Travel Safe

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provide advice on travelling abroad and keeping safe and well in your destination. Visit travelaware.campaign.gov.uk.

Travel Counsellors constantly monitor The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)  foreign travel advice and other sources of information. 

Please also regularly check the foreign travel advice website for any changes prior to travel. 

Travel Insurance: Ensure that your existing travel insurance covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruptions and is adequate for your trip.

Should you require travel insurance at the time of confirming your travel arrangements, your Travel Counsellor can either provide a quote for a new travel insurance policy or refer you to our insurance partner.

Fit to travel: It is your responsibility to ensure you are medically fit to travel, you should discuss your fitness to travel with your GP and ensure that you disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurance company.

UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC): For European travel (country exceptions apply), you should obtain a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) and check the validity of your existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card. Visit  NHS website for more information.

Vaccinations: Check required and recommended vaccinations for your destination with your GP and allow sufficient time pre-travel.

National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. Current travel health news and updates are available on.

Medications: Travel with sufficient prescribed medications with prescription documentation and always carry in hand luggage. Check that the medication is legally allowed in the destination.

Suncare:  Sun lotions, hats, sunglasses, regular breaks from the sun and drinking plenty of water will help to avoid the effects of sunstroke.

Illness or Incident:  Ensure that you contact your travel insurance provider for assistance as per their notification process should you require any medical assistance. 

Passport & Visas & Authority to Visit: Ensure your passport is valid as per entry requirements and verify visa and/or authorisation requirements (subject to change at any time).

Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, other forms of identification (e.g. driver’s licence), travel insurance and itinerary.

Ensure you have made enquiries regarding travelling with children with different family name and/or as a solo parent; further details can be found on  gov.uk

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all the requirements for entry to the destinations on your travel itinerary.

Driving Licence & Permits: If you are renting a vehicle, ensure you have your driving licence and/or an International Driving Permit as required in some destinations.

Credit Card: if you are renting a vehicle, a credit card in the name of the named driver is usually required for identification purposes. 

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and common tourist scams, and be mindful of not displaying valuable items.

Currency & Cards: Carry a mix of cash and cards. Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent any suspicious activity alerts to your bank.

Cybersecurity: Avoid accessing sensitive information on public open WI-FI networks; use a VPN if possible.

Local Laws and Customs: Respect and familiarise yourself with local traditions customs and laws to avoid actions considered to be disrespectful or illegal.

Communication: Learn key phrases or use a translation app to navigate and ask for help.  

Licenced Transport: Use official and licensed transport providers; be aware of a fake taxis.

Safety Equipment: Always use safety equipment such as seatbelts in vehicles. Laws around the use of child seats vary; think about taking your own child car seat.

Self-Drive: Be aware of local driving regulations, road infrastructure and vehicle maintenance differences. Ensure your travel insurance provides coverage for any vehicle rental hire.  

Accommodation standards vary globally and the local authorities in each country set the standards for official star/quality ratings. Please be aware that these standards may be significantly different from the ones we expect and are used to in the UK.

Emergency Exits: Familiarise yourself with the building layout, nearest emergency exit and safety instructions on how to raise the alarm or evacuate in case of fire or emergency.

Security: Ensure you secure your room at all times and use safety boxes (use of these may be a condition of your travel insurance policy).

Room Features: Children should be supervised if the room has a balcony and ensure windows are lockable. Be aware of any full length-glass panes as in bright sunlight, they may not be obviously open or closed. 

If the accommodation has gas cooking facilities, ensure you know how to use the facility and report any concerns immediately. You should consider packing a carbon monoxide detector as an additional precaution.

Swimming Pools and Beach: Familiarise yourself with shallow and deep ends of the swimming pools if depth markings are not clear; a lifeguard may not be present; a beach flag warning system may not be in place; familiarise yourself with any hotel or beach information notices and supervise children around water at all times.

Lifts: Not all lifts have internal doors and there may not be any protection from the lift shaft when the lift moves. Always stand back from the exposed wall and do not allow children to use lifts unaccompanied.

Reception: Report any concerns or issues to reception as soon as possible during your stay to allow the accommodation management opportunity to resolve your concerns. 

Insurance: Ensure that your travel insurance provides coverage prior to taking part; some may be considered hazardous activities and require an additional payable premium.

Licence: Use licensed and reputable suppliers who will provide safety instructions and supervision.

Participation: Consider your physical and mental health prior to partaking in activities. 

Emergency Contacts: Know how to contact the local emergency services and the consulate or embassy.  Visit gov.uk/world/embassies.

Victim of a Crime: Report to the police and obtain a police report or reference; this may be a condition of your travel insurance to support a claim. Visit gov.uk/guidance/victim-of-crime-abroad.

Travel Counsellors are contactable to assist with any emergency situation on the 24/7 emergency helpline by calling 00 44 161 608 1052 or on email: tcdutyoffice@travelcounsellors.com

Your TC contact details are also detailed on the myTC app in the TC Contact area.