A checklist for post-Leaving Cert holidays
Now’s the time for an open-minded chat with family and friends about your trip
Post-Leaving Cert holidays are a rite of passage and, for most, great craic. They are well-deserved weeks of sun and shenanigans. But they also involve many young adults taking their first unsupervised trips abroad. I know it’s hard to look past the exams, but now’s a good time for checklists and chats about the rewards and risks of independent travel. The prompts below may help — try to keep it positive and practical, and not to let fear become the focus!
Travel insurance: Young adults on family policies are unlikely to be covered if travelling independently of parents or schools. If not, take out an individual policy now (in case you have to cancel before the trip). Shop around, or buy from your travel agent, and be sure to mention any pre-existing health conditions and check any exclusions or activities you plan to take. Travel disruption cover is a worthwhile add-on (I have it) that covers accommodation and other expenses due to strikes, weather and so on.
EHIC: The European Health Insurance Card (formerly the E111) entitles you to public healthcare for free, or at a reduced cost, in EU or EEA states. The cards expire after four years so should be checked now. ehic.ie
Passports: Children’s passports expire after five years, so check validity now to avoid a late scare. Take a photo of the details pages, and send it to family as back-up in case it is lost or stolen. Don’t carry a passport as ID on a night out — a National Age Card or passport card is a better option. The latter costs €35, and is usually back in three to five days.
Phone: From Revolut to boarding passes, TikTok to keeping in touch, phones are indispensable to travel. Ensure you keep yours charged, but also keep some cash and alternative copies of booking references and contact details for your hotel, family, travel agent and insurer.
Packing: If you’re checking luggage, pop your charger, valuables, medicines, a change of clothes, basic toiletries and swimwear into your carry-on, in case of delays.
Mind yourselves: Look out for each other. Stay in touch, keep an eye on drinks in clubs and bars (spiking is rare, but it happens), discuss what to do or where to meet if you separate, and talk about whether to share live locations on your phones. Have a think about what people in your group are comfortable sharing on social media, too.
Heat & sunscreen: It’s the reason we take sun holidays. But the sun can lead to problems, too. Stay hydrated, lash on the sunscreen, and move to the shade during the hottest parts of the day. Alcohol can lower awareness. You don’t want to be the one falling asleep and turning into smoked salmon on those beach or pool loungers.
In the water: Have a think about water safety, about where and when it’s safe to swim, and about what might happen if swimming while drinking or drunk.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will shortly launch an awareness campaign titled Make the Right Memories, and is opening a new consulate in Malaga this year. Irish consulates and embassies can help citizens in difficulty due to matters such as family bereavement, serious illness or detention but cannot provide financial support or medical or legal advice. Find more on ireland.ie/travelwise.