Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
You've planned the trip of a lifetime and the last thing you want is for something to go wrong. Of course, there are no guarantees in life, but there are steps you can take to avoid potential issues on your trip.
Here are a few resources to help you stay safe and healthy on your travels.
FCDO Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is the best source of up-to-date information on safety and security when travelling abroad. The official website provides advice on entry requirements, health risks, local laws and legal differences, as well as current warnings on travel.
It's a good idea to check the FCDO Foreign Travel Advice website for information on the destinations you will be visiting.
You have the option to sign up for email alerts for when information is updated.
If you prefer to use social media to stay updated, follow the @FCDOtravelGovUK page on X (formerly Twitter), @FCDOTravel on Facebook or @travelaware on Instagram.
Another useful online resource for safe travel is the Travel Aware gov.uk website. This site also includes young people with tips and advice on how to look after each other and help avoid serious accidents on holiday, plus updates on changes for British nationals travelling to the EU.
NHS Fit to Travel
For advice on vaccinations, health risks and considerations when travelling, the NHS Fit to Travel website is a valuable resource. You can search for advice by destination and check the risk of various diseases including malaria and yellow fever. The website also provides advice on food and water precautions to take when abroad, as well as health updates.
Summer Travel Advice
Travelling abroad this summer? Make sure you're fully prepared with these tips:
- Check your travel insurance and what it covers: if your summer adventure involves getting active, check you're adequately covered by travel insurance for the activities you've got planned - whether it's quad bikes or jet skis. And make sure you've got a copy of your travel insurance policy to hand while you're abroad.
- Check Travel Advice before you go: before packing your suitcase this summer, check the FCDO website for the latest info on entry requirements, safety and security, health and local laws for the destinations you're visiting.
- Check laws and cultural differences: to avoid any potentially awkward situations, swat up on local laws and cultural differences of the country you're visiting, as they can be different to the UK.
- Stick with your mates: if you're heading to a summer party destination and planning nights out with your mates, don't leave anyone behind! Because mates that party together, leave together. Keep an eye on your drinks, stay in touch and agree a back-up meeting point, so you and your friends can stay safe while having fun.
