Before You Go

Don't leave it until the last minute to check that you have an up-to-date passport which is valid and acceptable in the country of travel - it will cause unnecessary stress. 

Leave yourself plenty of time to check all of the requirements for your destination, including which visas and other documentation they require for entry, before you finalise your travel plans. The information on this page will help you do that, offering advice on all of our top destinations that require more than your passport. 

Taking enough clothes for a month on a one-week holiday not only provides you with plenty of ironing to do, but it is also a complete waste of space. Our advice on how to plan what clothes you take on holiday will make the process seem effortless, instead of it feeling like a military operation.

When travelling abroad, it is important to consider the differences in healthcare and hygiene, as well as considering your own specific health needs. We offer some general advice about looking after yourself on holiday but for more specific enquiries, you should access The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit website. 

Your ticket is an essential holiday item - without it, you will not be able to travel. So, it is important to bear a few things in mind.

Keep your ticket in your hand luggage because you will need it to check in and if you have an e-ticket, always remember to take a print out with you. If you have any further questions regarding your ticket, please take a look at our Tickets page. 

At Direct Holidays, we understand that there are a number of reasons as to why you would need to amend your booking. Whether it is the number of people going or the board basis of your accommodation, you will find the information you need on our Amendments page.

Sometimes, unexpected circumstances arise that mean you need to cancel your holiday. Although we hope that this does not happen, we still offer the option to cancel your booking (including applicable charges). You will find more information regarding this on our Cancellations page.

At Direct Holidays, we want you to know exactly what is included in the price of your holiday before you confirm your booking. Our Essential Information page highlights any charges, accommodation supplements and transfers that are included in your holiday so you can always be sure that you are getting the most for your money. 

We strive to raise standards in all of our overseas resorts and we seek advice from health and safety organisations and accredited safety consultants regularly. All resorts have to complete regular quality checks which have been produced in consultation with professional organisations. Safety and hygiene standards may vary from those you are used to at home.

While your accommodation is obliged to meet local safety requirements, these may not match Irish standards which are among the highest in the world. Through working together with accommodation owners, we continuously aim to improve standards in all properties we feature.

You may travel up to week 28 of pregnancy with your doctor's permission. Once your pregnancy has entered its 28th week, we ask that you carry with you a letter from your obstetrician stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery.

In this letter, the doctor should state that you are in good health, the he/she is happy for you to fly and that in his/her opinion there is no reason why you cannot fly.

Many overseas hotels and apartment complexes are not equipped to cater for the needs of holidaymaker's with disabilities. Furthermore, the natural terrain and layout of some resorts can sometimes make life difficult for wheelchair users. It is therefore important, if you have any disability, that the appropriate enquiries are made about the suitability of particular accommodation and resorts, and that you are fully satisfied you have made the correct choice before you book and confirm your holiday, In order that we may assist you in ensuring that your holiday choice is suitable, we require that you complete a special needs form which is available from our reservations department. Please call 0818 200 105.

Euro is the accepted currency in all countries on this site with the exception of Bulgaria (the Lev) and Turkey (the Turkish Lira). You can exchange Euro or any other international currency for Lev and Turkish Lira in all banks and in most hotels and shops in Bulgaria and Turkey.