7 tips for safe travel

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a holiday and forget about important safety considerations when you are travelling abroad.

1. Inform family or friends of your travel plans
   Make sure you let your family or friends know where you are going. It's easy to just say "see you in two weeks", but make sure someone knows where you are going, where you are staying, what your itinerary is, and how to contact you.
   
   Leave a full copy of your travel plans with a close friend or family member and make sure it includes holiday dates, flight details, which resort and hotel you are staying at, and the name of your tour operator.
   
   Leaving details with family and friends is especially important if you are travelling by alone.
   
   Don't forget to send them a quick text to let them know you have arrived at your destination.
   
   
2. Medication
   If you are travelling with medication check whether it is legal in the country. If you are travelling with medicine other than over-the-counter drugs, make sure that you carry a letter from your Doctor. This letter should itemise each medicine confirm their essential use, and can help to avoid unnecessary problems at customs.
   
   Keep any medicines you travel with safe by always carrying them in your hand luggage, just in case your baggage is lost or delayed.
   
   
3. Money
   Keep your money safe. It's important to travel with some cash, but it's not advisable to travel with excess amounts of money. If you can, withdraw cash, or cash your Travellers' Cheques, as and when you need it. Keep any money not required that day in your hotel safety deposit box.
   
   
4. Dress appropriately
   Stay safe and dress appropriately for your surroundings. Whilst tourists are usually pretty easy to spot, some are easier to recognise than others! Consider what you are wearing when you go exploring. If you are going to a more humble district, don't wear expensive branded clothing. Keep it casual rather than 'glam'.
   
   This also extends to jewellery, including costume jewellery, keep it to a minimum.
   
   
5. Local Customs and Laws
   Each country has different laws and customs and it's vitally important that you familiarise yourself with these so you don't land up in trouble. Showing respect to the local people by observing their customs – whether that's appropriate dress in holy places, beach etiquette like topless bathing, or tipping - will make your time more enjoyable without causing any problems.
   
   To check advice about local customs and laws, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth's website particularly their travel advice by country section.
   
   
6. Local Transport
   Stay safe when travelling, and If you need to travel by taxi ask your hotel reception to organise this for you. They will use reputable, licensed taxi operators, rather than overcharging, uninsured vehicles.
   
   
7. Hotel Safety Deposit Boxes
   Keep your belongings safe on holiday. Once you have settled yourself into your hotel be sure to book a hotel room safety deposit box. In here you should place all your valuables, such as passports, travel tickets and documents, money and cash cards and even electrical equipment and mobile phones.