• On purchase of your travel insurance check that the cover levels are appropriate to your needs.
• Pre plan the local route of the country you intend visiting
• Make sure you understand local laws and customs and religion of your destination.
• Ensure you have a valid passport/visas - see Passport/Visa
• Check out the necessary vaccinations you need (if required) at least 2 months before your journey.
• Always purchase your holiday through a bonded company See www.abta.com .
• Take copies of your documents such as passports, travel insurance policy the 24-hour emergency assistance number, Flight and travel ticket details and leave copies with close family friends or even a neighbour.
• Always have plenty of money for your holiday trip and some back-up funds such as travellers cheques, credit cards etc.
• Always leave a contact number with a family member or friend.
• A translator dictionary in non-English speaking countries may assist

Before you travel

•  Buy a good guidebook of where you are travelling.
•  Find out about where you are going.
•  Find out about local laws, customs and culture.
•  Take a phrase book that you can use in emergencies.
•  Get adequate travel insurance - see travel insurance
•  Consider purchasing a comprehensive first-aid pack.
•  Check your passport is valid - see general passport information .
•  If you plan to work abroad, obtain a valid work permit before you leave.
•  If you plan to drive abroad find out about the laws and driving license requirements of the country to be visited. Get an International Driving Permit (valid for 1 year) before you leave, as you can only obtain this in the UK.
•  It is wise to purchase a padlock and chain or a security in order to secure your baggage at airports, railway stations, etc.
•  On arrival at your destination call home to confirm your safety
•  Always obey the local laws as you could be imprisoned, fined or deported for offences that would normally only be a caution in the UK. 
•  British consular staff cannot get you out of prison abroad.
•  Never get involved with Drugs. Penalties are severe and include massive fines and long prison sentences in awful conditions. You can receive the death penalty in some countries.
•  NEVER carry unknown packages through Customs for strangers.
•  Do not drink alcohol in a country where laws do not permit it. Penalties again can be severe. Do not drink and drive.
•  Be security conscious.
•  Be very cautious about hitch-hiking.
•  Whilst working abroad make sure you comply with all the relevant employment regulation - you may have to pay tax.
•  Do not overstay your visa. You can extend your visa in most places; if you do not you can be imprisoned or fined.