Heading abroad with your mates?
Going abroad with your mates is all about having fun. Lounging by the pool, catching the rays and partying into the early hours.
It should be a trip you want to remember for the right reasons.
Sadly, for a small number of Brits, their holiday ends in a hospital ward or a police station.
But we’re here to encourage young holidaymakers to “Stick With Your Mates” and have a holiday to remember, rather than one to forget – and share with a few simple tips that can help you have a holiday to remember – not one to forget.
You should check FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to make sure you are fully informed on the entry requirements, and that you understand and comply with local rules.
You should also get a travel insurance policy and make sure you know what cover it provides. If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.
Share your location
Use messaging apps to set up a group chat. This way you can send your location to your friends if you get lost or check they are safe if you lose them.
Agree a meeting point
It is easy to get lost in a foreign country. Add alcohol and sun and it’s now even easier to get lost.
If you are on the strip, before your first big night, familiarise yourself with the area. Exploring your surroundings will help you remember where you are later.
Agree a meeting place in case you lose your friends and cannot get in contact (e.g. phone out of battery or lost etc.)
Keep your hotel address on you
Remembering where to go at the end of the night can be tougher than you think. It’s a new environment, a different climate, and drinking alcohol could make this harder.
Keep details of your accommodation on you.
Consider taking a screenshot of the hotel’s address before going out.
Or ask reception if they have an address card you can take and store in your wallet.
Mates that party together, leave together
Friends don’t leave friends behind.
Serious incidents often happen after drinking alcohol when you are alone and isolated.
Stick with your mates throughout the night. Stay in contact and if you’re staying at the same accommodation, go home together.
Keep your friends close, but your drinks closer
Drinking abroad can be different to back in the UK. The quality of alcohol can be poorer, measurements of alcohol larger, and cheaper drinks and deals can result in you getting more drunk, quicker than intended.
Drink spiking can also take place on holiday. Spiking is adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink without them knowing.
Spiking is commonly used to distract you from theft or impair you before an assault.
Do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers. This is the best strategy to prevent the possibility of your drink being spiked.
Consume water in-between alcoholic drinks. This will help pace you throughout the night and help keep you hydrated.
Drink at your own pace. Everyone’s tolerance to alcohol is different. Consider avoiding rounds or having a break from drinking alcohol if you are feeling uneasy.