Paper Chains

This week we've been getting all our admin in order. I applied for a new passport and almost fell over when I saw the price of passports these days. I paid £81.25 (£72.50 to HMPO and £8.75 Post Office check & send). I wouldn't normally pay the extra fee for check and send but with only 10 weeks until we set off I couldn't afford any set backs. 

We also applied for Oscars pet passport, also shockingly expensive, but a necessity. According to Gov.uk Oscar must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, hold a pet passport and be treated for tapeworm. The rabies vaccination costs £90 and lasts 3 years and following this you are issued with the pet passport. 

We looked into an international driving permit and again, according to Gov.uk GB driving licences can be used in all EU and EEA countries. I guess thats one less thing to apply for. 

We also applied for our EHIC cards through the NHS which enables us to recieve medical attention in all EEA Countires including Switzerland. Theres some really useful information at the following link; http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

A few things I'm yet to check off the list are, insurance (motor, travel and pet) and breakdown cover. I was recently told about a website viamichelin.com (a godsend) which enables you to map your route, calculate toll costs, petrol costs, miles and time. Amazing. I also need to make time for a little visa research, so much to do and so little time!! 

Ill report back in a few days (hopefully with a finalised route)