It’s so easy to book now and worry about the terms and conditions later, isn’t it? We spend so much of our time searching for the best deal, that there is rarely enough time to do anything else.  But this is what gets many of us into trouble. The UK European Consumer Centre (UKECC) has reported that it has seen a 29% increase in the number of complaints about car hire in the first five months of 2010 compared with the first five months of 2009. Destinations most commonly complained about have been Spain, Italy, France and Ireland.

The UKECC has found that complaints have mainly been around contract issues and they have warned that customers must be aware that rental contracts abroad do differ from those in the UK. This is why it is so important to read the terms and conditions before booking your car hire.  This will ensure that you know what’s included and should help you avoid any nasty surprise extra charges that could spoil your holiday.

We have a guide to booking car hire available on our website and the UKECC has published a leaflet to help with booking car hire, which is available to download from their website.

It’s not just car hire that may cause you to have any unexpected charges or close encounters with the law abroad. Unusual laws and customs are something else that you should look out for. For example, a romantic break in Dubai must include no kissing in public because it is illegal and there is a ban on ‘noisy footwear’ in Capri, Italy. Some may sound bizarre, but it’s worth looking into laws and customs before you go!

Flight booked, accommodation booked, car booked, currency bought and bag packed. After all the stress of getting organised to go on holiday, it’s no wonder that many of us adopt a completely care free attitude, but this can get us into trouble.

Speeding fines, theft from vehicles when valuables are left on display and falling victim to ‘pick-pocketing’ are just a few of the difficulties we can get ourselves into.  The important thing to remember is that although you’re on holiday, there are the same hazards as there are at home and caution is still required.

A few tips to stay safe and protect yourself against crime abroad:

• Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations before you depart. Your local pharmacy or doctor should be able to provide you with guidance on this.

• Foreign road signs and driving laws can be confusing so try familiarising yourself with these before you depart.

• If you hire a car, take your time getting from A to B to minimise the risk of a hefty speeding fine or accident. Speed kills and this is the same abroad! Road conditions and unfamiliar routes can be hazardous.

• Ensure that you familiarise yourself with drink driving legislation in the destination that you are visiting but the best advice is don’t drink and drive.

• Try not to leave valuables in your hire car. Satellite navigation devices, cameras and handbags are easy pickings for thieves. Keep your valuables either in a safe in your accommodation or in a bag or pocket that is not easy for somebody else to access without you noticing.

• Explore new areas of a location as a group and avoid walking around alone at night in quiet areas. If alone, try to stick to busier tourist areas.