A new survival guide for Irish citizens travelling abroad has been published, containing details on everything from haggling with locals to advice on what one should wear.
The drinkaware.ie Holiday Survival Guide was launched today by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore in Dublin.
The guide - which follows on from their Christmas Survival Guide - contains a range of travelling information on many topics. It also details exactly what to do in an emergency and in what ways the local Irish embassy can and can not help you.
"We see this guide as another helpful way of highlighting the consular services that my department provides to Irish citizens travelling overseas" said Mr Gilmore.
In 2010, the Department of Foreign Affairs dealt with more than 1,330 consular emergencies that were deemed "serious", including deaths, arrests, accidents and hospitalisations.
"As our statistics show, an increasing number of Irish citizens are finding themselves in distressing situations while abroad, and travelling to ever more exotic locations" he said.
Mr Gilmore added that the highest number of consular emergencies by far occurred in Spain with several other EU states as well as Thailand, Turkey, Australia and the United States following behind.
Adding to the advice contained from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Holiday Survival Guide also has sections on drinking safely abroad, protecting yourself in the sunshine and a holiday checklist to make sure you pack everything you need.
The guide is available as a free download from drinkaware.ie
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides country specific travel advice on its website. Mr Gilmore advised all Irish citizens to familiarise themselves with it before travelling.