When you are there

• Be aware of security and take sensible precautions. Leave your jewellery and valuables at home if you can. Only carry as much money as you need for the day. Leave the rest of your money, and at least one credit card in the hotel or villa safe if one is available. Keep copies of your passport, insurance details and other important travel documents separate from the originals. Doc Store, our on-line document storage facility, can help with this and is also available as part of our Annual Explorer Membership. It is useful to always have some form of identity on you, such as a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport. Stay aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations where you do not feel comfortable. Find out from your guidebook or tour guide about any local scams. Keep up to date with local and regional events in the media. Don’t take risks abroad that you wouldn’t take at home. If a situation looks dangerous, it probably is.
• Keep a note of the Calluma telephone number so that you can easily call us if you require any assistance.
• Passports are valuable documents, and you are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to protect your passport. It is possible to have a replacement passport issued overseas but this may require an interview and the passport issued may have a restricted validity leaving you unable to travel on to certain countries. It is vitally important that you do everything you can to keep your passport safe. Having an electronic copy of it stored in the CallUma document store may help to make the replacement process easier.
• Stay in regular touch with your family and friends in the UK, especially if you are travelling alone or in a remote area, or you are aware of a terrorist attack or other catastrophe in the region in which you are travelling. Although you may feel perfectly safe, people at home may worry if they don’t hear from you, and could report you missing.
• You must keep to local laws. There may be very serious penalties for breaking a law which might seem trivial to you or for doing something which may not be illegal in the UK. Do not overstay your visa or work illegally – you may be fined or sent to prison. Hobbies that involve using cameras and binoculars, such as birdwatching or plane spotting, may be misunderstood (particularly near military sites). If in doubt, don’t do it.
• Respect local customs and behave and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites, markets and rural communities. Travel guidebooks, tour operators and hotel staff are all useful sources of information and you can always ask CallUma if you’re unsure and we’ll be able to advise you on any local customs or specific local journeys. If in doubt, take extra care. In some places, behaviour that would be acceptable elsewhere can lead to serious trouble. In some countries, it can also be worth asking for permission before taking any photographs so as not to cause offence. Help protect local wildlife and habitats by respecting rules and regulations (including how to get rid of rubbish properly). Be aware that buying any wildlife products is risky. Customs departments throughout the world confiscate illegal souvenirs, and in the UK you could face a criminal prosecution and fines.
• Check that what you are bringing back to the UK is legal. You can get more information on bringing back meat, animal products or plants from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at www.defra.gov.uk or phone 08459 335577. You can get information about banned and restricted goods, and your customs allowances, from HM Revenue and Customs on www.hmrc.gov.uk or phone 0845 010 9000.
• Be aware of local attitudes to alcohol and know your own limit. Remember that drinks served overseas are often stronger than those served in the UK. Keep your drinks with you at all times as drinks can be spiked with drugs to make you more vulnerable to assault or rape. Be aware that accidents are more likely to happen after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Avoid swimming or fooling around on balconies or other high places. 
• Be aware of what may happen if you become involved with drugs overseas. Not only are there health risks, but there may also be severe penalties for any association with drugs. Never carry packages through customs for other people and be cautious about accepting gifts. If you are driving, do not lend your vehicle to other people and do not sit in someone else’s vehicle when going through customs or crossing borders – get out and walk. Pack your own baggage, fasten it securely and do not leave it unattended.
• Follow any health advice you received before travelling. You should, for example, drink plenty of safe drinking water, use sunscreen, and take care what you eat and where you eat it.
• If in doubt about any aspects of your holiday simply ask Calluma and we will do our best to help you have a happy and safe trip.

Text adapted from Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website