British arrests soar 32% in Spain

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Title – British arrests soar 32% in Spain
Source – www.bbc.co.uk & The Independent
Date – 12th August 2008

That over 2000 people were arrested in Spain out of 17 million visitors is hardly a headline, if anything the headline should be how few people are arrested and how tolerant the Spanish authorities are towards us Brits…

Now I know this opinion is generalising a little and based on the extremes we seem to champion on our less subtle cable TV channels and ‘reality’ programmes, anyone who has spent any time in one of those Spanish resorts that attract the millions of visitors can surely be under no illusion that there are many more people that go unarrested who probably should count themselves lucky.

More importantly and less attractive as a press headline are some of the other statistics. Visitors to Indonesia have a 1 in 100 chance of having a serious incident, be that robbery, drugs related or accident; in Thailand we have long warned of the high incidence of traffic accidents involving Britons on motorbikes and scooters, these latest figures show the high degree of hospital admissions and deaths from such accidents; UAE we recently highlighted as a country where not understanding the local culture and law could land you in very hot water indeed and this again is reflected in these latest figures.

The warnings are there and plain to see. Take out comprehensive travel insurance and don’t take part in activities that would render this insurance invalid; research your destination and learn something of the culture and laws of the country you are visiting; have respect for your hosts and don’t think you you will be granted special dispensation because you are a foreigner, those days are over and if anything today foreigners are made an example of; seek comprehensive travel health advice at least 8 weeks before you leave; act responsibly.

We can help you in all of these areas. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop helps to prepare you thoroughly for your planned travels where ever in the world they may take you. Day one covers aspects of conflict resolution which will give you the skills to avoid conflict in all its forms and personal safety techniques that enable you to free yourself from aggressive or violent situations without the need to use force. Day two covers all practical aspects of travel including Cultural Awareness, Destination Advice, Travel Health, Transport Options, Travel Equipment and Travel Insurance.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.