Local laws abroad
Read the FCDO advice for your destination and every country you travel through, especially “Local laws and customs”. Do not assume that something lawful at home is lawful abroad. Check updates again before departure.
Source: GOV.UK foreign travel advice (opens in a new tab) — checked 24 October 2026.
LGBT+ travellers should also check the FCDO’s advice about local attitudes, legal restrictions and accommodation. Research the particular area as well as the country, and confirm any concern with your accommodation before paying.
Source: GOV.UK advice for LGBT+ travellers (opens in a new tab) — checked 24 October 2026.
Toys, restraints and airport security
Ask your airline and airport about any item you are unsure of, including restraints. A luggage rule is not permission to import an item into your destination. Airport security can refuse anything it considers dangerous.
Source: GOV.UK hand luggage restrictions (opens in a new tab) — checked 24 October 2026.
Blades and safety shears
Do not assume the word “safety” makes shears acceptable in the cabin. GOV.UK lists scissors with blades no longer than 6cm and round-ended or blunt scissors as permitted in hand luggage. Scissors with blades longer than 6cm are not permitted in hand luggage; check with the airline about hold luggage. Confirm how your particular shears are classified before packing them.
Source: GOV.UK personal items and scissors (opens in a new tab) — checked 24 October 2026.
Batteries and powered items
Check the rules for the battery type and your airline’s restrictions before packing a powered item or spare battery. GOV.UK advises keeping electronic devices charged: a device that will not switch on when requested may not be allowed on the aircraft.
Source: GOV.UK electronic devices and batteries (opens in a new tab) — checked 24 October 2026.
Liquids
Gels, creams and oils count as liquids. Rules depend on the airport: most allow containers no larger than 100ml, while some allow up to 2 litres. Check your departure, transfer and return airports rather than assuming one rule applies throughout.
Source: GOV.UK liquids rules (opens in a new tab) — checked 24 October 2026.
Booking discreetly
Ask who will charge your card and what merchant name will appear. Ask what property name appears on confirmations, invoices and messages. Do not assume a booking is anonymous or that a provider can change its statement description.
If self check-in matters, confirm it in writing: how access works, arrival hours, identification requirements and whom to contact if entry fails. These are questions to ask, not promises about any particular property.
Agree house rules before you arrive
Confirm guest limits, visitors, noise, shared spaces, cleaning, damage deposits and accessibility needs through the booking channel. Ask about anything unclear before paying. Respect the host’s rules and other guests’ privacy; a private booking does not remove those responsibilities.
Spotting a fake or unsafe listing
Read recent reviews and the full cancellation and payment terms. Keep the booking and written arrangements on the platform. Do not follow an unexpected message to move the booking elsewhere or pay through an unfamiliar link.
Booking.com warns that phishing messages can include convincing reservation details and urgent payment requests. Compare any request with the payment policy in your confirmation. If it differs or you are unsure, open the platform yourself and contact its customer service before paying; do not use contact details supplied only by the suspicious message.
Source: Booking.com traveller safety advice (opens in a new tab) — checked 24 October 2026.
Consent and aftercare away from home
Discuss boundaries, privacy, rest and a way to leave independently before travelling. Spending money on a trip creates no obligation to take part. Keep access to your phone, documents and transport, and agree how you will check in with each other afterwards.
Use the negotiation checklist and aftercare planning guide to prepare a conversation. For an introduction, read what consent means.