'Research advised for overseas travel'

Britons who may exchange money to fund their overseas trips have been advised to spend time researching the culture of their destinations.

Guide book publisher Lonely Planet recently urged travellers to investigate the local customs practiced at their chosen location so they do not unintentionally break laws.

Figures from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office reveal that 2,290 Brits were arrested in Spain in 2008, which is a popular destination for expats.

Other locations where UK visitors are more likely to break the law include Thailand, the US and the United Arab Emirates.

Tom Hall, travel editor at the publisher, said: "People should read up on the destination before they go - maybe talk to people who went there before you.

"We advise people to read the Foreign Office advice about the destination and pack their common sense with them when they go."

In other news, a study by realholidayreports.com recently identified Russian overseas visitors as the rudest.

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Linsey Summers