In the last minute scramble to complete the holiday checklist - vaccinations, prescriptions, sunscreen, tickets, passport, snorkel - some of the most important considerations are often overlooked.

Money management is the most essential holiday detail - closely followed by insurance coverage and security-related issues. Some essential pre-holiday planning will reduce the possibility of any hassles while abroad.

Due to the fall in the value of the euro it might be best to avoid Britain and the United States as their currencies are at highs against the euro making travel expensive.

If you are not a regular traveller, tell your bank and credit card company that you will be travelling overseas. This will prevent the bank blocking transaction due to unusual activity.

Definitely bring extra cash with you to cover the basics and your trip from the airport. It is always a good idea to bring small amounts of the local currency for minor purchases.

However, you should consider bringing US dollars for emergency purposes. Businesses in even the most undeveloped countries will usually accept dollars.

Travel insurance policies only cover the loss or theft of small cash amounts, usually up to £500 (€634), so any additional loss is borne by the traveller.

Travellers cheques are still a secure and useful alternative to cash when used properly.

Mastering plastic payment methods is difficult enough during the year but while abroad most people splash out and regret it later.

To avoid post-holiday blues, pay off the credit card before you leave. If planning to use it to access cash while abroad, lodge extra money into the account to avoid daily interest charges.

Holidaymakers should consider requesting a list of charges that may be incurred while abroad, particularly when using an ATM, from their provider.

If you haven't already done so, set up a PIN number for emergency cash withdrawals on one of your credit or debit cards.

In the majority of destinations, using an ATM machine significantly reduces commission and rate charges.

Keep one credit card separate from the others to reduce the losses if your wallet is stolen.

Write down account information and the bank's international phone number, with relevant calling codes, for reporting stolen cards and keep it in a secure place.

PIN-activated debit cards with the Cirrus or Plus symbol may also be used by holidaymakers to access cash. Bank of Ireland Maestro Laser cards may now be used for purchases in more than three million retailers worldwide.

Travel insurance: This is a bone of contention for many consumers who feel forced into buying it from their package holiday operator.

By law, customers are free to choose their own travel insurance provider. However, most package operators insist that the policy is equal or better than the one they provide. Some charge an administration fee for a review of the policy. If asked, the company will usually waive the fee.

Medical insurance: One of the advantages of EU citizenship is free use of the public health service when visiting another member state through the E-111 form. Unfortunately, many European travellers find out too late that this privilege does not provide universal protection or cover the full expenses.

In the majority of cases, fees must be paid upfront by the injured party. The E-111 holder is then refunded by the destination country's sickness fund when documentation is forwarded within a specified period.

Care standards and costs vary from state to state but repatriation and treatment resulting from a road or sports accident are not usually covered.

In a real emergency it is comforting to know that you have travel insurance policy in addition to an E-111 packed in your suitcase. E-111 forms are available from your local health board.

Before flying or sailing off, photocopy your passport and visa but keep it separate from the original.

At least one family member should buy a money belt or flat purse that fits neatly under their clothes to hold documents and some extra cash.

Avoid fanny packs as they scream "tourist" and mark you out as a potential target for thieves.

Keep a close eye on your credit card when making purchases, especially if travelling in Asia. Dozens of duplicates of your credit card may be made in under an hour if an unscrupulous cashier, waiter or waitress puts it through a "skimming" machine. Imagine your surprise on holiday when a shop rejects your card even though you know you haven't hit your limit. Later, you may find that it's due to credit card fraud.

Ask a trusted family member of neighbour to collect your mail so it is not obvious to strangers that you are on holiday.