Video

Newsletters

Competitions

Quizzes

Offers

Social Network

Message Boards

Lifestyle detox
Replenish, refresh, revitalise

Holiday advice
Your questions answered

3D baby
Amazing images from the womb

Travel

Topics

Travel photo galleries

Hot stuff

Tone It Challenge

Financial MOT

Winter sun ideas

Things to do in January

Find a panto

Book up with HotelPronto

Find a spa

Competitions

Special offers

Newsletters

Promotions

What the travel agent does not tell you

by Debbie Davies

While you shouldn't be paralysed by fear of the unknown, it's important to remember that you are more vulnerable in a foreign country and must be prepared for emergencies. Check out this ten-point checklist to keep out of trouble

No travel is risk-free. The number of British travellers involved in serious incidents is on the increase, but few holidaymakers research potential hazards before they go. Women, especially those travelling solo, need to make preparations for possible dangers part of their pre-holiday routine, just like packing.

1. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
Advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is that your insurance policy should cover the following: an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home; all medical bills; any hazardous sporting activities; bringing the body home in the event of death; replacing and/or bringing your car home. Your bank should be able to provide you with travel insurance, or you can get cover online by visiting www.travel-insurance-online.com

2. Find out about where you are going.
Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or give them a call: 0207 008 0230. The FCO produces travel advice on every country in the world and tips for travellers in over 100 countries. Some of its advice is too general to be of much use, like the current warning that British nationals face an increased risk when abroad from terrorist attacks. Research the area you're travelling to and you should find more specific and useful information, such as warnings about certain bus routes or train stations. Also, try a search on your destination in the online archives of newspapers like The Guardian and The Times. News stories can highlight crimes that tourist boards are unlikely to tell you about.

3. Practise safe sex.
If you are looking for romance on your travels, you may well find it - especially in popular resorts such as Ibiza in Spain, Ayia Napa in Cyprus and Faliraki in Rhodes. As you'll be meeting fellow travellers, you could end up having sex with someone you don't know well. Be prepared. Research has shown that over half those leaving Ibiza airport said they had sex while on holiday and a quarter of those had unprotected sex. If you need reminding as to why practising safe sex is so important, check out our information on sexually transmitted diseases. Have fun on holiday, but remember to plan your contraception before you go, so you aren't caught short when things start hotting up.