Summer your way: Practical tips for a smoother holiday
June 11, 2026
Summer your way in 2026, whether that means setting sail on a cruise, unwinding on a beach holiday or enjoying a family getaway. Whatever your plans, a little preparation can go a long way. From checking your passport and destination requirements to making sure you have travel insurance that meets your needs, taking care of the practical side can help you feel better prepared if something unexpected happens.
Cruise and holiday essentials checklist
Whether you’re boarding a cruise ship, heading to a coastal resort or combining several destinations in one trip, keeping your travel essentials organised can help your holiday run more smoothly.
Travel essentials:
• Passports and travel documents
• Boarding passes and accommodation confirmations
• Cruise tickets and itinerary details
• Travel insurance documents
• EHIC/GHIC cards
• Bank cards and a small amount of local currency
Useful extras:
• Power bank and charging cables
• Lightweight layers for changing temperatures
• Reusable water bottle
• Prescription medication
• Copies of important documents stored securely online
Preparing for cruises and multi-stop holidays
Cruises and longer itineraries often involve multiple destinations, so it is worth checking entry requirements for every stop on your journey.
Before you travel, check your itinerary carefully and confirm any excursion bookings in advance. If you plan on taking part in activities, make sure your travel insurance policy is suitable for the activities, and understand any local safety guidance.
Making airport and port departures easier
Summer is one of the busiest times to travel, and airports and cruise terminals can be especially busy.
Aim to arrive early and allow extra time for check-in, security and baggage procedures. Keep essential items such as medication, chargers and toiletries in your hand luggage so they are easy to access if your plans are delayed.
If you are travelling to Europe, remember the new EES system is in place. You can see more information about how this works here. You may need to plan in extra time to complete these checks on the way out and on your return.
Protecting gadgets and valuables
From capturing holiday memories to keeping in touch with loved ones, phones, tablets and cameras are often among the most-used items on holiday.
Keeping valuables in your hand luggage and using your hotel or cabin safe where available can help reduce the risk of loss, theft or accidental damage while you are travelling. Having tracking features on your devices like Find My iPhone or Find My Device can make it easier to locate missing items.
Why does travel insurance matter?
Travel insurance can help cover certain unexpected events, depending on the policy selected and subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Before purchasing a policy, check that the cover is suitable for your destination, trip length and any activities you intend to take part in.
If you decide to travel, make sure you consider Flexicover Travel Insurance as part of your plans, including optional cruise cover extensions for cruise holidays, subject to policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
Wherever summer takes you, make sure you have travel insurance that suits your needs.