China

1. To start with, get comprehensive travel insurance.

2. Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice before you go.

3. Take medical advice on inoculations.

4. Ensure that you have enough money for the duration of your trip.

5. Respect local laws and customs, in particular those pertaining to religious activities.

6. Keep your belongings in a safe place.

7. Beware of petty thieves, especially on buses and trains and at major tourist attractions.

8. Ensure that you have a valid visa, even if you are only in transit.

9. Leave a photocopy of your passport and your itinerary with a contact in your country.

10. Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.

11. Do not become involved with drugs, penalties can be severe, including the death penalty.

12. Do not get involved in demonstrations- if you happen to be walking on the road.

13. Do not over stay your visa. Heavy fines are normally imposed on those who do.

14. Crime against visitors is rare. However, crime does occur in Chinese cities and visitors should be cautious.

15. Extra care should be taken around street markets and when visiting popular expatriate bar areas after dark.

16. Major tourist sites also attract thieves and pickpockets. Resistance to attempted robbery can lead to violence (knives are fairly common).

17. China is periodically subject to earthquakes and the Karakorum and Khunjerab pass routes can be hazardous during the summer months due to landslides.

18. The poor quality of roads and generally low driving standards lead to many, sometimes-serious accidents.

19. Several incidents of overcrowded ferries sinking and leading to loss of life have occurred- so be careful.

20. There are restrictions on their undertaking certain religious activities, including preaching and distributing religious materials.

Visa is required and cannot be obtained on arrival. Carefully check your visa validity, as fines can be levied for overstaying. The most authentic Chinese cuisine comes from China. Needless to say, don't miss that.