
And don't forget to leave your contact details with family members or friends in case of an emergency. |
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6. Neighbourhood Watch: |
If your area has a Neighbourhood Watch scheme it is worth joining before you travel. Visit their website at www.neighbourhoodwatch.net to find out more. |
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7. Valuable Items: |
Before you travel make sure your home and contents insurance policies are up to date and cover you adequately.
You may want to consider leaving important documents and valuable items with friends or family until you return. Or, you can ask your bank if you can put them in a safe for the duration of your trip.
Sort after stereos, TVs and DVDs should not be on view from the outside of your home.
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8. Alarm: |
Do check your alarm is working properly before you leave.
Many burglar alarms go off for no apparent reason, make sure a trusted neighbour, friend or family member is a key holder just incase your Home Security Company needs to contact someone.
Obviously, make sure your alarm is set when you leave your property. |
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9. Outdoor Storage: |
It is worth putting valuable bikes etc. that would normally be stored in your shed in your home. |
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10. Locks: |
Be careful to make sure all your windows and doors are securely locked and fastened before you leave. |
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For extra home security prevention many Police Forces offer a security check on your home and offer helpful security improvements.
And remember, check and double check you leave your home safe and secure so you have a very happy holiday! |
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Check your carrier's baggage allowance and packing regulations before you fly to avoid any inconvenience or embarrasment whilst checking in.
Here we have listed the main areas regarding baggage allowance and items that are restricted in both hand luggage and your main luggage.
Check with your carrier its maximum weight for baggage allowance - this can normally be found on your ticket - be aware that this can vary from carrier to carrier, especially if you are planning on taking large or many amounts of luggage with you.
By checking before you fly can save you time and cause minimal inconvenience.
A rule of thumb is that an individual bag should weigh no more than 32kg (70lbs). If your luggage weighs more than this pack your luggage into smaller bags so the weight is more evenly distributed. Please note however you must still adher to the carrier's baggage allowance restrictions.
Likewise, if you are flying with outsized or unusually shaped items of baggage you must inform the Airline before hand. Alternatively you may find your Travel Agent can give you information.
As
directed by the British Government, you will be asked by your Airline specific questions relating to your luggage. Each Airline will ask its own level of questions and require detail on your luggage - the number and degree of questioning depends Airline to Airline.
You can find more
information on restricted items in your hand luggage or main luggage in the Security section of this website |
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