Keep safe abroad
When planning a trip or a longer stay in a foreign country, it's important to think about what to do in an emergency. Here are some basic safety tips to help you relax and enjoy your time abroad.
Safety tips:
- check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website or telephone 0870 606 0290 for information about the country to which you are going
- if you are travelling with an Irish passport you can find useful information on the Department of Foreign Affairs website
- buy travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate
- get a good guidebook and get to know your destination
- find out about local laws and customs
- ensure that you have a valid passport and necessary visas
- check what vaccinations you need at least six weeks before you go
- check to see if you need to take extra health precautions
- make sure your travel agent is a member of the Association of the British Travel Agents (ABTA), the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), or the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA)
- if you're flying, make sure your holiday package is financially protected by Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL)
- make copies of important documents such as your passport, insurance policy (including your insurer's and card protection's 24-hour emergency number) and ticket details - leave copies with family and friends
- take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, eg travellers cheques, sterling or US dollars
- leave a copy of your itinerary and a way of contacting you - such as an email address - with family and friends
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