It's January, it's cold and slightly damp and you're just back at work after the Christmas break, so the chances are you're getting through your work day by thinking about booking your summer holiday.

After all, who wouldn't want to trade in our famously eclectic weather for guaranteed sunshine, blue seas and a twinkling white villa with its own pool.

But before you book it's worth checking out the latest Foreign Office Advice on the safest holiday destinations.

While it's fair to say that most holidaymakers have no problems on holiday, it's important to be aware of any risks before you book your tickets.

Our colleagues at the Liverpool Echo have compiled the list based on the latest information.

Of course, if you'd rather stay in the UK, we've got you covered with our £10 holiday deal.

All advice is correct at time of publication, and this is goverment advice, most people have trouble-free holidays


The Foreign Office says that there maybe some increased security in place around large crowds due to the likelihood of terrorist attacks.

They also remind people that it is illegal to wear clothing that conceals the face and makes facial features unrecognisable in public.

Most visits to Austria are trouble-free, though if you are going skiing, you are advice to check the area and listen to local experts around the risk of avalanches.


The government says terror attacks in Bulgaria can not be ruled out completely, but are not as likely as in other parts of the world.

People travelling to Bulgaria are reminded to take care with their personal belongings due to pickpockets in city centres and tourist resorts especially in crowded areas like buses, trains and busy streets. There has been an increase in burglaries from hotel rooms in Sunny Beach, where there has also been an increase in prostitutes.

Belogradchik fortress in Bulgaria

Homosexuality is not illegal, but public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and the LGBT community generally keeps a low profile.


There is a particularly low crime rate in Croatia, however the FCO advise to be careful in busy places in case of pickpockets.



Terrorist attacks in Cyprus can’t be ruled out, but around a million British nationals visit Cyprus every year but most visits are trouble-free.

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Cyprus has a strict zero tolerance towards drugs and driving standards are described as "poor", so people are advised to drive with great care.

Czech Republic

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in the Czech Republic, attacks can’t be ruled out and there maybe some increased security during events and in crowded area.

Vltava River and Charle Bridge in the Czech Republic

Holidaymakers are advised only buy alcohol from legitimate places like supermarkets or bottle shops and to make sure the bottle has an original, untouched seal around the cork or cap.


In France, there is a high terror threat after a number of high-profile attacks and authorities have advised anybody in France to remain vigilant.

The FCO also warn anybody travelling to France to take “sensible precautions” against street and car crime – this means keeping your bags close, especially on the underground trains in Paris.


Terrorists are "very likely" to try to carry out attacks in Germany.

The centre of Berlin with the famous Television tower at sunset



British nationals aren’t normally a specific target to terrorists in Greece, but attacks could potentially happen in places visited by foreigners.

Travellers are advised by the government to remain vigilant to terror threats, but also to pickpockets and thieves on metros and in public spaces.

The FCO have warned to be careful while driving as there have been many reports of road accidents. In 2015, there were 805 road deaths.


There are occasional political demonstrations in Budapest and elsewhere in the country. You should avoid all political demonstrations, monitor the media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

View of Lake Balaton in Hungary



Iceland has recently been on yellow alert as the volcanic glacier, Öræfajökull, registered some higher than normal levels of volcanic activity.


There is no recent history of terrorist attacks.


There are isolated cases of domestic terrorism in Italy which are usually thought to be either extreme left-wing groups targeting Italian officials, but there have been arrests made against terrorists with links to ISIS.

Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera

Crime levels are generally low, aside from cases of pickpocketing and theft in busy city areas such as Rome.


There is no recent history of terrorism in Latvia and around 65,000 British nationals visit Latvia each year, most visits are trouble-free.


Visits to Lithuania are mostly trouble-free, although petty crime is common, so beware of pickpockets, avoid unlit streets and parks at night, and be extra vigilant if you’re walking alone.


Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict.

Marsaxlokk in Malta



The Foreign Office says that terrorists are "very likely" to try to carry out attacks in Morocco and you should be vigilant at all times.

Morocco is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws and customs and you should respect them.

Morocco has a poor road safety record, so visitors are advised to take great care when driving.

The Netherlands

Recently the Amsterdam health authorities have launched a campaign to warn tourists about the danger of buying a substance which is sold as cocaine, but is actually white heroin. This has caused a number of deaths.

Night view of Zuiderkerk in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

There maybe increased security at events and in crowded areas due to terror threat levels, but over two million Brits travel to The Netherlands every year and most find it trouble-free.


The terror threat in Poland is low and there has been no recent history of attacks.

Driving can be hazardous and drivers should be aware when motorists are turning right on a green filter arrow, pedestrians on any pedestrian crossing will also have a green light, and have priority.


In Portugal, crime rates are fairly low but there have been incidents of pickpocketing, theft and handbag snatching in popular tourist areas and on public transport.

Benagil beach, Portugal

The terror threat in Portugal is not considered especially high, but the FCO say that they cannot be “ruled out”.


The Romanian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously and it is illegal to change money on the streets, you should change money only in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.





Tossa de Mar in Spain




There’s a risk of flooding, landslides and avalanches in some parts of the country, so you should alway check the official weather forecasters.

The same goes for skiing, check weather conditions and follow local advice before going and take care and observe all written notices and warnings.


Terrorists are “very likely” to carry out attacks in Turkey. There are a number of active terrorist groups in Turkey which have publicly threatened to target tourist spots.


The FCO have strongly advised to stay away from the Syrian border due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism. They advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Diyarbakir and Tunceli.