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Travel and Your Will: What to Do Before a Big Trip

· 22 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Emma, 26, was three weeks away from her six-month backpacking trip through Southeast Asia when her older brother asked: "Have you sorted your will?" She laughed it off. "I'm 26, not 86," she said. But the question nagged at her. Emma owned a flat in Manchester (£180,000), had £12,000 in savings, and shared a joint account with her long-term partner, Jake. If something happened to her abroad, where would it all go?

No one wants to think about dying on their dream trip. But every year, around 4,500 British nationals die abroad—many of them young adults on gap years, adventure travel, or extended trips. Without a will, Emma's partner Jake would inherit nothing (they're unmarried). Her estate would go to her parents under intestacy rules, potentially causing months of legal battles while her family grieved.

This guide covers everything you need to know about wills and legal preparation before traveling: why you need a will even if you're young, what other documents to prepare, how to store everything safely, and how to create a legally valid will in 15 minutes before your flight.

Table of Contents

Why You Need a Will Before Traveling (Even If You're Young)

Around 4,500 British nationals die abroad each year, according to Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office consular data. Many are young adults on gap years, adventure travel, or extended trips. Over 230,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 take gap years annually in the UK, and the reality is that accidents and medical emergencies happen without warning.

Young travelers often feel invincible, but road accidents are the leading cause of death for travelers aged 18-35 abroad. Adventure activities—scuba diving, hiking, motorcycling—carry inherent risks. Medical emergencies like appendicitis, infections, or allergic reactions strike without notice.

A will does more than distribute your assets. It names who inherits your flat, savings, possessions, and digital accounts. It prevents intestacy rules from defaulting to your parents, excluding unmarried partners or step-children. If you have children, it names guardians. Most importantly, it speeds up estate administration so your family can focus on grieving, not legal battles.

Callum, 29, died in a motorcycle accident in Thailand while on a gap year. He had £15,000 in savings and a car. Without a will, his estate went through a 14-month probate process. His partner of 5 years received nothing—it all went to his parents, who he'd been estranged from.

Interestingly, 20% of Gen Z adults (ages 18-24) have already created a will—a higher percentage than older generations. This shows that young adults are increasingly recognizing the importance of estate planning, particularly before major life events like extended travel.

A will isn't about being morbid; it's about being prepared. And if you're organized enough to book flights, sort visas, and plan an itinerary, you're organized enough to spend 15 minutes creating a will.

What Happens If You Die Abroad Without a Will

When a British national dies abroad, the FCDO assists with notifying next of kin, liaising with local authorities, and arranging repatriation of the body. Repatriation typically costs between £5,000 and £15,000 and is usually covered by travel insurance. But the FCDO does NOT handle your estate—that falls to your family.

Without a will, your estate is distributed under UK intestacy rules. Here's who inherits:

  • Married or civil partner: Inherits the first £322,000 plus personal belongings and half of the remainder (if you have children)
  • Unmarried partners: Inherit NOTHING, even if you lived together for years
  • Children from previous relationships: May be excluded if you have a new spouse
  • Step-children: Inherit nothing—they're not recognized under intestacy
  • Parents and siblings: Only inherit if you have no spouse or children

The timeline is equally painful. Intestacy probate takes 9-14 months on average compared to 6-9 months with a valid will. Your family is stuck in legal limbo while grieving, unable to access frozen bank accounts, sell property, or manage investments.

Sophie, 24, died in a diving accident in Australia. She had £20,000 in savings and owned a car. Without a will, her estate went to her parents. Her long-term girlfriend, who she'd planned to marry, received nothing and had to move out of their shared flat because Sophie's parents wanted to sell it.

Bank accounts freeze immediately upon death. Your family can't access funds for funeral costs, mortgage payments, or household bills. Joint accounts may also be frozen, leaving your partner unable to pay rent or cover living expenses.

The best time to create a will was before you booked your trip. The second-best time is right now.

Estate Planning Checklist for Travelers: 7 Essential Documents

Before you leave for your trip, gather and organize these 7 essential documents. Store copies digitally and share access with a trusted person at home.

1. Your Will

Names beneficiaries, executors, and guardians (if you have children). Must be signed and witnessed by 2 independent people. UK wills are valid worldwide for movable assets like bank accounts and possessions, though you may need a separate will for property located abroad.

2. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Property and Financial Affairs

Allows someone you trust to manage your finances if you're incapacitated abroad—critical if you're hospitalized, in a coma, or lose mental capacity. Takes 8-10 weeks to register with the Office of the Public Guardian, so start early. Registration costs £82 per LPA.

3. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare

Allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can't. Essential if you're traveling alone or with friends rather than family. Must be registered before you lose capacity.

4. Emergency Contact Information

List of 3+ emergency contacts with UK and international phone numbers. Include your partner, parents, siblings, close friends, and your executor. Share this list with travel companions and store it digitally.

5. Copies of Important Documents

Scan and save digital copies of your passport (photo page), travel insurance policy with emergency contact numbers, bank account details and online banking credentials, credit card information for cancellation if lost or stolen, a copy of your will, and medical records including blood type, allergies, and prescriptions.

6. Digital Asset Access Instructions

List of online accounts including email, social media, banking, investments, and cryptocurrency. Store passwords securely in a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden. Provide instructions for your executor on how to access or close accounts.

7. Pre-Paid Funeral Wishes (Optional)

If you have strong preferences about burial versus cremation, funeral location, or specific arrangements, note them. This isn't legally binding but guides your family's decisions, especially important if you're traveling alone and family may struggle to make decisions.

Don't leave all this for the last minute. Start gathering documents 4-6 weeks before your trip, especially if you need to register an LPA.

How to Create a Will Before Your Trip (15-Minute Guide)

You don't need to book a solicitor appointment or spend weeks drafting a will. With online will services like WUHLD, you can create a legally valid will in 15 minutes—even the night before your flight.

Step 1: Gather Your Information (5 minutes)

List your assets: property, savings, investments, possessions. Note full names and addresses of beneficiaries (who inherits what). Choose two executors (people to administer your estate). If you have children, name guardians.

Step 2: Answer the Online Questions (5 minutes)

WUHLD guides you through a simple questionnaire written in plain English, no legal jargon. Preview your will as you go—you can see exactly what it says and make changes in real-time.

Step 3: Review and Download (2 minutes)

Preview your entire will free before paying. Check all names, addresses, and instructions are correct. Download your will as a PDF along with supporting documents: a 12-page Testator Guide, Witness Guide, and Complete Asset Inventory.

Step 4: Print, Sign, and Witness (3 minutes)

Print 2 copies of your will. Sign both copies in front of 2 witnesses who are over 18 and not beneficiaries. Witnesses must watch you sign, then sign themselves. Date all signatures.

To be legally valid, you must be 18 or older and of sound mind. You must sign voluntarily, not under pressure. Your 2 witnesses must be independent—they cannot be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries.

That's it. In 15 minutes, you've protected your family and given yourself peace of mind for your trip. Store one signed copy at home and leave instructions with your executor on where to find it.

Create your will and protect your family before your trip. With WUHLD, it takes just 15 minutes online. For £99.99 (vs £650+ for a solicitor), you'll get your complete, legally binding will, a 12-page Testator Guide, a Witness Guide, and a Complete Asset Inventory document. You can preview your entire will free before paying anything. Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Lasting Power of Attorney: Why Travelers Need It

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone you trust (your 'attorney') to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: Property & Financial Affairs LPA (for money decisions) and Health & Welfare LPA (for medical decisions).

Medical Emergencies Abroad

If you're in a coma, have a traumatic brain injury, or are sedated after surgery, doctors need consent for treatment. If you haven't named someone, your family may need to go to court to make decisions—costing thousands and taking weeks.

Financial Management

If you're incapacitated abroad, someone needs to pay your UK bills, mortgage, and debts. An LPA allows your attorney to access your bank accounts, manage investments, and handle financial obligations while you recover.

Speed Matters

Without an LPA, your family must apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order—costing £3,000-£5,000 and taking 6-12 months. An LPA avoids this entirely.

James, 28, had a motorcycle accident in Vietnam and was in a coma for 3 weeks. Without an LPA, his parents couldn't access his bank account to pay his UK rent or manage his finances. They had to hire a solicitor and apply to the Court of Protection—costing £4,200 and taking 8 months. Meanwhile, James's landlord evicted him for non-payment.

To register an LPA, apply online via GOV.UK or through a solicitor. Registration costs £82 per LPA (reduced to £41 if you're on certain benefits) and takes 8-10 weeks to process. You must register before you lose capacity—you can't do it retrospectively.

If you're planning an extended trip (gap year, long-term travel, adventure activities), an LPA is as important as travel insurance. Register yours at least 10 weeks before departure.

Where to Store Your Will and Emergency Documents

Once you've created your will and gathered your documents, you need to store them securely and make sure the right people can access them if needed.

Physical Copies

Store your original signed will in a fireproof safe at home. Give a second signed copy to your executor or solicitor. Tell at least 2 trusted people where your will is located. Don't rely on just one person—they might be unavailable in an emergency.

Digital Copies

Scan all documents (will, LPAs, passport, insurance, emergency contacts) as PDFs. Store them in encrypted cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud with two-factor authentication enabled. Share access credentials with your executor or a trusted family member. Use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden and share the master password with your executor.

Will Registration Services

The National Will Register allows you to register your will's location for a one-time fee of £25. This creates an official record, useful if you're traveling long-term and want documentation of your will's existence and location.

What NOT to Do

Don't store your will in a bank safe deposit box. Your executor may need a grant of probate to access it—a catch-22 situation. Don't tell only one person where it is. Don't leave it "somewhere at home" without clear instructions.

Travel-Specific Tip

Before you leave, send your travel companion(s) a "just in case" message with your emergency contact list, where your will is stored, and who to notify if something happens. Keep it matter-of-fact and frame it as "being organized," not "expecting the worst."

Good storage equals peace of mind. Spend 10 minutes organizing this now, and you won't have to think about it again.

Special Considerations for Gap Year and Long-Term Travel

Over 230,000 young adults take gap years in the UK each year, with many working abroad and engaging in higher-risk activities like teaching English on scooters, adventure sports, or manual labor. If you're planning 6+ months abroad, these considerations matter.

UK Will Validity Abroad

Your UK will covers worldwide movable assets—bank accounts, savings, possessions, investments. However, immovable assets like property are governed by the law of the country where they're located. If you own property abroad, you may need a separate local will for that asset.

Forced Heirship Rules

Countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Germany have "forced heirship" laws. These laws mandate that certain family members (children, spouse) inherit a portion of your estate—regardless of what your UK will says. If you own property in these countries, consult a local solicitor before traveling.

Updating Your Will During Travel

You don't need to update your will during your trip unless you acquire major assets. Exception: If you get married abroad, your UK will is automatically revoked under UK law. You'll need to create a new will after marriage.

If you buy property abroad during your travels, create a separate local will for that asset. This prevents conflicts between UK and foreign inheritance laws.

Digital Nomad Considerations

If you're working remotely while traveling, ensure your will includes digital assets like cryptocurrency, domain names, or online businesses. Name a digital executor who understands these assets and how to access them.

Traveling with Children

If you're traveling with children, ensure your will names guardians for them. Carry a notarized letter of consent from both parents if only one parent is traveling—this prevents border control issues. Update emergency contacts to include your current location and itinerary.

Leah, 25, was on a gap year in Australia when she met her partner and decided to stay. She bought property in Sydney but never updated her UK will. When she died unexpectedly, her UK will tried to distribute the Australian property—but Australian law governed the asset. It took 18 months of legal battles to sort out her estate across two countries.

If you're traveling for 6+ months or buying assets abroad, get specific legal advice before you go.

Travel Insurance vs. Estate Planning: What's the Difference?

Many travelers assume that comprehensive travel insurance covers "everything if something goes wrong." It doesn't. Travel insurance and estate planning serve different purposes.

What Travel Insurance Covers

Emergency medical treatment abroad (hospital bills, surgery). Medical repatriation (flying you home for treatment: up to £50,000). Repatriation of remains (flying your body home: £5,000-£15,000). Trip cancellation, lost baggage, and flight delays.

In 2024, UK insurers paid out £472 million across over 500,000 travel insurance claims, with medical expenses accounting for 34% of claims. The average medical claim was £1,528, but some cases exceeded £1 million for emergency treatment in the USA.

What Travel Insurance Doesn't Cover

Who inherits your estate (that's your will's job). Who makes medical decisions if you're incapacitated (that's your LPA's job). How your assets are distributed (that's intestacy rules or your will). Who manages your finances while you recover (that's your LPA for Property & Financial Affairs).

Daniel, 30, had comprehensive travel insurance when he had a climbing accident in New Zealand. His insurance covered his £60,000 hospital bill and flew him home. But it didn't help his partner access their joint account to pay rent while he was in a coma for 4 weeks. Without an LPA, she had to borrow money from family until Daniel regained capacity.

Travel insurance protects you financially while you're traveling. Estate planning (will plus LPAs) protects your family legally if you're incapacitated or die. You need both.

Don't assume insurance covers everything. Pair your travel insurance with a will and LPAs for complete protection.

Real Traveler Scenarios: Who Needs a Will Before Traveling?

Not sure if you need a will before your trip? Here are 5 common traveler profiles and what estate planning they need.

Scenario 1: Gap Year Traveler (22, Single, Minimal Assets)

Profile: Recent graduate taking a year off before starting a career. Owns £5,000 in savings and a car worth £3,000.

Why they need a will: Even small estates can cause disputes. Without a will, intestacy rules default to parents—fine if that's what you want, but what if you'd rather leave it to a sibling or charity?

What they need: Basic will naming beneficiaries. No LPA needed for short-term travel under 12 months.

Scenario 2: Couple on a Round-the-World Trip (28 & 30, Unmarried, Own Property Together)

Profile: Unmarried couple owning a £250,000 flat together as joint tenants. Taking a 6-month trip.

Why they need a will: If one dies, the other doesn't automatically inherit the deceased's estate under intestacy (only the property via joint tenancy). Savings, possessions, and investments go to parents.

What they need: Both need wills naming each other as primary beneficiaries. Consider LPAs if one becomes incapacitated.

Scenario 3: Parent Traveling Without Children (35, Divorced, 2 Kids)

Profile: Taking a solo adventure trip (hiking Kilimanjaro). Kids staying with ex-spouse.

Why they need a will: If something happens, guardianship defaults to the other parent (usually fine). But you need to name beneficiaries and ensure your kids' inheritance is protected.

What they need: Will naming guardians (if other parent is unfit) and beneficiaries. LPA naming someone other than ex-spouse to handle finances.

Scenario 4: Digital Nomad (27, Self-Employed, Works Abroad Long-Term)

Profile: Remote worker traveling full-time. Owns an online business, £20,000 in cryptocurrency, and £15,000 in savings.

Why they need a will: Digital assets often aren't accessible after death without clear instructions. Executors need access to accounts.

What they need: Will with digital asset provisions. LPA for health and welfare in case of accident while abroad.

Scenario 5: Adventure Traveler (24, Planning High-Risk Activities)

Profile: Booking activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, and scuba diving in Southeast Asia.

Why they need a will: Higher risk equals higher importance of preparation. Ensure your family isn't left in legal limbo.

What they need: Basic will plus emergency contact list. Travel insurance that specifically covers adventure activities.

See yourself in any of these? You need a will before your trip.

How to Talk to Your Family About Your Travel Plans and Will

Telling your family you've made a will before your trip can feel morbid. But it's not—it's responsible. Here's how to frame the conversation.

Frame It as Practicality, Not Pessimism

"I'm not expecting anything bad to happen, but I want to make sure everything's organized just in case." Compare it to travel insurance: "I have insurance in case my flight gets canceled, and I have a will in case something unexpected happens. It's just smart planning."

Share Your Documents

Tell your executor (and one backup person) where your will is stored. Share your emergency contact list and digital access instructions. Don't over-explain—keep it matter-of-fact.

Reassure Them

"I've got comprehensive travel insurance, I'll check in regularly, and I'll be careful." Emphasize that you're being responsible, not reckless.

Involve Them

Ask if they'd like to be your executor or attorney for your LPA. Let them review your emergency contact list to make sure it's complete.

What NOT to Say

"I'm probably going to die on this trip, so here's my will." This creates unnecessary fear. Don't keep it secret either—your family needs to know where your will is.

Most families appreciate knowing you've thought ahead. It shows maturity, not morbidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a will if I'm going on a gap year or long trip?

A: Yes, if you're traveling for an extended period—especially on a gap year, backpacking trip, or adventure travel—you should have a will. Around 4,500 British nationals die abroad each year. A will ensures your assets go to the right people and names guardians for any children, giving your family clarity if the worst happens.

Q: What legal documents should I prepare before traveling abroad?

A: Before traveling, you should prepare: a valid will, a Lasting Power of Attorney for financial and health decisions, a list of emergency contacts, copies of important documents (passport, insurance, bank details), and medical consent forms. Store digital copies securely and share access details with a trusted person at home.

Q: Can I create a will online before my trip?

A: Yes, you can create a legally valid will online in as little as 15 minutes using services like WUHLD. Online wills are legally binding under UK law if they meet the requirements: you must be 18+, of sound mind, sign it voluntarily, and have it witnessed by two independent people over 18. You can preview your will free before paying £99.99.

Q: Will my UK will be valid if I die abroad?

A: Your UK will generally covers your worldwide assets, regardless of where you die. However, some countries (like France and Spain) have 'forced heirship' rules that may override your will for property located there. If you own property abroad, consult a solicitor about whether you need a separate local will for those assets.

Q: What happens if I die abroad without a will?

A: If you die abroad without a will, UK intestacy rules determine who inherits your estate. This often means assets don't go where you'd want—unmarried partners inherit nothing, step-children are excluded, and the process takes months longer. The FCDO assists with repatriation, but your estate distribution is governed by UK law (or local law for foreign property).

Q: How much does it cost to make a will before traveling?

A: A solicitor-drafted will typically costs £650 or more. Online will services like WUHLD cost £99.99 for a complete, legally valid will with supporting documents (Testator Guide, Witness Guide, Asset Inventory). You can preview your entire will free before paying, making it ideal for travelers on a budget.

Q: Should I update my will before every trip?

A: You don't need to update your will before every trip, but you should review it before major life events or extended travel (gap years, long-term travel, adventure trips with higher risk). Update your will if you've acquired new assets, changed relationships, or want to adjust beneficiaries. Store emergency contact information separately from your will.

Conclusion

Key takeaways:

  • Every year, around 4,500 British nationals die abroad—many of them young travelers on gap years or adventure trips
  • A will ensures your assets go to the right people (not default intestacy rules) and names guardians for children
  • Before traveling, create 7 essential documents: will, 2 LPAs, emergency contacts, copies of important docs, digital access instructions, and funeral wishes
  • Store physical copies securely and share digital copies with a trusted person at home
  • Travel insurance covers medical costs and repatriation; estate planning covers who inherits your assets and makes decisions if you're incapacitated

You've spent months planning your trip—researching destinations, booking flights, sorting visas, packing strategically. Don't leave the most important preparation until it's too late. Creating a will before you travel isn't pessimistic; it's a final act of love for the people you're leaving behind temporarily.

Your family wants you to have an amazing adventure. Give them (and yourself) peace of mind by spending 15 minutes putting your affairs in order before you board that plane.

Create your will and protect your family before your trip. With WUHLD, it takes just 15 minutes online.

For £99.99 (vs £650+ for a solicitor), you'll get:

  • Your complete, legally binding will
  • A 12-page Testator Guide
  • A Witness Guide
  • A Complete Asset Inventory document

You can preview your entire will free before paying anything.

Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.

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