Top 9 mistakes people make before going on holiday

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of planning your next holiday. But between booking flights, sorting accommodation, and deciding which flip-flops to pack, it’s easy to overlook the essentials that can help your trip go smoothly.

At JustCover, we’ve seen first-hand how a few small slip-ups can turn dream holidays into expensive headaches. The good news? With a little preparation, they’re easy to avoid.

Here are the top mistakes travellers make before heading off – and how you can dodge them.

1. Forgetting to check your passport validity

It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people get caught out by expired or nearly-expired passports. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date – even within Europe, rules can vary.

Quick tip: Check your passport now, not the night before you fly. If you need to renew, bear in mind that processing times can take a while, especially during busy travel seasons.

2. Leaving travel insurance to the last minute

We understand – insurance isn’t the most thrilling part of your holiday prep. But waiting until the last minute can leave you exposed. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover what happens on your trip; it can also cover cancellations or emergencies that crop up before you even pack your bags.

With JustCover, you can get a quick quote and easy cover in minutes, giving you real peace of mind before your trip even begins.

3. Not declaring pre-existing medical conditions

Many travellers worry that declaring medical conditions will complicate things or cost a fortune. The truth? It’s simple, and it matters. Not telling your insurer about pre-existing medical conditions can invalidate your policy – meaning you might not be covered if you need treatment abroad.

We’re here to help you get it right, with clear, honest support – no jargon, no stress.

4. Overlooking EHIC for European trips

If you’re travelling within Europe, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to public healthcare. But these cards don’t replace travel insurance.

They won’t cover private treatment, repatriation to Ireland, lost belongings or cancellations. That’s where your travel insurance steps in.

Carry your EHIC, but make sure you’ve got proper cover too.

5. Booking non-refundable trips before you’re covered

Those flash sales and last-minute hotel deals are tempting – but if you book non-refundable travel before sorting insurance, you’re left out of pocket if your plans change.

Quick tip: Buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way, you’re covered from the get-go if illness, emergencies, or other surprises pop up.

6. Packing the wrong way (or forgetting essentials)

Over-packing, under-packing, forgetting chargers or prescription medication – we’ve all been there. Airlines have strict baggage rules, and scrabbling through your suitcase at the check-in desk isn’t exactly a relaxing start to your holiday.

Quick tip: Make a checklist a few days before you go. Don’t forget essentials like adapters, medications, travel documents, and your travel insurance details.

7. Not notifying your bank

Picture this: you arrive in Spain, swipe your card for dinner, and… declined. Banks often block transactions they see as unusual – like spending abroad – to protect you from fraud.

Before you go, let your bank know you’re travelling. It only takes a minute and can save you a lot of hassle.

8. Ignoring the small print on travel documents

We know the small print can be a chore. But buried in your airline tickets, hotel confirmations or travel insurance documents could be important details – like baggage allowances, check-in times, or what’s actually covered.

At JustCover, we keep things clear and upfront. But it’s still worth reading your policy documents so you know exactly what you’re covered for.

9. Assuming you’re automatically covered for everything

Many travellers believe once they’ve got their EHIC or basic travel insurance, they’re sorted. But not all policies are the same. You might need optional extras for cruise holidays, valuables, or high-risk activities.

Our cover is designed for Irish travellers, with extras to suit your trip – and we’ll always tell you what’s included, and what’s not, in plain English.

Travel better with JustCover

Planning a holiday should be exciting – not stressful. But small mistakes, like forgetting your passport expiry or leaving insurance to the last minute, can turn your dream trip into an expensive hassle.

The good news? Avoiding these common slip-ups is simple. At JustCover, we make travel insurance clear, quick, and tailored for Irish travellers – no jargon, no hassle, just cover that works when you need it most.

So wherever you’re heading – whether it’s a beach in Spain, a city break in Europe, or something further afield – take a few minutes to double-check the essentials. With the right prep (and the right cover), you can enjoy your trip knowing you’ve sorted the important bits.