Safety abroad
Release the Scout from within: be prepared and you'll stay safe.
Photocopy all your documentation
This includes passport details, flight tickets, hotel reservation confirmation - anything with your name on it, and make two copies. One set to leave at home, in case family need to come to your rescue, one set to take with you - and keep separate from the real thing.
Email yourself
Set up a web-based account (i.e. one you can access from any computer such as Hotmail or Yahoo) and mail yourself any info you may need in case of an emergency - i.e. insurance help lines, address of the British consular where you're staying, emergency numbers for lost or stolen cards. That way, you can access it all from a cybercafe should you lose your photocopied documents as well as the real McCoy. Just be sure to remember the password for your email account - there's no point adding that to the mail, if you think about it.
Buy a padlock and chain
You never know when it might come in useful - from stashing your luggage while you take a pee at the airport, to gaining a little privacy in the shower with the busted door.
Find a guidebook for your destination
Ideally, suss out a place to stay for your first night, and know how to reach it once you hit town. You really don't want to be wondering around the local 'hood, asking for directions from large men with prison tattoos.
Know the law
You might assume that it's OK to drink or buy drugs, simply because there appears to be a lot of it about, but many countries have harsh penalties for this sort of thing, including death in some cases. Most guidebooks have a section on local laws and regulations. Read one.
Pack your own bag
When it comes to passing through Customs, you are effectively responsible for anything on you - so don't accept strange packages, no matter what persuasive story you hear, or let someone else mess with your luggage.
Be money-wise
Consider taking a percentage of your cash in traveller's cheques - if these get lost or nicked, all you have to do is phone your bank to get them cancelled, and a new set dispatched - though they won't be quite so obliging if you lose a wallet stuffed with cash. Also consider splitting up your money (keeping some in the hotel safe and some in your pocket. That way, you won't be left completely strapped if you're done over in a dark alley.
Avoid dark alleys
Stands to reason, both home and away.
If the worst happens
If you feel you need help and assistance beyond that provided by the local police, contact The Foreign Office's Diplomatic representative for the area (also known as The British Embassy or Consulate). Their role is to protect the welfare of citizens from the UK. Whether you've lost your passport or your mind, they are duty bound to make sure you get home safe and well.
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