The week that changed how we holiday
Since last Friday many of our attitudes towards holidays have changed. A sun-drenched beach where UK holidaymakers were relaxing on loungers and playing in the sea became the setting for mass murder. It raises not only fears - but also many urgent questions as millions prepare to jet off for summer breaks.
This week, I've heard heart-breaking stories from people directly affected by terror on holiday.
A young couple who were on the beach when the murders started in Tunisia; parents who lost their daughter when Egypt was attacked a decade ago and travellers now confused about where to re-book. What they all have in common is that their holidays put them in contact with the brutality of international conflict. The investigation I've conducted this week, with ITV's Tonight programme, shows how hard it can be for tourists to get the right safety advice and information.
Where is safe?
Our in-depth research for the documentary "How safe is your summer holiday?" has shown this is the most difficult question of all. Even the travel trade association, ABTA, will tell you that nowhere can be said to entirely safe. All the UK tour operators will point you to an official government website for information.
The advice is independent, non-commercial and authoritative. However, there are problems. Some holidaymakers I've spoken to find it hard to interpret. For example, they can't see how an area can be marked as high risk for terrorism and yet there be no advice not to travel there. They also say the advice to be "vigilant" is very hard to understand.... it's hard to be in a state of high alert when you are lying on a sun lounger.
Where should we avoid?
The government's website specifies places where you are strongly advised NOT to travel. Often these are disputed border areas or inland pockets of unrest. Maps on the site are useful in working out how far you will be from trouble spots. However, avoiding countries with some form of high risk from terror would rule out a surprisingly large number of popular choices including Spain, France, Turkey and Egypt. In each of these countries it is possible to avoid the most risky areas - research material is on the government website.
How can I stay safe on holiday?
It is hard to fully understand how the general Foreign Office Advice to be "vigilant" should be interpreted by holidaymakers. To get a better idea I spoke to a respected travel security expert. He gave me some valuable tips which anyone could use.
First, do some research before you travel. The Foreign Office site is a good starting point but, if you are concerned, search the web for local and regional papers and see what's happening on the ground. Once you arrive at your resort if you have any worries get to know the area - where is the local police station; what are the emergency numbers; make sure you are aware of any cultural sensitivities in the area (for example, in countries where drinking or revealing clothing is unwelcome).
What's the current situation in Tunisia?
Around 10,000 UK tourists are currently in Tunisia. That's half the number that were there before the attack. Two dozen emergency repatriation flights evacuated worried holidaymakers. Tour operators tell us some people ARE still booking to go. As a result of tragic events, many tour operators are offering customers booked to travel to Tunisia the chance to change travel plans or cancel. Customers due to travel out next week are advised to contact their tour operator/ travel agent to discuss options. Beyond this date, the situation remains fluid.
Tonight: How Safe is Your Summer Holiday? will be broadcast on ITV at 7.30pm