Ensure your passport is valid
Usually your passport should be valid for at least 6months at the time of visa application. But it is always advisable to contact the consulate for each country you are traveling to for exact details.

Check your visa requirements
Visa requirements can differ dramatically between countries, so be sure to have the correct visa for each destination. Don't forget to allow enough time for the visa to be processed.

Overseas Travel Insurance
You can't plan for the unexpected but you can minimize casualty by opting for travel insurance.

Take copies of all documentation
It is always a good idea to have a number of copies of your travel documentation (passports, visas, tickets) in case the originals are lost or stolen. Give a set to a family member or friend who's staying at home and keep another set separate from the originals with you.

Take Passport size photos
Many activities such as skiing require a photo for identification, so keep a few passport-sized photos of yourself handy.

Last minute check
Before you leave for the airport make a last check that you have all your documentation with you, especially the most important - your ticket, passport and travel insurance.

Take some local currency with you
You'll need some cash as soon as you reach your holiday destination, hence it is best to have some low denominations handy for immediate requirements.

Take travelers cheques
Take the bulk of your holiday money in travelers cheques. This is a safe choice as they will get refunded and/or replaced if they are lost or stolen. Remember to keep your receipts separate from the cheques as the receipts contain your traveler cheque numbers, and tell you what to do if you need to get a refund.

Cash your travelers cheques at a bank
It's best to cash your travelers cheques at a bank, as they usually charge less commission than hotels. Check the bank opening times as they often shut at lunchtime.

Don't carry large amounts of cash
Your holiday insurance will only cover you for a limited amount of cash, so don't carry large amounts with you. Only carry what you need for the day, plus some travelers cheques or your credit card for emergencies. You should also be able to use your card to withdraw cash from machines - check with your bank before you go.

Use a safety deposit box
If your hotel or apartment has a safety deposit box, use it! Keep your extra cash and travelers cheques safe. Avoid cash and card transactions while on holiday.

Get rid of loose change
Should there be some money left at the end of your holiday, remember that banks and bureaux de changes only change Currencies. Get rid of all your loose change while you're away, or save it for your next trip or better donate to some good cause-! (usually airlines offer to do so in-side the aircraft)