You will need a passport to visit Greece. Most airlines expect that you have at least 6 months validity left on your passport on the day of departure.

For information on UK passport renewal click here or Tel. 0871 434 9061

If you take regular medication, make sure you take enough to see you through your stay.

It is a good idea to take your preferred headache remedy.

If you are planning to rent a car or motor bike in Crete, make sure you take Driving Licences for each person wanting to drive.

Check with your Car Hire company about age requirements.

You can use most Credit and Debit cards in Crete. They are accepted in larger shops and of course ATMs. The Nationwide Building Society do not charge you for accessing your money from European ATMs and our experience is that Greek banks generally offer better exchange rates than British banks

Most small shops and accommodation do not take cards so take a few euros with you for immediate expenses when you arrive.

Make sure you have your tickets with you.

If you are travelling on a 'no ticket' airline, ALWAYS make a note of the Booking Reference.

Although you may have the European Health Insurance Card, (replacement for the E111), it is always sensible to carry your own travel insurance for medical, loss of possessions, cancellations, etc. The EHIC will get you emergency treatment within the European Community, but should you need extended treatment or a specialist flight home, it does not cover you for these events. For health related travel advice click here or Tel. 020 7210 4850 Mon. - Fri. 09.00 - 17.00 (UK time)

Most insurers offer family policies both for single trips and annual cover.

Make sure you have cancelled any daily milk or newspaper deliveries before you go on holiday.

You don't need to advertise the fact you're away to undesirables!

Never underestimate the time it takes to get to the airport. Most airlines have strict check-in closures and you may be refused if you are late and even insist you pay extra for a replacement flight.

Most taxi firms will know the optimum time it takes.

If you are leaving your car at the airport, it's cheaper to book it in advance.

A bit of foresight could save you quite a bit of holiday cash!

If you have an early start (or a late arrival), consider staying in a UK hotel near your airport on departure or return.

It is always good to take a camera of some sort to record your holiday memories.

This may be the time to switch to digital!

Order online and collect at store.

Your mobile phone may not work in Crete unless you have an agreement with your provider. If it does operate outside of the UK, expect to pay high charges for outgoing and incoming calls.

Why not buy an international SIM card and save a lot of money?

Holidays are a great time to catch up with your reading - either about the Island of Crete or the latest novel.

Try out the selected books at Crete Bookshop and buy on-line before you go from either Amazon or Waterstones.

Need to buy last-minute clothes or want to treat yourself with some of the latest and fashionable holiday attire? Buy on-line before you go.

Get the latest Next catalogue.

Need batteries for your MP3, iPOD, etc or other gadgets?

Buy on-line before you go.

..... or why not pick up a Phrase book or English / Greek Dictionary from Waterstones above on-line?

Don't miss friends or families birthdays and anniversaries whilst you're on holiday. Amazon have a huge selection of gifts - they will gift wrap and deliver on the day for you.

Buy on-line before you go.

Don't miss out on a potential win whilst you're away. Select your numbers on-line - they will e-mail you if you win.

Play on-line before you go.

Why not have a basket of groceries delivered to your door for your return home.

ASDA, Tesco, Sainsburies or Waitrose all offer a delivery service.