Holiday Safety - Avoiding Accidents
- Alice Monk
- Jun 10, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Accidents are a more common cause of serious injury or death abroad than infectious diseases. That’s why it’s just as important to take safety precautions on holiday as it is at home.
Don’t take unnecessary risks, even if other people are, and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Driving
Familiarise yourself with the road laws and informal rules of the road for the country you’re in.
Check the condition of your hire car before you set off.
Always wear your seatbelt, and if you’re being driven, sit in the back of the car and only take marked taxis.
Don’t drink and drive.
Avoid motorcycles and mopeds, especially if you don’t usually drive them, but wear a helmet if you do decide to take this mode of transport.
If you're hiring a car or scooter, make sure you're licensed to drive it and that your travel insurance covers this activity. In some countries, you may need an International Driving Permit in addition to your UK licence.
Alcohol
Remember, the more you drink, the more likely you are to have an accident.
Alcohol affects your judgement and can lead you to make poor decisions that can put you in unsafe situations. It also affects your balance and slows down your reaction speed so you’re less able to protect yourself.
Alcohol can stay in your system longer than you think, so be mindful of this if you’re driving or swimming later on or the following day.
Stay with your travel companions so you can look out for each other and avoid balconies as these are often the location of serious alcohol or drug related accidents on holiday.
Falls from balconies are one of the most common serious holiday accidents, especially when alcohol or drugs are involved. Avoid sitting or climbing on balcony railings, and never mix alcohol with swimming or other high-risk activities.
Swimming
Swimming in a pool is generally safer than in the sea, however you should still avoid swimming alone, check the depth before jumping or diving, and always follow the rules of the pool.
If you're swimming in the sea, look for lifeguarded beaches and avoid unmarked areas. Be especially cautious of rip currents (which can pull even strong swimmers out to sea), tides, and venomous sea life such as jellyfish or sea anemones.
Never swim after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
Adventure Sports
If your travels include adventure sports such as climbing, white water rafting, or snow sports, check the reviews and credentials of the company running the activity to make sure they are reputable and will keep you safe.
Make sure you purchase travel insurance before you leave and that it covers the activity you plan to do. These sports carry a higher risk of accident, and getting medical help abroad can be very expensive. Off-piste skiing, quad biking, and water sports are often excluded unless specified.
Before you go
Being as prepared as you can be before you go on holiday is the best way to stay safe, and to minimise stress if you do run into trouble abroad.
That means:
Educating yourself about the country you’re going to and any specific safety considerations (Check https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for up to date information).
Planning ahead to make sure you have time to sort out things like travel insurance, travel money, and getting a suitable travel first aid kit. Make copies of your travel documents and store them securely.
Booking an appointment with a travel clinic to find out if you need vaccines or anti malaria medication – prevention is far better than cure (and cure is not always possible). For travel health information, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
Informing people you trust about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing there, and when you will be back.
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