Brits are urged to do one thing before going on holiday abroad (Image: Getty)
Brits planning a holiday abroad are urged to do one thing before flying. According to experts, this applies to “all” travellers.
An update on the Travel Health Pro website reminded people to always research their destinations ahead of their trip. This includes checking advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) about the country you’re visiting.
Following this advice, which covers any potential health and security risks, will help you “stay safe”. Travel Health Pro said: “Most travellers have a safe, enjoyable trip without any problems, but basic precautions should be taken to help maintain personal safety.
“The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recommend all travellers from the United Kingdom (UK) prepare well and research their destinations before they go.” It continued: “FCDO travel advice provides country-specific safety and security advice, along with information about local laws and customs.
“Researching destinations before departure (ideally before booking a trip) and following FCDO advice helps you stay safe.” If the FCDO think the risk of travel is “unacceptably high”, they will formally advise British people against “all but essential travel” or “all travel” to a particular country or region.
Failing to follow the advice could also invalidate your travel insurance (Image: Getty)
This information can be found by looking up a specific country through the FCDO country page. On top of this you can also receive FCDO email alerts about specific countries by signing up through a link on the FCDO country page for your destination.
It’s important to note that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Travel Health Pro also shared the following general advice when travelling.
Take care
It encouraged people to “take care” with important documents, insurance details, contact numbers and belongings.
Dress and behave appropriately
Avoid obvious displays of wealth, dress suitably and behave appropriately, it said. “For example, public displays of affection are unacceptable in some regions and alcohol is banned in certain countries,” the website said.
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Alcohol
It continued: “Some accidents and injuries can be prevented by careful behaviour. Alcohol may be a factor, as it can affect judgment and lower inhibitions. Ideally, if you drink alcohol, only do so in moderation.”
Further to this, you should not drink alcohol in countries where it is prohibited.
Drugs
Possessing or smuggling illegal drugs, even in tiny amounts, are serious crimes in many countries. This includes cannabis.
Travel Health Pro said: “UK residents caught carrying illegal drugs while visiting or passing through a country will face that country’s laws. These can be much stricter than UK laws, as some countries have a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences.
“Punishment could include arrest and detention, with a long prison sentence if charged and convicted. Many international airports, train stations and ports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which may be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.”
LGBTQ+ travellers
It added: “FCDO advise that attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) travellers worldwide can be very different to those in the UK. They advise LGBT+ travellers to find out about local laws and social attitudes towards same-sex relationships, gender expression and identity before you visit a country.”
To check specific advice on your destination, visit the FCDO country pages here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
