If your going away this Christmas make sure you read our Check list

Whether it's the thought of eating turkey for a week, the repeat TV shows, or the urge to break with tradition, no one knows for sure, but a record number of us are expected to take off overseas to enjoy this year's festivities.

Up to 12% of the UK population could flee the country, according to Sainsbury's Bank, and what with all the excitement of Christmas and going abroad many of us are prone to forget the housekeeping essentials that can save a lot of hassle should things go wrong.
Lock up the homestead

First of all you must make sure all is safe on the home front and that you've battened down the hatches. You don't want to advertise the fact that your home is empty especially as you might have valuable presents lying around.

Make it look as though someone is in by keeping a light on using a timer, leave the car in the drive and get a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your home.

It might sound obvious but lock everything up including garden items; hide presents away and your personal documents; and leave the alarm on, or if you don't have one, consider installing one.

Cancel milk and papers because a stockpile on the doorstep is a certain giveaway to would-be burglars.

Check your contents and building insurance policies are up to date.

Keep on top of bills Always make sure you are up to date with bills and credit cards to avoid paying penalties fees. After last month's rise in the base rate by a quarter of a percent, if you are on a variable rate mortgage you will need to leave a bit extra in your current account to meet the higher repayment.
Make sure you're covered

Travel insurance is a must. It provides protection against cancellation of the holiday or missed or delayed departure; loss of luggage and personal effects such as cash and your new Christmas presents; and medical expenses.

If you're going on a winter sports holiday, travel insurance is even more important because medical bills can break the bank. Most policies dont cover you for existing medical conditions and they won't pay out for mishaps if you've been drinking or using drugs.

If you are driving the car overseas, always tell your motor insurance company.

Shop around for travel insurance but don't just pick the cheapest - make sure that the policy covers the type of holiday you are going on. Some banks offer free travel insurance with packaged accounts - you might think it's good enough but check out the small print. Does it cover your needs - think about winter sports or dangerous activities, such as, swimming with sharks and if it's a family holiday, does it cover the kids as well?

You are usually better off buying a policy separately from your holiday and an annual policy can work out cheaper in the long run. Travel agents charge more because they earn commission from travel insurance but lack product knowledge and won't always sell you the right type of insurance.

At around £30 to £50 for an annual policy, it's a small price to pay against the cost of a holiday for peace of mind yet 8% of us take the risk and go overseas with no travel insurance.

When packing your bags, don't forget to include details of your policy number, a summary of the policy and the insurer's contact details.
Get the best money deal

With the pound strong, your money will go further in a foreign currency , particularly in the US, but you also want to make sure you avoid costly exchange rates and fees for using plastic cards.

Withdrawing money using credit cards from foreign cash machines can be expensive. There is usually a handling fee and the currency conversion rate fee, which can add up to more than £5 for a £100.

Withdrawing funds using a debit card isn't much cheaper either. The banks will charge you a fee of around 1.5% plus a conversion rate fee. And on top of this remember the exchange rate you get might not be the best around.

When you hit the shops, it gets worse. If you don't pay in the local currency, retailers charge a dynamic currency conversion rate fee and then the banks and credit card companies can add a transaction fee and, of course, there may be interest.

With cash you only have the commission to pay and the exchange rate to consider but it can be devastating if you lose it. Travellers cheques and pre-paid travellers cheque cards are secure but compare fees before you commit.
Look after your identity

Before you go, you should tell your bank and credit card company that you are going away so they know your cards are not being used fraudulently. To protect yourself from fraud always check your bank and card statements on your return.

Once you have taken care of all the pre-holiday essentials, when you arrive at your destination, youll feel more relaxed and ready to enjoy that well deserved break.

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