Know before you go

Following last week's warning from the FCO that many Britons who travel abroad risk finding themselves in trouble with the law due to not having familiarised themselves with local laws, here is the list of tips and facts that accompanied the release. For a full guide on things to think about before heading away, you can visit the FCO's Know Before You Go campaign website here. - Make sure that you research your destination before you travel - things that are acceptable here aren't always acceptable abroad - Always take note of the embassy whereabouts and contact details at your destination so you know who to call if necessary - For all kinds of useful travel advice including country-specific information, visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel. - Kissing or touching in public could lead to arrest in Egypt - In many destinations including the UAE, wearing skirts above the knee is unacceptable behaviour that could lead to fines or official warnings. Nearly 80% of women aged 25-34 have worn a short skirt above the knee on holiday, with almost half not checking if it is illegal or accepted behaviour whilst visiting tourist sites or shopping. - Making rude gestures in Dubai is considered an obscene act and offenders can be (and have been) prosecuted - It is illegal to sunbathe topless in the Maldives - Topless sunbathing is strictly forbidden and liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation in Abu Dhabi - That gay sex is illegal in Barbados and Morocco