Staying safe on holiday
When you are on holiday the last thing you expect or would want to happen is to have an accident, but safety is often a concern which is pushed to the back of your mind.
Whether you are planning to spend your time motor biking, walking, cycling, camping, on the water, or just relaxing by the pool, it's worth taking some time to plan ahead, ensuring that your holiday will be memorable for the right reasons.
General advice and your rights
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the principle Government department with responsibility for assisting UK citizens aboard. It provides travel advice and a consular service that will help identify in country support.
The Know Before You Go campaign is a joint venture between the FCO and members of the travel industry, the aim is to provide key advice on staying safe and healthy whilst travelling abroad.
A holiday booked through a UK tour operator should be subject to the Package Travel Regulations. Which? have a useful guide to understanding your rights and the regulations.
It is important to have the correct level of insurance cover (FCO website) and to hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The latter can help you obtain free or reduced healthcare, until you return home, within parts of Europe.
Water safety advice whilst on holiday
Children near to hotel and villa swimming pools, adults taking part in adventure watersports such as white-water rafting and kayaking, and hire watersports such as personal watercraft (Jet Skis) are among the most common activities resulting in severe injury and death.
Beach and pool conditions and safety standards vary considerably throughout the world. It's very important to check what local safety advice and services are on offer, and not to presume that this is equivalent to the UK; for example the use of red flags (to inform no swimming) at the beach is not always adopted, as is the use and meaning of the term lifeguard.
Other holiday activities