The UK Government is encouraging holidaymakers to follow three key steps to stay safe while travelling. On the Travel Aware website, officials advise those heading abroad to make their trip “one to remember for the right reasons,” noting that “sadly, for a small number of Brits, their holiday ends in a hospital ward or a police station”.
Under the message “Stick With Your Mates,” travellers are urged to check the latest FCDO Travel Advice before booking or heading to the airport, to stay informed about entry requirements and local laws. It also stresses the importance of having comprehensive travel insurance. Most importantly, it highlights three essential actions everyone should take to stay safe while enjoying their trip.
Do this on holiday
1. Share your location
The FCDO suggested: “Use messaging apps to set up a group chat. This way you can send your location to your friends if you get lost or check they are safe if you lose them.”
2. Agree a meeting point
When you arrive, you should agree a place to meet. It explained: “It is easy to get lost in a foreign country. Add alcohol and sun and it’s now even easier to get lost. If you are on the strip, before your first big night, familiarise yourself with the area. Exploring your surroundings will help you remember where you are later. Agree a meeting place in case you lose your friends and cannot get in contact (e.g. phone out of battery or lost etc.)”
3. Keep your address on you
If you’re not familiar with your surroundings, it’s a good idea to keep the address of your accommodation. Being in a new place, dealing with a different climate, and consuming alcohol can all make it more difficult to remember how to get back. The FCDO said: “Consider taking a screenshot of the hotel’s address before going out or ask reception if they have an address card you can take and store in your wallet.”
Stick together
If travelling with pals, or even family, the UK Government warns: “Friends don’t leave friends behind. Serious incidents often happen after drinking alcohol when you are alone and isolated. Stick with your mates throughout the night. Stay in contact and if you’re staying at the same accommodation, go home together.”
Are you drinking?
Travellers are also advised to keep a close eye on their drinks. Officials caution that alcohol abroad can differ significantly from what people are used to in the UK as drinks may be stronger, served in larger measures, or come as part of cheap promotions, all of which can lead to quicker intoxication than expected.
They also warn about the risk of drink spiking, where alcohol or drugs are secretly added to someone’s drink, often with the intent of committing theft or assault. To reduce this risk, never leave your drink unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking water between alcoholic beverages.