Health and Safety: Personal Safety
A beach break is the perfect chance to let your hair down, but that doesn't mean your personal safety should take a backseat, that's just as important while you’re having fun on holiday as it is at home. Sadly, we can't all be Mystic Meg, we can’t foresee everything, but you’ll thank yourself for being prepared if anything does go wrong. Read on for our tips on how to become your own guardian angel...
Out and about
Keep your valuables, including bags, phones and wallets, close at all times. And, it's easy to forget, but make sure the zips on your bags and pockets are closed tight if possible.
Avoid wearing a lot of expensive-looking jewellery or carrying large amounts of money - a no brainer.
Keep to well-lit areas and paths, and if possible don’t walk home alone.
Out with your family or mates? Look after each other and keep in contact - that's what group chats are for (besides memes, obvs).
Be cautious about going anywhere with a person you’ve only just met, and don’t tell strangers where you’re staying or let them into your hotel, villa or apartment.
Never get into an unlicensed taxi, if you're unsure, you can always check with hotel reception about the best services to use, and, where possible, share a taxi ride with a friend.
Identify the fire exits in busy buildings like bars or clubs. In the event of an incident, be sure to follow all emergency instructions.
If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, make people around you aware by shouting to draw attention to your situation.
In the unlikely event that you’re the victim of a crime, report it to the local police immediately. Notify your travel provider as soon as possible too.
Only book excursions and activities through reputable vendors.
Alcohol and drugs
Lets face it, most of us love a cheeky tipple or two, but it's worth noting that the risk of accident or injury can be increased with alcohol consumption or drug use, and may cause your travel insurance to be considered invalid.
Don’t leave your drinks unattended and never accept a drink from a stranger - it sadly feels like this has become night out etiquette 101 whether you're on your jollies or not, but it's a key thing to keep in mind.
Get a cheaper round in – drink water regularly as alcohol can dehydrate you, future you will thank you.
Stay away from recreational drugs, as they’re dangerous and highly likely to be against the law in the country you’re visiting.
Security incident
In the event of a security incident:
Run - Get to safety. If this isn't possible then...
Hide - Stay hidden, and make sure your phone is set to silent rather than vibrate. If you can, barricade yourself in.
Tell - Call the police when it's safe to do so.