So it's holiday time and you are taking off on that hard-earned holiday for which you have saved all year. You probably cut back on household expenses by preparing simple meals and not buying fast foods, and by not purchasing new curtains last Christmas.

To make sure you enjoy your holiday, there are several things that you will need to put in place before you don the holiday clothes and set off for the airport.

Hopefully, you would have made travel plans early enough to take advantage of bargain fares, as specials are only good on certain days, and the number of marked-down seats are usually limited.

If you book your ticket and have to secure it with a deposit to your travel agent, remember to get a receipt, and make sure flights are confirmed and not wait listed. Having a ticket and reservation does not guarantee a seat on the flight, you must be confirmed to travel.

All your official documents should be in order, and all the appropriate visas acquired, depending on which country you are visiting, as well as any health certificates that you may require.

Never take the chance hoping that these requirements would be waived at the port of entry as that never happens and you can find yourself in the embarrassing position of having to return home on the next flight.

Travel insurance is a good idea for yourself and your luggage, but make sure you read the terms and conditions of the insurance document to know exactly what it covers and under what conditions it is effective.

Trinbagonians are notorious shoppers, and if you know you will be bringing back items which may accrue duty or be negative listed, you should check with Customs to find out about regulations for bringing items into the country.

One of the most important things you have to do before leaving on your holiday is to secure your home if it will be empty for any length of time. Ideally, you should arrange for someone to stay as a caretaker while you are away.

If this is not possible, take all the necessary precautions such as stopping newspaper deliveries, and informing your neighbours and local police station that they should keep an eye on the property.

Now you are on your way, and hopefully your luggage is clearly labelled with your name and location number, and everything is securely locked. Valuable documents and items, such as money, should be carried in your hand luggage, in case your suitcases are misplaced, lost or damaged. If this happens, contact airline officials immediately and register your complaint.

It is wise to carry a change of clothing in your hand luggage in the event of a lengthy flight delay, and if under medication, carry a spare prescription. Glasses or contact lens wearers should also take along an extra pair.

Ensure that you have enough money, remembering the safest way to carry money is in travellers' cheques. It is also a good idea to carry some cash in the currency of the country of your destination, which can be used for tipping, use of the telephone at the airport or taxi fares.

Do not accept letters or packages from unknown persons at any airport, as you may inadvertently become a "drug mule". Regardless of the reason for the request, never agree to transport packages if you are unaware of their true contents.

Many of us arrive late at the airport because we run around at the last minute doing things that should have been out of the way long before your flight time. This puts you at risk of being "bumped off", also, if your plans change, do not be a "no-show" as if you miss one leg of your flight, the airline could cancel the rest of the sections including your return trip.

If you happen to be "bumped off" your flight unjustly, there are protection benefits. To qualify, you need to have complied with airline rules by having a confirmed reservation and having met the check-in deadline. Compensation for the inconvenience can include refunds, free flights and upgrades.

Also, on an over-booked flight, you can agree to give up your seat and accept a later flight at no additional cost.

If you find yourself in the middle of a major catastrophe, go immediately to the nearest Trinidad and Tobago Embassy or High Commission. If there is not one in the country you are visiting, go to the British Consulate.

Have a good trip and remember…the power is yours!

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