Any British national who finds themselves in hot water abroad - and we don't mean swimming with the turtles in Barbados - should contact the nearest British Embassy. They're open 24-7.

If there's no British rep, get in touch with the nearest EU Mission instead.

The first thing they'll ask you to do is contact your relatives and friends back home.

Your relatives/friends are supposed to organise your return home, if you can't do it yourself.

Hot Tips and Info

Within Europe check you have your E111 form

Contact the local British Embasy

Get online - www.fco.gov.uk/travel

Print on WHITE paper

Surname, Forenames, Date of Birth, NHS or National Insurance Number

Date of Completion and Travel

Have them stamped and signed at a Post Office

All shook up

The embassy will give you the exact same advice if a natural disaster happens - you get caught up in an earthquake, say.

The British consul will only take action in life-or-death scenarios - death abroad, serious accidents and illnesses, arrests and detentions, or if you're at risk of physical harm.

Forewarned is forearmed

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office website has information on Consular Services and exactly what you're expected to do yourself.

Check out the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's site (www.fco.gov.uk/travel) site for advice including "Security and General Tips" in the "While You Are There" link.

24-hour FCO helpline

Your holiday travel insurance package should include a 24-hour emergency service and telephone advice line with a friendly voice at the end of the phone to explain your troubles to and hopefully sort it all out.

Take a copy of the insurance policy with you, and a note of the emergency phone number.

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