Going on holiday? Your before-you-travel estate checklist
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A trip abroad is the nudge many people need to get their affairs in order. Before you go, run through a short checklist: make or update your Will, name guardians for any children, check your pension nomination and tell someone trusted where your documents are. A valid Will can be made online and is valid as soon as it is signed and witnessed. With ClearLegacy the signing-ready Will usually arrives within 24 hours, so start a day or two before you fly.
Flying soon? Tick the Will off tonight
- About 15 minutes online; sign with two witnesses before you leave and it is valid at once.
- Your first draft is emailed to you straight after payment, so you can check every name while it is fresh.
- Your final Will is issued once it has passed ClearLegacy’s checks, usually within 24 hours — with clear signing and witnessing instructions.
£69 for a Single Will · £99 for Mirror Wills · fixed fee · England & Wales · one free update included
What this means for you
Why now
You insure your trip and your bags — but the bigger risk to your family is having no Will. Travel is simply a good prompt to fix that.
Your before-you-travel checklist
- Make or update your Will — especially if you've married, had a baby, bought a home or divorced since your last one.
- Name guardians for any children under 18.
- Check your pension/life-policy nomination — it passes outside your Will, so keep it current. From 6 April 2027 most unused pension funds will also count towards your estate for inheritance tax.
- Tell a trusted person where your Will and key documents are.
- Consider a Lasting Power of Attorney in case of incapacity while away.
Travelling together? Plan for both of you
Couples often make Wills that leave everything to each other, which works if one partner dies first. If you travel together, it is worth checking what happens if you both die in the same accident:
- Name back-up beneficiaries. If neither of you survives the other, the estate needs somewhere to go, such as your children, family or a charity. Without that, part of it may fall under the intestacy rules.
- Match your guardian choices. If you each name a different guardian for your children, it may be unclear whose choice applies. Agree one choice and put it in both Wills.
- Choose executors who are not travelling with you. A reserve executor at home means someone can act straight away.
- Unmarried couples need Wills most. Without one, a partner inherits nothing from the other, however the trip ends.
Mirror Wills for a couple cost £99 with ClearLegacy, which makes it straightforward to set out matching choices in both Wills.
How ClearLegacy helps
ClearLegacy's guided online Will is built for this — complete it in one sitting, get your first draft straight after payment and your signing-ready Will usually within 24 hours. Print it, sign with two witnesses and it is valid. Sorted before you pack.
Two days before a month-long trip, Dan completes his Will online, signs it with two friends, names his brother as guardian for his daughter and leaves the signed Will with his sister. He flies knowing his family is protected.
Frequently asked questions
Should I make a Will before going on holiday?
It's a sensible precaution, especially for long trips or if you have dependants or property. You can make a valid Will for England and Wales online, then sign it with two independent witnesses before you travel.
Can I make a Will quickly before I fly?
Yes. A Will is legally valid as soon as it's correctly signed and witnessed — there's no waiting period — so you can complete one online and sign it the same day.
- Complete the questionnaireA few guided questions about you, your family and your wishes.
- Review and confirmYou review and confirm your answers before anything is finalised.
- Receive your documentsYour Will and supporting paperwork are produced, ready to print.
- Sign correctlyClear instructions on signing and witnessing so the Will is legally valid.
- Protect your familyYour wishes are recorded and your loved ones are spared the intestacy default.
Sources
- Wills Act 1837, section 9 (valid execution) — legislation.gov.uk
- GOV.UK — Making a Will
- Citizens Advice — Wills
- Reviewed by
- ClearLegacy editorial team
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Next review
- December 2026
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
Protect your family — start your Will today.
ClearLegacy guides you through a valid England & Wales Will online, clearly and affordably.
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