Going away on your own can be a daunting business. You've no doubt heard all the horror stories and are imagining snakes bites, muggings and all number of nightmares. Well, take a deep breath, relax and read on. There's no point getting stressed about things that could go wrong while you're on the road but, then again, you shouldn't be too complacent either. Dangers do exist and you should do your best to protect your own safety and security. In this section we talk you through all the safety issues you may be worrying about, plus we address the boring-but-necessary matter of insurance.

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Travel safety checklist Checklist - Use your common sense; don't be too trusting - Make sure someone always knows where you are - Make sure you know how to claim on your insurance - Make sure your medical cover gives you access to multi-lingual support - Make sure someone back home has a copy of your documents - Don't take risks because you have insurance - Don't stay anywhere with poor fire safety arrangements - If things go wrong, stay calm and get help - Look after your stuff - theft is the most likely threat - If something gets nicked, you'll need a crime number to claim through your insurers - Avoid trouble with the law wherever you are - If you do get nicked, get in touch with your embassy or consulate as soon as you can Common sense Your greatest tool for looking after yourself when you're away is your common sense. Be confident, stay calm and think how you would tackle a situation at home. Is it so different walking through a crowd in Bangkok to walking through a crowd in London? Safety in numbers At any one point there are thousands of travellers pounding the great backpacking trail, so there will always be other people around to help you. Over a million people travel the world each year, so you are unlikely to feel alone. Be cautious though. Don't assume that every other backpacker is as honest and reliable as you. While we're not suggesting you becoming untrusting and cynical, healthy caution is no bad thing. Go with your instincts. Safety tips Here are a few tips on what to do and what not to do while you're away: - Try not to look like a tourist. Look at a map before you set off and work out where you're going. If you look lost you'll attract unwanted attention - Try not to arrive at a new place after dark - if you can't avoid it, book ahead - Try to let someone know where you're going and when to expect you back - Listen to local advice - Don't wander around new places at night - until you are confident that you're not wandering into a dodgy area - Learn a few local phrases - Shout out or draw attention if someone harasses you - Carry a list of useful contacts; know how to contact the police or emergency services - Don't use unlicensed taxi cabs - Be wary - don't leave your backpack unlocked in a dorm full of strangers - Be alert - as you're busy admiring the Taj Mahal, someone else might be making off with your wallet - Don't carry large quantities of cash - Don't pay for things with large notes - Use hostel and hotel safes - Watch your valuables in a crowd and if necessary, carry your backpack on your front Click here >> for more personal safety information Click here >> for female travel advice Click here >> for security products Thieves The most common gap year threat is theft. Travellers are often seen as easy targets by conmen and robbers. If you're on the road long term you'll need to take steps to protect your kit. These are the rules: - Don't leave valuables unattended - or, if you do, hide them well - Don't flaunt money or expensive belongings - Always be aware of your surroundings - Watch out for thieves opening your rucksack while it's on your back - Lock your hostel door - use a keyless doorlock if necessary Coping with theft If you lose kit overseas, chances are it's gone for good. So it's important you take the right steps in order to claim - assuming, of course, your stuff's insured. Go to the police to report the loss and make sure you get, at the very least, an incident number. Better still, get a police or crime report. This will help you to substantiate your claim at a later date. Passport loss If you lose your passport or other crucial documents you'll need to contact the police then your embassy to report the loss. Your embassy or consulate will be able to issue you with a temporary emergency passport but only if you apply for it in person. Fire Before you check in to a hostel or hotel, look for fire instructions in the room or at the reception desk and read them carefully. Also make a mental note of the shortest escape route from your room and make sure that route is not obstructed. (If it is, ask the manager to deal with it.) Also note where the nearest fire alarms are and find out where the assembly point is. If you have reservations about fire safety, leave and find alternative accommodation. Escaping fire Set off the nearest fire alarm. Close the door to the room where the fire is. As you leave, close doors behind you. Don't stop to collect possessions. Never open a door unless you need to for your escape. If you can't get out of the building, go into a room and close the door. Use towels or bedding to block gaps under the door. Go to the window to attract attention. If the room starts to fill with smoke, get as close to the floor as you can where it's easier to breathe. If you're forced to jump from the first floor, throw cushions or bedding out of the window first to break your fall; then climb through the window and lower yourself as far as you can before letting go. Click here >> for useful fire safety info Click here >> for more on fire safety Coping when things go wrong By taking care to avoid dangerous situations and looking after personal belongings, gappers can greatly reduce the risk of robbery. Sometimes, however, it happens. If it happens to you, follow these guidelines: - It's usually safest not to resist robbery - just hand over your possessions - Try to remember your attacker's face - Report the crime and ask for a crime report and number - When dealing with the police try to be calm and rational; if the attack was serious but you don't think the local police are interested, call your embassy or consulate and seek advice - Keep things in perspective - don't panic - Are you hurt? Do you need a doctor? Don't hesitate to find one but keep your insurer informed so you can be sure they'll pick up the tab - Call home, call your insurer, tell your friends; get people to rally round you Don't get nicked! Gap year travellers can't expect special treatment from foreign police - you're subject to the laws of the country in which you are a guest. So, if you commit a crime, there's little anyone can do. Follow this advice to stay out of trouble with the law: - Make sure visas and passports are current and correct - Understand and respect local law - Avoid trouble and fights - Don't carry packages or bags for others - Watch your luggage and make sure no-one tampers with it - Carry a list of British consular offices Click here >> for the contact details of British consular offices If you do get your collar felt, follow these guidelines: - Stay cool - don't argue or fight with the police - Try not to relinquish your passport - Ask to see the British Consul as soon as possible - you have the right to do this. The Consul can't spring you from jail but will offer advice and guidance - Request an interpreter - Get a lawyer Insurance Click here >> for tips on buying insurance Click here >> to find the best insurance policy for you Organised gaps The number of students taking a gap year or trip abroad is growing. Most placements are set up by organisations or charities and, in some cases, they ask you for a lot of money to arrange them. Do not assume that because they operate from a UK address or produce impressive brochures that everything will run smoothly. Some are good and some are not. So before you commit yourself, sign anything or hand over cash, check them out. Click here >> for a list of questions to ask Click here >> for gap year placements with reputable companies Three golden rules 1. Get everything in writing 2. Speak to someone who has been with the organisation within the past year 3. If in doubt, get in touch with us or your local Careers Service.

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