What to do when things go wrong abroad

The Foreign Office have loads of really useful advice that you should take note of when planning a trip overseas, including advice on getting help and dealing with situations if the worst should happen.

The Foreign Office's Consular Assistance team in London can be reached 24 hours a day on:

020 7008 1500 (+44 20 7008 1500 from abroad)

Make sure you save that number in your phone before you go away, because you never know if you will need it and will be grateful to have it to hand if you do.

Take a look at their site: FCO

If you're a British National you should consider registering with LOCATE before you travel

In light of the catastrophic events that have been unfolding since Friday in Japan, it is perhaps useful to consider how prepared you are if you encounter a crisis whilst travelling. One important thing you can do before you travel is register your travel plans with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

The FCO encourage all British Nationals travelling or living overseas to register with their service, LOCATE, so that they can help you if you find yourself in the middle of a major catastrophe and they can also assist your loved ones in contacting you.

You might not want to think about the prospect of finding yourself in the middle of a disaster when planning your next trip, but you should always be proactive and where possible, have contingencies in place if something goes wrong whilst you are away.

Visit the FCO website to find out more and register with LOCATE

You can also follow the FCO on Facebook and Twitter: @britishabroad