Before you go:

We've teamed up with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to bring you this checklist to help you prepare for a great trip.

• Check RAC driving abroad and FCO travel abroad pages for the country you are visiting
• Register with the FCO's LOCATE service so they can get in touch in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack
• Find out where the nearest embassy will be – check the FCO website to find out what services they offer and their opening times
• Don't travel without travel insurance - make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as water sports
• Travelling within the EU? Then get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care - you still need full travel insurance though! Also remember, you can call 112 to contact the emergency services in any EU country.
• Check www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or visit a travel health centre or your GP to find out what vaccinations or medication you may need
• Make sure you've got correct visas for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid.
• All first-time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to verify their identity. It now takes up to six weeks to get a first passport. For more information please visit DirectGov
• For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check the entry requirements before you go
• Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them online using a secure data storage site.
• Make sure you fill in the emergency contact details in your passport. This will make it much easier for us to contact someone if necessary
• Tell a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number
• Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travellers cheques - make a note of the cheques' numbers before you go
• Invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip
• Make sure your driving licence is current and valid. Make sure you are aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
• Check HM Revenue & Customs Travel website for information on duty-free allowances, banned goods etc.

When you are away:

• Think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don’t take risks that you wouldn’t at home!
• Don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
• Find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws - there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• Be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations or airports
• Consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you’re away. Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate
• Check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad
• Check whether it’s safe to drink local tap water- if not, stick to bottled water and avoid salads, non-peeling fruit and ice in drinks
• Use your judgement when buying and eating food you’ve not prepared yourself
• Respect the environment – don't buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don't drop litter
• Check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK