Six weeks to go

Arrange to have any necessary vaccinations. Check if you need a visa and that your passport is valid. Order any medication you'll need. Organise pet/house/garden sitters.

Two weeks to go

Order your currency. Give a copy of your passport, travel insurance, tickets and contact details to a friend. Top up your mobile phone credit and check it's enabled for use abroad. Check the batteries in your smoke alarms and give a neighbour the code for your burglar alarm in case it goes off accidentally. Cancel your newspaper delivery.

Day Before

Ensure you pack your passport, money, tickets, driving licence, insurance documents, emergency phone numbers, camera, film, batteries, power-socket adaptors, sunscreen, insect repellent, headache tablets and antiseptic spray. Switch off your gas and electrical appliances.