things to do whilst you're away

1. Do not pack valuables, money, or fragile items into checked-in baggage. Keep them with you at all times.
2. Never leave belongings unattended or with strangers, especially on beaches or at airports, nor in vehicles.
3. Check your baggage for damage each time you reclaim it
4. Learning 3 words and 2 two-word phrases of the local language will take you far in most countries - 'yes', 'no', 'please', 'thank you' and 'how much'. Learn them before you go if you can and use them often.
5. If you're not sure what the local custom is on tiping, people watch. You'll soon pick it up by watching what other people do.

Seeing the sights

1. Visit popular tourist sites as soon as they open or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Check if there is a late night opening.
2. In many coutries there is one day of the week when museums, art galleries and exhibitions are closed (usually Monday in Europe). Plan ahead.

Phoning home

1. It can be extremely expensive to use your mobile phone whilst abroad. Also you will usually pay to receive calls as well as to make them, and to receive and send text messages.
2. If you plan to take your mobile phone abroad, make sure you can use it in your destination country.
3. Check that you have international roaming for your phone - your mobile phone company will be able to set this up for you.
4. Consider setting a credit limit on your phone. If it's lost or stolen this may limit your liability.
5. If you plan to call home regularly, it may be cheaper to buy a phone card (prepaid or purchased locally) and use local phoneboxes rather than your mobile phone. Having said that using your mobile phone is usually cheaper than using a hotel phone!

If you have anything stolen whilst on holiday

1. Report it to the local police and obtain a statement from them about the loss. This is not always easy, but you will need a police report if you want to claim on your travel insurance.
2. If you have a card protection policy, phone them immediately and they'll help you cancel your credit / debit cards and your mobile phone, and provide assistance in replacing tickets and passports.
3. If you don't have a card protection policy, you'll need to phone your bank and card issuers to stop your cards and phone your mobile phone company to stop your account. Your travel insurer will tell you how and where you can get a replacement passport from (they won't cover the cost though) and your tour rep, airline or travel agent will help you replace tickets.

Your Personal Safety whilst on holiday

Crimes against tourists are on the increase in may parts of the world. Use your common sense:

1. Try to avoid 'seedier' areas.
2. Large groups of children crowding you for no reason are usually a cover for pickpockets.
3. Do not wear expensive jewellery.
4. Wear and use money belts.
5. Before answering the door check through the spy hole.
6. Leave a television or radio on when leaving your room.
7. Take your room key with you, do not leave it at reception.
8. Always use bolts or deadlocks on doors.
9. Carry small change for drinks and busses. Keep small denomination notes or coins in a separate pocket so that you don't have to get your purse or wallet out on the street.