British diplomatic services are there to help travellers. Raisingkids.co.uk's guest travel expert Barbara Murray, of Canvas Holidays, sets out exactly what they can, and can't, do.

Raisingkids member's question
What if something does go wrong while we’re abroad? Where can we turn to for help?

Barbara Murray's advice
British diplomatic services are available 24 hours a day. If you’re in a country with no British representation then go the nearest EU mission in that country.

But the first thing you should do if you find yourself in real trouble is to contact family and friends back in the UK who can then take appropriate action on your behalf. There are a number of things the British Consul can do to help. They can arrange a replacement passport, contact relatives and friends in the UK, tell you how to transfer money; in an emergency they can even cash you a cheque (with banker’s card) up to £100 in local currency. They can also put you in touch with local interpreters, lawyers, or doctors, speak to the authorities on your behalf or visit you in prison.

But they CAN’T get you out of jail, give you legal advice, investigate crime, get you better hospital or prison treatment than is available for locals or pay any of your bills.