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When I managed a holiday park, it was obvious that when some people packed to come away, they left their brains at home! This is a stupid attitude to take in your own country, but when you're abroad, it can be downright dangerous. Travelling is a wonderful adventure, but to get the most from your trip, do what all the great explorers do - prepare and plan before you leave.

Once the trip is booked, try and learn the basics of your destination country's language. Or at least invest in a small phrase book; then, if you run into problems, you can communicate your basic needs. Lonely Planet's 'Fast Talk Audio' series is excellent. It's compact and light, so it won't send you into excess baggage. There are 99 phrases for real life situations broken into sections like directions, eating out, and general requests. The phonetic pronunciation is alongside each word or phrase, and there is a CD so you can hear how it sounds. Even the most hardened linguaphobe will pick up enough to get around from this!

English speakers expect the world to speak their language. After all, in days gone by, we conquered most of it. However, a little native speaking will ensure a more rewarding trip . You'll receive better service if the waiter sees you are trying to speak the language, but more importantly, you won't advertise yourself as a stranger in town. Opportunist thieves prey on gullible tourists, so be on your guard. In most places, crime is no worse than where you come from. However, you're the new kid on the block, so a little common sense is called for to stay safe on holiday.

A week before you leave, check online versions of the local press for current problems. I live in Spain, where some thieves are following rental cars from the airport and robbing holidaymakers. This can be avoided by a simple action; if there is a rental car sticker in your rear window, remove it. If your flight arrives late at night and you see anyone lurking around the rental car area, go straight to the security kiosk and report it. It's better to waste someone's time than be followed and robbed, and if someone is up to no good and they realise you're on to them, they'll leave you alone.

Before departure, make at least two photocopies of your passport to take with you. Carry one of these with you, and leave your passport and the other copies in the safe in your accommodation. If you are asked for identification, the copy is sufficient, and if your bag is stolen, you won't lose your passport.

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