Travel essentials

It’s the age-old question: what to pack for your holiday? What’s essential and what can be left behind? Our guides include packing lists for different types of break and other must-haves like travel insurance and vaccinations.

Tourists taking in the sights of Times Square in New York

Worldwide travel insurance

Fancy trekking in a remote Asian rainforest? A wild time in New York? Flying over Niagara Falls in a helicopter? Or maybe taking in the sights of Athens or Rome?

Do I need travel insurance for a UK break or staycation?

Travel insurance for a holiday in the UK isn't something you must have, but it might be something you want to have.

Compare our travel insurance

Learn about the different types of travel insurance available from Post Office, compare these and find out what’s covered by each.

Taking pets on holiday: Do pets need travel insurance?

Things have changed a lot when it comes to travelling with your pet. Whether it’s a staycation or a trip to the continent, if you want to take your pet, you may need to ...

Travel insurance for cancer patients

If you're living with cancer but love to travel, can you get travel insurance for your trip?

Two backpacks, one with boots attached, sat against a dark wooden door

A complete list of backpacking essential items

Going backpacking is one of life’s great adventures. But before you set off you’ll need some packing tips so you're not weighed down on the way.

Prepaid currency cards and how to use them

Prepaid currency cards are a secure way to make purchases on trips abroad. They can be a handy alternative to paying with cash and debit or credit cards.

Travel insurance for diabetics

You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, making sure that your medical needs are taken care of.

a person on a dock smiling at a smartphone while holding a credit card

Savvy holiday spending with the Post Office travel app

Travel smarter with the Post Office travel app. Paired with a Travel Money Card, it’s your ultimate holiday money manager – and more.

A group of friends on the top deck of a tourist bus

Kids’ travel insurance

It's a proud feeling when children turn eighteen and start holidaying on their own. Although, perhaps it's tinged with a feeling of relief. But you can't help but worry ...

Clothed male baby wearing a flat cap sat on a beach with sand in his hands

Tips for travelling with grandchildren

Enjoy that precious time away with your grandchildren, and take some of the pressure off by getting good travel insurance – just in case something goes wrong.

Doctor taking blood pressure of a patient

Travel insurance for people with high blood pressure

Travelling with high blood pressure is fine – but it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right cover in case something goes wrong abroad.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland biometric passport on wooden surface

What are biometric passports?

First issued in the UK in 2010, biometric passports add a number of new security features to the traditional passport, with an embedded microchip containing the holder’s ...

View of New York City and the Statue of Liberty from the water

Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

With a valid ESTA you can visit the US for less than 90 days without needing a visa – as long as it's for a holiday or business trip. We’ve summarised how it works, how ...

Rocky and green coastline with people on sandy beach surrounded with blue waters and boats

European and Global Health Insurance Cards

If you're travelling to an EU country from the UK, make sure you take a Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) with you or existing European health Insurance Card (Ehic), ...

Family relaxing sitting near beach and sea on their summer holiday

Family travel insurance

If you're travelling abroad as a family, it makes sense to take out insurance that covers you all. Especially if you have little ones.

Holiday packing and pre-travel checklist

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

Doctor stethoscope resting on top of a world map

Do I need travel vaccinations?

There’s no better feeling than planning an amazing trip to an exotic destination. Make staying safe with travel vaccinations top of your to-do list.

Female doctor smiling and talking to an elderly female patient

Vaccinations needed for Thailand

Some vaccinations for Thailand are recommended and some are mandatory in certain circumstances. It’s important to know which vaccinations or injections for Thailand you ...

Senior citizens travelling and holding hands

Travel insurance for seniors and pensioners

As you get older, being able to go where you want when you want is all part of the joy. And changes in your medical needs shouldn’t stand in the way of your desire to ...

Woman wearing backpack walking at the airport pulling wheeled luggage behind her

When to buy travel insurance

Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Is travel insurance worth it? And, if yes, when is the right time to buy cover?

Choosing the right card for spending abroad

Credit, debit or prepaid travel cards? Using the right card when you’re abroad could save you money and help your holiday funds go even further.

Free yourself from the hassle of cash at festivals

One of the joys of summer are the many music festivals playing across the globe. If you’re hitting the festival circuit overseas, managing your money can be a headache.