If you are traveling in Europe we recommend you take an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). It is free and allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge. Everyone who is resident in the UK should have one and carry it with them when travelling abroad.

Apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by calling 0845 606 2030.

This is necessary for all travel abroad with or without the EHIC as this does not allow access to private hospitals or many other benefits in case of emergency. We recommend an Annual Family Policy for best value.

www.ips.gov.uk/passport/index.asp

Babies need their own passport too. If your own digital camera skills aren't good enough then passpic will provide photographs guaranteed for acceptance by the passport office. Go to www.passpic.com

Foreign & Commonwealth Office - the 'must see' site for travel advice worldwide. http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel