insurance

Don't risk travelling without insurance - it could cost you a lot more in the long run.
Arrange travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, this will ensure that you are covered for cancellation and curtailment.
Always shop around. Buying travel insurance direct from a specialist is usually better value than going to a travel agent or bank etc.
Is the insurance company a member of the ABI and the Insurance Ombudsman?
Does the insurance company have a Claims Charter?
Check the levels of excess on the policy.
It is important to be covered for medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, cancellation and curtailment of the trip, money/documents and baggage. Other areas of cover usually include delay, missed departure, loss of passport, legal expenses and assistance services.
The E111 medical system is not a substitute for a proper travel insurance policy. It is designed to provide free or low cost medical treatment in Europe and only covers emergency treatment. The full cost of treatment is unlikely to be covered and travellers often have to pay a large percentage of the medical bill.
Check the levels of cover and make sure they suit your particular circumstances. Be wary of paying excessive premiums for unnecessary cover.
Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and any hazardous activities/sports you may be undertaking. Failure to do so could mean that you are not covered if something goes wrong. This is important for any holiday you may be going on, e.g. winter sports/summer holiday.
Make sure your policy covers the full length of your trip.
Is cancellation cover enough to cover the cost of your trip?
Check that any expensive items you are taking away (e.g. video camera, jewellery) are covered either by your travel insurance or some other form of policy e.g. home contents.
If going on a winter sports holiday, check that the policy covers off-piste skiing, snowboarding, ski pack and ski equipment.
Can you ring back to the UK and extend your cover if you decide to stay in a country longer than anticipated?
Can you ring back to the UK and extend your cover if you decide to take part in a hazardous activity while away?
Danger Zones - are you covered if you cross into a country considered to be high risk?
If you go away three or more times a year, investigate the benefits offered by an annual policy. It will probably work out cheaper than buying several single trip policies.
If you go away three or more times a year and at least one of your trips is ski, it maybe worthwhile opting for an annual policy including winter sports.
If buying an annual policy, is the maximum trip duration enough for your needs?
Under the ABI (Association of British Insurers) code of practice, insurance sellers are required to explain the policy and point out specific exclusions. This often does not happen, so don't relay on the seller to provide all the details - ask questions.
Read the small print. Under the ABI code of practice you are entitled to full refund within 14 days of purchase if the terms and conditions do not suit your requirements.

Before you go

Ensure that all the exterior doors of your home are equipped with good quality locks (including those to an outside porch, balcony, garage or basement).
If possible, arrange for someone to check on your home when you're away. This will ensure that any problems are spotted quickly and action taken.
Place some of the lights inside your home on variable timing devices to give a lived-in appearance.
Check that your home owners/contents policy is up to date and that any expensive items you may be taking on your trip are insured.
Ensure that passports and visa are up to date and valid.
Make a list of travellers cheques and photocopy important travel documents including airline or any other tickets, passport, visa and vaccination records. Put them in your suitcase and hand luggage and leave a copy at home.
Take out proper travel insurance and check that it provides suitable cover for your trip.
If driving during your trip, ensure you have adequate insurance cover.
Ensure that your travel or private health insurance policy provides adequate medical cover - do not rely solely on the E111. (The E111 medical system is designed to provide free or low cost medical treatment in Europe and only covers emergency treatment. The full cost of treatment is unlikely to be covered and travellers often have to pay a large percentage of the medical bill).
It is important that you have all the necessary vaccinations for the country you are visiting.
If you are travelling to an 'at risk' area, it is prudent to acquire an analysis or profile of the country prior to the trip. This knowledge can help you assess the risks and take any necessary precautions during your stay.
Give your travel plans, hotel details and arrival/departure dates to at least two people you can trust.
When packing, do not put valuables in 'checked-in' baggage.
Arrange for pets to be properly looked after.
Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries.

At the airport

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the departure point by the designated 'check-in' time.
If leaving your car at the airport whilst away, remember to note the number of the car park, floor and block in which you are parked and keep this in a safe place away from your car park ticket.
As soon as you have checked in and your luggage has been dealt with, go immediately through security. Do not linger in public areas of the airport.
Do not disclose your name or travel plans to strangers.
Security personnel will sometimes inquire about the contents of your luggage. It is therefore important to be fully aware of the all items you are carrying.
Never leave your luggage unattended, particularly when checking in or waiting in a secure area. In many countries, airport security or police officers will presume that unattended bags are bombs and your luggage could be forcibly opened or destroyed.
Camera film, videos or computer discs will not be damaged by airport x-ray machines. If you are unsure, ask the screener.
Some countries require a departure tax for domestic and/or international flights - find out the correct amount before you arrive at the airport and have it ready when checking in.
Watch your luggage when it's on the conveyor belt and remember to check that it is not damaged before leaving the airport. If your luggage is lost or damaged, report it to the airline immediately and ask for a written report before you leave the airport.
At airports, especially those in 'high risk' countries, it is advisable to keep a low profile and go directly to any transportation links.
Know your duty free allowance.

When you arrive

One of the most vulnerable points during an overseas trip is when travelling between the airport and your accommodation. Avoid wandering in car parks, garages and public places and be aware of distractions which may be set up by criminals in order to commit theft.
Do not leave your personal effects unattended anywhere.
Avoid travelling alone and be alert to surroundings at all times.
Familiarise yourself on the use of telephones. Check with hotel staff on operating procedures for making domestic and international telephone calls and clarify what operator services are available e.g. operator assistance, information etc. These steps will enable you to quickly call your home country in case of an emergency.
Familiarise yourself with road signs, general road rules and traffic patterns. Stop at all traffic lights and learn the crossing procedures for public streets. People have been seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle when failing to observe local traffic conditions.
When checking into your hotel, notice how the staff are dressed. Criminals may attempt to dress the same as hotel employees in order to commit crime.
Familiarise yourself with hotel emergency procedures.
If there is a 'welcome' meeting organised by your tour operator, try to attend. Use the opportunity to gather as much information as possible about the local area, customs and etiquette, banks, supermarkets and police station, safe places to go, local transport and general facilities etc.
When checking-in to your hotel, arrange to have personal use of a safety deposit box for the safe-keeping of any valuables, money and documents.
Always check that the water is drinkable, including water for food preparation as well as for cleaning teeth.

Accommodation

Where possible, do not stay on the ground or first floor of your hotel or apartment block, as there is an increased risk from burglars and robbers. Ground floor rooms with door or window pool/beach access are considered particularly high risk.
Before answering the door of your hotel room, call reception to confirm the identity of the caller and reason for their visit.
Do not open any packages or envelopes sent to your room unless you know the sender and are expecting the package.
Leave the television or radio on when leaving your accommodation.
Always take your room key with you rather than leave it at the front desk/reception.
When checking into a hotel, observe how the staff are dressed i.e. colour and style of uniforms. Criminals may attempt to dress in a similar uniform in order to commit a crime.
Use caution when using public rest rooms in hotels. These facilities are sometimes used by criminals to rob unsuspecting guests or for drug dealing.
Some hotels will retain passports for review by police or other government officials. To reduce the likelihood of your passport falling into the wrong hands, try to obtain its return as soon as possible.
Ask hotel management how guests are notified when there is an emergency.
When staying in a hotel, apartment or villa, always use any available door latch, bolt or deadlock to secure all doors and windows.
Hotel employees can be an invaluable source of information. Ask them for recommendations on safe restaurants, exercise facilities and taxi operators to reduce your risk of becoming a victim in an unknown local trouble spot.
Avoid displaying hotel room keys in restaurants, at swimming pools and in other public places where they could be viewed or stolen.

While you are there

Avoid drinking untreated tap water and ice, local and uncapped bottled water and water from lakes and streams.
Avoid raw and rare meat/seafood - especially re-heated food.
Beware of strong sun. Apply high factor protection creams frequently, wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic).
Never leave your possessions unattended.
Always take your room key with you.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches.
Only carry a minimum amount of cash.

Driving abroad

Have your vehicle serviced before you travel.
Put a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle in your vehicle. Many of these items are a legal requirement in some EU countries.
Don't forget that a GB sticker is a legal requirement in most countries.
Remember to take your car registration and insurance documents, Green Card (if issued), driving licence and passport, details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers - but don't leave them in the car when unattended.
Tell your insurer that you are taking your vehicle abroad. UK motor policies usually provide the cover required for the EU and certain other countries, but this does not normally include theft, fire or damage and, may not completely cover personal liability. Extend your policy to cover these areas whilst abroad.
Ask your insurer about obtaining a Green Card - it is recognised as evidence that your motor insurance meets the local law.
If hiring a car, make sure you have adequate insurance cover.
Check that your vehicle breakdown insurance covers travel abroad. If not, extend the cover or buy an separate specialist breakdown policy for the duration of your trip.
Familiarise yourself with road signs and general road rules of the country you are visiting before you go.
When possible, drive on major thoroughfares and avoid driving at night.
Try and park your car in a secure parking area.
Parking garages can sometimes be difficult to find and may have less than adequate security and lighting. If this is the case, particularly in high crime cities, park elsewhere in a well-lit place.
If an attacker tries to pull you over or block your way, do not stop the car - sound the horn, flash your headlights to attract attention and stay in the locked car if possible.
Always keep the car locked and check inside and outside the car when getting in.
Avoid leaving your possessions in an unattended vehicle.
Never pick up hitch-hikers or strangers, no matter how innocent they may appear.

Business trabel

Ensure that your travel plans are on a strict 'need to know' basis.
Establish a communication plan with someone to provide early warning of any problems.
Inform colleagues and staff not to release information about your travel and business itinerary to unauthorised personnel or strangers.
Wealthy business people and those working for high profile multi-national companies who travel to 'high-risk' countries, should consider arranging special kidnap, ransom and extortion insurance.
Check that your company has arranged proper travel insurance. If not, or if the insurance does not provide sufficient cover, arrange your own.
Avoid travelling to and from regular locations at the same time and route every day.
Personnel files should be closely guarded as this information can be used to kidnap a person for monetary or financial gain.
Do not use a laptop computer for processing sensitive information in public areas.
Keep computer passwords, safe combinations, desk keys and important company information in a 'secure' place - not in your hotel room.
Do not open any package or envelope sent to your hotel room, unless you know the sender and are expecting the package.
Before opening the door to your hotel room, call reception to check the identity of the person and their reason for calling.
Avoid using company logos, names or business cards to identify luggage.
Never leave your luggage or briefcase unattended.
If possible, do not use personalised number plates when driving abroad.

Emergencies

In the event of:
Theft of Personal Baggage, Property, Money or Documents:
Report the theft to the police authority as soon as possible. If you intend to make a claim against your travel insurance policy, you must report the theft within 24 hours and obtain an official report. Contact your travel insurer as soon as you return home.
Loss or Damage of Personal Baggage, Property, Money or Documents:
Report the loss or damage to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible (if in a public place contact the police). If you intend to make a claim against your travel insurance policy, you must report the incident within 24 hours and obtain an official report. If the loss or damage takes place on public transport or in a hotel, you must report the claim in writing to the carrier or hotel within 24 hours and obtain an official loss/damage report. Contact your travel insurer as soon as you return home.
Keep all receipts, accounts and documentary evidence. You will need these to make a claim against your travel insurance policy.
Most travel insurance companies operate a 24-hour 'emergency medical assistance' helpline. In the event of death, medical expenses, accidental injury or illness likely to require hospitalisation, repatriation or any alteration to travel plans, call the assistance helpline immediately. They will advise on and/or make the necessary arrangements for the best course of action.