Advice for stress-free holidays

Two-thirds of families in the UK are planning to travel abroad this summer, according to new research.

Although many of those heading into Europe and beyond will be seasoned travellers and have adequate travel insurance cover, AA Travel Insurance, which carried out the research, has recommended some factors to take into account to keep holidays safe and trouble free.

If going abroad the AA recommends that holidaymakers inform their card companies as unusual transactions could be flagged up and lead to accounts being blocked or frozen.

The company also recommends sensible packing for long haul trips, such as dividing up items between each other's luggage, if travelling as a group, or packing essential items into hand luggage in case a bag goes missing in transit.

Keeping medication in its original packaging can also save awkward questions at airports.

Also remembering to look after your health in hot climates, making sure you drink enough water and taking it easy on the alcohol are sensible precautions to take.

According to Forbes online news service the most dangerous travel destinations in 2006 include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Georgia and Haiti.

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