Top 10 tips for going abroad

If you're going on holiday this summer in Europe, you may to think about more than your passport, suntan cream, condoms and cash.

Here are the government's top 10 tips for travelling abroad.

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for everything you think you might do.
• Take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC - used to be called E111). This entitles you to low cost or free healthcare in most European countries in an emergency. But it won't cover things like lost luggage or a flight home in an air ambulance - so you need travel insurance too.
• It's never advisable to hire a moped or quad bike, but if you do want to, check the small print of your insurance to make sure you're covered - and always wear a helmet.
• Take enough money and have access to emergency funds.
• When drinking, know your limits and try to stay in control - remember that alcohol measures are often much larger abroad than in the UK.
• Keep your drink with you at all times - so it can't be spiked.
• Avoid walking alone, particularly at night - stick with your mates on a night out and don't let anyone walk home on their own.
• Respect local laws and customs - do some research before you go. Pleading ignorance of the law won't get you off!
• Know the address and phone number of where you are staying and how to get back to your hotel.
• Make sure your mobile phone will work abroad and that you pack the charger so you can stay in touch with friends and family back home.

If you have a serious problem, talk to your travel rep or if you are travelling independently contact the local British embassy or Consulate.