Depending on your destination - a sun-soaked beach, a buzzing city, or a party island with your mates - the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is reminding travellers to stay Travel Aware: informed, protected, and ready for whatever your trip brings.
Here are four simple (but essential) things every UK traveller should do before heading abroad this year.
1. Get travel insurance
Travel insurance isn’t just a formality - it’s your safety net. It's not just for a long trip or big family holidays either. Even a short weekend abroad can go wrong and without UK travel insurance, the costs come out of your pocket.
From minor mishaps to major emergencies, travel insurance UK can help cover:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Lost or stolen items such as passports and baggage
• Cancelled flights or missed connections
• Natural disasters
It’s affordable, easy to sort out, and can save you serious stress (and serious money) if something goes wrong. Make sure your policy is right for your destination and activities - especially if you’re planning things like water sports or hiking.
Travelling with older relatives? Look for policies designed for travel insurance for over 70s which can offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions and more tailored health support.
2. Check the Official Foreign Office Travel Advice before you go
Think you know everything about your destination? Maybe - but the Official Foreign Office Travel Advice might know more. The FCDO updates its guidance regularly to help UK travellers stay safe and informed, whenever they’re going.
Before you go, check:
• Entry requirements (like visas or vaccinations)
• Local safety information or recent incidents
• Cultural customs, laws and local do’s and don’ts
• Weather-related disruptions
Even if you’ve visited before, it’s always good to check the latest advice as things can change.
3. Know the laws and local culture
You might be on holiday, but you’re still expected to follow local laws. What’s legal or acceptable in the UK might not be elsewhere in the world. For instance, modest dressing is expected at religious sites across a lot of countries such as Turkey. In Greece, even high heels are banned at the ancient landmarks like the Acropolis to help protect the ruins.
Be respectful and stay informed by:
• Reading up on local customs and traditions before you travel
• Dressing appropriately in religious or conservative areas
• Knowing the laws around alcohol, behaviour in public and things like taking photos or using drones
A little research goes a long way. It can help you avoid fines and trouble with local authorities, so that you can make the most of your trip without any unnecessary surprises.
4. Stick with your mates
If you’re jetting off on a party holiday - think Ibiza, Cancun or beyond - the rules of a good time are simple: have fun, stay safe and stick with your mates.
Lots of incidents abroad happen when people wander off alone, especially at night. Looking after your friends - and knowing they’ve got your back too - makes everyone safer.
Here’s how to keep things fun and sensible:
• Head out together and come back together
• Set a meeting point in case someone gets separated
• Keep phones charged and share your locations
• Watch each other’s drinks and step in if something seems off
• Don’t take risks with transport - use licensed taxis and trusted apps
• Make a group chat and check in regularly
You’re there to make memories - not regrets. So look out for each other and keep the good vibes going all holiday long!
Travel Aware checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to keep your holiday stress-free and sorted:
✅Buy your UK travel insurance as soon as you book - and read what it covers
✅Check the latest Foreign Office Travel Advice
✅Respect local laws and customs
✅(If you’re partying) Stick with your mates
Plan Safe. Travel Safe. Don’t just book it - Thomas Cook it.
About the author
Jeslin is happiest when exploring new places and immersing herself in different cultures. When she’s not travelling, she’s often getting lost in a good book (sometimes literally), enjoying wild adventures from the comfort of her sofa.