Advice for young travellers

Take out travel insurance

Make sure it covers you for all the activities you want to do. Carry the policy number and insurance company phone number with you too so that you have it to hand if you need it. If you do fall ill, call your insurance company for support in your next steps.

Get a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

It’s free and provides access to state medical care in many destinations. However, it’s not a replacement for travel insurance as it’s not accepted in every country and will not pay for repatriation to the UK if you are seriously ill.

Tell your parents or emergency contact about your travel plans

Tell someone you trust back home where you’ll be staying. Keep in touch every now and then, a quick text will let them know you are safe. And provide them with a copy of your passport, in case you lose it, and your travel insurance details.  

Make a note of the local emergency services phone number

Memorise it or save it in your phone should you need it during an emergency.

Check the local laws and customs

These will often be entirely different to the ones you are used to in the UK and could lead to serious penalties if broken. For example, in Spain, walking shirtless or in a swimming costume in the street can lead to a fine. You can find them through the UK’s Foreign Travel Advice, which tells you what you need to know about the country you are visiting, so check before you travel.

Look out for your friends 

Keep an eye on your friends, especially if they may have had too much to drink. Stick together on nights out and ensure everyone gets home safe.  

Create a group chat with your friends 

Use a messaging app like Whatsapp as this will make it easier for you to get in touch with your friends if one of you gets separated.    

Download the ‘Find My Friends’ app to your phone

This will allow you to share your location with the rest of your group so you can easily find one another if you get lost.

Use offline map apps on your phone

Google Maps, Maps.Me and Citymapper allow you to navigate outside of your hotel without internet. You can also save locations, like your hotel, in case you get lost.

Don’t give in to peer pressure

Let your friends know if they’re doing something silly or dangerous and if you’re in a large group, stick with the people you feel most comfortable with.  

Keep some emergency cash

It’s always handy to have cash in the local currency. Also, cash is king in some countries and places like markets and street food stalls.

Use the room safety deposit box

If your hotel room has one, use it! Store any valuables, important documents and money in there. It means you can avoid carrying all your money or valuables with you and keeps them safe.

Take another form of ID 

To prevent losing your passport on holiday, take another form of ID like a driving license or student ID card as proof of age. Although some countries require you to carry your passport at all times.  

Contact reception or the night porter if you lose your room key 

Or stay in a friend’s room, if needed, until you can get access to your room.  Never try to enter your room via a balcony. 

Choose your alcoholic drinks wisely 

Drink spiking can happen for a number of reasons including methanol poisoning.

Always keep an eye on your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know and be aware that what you’re drinking is likely to be much stronger than what you’re used to in the UK.

Take care on your balcony

Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railings, and don’t climb from one balcony to another. And be especially careful when you’ve had a drink - booze and balconies don’t mix.

Don’t swim if you’ve been drinking

Alcohol can impair your judgement, alter your sense of distance, and make you feel disorientated in the water. At any time of day, only swim where it is permitted and be aware of warnings about currents or riptides in open water.  

The best selfie is a safe one

We all love an instagrammable shot, but don’t put yourself in a dangerous position to get it.

Be aware of dodgy job offers

You might enjoy your holiday that much that you want to stay on and work out there, but if the job isn’t official and you don’t have the right documentation (for example, a working visa or job contract), you could find yourself working illegally and at risk of exploitation. 

Do not hire a moped or quad bike

They leave riders very vulnerable on the road and at risk of a serious injury. There are always safer alternatives such as hiring a car, taking a taxi or using public transport.    

Ask your travel company to organise your activities

Your travel company should be able to either sort out organised trips or advise on the most reputable companies to book with.   

Ask your instructor for a safety briefing

This is important before taking part in any adventure activities and let your instructor know if there is anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Make sure you always wear the correct safety clothing such as a helmet if required.