Summer your way in 2026, whether that means a hiking trip through the mountains, a surfing holiday, a cycling adventure or a spontaneous getaway abroad. Whatever your plans, a little preparation can go a long way. From checking your passport and destination requirements to making sure you have travel insurance that meets your needs, taking care of the practical side can help you feel better prepared if something unexpected happens.

Adventure travel essentials checklist

Whether you’re trekking across national parks, exploring coastal routes or planning an activity-filled holiday, keeping your travel essentials organised can help your trip run more smoothly.

Travel essentials:

• Passports and travel documents
• Boarding passes and accommodation confirmations
• Travel insurance details
• EHIC/GHIC cards
• Bank cards and a small amount of local currency

Useful extras:

• Power bank and charging cables
• Reusable water bottle
• Lightweight layers
• Prescription medication
• Copies of important documents stored securely online

Preparing for active holidays

Adventure holidays often involve more equipment and planning, so it is worth checking the details before you travel.

Make sure your equipment is suitable for the activities you plan to take part in and check local weather conditions and safety guidance. If you are booking guided excursions or specialist activities, confirm any requirements in advance so you know what to expect.

Protecting your gear and gadgets

Keeping valuables in your hand luggage, using hotel safes where available and avoiding leaving devices unattended can help reduce the risk of loss or theft. Enabling tracking features such as Find My iPhone or Find My Device may also make it easier to locate missing items.

From action cameras to GPS devices, technology often plays an important role in adventure travel.

Please note that action cameras and GPS devices fall under valuables/electronic equipment within the Dogtag policy. Cover is subject to policy terms, conditions, and value limits, and customers should ensure that high-value items are appropriately insured under a separate policy if required.

Staying prepared while on the move

Summer is one of the busiest times to travel, and active itineraries often involve multiple connections and changing plans.

Aim to arrive early and allow extra time for check-in, security and possible delays. Keep essential items in your hand luggage, including chargers, medication and toiletries, so they are easy to access if your plans are disrupted.

If you are travelling to Europe, remember the new EES system is in place. You can see more information about how this works here. You may need to plan in extra time to complete these checks on the way out and on your return.

Why Does Travel Insurance Matter?

Travel insurance can help cover certain unexpected events, depending on the policy selected and subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Before purchasing a policy, check that the cover is suitable for your destination and any activities you intend to take part in, as some activities may only be covered under certain policies or may be subject to specific limits.

If you decide to travel, make sure you consider DOGTAG Travel Insurance as part of your plans.

Wherever summer takes you, make sure you have travel insurance that suits your needs.