Advice for passport-less travellers

With the winter holiday season on the horizon, many weary workers take the opportunity to book themselves a trip abroad.

We all know the feeling. You've been back from your summer break for a couple of weeks, the drudgery of the nine to five is setting back in. Gradually, thoughts turn to the Christmas markets of Germany, the low prices of Prague, the summer sun of the Canaries - anywhere but rainy old Britain.

Within minutes, you're on holidaysplease.co.uk, weighing up the bargains. A few easy clicks later - and you're almost there.

But ask yourself - at any one point, did you consider what date your passport expires?

According to the Post Office, more than one in five people in the UK do not know the expiry date of the most important hand luggage item of all. That potentially makes for a lot of disappointed holidaymakers.

Commenting on the lack of passport awareness among travellers, a spokeswoman for the Identity and Passport Service said that people need to stay on top of the matter to avoid frustration at the checking desk.

"The Identity and Passport Service constantly reminds customers that they should never book travel before they have their passport," she claimed.