Coping with disasters in Spain - What to do when things go wrong in Spain

Whilst on holiday abroad, most disasters can be avoided and you can be prepared for many possible occurrences. You would be surprised how many things can go wrong whilst on holiday in Spain.

Before travelling,

1. Make a list of emergency contact telephone numbers

2. Take copies of important documents such as passports and insurance policies, keep them separate from the originals

3. Know what your insurance covers and be aware of what it doesn't cover

4. Ask your doctor about vaccinations

5. If you are taking medication, make sure you have ample supply for your stay

6. Look at the Dept. of Health leaflet on health advice for travellers, (with your E111).

If you have a Spanish mobile telephone stolen, follow these instructions [from our own experiences]:

Go immediately to a shop where they administer/sell simcards or contact the provider by phone. You need to prove details of your number/ID and your contract. We found it easy as we had kept the card that came with the simcard. This had the unique serial number on it. They managed to stop the number within 15 seconds and issue me with a new simcard with the same telephone number.

Common ways in which you can be robbed in Spain

Petty street crime is rife in some parts of Spain (as with every other country) so you need to be aware of the risks all the time. Pickpockets and handbag thieves are everywhere.

You place your coat on the back of a chair in a cafe. Someone comes to sit right behind you, places their coat on the back of their chair. They then dip into your pockets without anyone noticing. I lost a mobile by this method. Always be aware if someone sits uncomfortably close to you and never leave anything in your pockets.

Markets are popular places for purse thefts from open handbags. Keep your handbag in front of you, round your neck and zipped up all the time.

People selling flowers are often gipsies working in gangs. As one tries to push a flower into your hand, her partner is in your handbag. If they come near you, back and if they pester you tell them you will call the police. Go for your mobile to call the police and this is enough to send them running.

Whilst withdrawing cash from a cash machine, turn around to see if you are being watched. Only use cash machines in open, busy areas. If you feel uneasy, go into the bank. Distraction thefts are often carried out here; you are distracted whilst your card is in the machine.

Someone bumping into you in the street is often suspicious. Within a few seconds your wallet can be taken. Try to avoid close contact with strangers.

If someone dies in Spain

If any member of your party dies whilst in Spain, contact your consulate immediately. They will help. In Spain, burials and cremations often take place the same day as the death; this may result in ashes being transported back to your own country so quick action is essential. Most airlines are unhappy about flying coffins back to the UK.

Final checklist before you travel:

1. An air-ambulance in case you need to be flown home

2. Medical bills

3. Bringing a body home in the event of a death or bringing people home in the event of illness or injury

4. Replacing and/or bringing your car home

Drugs

1. avoid any involvement with drugs as penalties can be severe

2. don't carry parcels or luggage through customs for anyone else

3. don't cross borders with strangers, ie hitch-hikers

4. carry a doctor's prescription for any medication you may need

Credit cards and money

1. make a separate note of the numbers and expiry dates on your cards

2. make sure you have sufficient funds to cover emergencies

3. take traveller's cheques wherever possible - keep a record of the numbers on them

4. carry only sufficient money with you at any given time - divide the money between you and partners

5. use a money belt or secure inside pocket - leave the rest in your safe or apartment etc

6. leave at least one of your credit cards in a safe place

Passports and Visas

1. check your passport is valid for your entire stay in Spain and make a note of the number and issue date etc

2. check if you need a visa; see your local embassy

3. take another means of I.D with you, preferably something with a photograph; a new photo driving licence is perfect

4. keep your passport in a safe place and carry a copy with you at all times

If your vehicle fails its ITV (MOT)

You have two months to put it right and re-test. See how it works here