LONDON (July 23, 2025) – Holidays are high in demand and the UK’s leading independent travel agent, Barrhead Travel, has reported over one third of new bookings are still being made for Summer 2025, suggesting people want to travel as soon as they can.

With holidays well and truly top of mind as people look to get some guaranteed sun and escape everyday life, travel is something we all look forward to. However, holidays can come with their share of risks, from health concerns to extreme weather, and even experienced travellers can find themselves caught off guard.

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, Managing Director at Barrhead Travel, shares their top tips to help you keep safe when on holiday:

Be prepared

If you’re going on the adventure of a lifetime travelling far away, for example to Africa or Asia, speak to your GP or a travel clinic to see if you need any vaccinations. Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry, so make sure you are ready. If you’re on medication, we would recommend taking a supply in your hand luggage so you know you have some to hand, but before you travel check if there are restrictions on what you can and can’t take with you and if you need to receive a doctors’ note before you travel.

Secure valuables

Like you would at home, keep accommodation doors locked, even when you are inside the room. Most hotel rooms will self-lock, but always double check if you’re staying in a house or chalet, for example. Most accommodation will also have a safe to store any cash or other valuables, so make sure you use these.

Stay safe in the sun

In the sun, make sure you have applied a high-factor sunscreen. This should be repeated frequently, even more so if you are going in and out of water. Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and take extra care with babies and children. We’ve heard too many stories of holidays ruined because of bad sun burn!

High temperatures can be common in some countries, and it’s important to take it seriously. In extreme heat, your body has to work harder to maintain its core temperature, so you are more at risk of things like dehydration and sunstroke, and babies, young children, older people, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are even more at risk.

It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity, especially when the sun is at its strongest. If you do feel unwell, move to a cool or shaded area immediately, dab your skin with cool water and rehydrate with non-alcoholic fluids.

Swim Safe

Taking a dip in the pool or the ocean is one of the joys of going on holiday. But before you dip your toes, it’s important to ensure that the whole family has some experience of being in the water.

Consider swimming lessons for the kids before you travel – or even refresher lessons for older children. Be aware that some countries do not require lifeguards to be employed at hotel or resort pools so always be vigilant, particularly if you’re travelling with children.

Swimming in open water presents its own challenges: always check the warning flags on display and never swim in an area where it is signed not to.

Road safety

Exploring a new place is the joy of a holiday, but it is important to keep safe. On the roads, think carefully about hiring mopeds, motorbikes or quad bikes.  For any excursions you do book make sure it is from a reputable supplier recommended by your travel company – and double check your travel insurance covers what you are doing. Also, take care on the roads as in some countries, traffic isn’t required to stop at pedestrian crossings.

Out on the town

On  holiday, we love to find new bars and restaurants and take in local culture. When out, stick with who you are travelling with, but if you are doing something on your own make sure your travel companions know where you are going and ensure that you are contactable. When you are out, always keep your drink with you at all times, or that it is being watched by a friend if you visit the toilet.

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell of Barrhead Travel, said

“Holidays are something we all love and should be enjoyed, but it’s important to keep safe. By following some simple steps, staying informed, and following local guidelines, you will stay safe on your travels, so you can focus on creating incredible memories. A little bit of preparation can go a long way to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.”

Barrhead Travel’s retail network is open seven days a week until late as well as offering evening support through their online service, call centres and social media channels.

Find your nearest Barrhead Travel store by visiting https://www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/storelocator  

About Barrhead Travel

Since it was founded in 1975, Barrhead Travel has expanded from a traditional ‘bucket and spade’ travel agent to a multi-faceted travel group offering bespoke holidays and cruises to all corners of the globe.

In addition to its retail network which spans over 90 locations across the UK, the group has a number of specialist divisions including Touring & Adventure, cruise and USA.

With a focus on people development, it operates its own in-house Training Academy which provides comprehensive training programmes for its colleagues. The group is an advocate for youth employment and operates its own Modern Apprenticeship programme.

The company has won many awards over the years, the most recent including Best Travel Agency in Scotland for 24 years running and Best UK Cruise Retail Agent. For the last two years, it has also been named as one of the Best Companies to work for.

Barrhead Travel sits within The Vacation Group division of Internova Travel Group.