The following information is available to download as a mobile-friendly PDF, or as a PDF that can be printed.

Before you travel

• Read the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for the country you are visiting, www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. 
• Take out travel insurance and make sure it covers all activities you will be doing.
• Remember the free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) only entitles you to basic state medical care in participating countries, it won’t cover any extra costs getting you home.

Preparing for travel

• Speak to your GP or a travel clinic to see if you need any vaccinations.
• Check the luggage policy of your airline, especially weight limits and items you’re not allowed to take away with you.
• If you’re on medication take a supply in your hand luggage and before travel check if there are restrictions in your destination on what you can take.
• Take a digital copy of the ID pages of your passport in case you need to get a replacement.

Security

• Keep accommodation doors locked even when you are inside the room.
• Use the safe for your money and other valuables.
• If you are caught up in a security incident follow the guidance to ‘Run, Hide, Tell’.

Be aware and be safe

• Never leave children unsupervised.
• Keep all furniture away from the balcony wall/railings. Never climb or stand on balcony furniture.
• Drink bottled water and don’t put ice in drinks.
• Check warnings on beaches and never swim where it is not permitted. 
• Apply high-factor sunscreen frequently and drink plenty of water.
• Take extra care with babies and children in the sun.
• Use insect repellent in mosquito prone areas.

Out and about

• Always book any excursion through a reputable supplier recommended by your travel company or the tourist office and make sure your holiday insurance covers what you’re doing.
• Be careful, in some countries traffic isn’t required to stop at pedestrian crossings.
• We strongly advise that you don’t hire mopeds, motorbikes or quad bikes.
• Stay with your group, keep your drink with you at all times, or nominate a friend to watch your drinks.
• Don’t take recreational drugs - they are almost certainly illegal and could lead to a substantial prison sentence.
• Only use licensed taxis and never accept a lift from a stranger.