Your bag is stolen. Try not to panic. Write out a list of everything that was in your bag, including credit cards, money and traveller's cheques.
Report the theft to the police and insist they give you a written report, including a list of the items that were in your bag. You'll need this to make an insurance claim.
Cancel any credit cards and cash cards (keep emergency numbers in your hotel safe). Otherwise, take all reasonable steps to contact your bank and the company that issued your credit cards and traveller's cheques.
Get in touch with the nearest British Embassy or Consulate (for a list of locations by country go to www.fco.gov.uk). Either office will be able to arrange a money transfer to you from relatives or friends at home, as well as a replacement passport or emergency travel documents. This costs between £35.50 and £56.60 (2005 prices) and the process will be far easier if you have a photocopy of your passport, or at least a note of its number, as well as the date and place of issue.
Contact your travel insurance company. A typical policy will cover the cost of your new passport, the items in your bag, the travel costs to reach the police station, or embassy, and the cash you had in your purse (though this is usually limited to £250). Keep the receipts when you buy foreign currency as this will make it easier to claim on your insurance.
Block your mobile phone. Contact your network provider immediately to avoid being charged for calls made by the thief.
Source: Travel feature in Good Housekeeping, August 2005
Monday, 29 October 2018
Monday, 15 October 2018
Dress Code
Here are some examples of how to dress for a range of occasions.
Smart Casual
Aim to look presentable but understated and not too formal. For women, an unstructured jacket with a dress or a long skirt, or smart trousers with a silk shirt for women. For men, either a smart jacket with trousers and an open-neck shirt, or for a slightly more informal event, trousers, polo shirt and jumper.
Elegant Casual
For women, a well-fitted knee or calf length dress with overshirt, elegant cardigan or wrap. For men, a smart daytime suit in a dark colour, with a shirt and tie.
Lounge Suit
Smart but not dressy. For women, a knee length cocktail dress with a wrap, or a pair of evening trousers and a silk shirt. For men, a casual suit with an open shirt or polo shirt.
Black Tie
For women, it's best to ask the hostess what dress she is expecting, full-length or knee length. Accessorize with your best jewellery. Easier for men, a dinner jacket teamed with trousers with one row of braid and worn with soft-collared shirt and a black tie.
White Tie
Grander than black tie, and reserved for for formal events. Women should always wear long, formal evening dress (short dress and trousers not acceptable). Long evening gloves are correct, though few wear them. For men, a black evening tail coat, matching trousers with two rows of braid, stiff 'boiled' shirt, detachable wing collar, white bow tie and white evening waistcoat. Black patent shoes and black silk socks are a must.
Cocktail
Usually relaxed affairs. For women, a smart day dress or knee-length party dress. For men, a smart suit with a shirt and tie.
Come As You Are
Dress casually, but not sloppy. For women, smart casual trousers or skirt with jumper or tunic top. For men, smart trousers with casual shirt or polo shirt. [The original article ruled that jeans and trainers were not acceptable; in 2018 designer versions might be deemed ok.]
Source: feature in Good Housekeeping, September 2000.
Smart Casual
Aim to look presentable but understated and not too formal. For women, an unstructured jacket with a dress or a long skirt, or smart trousers with a silk shirt for women. For men, either a smart jacket with trousers and an open-neck shirt, or for a slightly more informal event, trousers, polo shirt and jumper.
Elegant Casual
For women, a well-fitted knee or calf length dress with overshirt, elegant cardigan or wrap. For men, a smart daytime suit in a dark colour, with a shirt and tie.
Lounge Suit
Smart but not dressy. For women, a knee length cocktail dress with a wrap, or a pair of evening trousers and a silk shirt. For men, a casual suit with an open shirt or polo shirt.
Black Tie
For women, it's best to ask the hostess what dress she is expecting, full-length or knee length. Accessorize with your best jewellery. Easier for men, a dinner jacket teamed with trousers with one row of braid and worn with soft-collared shirt and a black tie.
White Tie
Grander than black tie, and reserved for for formal events. Women should always wear long, formal evening dress (short dress and trousers not acceptable). Long evening gloves are correct, though few wear them. For men, a black evening tail coat, matching trousers with two rows of braid, stiff 'boiled' shirt, detachable wing collar, white bow tie and white evening waistcoat. Black patent shoes and black silk socks are a must.
Cocktail
Usually relaxed affairs. For women, a smart day dress or knee-length party dress. For men, a smart suit with a shirt and tie.
Come As You Are
Dress casually, but not sloppy. For women, smart casual trousers or skirt with jumper or tunic top. For men, smart trousers with casual shirt or polo shirt. [The original article ruled that jeans and trainers were not acceptable; in 2018 designer versions might be deemed ok.]
Source: feature in Good Housekeeping, September 2000.
Monday, 1 October 2018
What to Store in the Hotel Safe
When abroad it is recommended that you store the following items in the hotel safe.
- A photocopy of your passport or a note of its number and the date and place of issue.
- A note of the numbers on your credit and debit cards, with the emergency phone numbers for each issuer.
- The contact number for your travel insurance company and your policy number.
- The location and phone number of the nearest British embassy or consulate.
- A contact number for your mobile phone company.
- Receipts for any foreign currency you buy.
- A photocopy of your E111 form.
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