Personal safety When you're on holiday in strange places, especially if alone, you need to keep your safety in mind.

In this article

Sensible precautions

No-go areas

In most holiday destinations, personal safety is a matter of staying alert and taking the same precautions you would at home.

The risk of violent assault varies from country to country and you should be aware of the potential dangers. Take advice from locals and tour guides about the areas to avoid, especially at night and when alone.

Make sure you:

• Carry the minimum amount of cash
• Don't flaunt valuables, such as cameras or video equipment
• Don't resist attackers - if confronted it's usually safer to give up your valuables

Some countries have 'no go' areas that are unsafe to visit, while other countries should be avoided entirely or visited only on essential business.

If you're worried about threats to your personal safety because of political situations, street crime, natural disasters, epidemics, anti-British demonstrations or aircraft safety, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up-to-date travel advice, searchable by country.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in September 2006.
First published in May 2001.