The pre-trip checklist
Before you whizz off.
Twelve things to sort, in the order to sort them. Tick them off as you go. Where you don’t need to buy anything, we say so.
6–10 weeks out
Search the whole month, not a single date, and compare the total with the bags you actually need. A cheap fare plus two cabin bags can cost more than the “dearer” airline.
The day you book
Cancellation cover only protects you from the moment you buy the policy, so don’t leave it until the week before. Taking two or more trips a year? An annual multi-trip policy usually works out cheaper.
A month before
The European Health Insurance Card is free from the HSE and gets you state healthcare in the EU/EEA and Switzerland on the same terms as locals. It isn’t a replacement for travel insurance: no repatriation, no private clinics, no cancellations.
Free: no need to pay anyone for it
A month before
Irish citizens can use a passport or passport card in the EU/EEA. For the UK you don’t legally need one, but airlines want photo ID. Renewals can take weeks in spring and summer, so check expiry dates now.
Renew through the official Passport Online service only
A week before
Inside the EU, Roam Like at Home often covers you. An eSIM earns its place when you’re outside the EU, need lots of data, have a tight fair-use cap, or want to keep your Irish SIM free for calls and bank texts.
A week before
Airline allowances are measured with wheels and handles included. If you travel often, a bag built to the exact dimensions of your usual airline pays for itself in avoided gate fees.
A week before
Late arrival, kids, or a resort an hour from the airport? A fixed-price transfer beats a taxi queue. In big cities with a good metro, you can usually skip it.
Only if you need one
Islands and road trips, yes; city breaks, almost never. Choose full-to-full fuel, read the excess terms, and photograph the car before you drive off.
2–4 weeks before
The Colosseum, the Alhambra, the Anne Frank House: the big hitters sell out weeks ahead in high season. Everything else can wait until you’re there.
Before you fly
Outside the eurozone, pay in the local currency and always decline “dynamic currency conversion” at card machines and ATMs. It’s a worse rate dressed up as a convenience.
No partner here: check what your bank charges
Packing day
Ireland uses three-pin Type G plugs; most of Europe uses two-pin Type C/F. The UK and Malta match ours. A multi-USB adaptor covers the whole family.
If your flight goes wrong
Arrive three or more hours late, get cancelled at short notice or get bumped, and EU261 may entitle you to €250–€600 each, plus meals and a hotel if you’re stuck overnight. Keep your boarding pass and claim from the airline first: it’s free.