1. Make a list of emergency contact telephone numbers

2. Take copies of important documents such as passports and insurance policies, keep them separate from the originals.

3. Know what your insurance covers and be aware of what it doesn't cover.

4. Ask your doctor about vaccinations.

5. If you are taking medication, make sure you have ample for your stay.

6. Look at the Dept. of Health leaflet on health advice for travellers, (with your E111).

Whether it is something as simple as a lost credit card or something more serious such as a traffic accident or a death, they can be made more serious because of language barriers and unfamiliar systems. The key to it all is knowing who to contact and considering how you would cope when the situation occurs. Here are a few possibilities:

you are arrested: If you commit a crime you should expect to pay the penalties. If you are arrested for a serious crime, you should insist on your country's consulate being told. They will then contact you and advise you on a solicitor and make sure you are treated as though you were a Spanish citizen. The consulate cannot however pay for your legal advice, put up bail or have you released as a matter of course. [Arrested for drink-driving ?]

If you have anything stolen: Money, passport or anything else, then firstly report it to your local police, most of which now have an interpreter. Insist on a statement about the loss then if you still need help, contact your consulate. See our Embassies page for phone numbers. The police will give you a crime reference number which will be required by your insurance company. If your credit card is stolen or lost, you will need these telephone numbers.

If someone dies: If any member of your party dies whilst in Spain, contact your consulate immediately. They will help. In Spain, burials and cremations often take place the same day as the death; this may result in ashes being transported back to your own country so quick action is essential.

Final checklist before you travel:

1. an air-ambulance in case you need to be flown home

2. medical bills

3. bringing a body home in the event of a death or bringing people home in the event of illness or injury

4. replacing and/or bringing your car home

drugs

1. avoid any involvement with drugs as penalties can be severe

2. don't carry parcels or luggage through customs for anyone else

3. don't cross borders with strangers, ie hitch-hikers

4. carry a doctor's prescription for any medication you may need