With the summer drawing slowly closer many Leaving Cert students are looking at booking their post-exams getaway.
Leaving Cert holidays are practically a rite of passage these days, with most students looking to blow-off steam for a week or two following what is undoubtedly some of the most stressful weeks in their young lives.

However, for many young people this will be their first holiday abroad without supervision which will also be a great concern to a lot of parents.

Prepare yourself before you leave and avoid any common disasters while you are away. Post leaving cert holidays are meant to relieve the stress built up over such a tough year so take the time to make sure you have everything sorted beforehand and let it be the escape you deserve.

Leaving Cert Holidays – Checklist

Tropical Medical Bureau have compiled a handy list of top tips for those heading on post leaving cert holidays to make sure you make the most of your holiday.

1. Check that your passport is up-to-date; ideally it should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of travel. Also, always bring a photocopied version with you.
2. Make sure you always have the number and address of the hotel or apartment you are staying in on you at all times. If you get separated from your friends, you will be able to travel back safely to the accommodation.
3. Purchase a decent money belt, many tourist destinations that are popular with students are bound to have pick pockets.
4. Make sure you have received all required vaccinations for the country you are visiting. TMB have released a special package for students for Summer 2016 meaning you can get your vaccinations, consultation and a tailor-made prescription from only €134.
5. Organise and pack a mini First Aid kit, some medication may be difficult to purchase abroad.
6. Not only should you use sunscreen, you should also apply insect repellent to help protect from painful bites. The TMB has its own range of insect repellents, including DEET-Free Repellent and Bug Bands, available in all TMB Clinics, DocMorris & Lloyds Pharmacies throughout Ireland or on Travelshop.ie.
7. If you suffer from any allergies, make sure you and your friends know how to handle an allergic reaction.
8. Be aware of reducing alcohol intake, especially in a hot climate, as this can lead to serious dehydration. Stay hydrated and drink water continuously. If you have concerns about the state of a country’s water, the TMB also has its own range of water purification tablets.
9. Travel Insurance is a necessity; make sure to check your policies to see if you are covered when taking part in outdoor activities, such as water sports.
10. Always keep your drink covered and on your person to prevent the risk of it being spiked or tampered with.
11. Always adopt safe sexual practices to avoid the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. International travellers are at great risk of contracting STDs, including HIV, if they have been sexually exposed to persons with any of these diseases.

Travel health

For travel health tips and advice call into your local TMB travel health clinic and speak to one of our qualified professionals. Our experts will guide you through the health requirements for your destination, telling you all you need to know about vaccinations, mosquito bite prevention and food hygiene.