Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy during your London vacation is obviously important. Taking a few minutes to prepare before your trip will help you avoid potential problems and allow you to enjoy yourself.

While it may be difficult to fit one more item in your suitcase, it’s always a good idea to pack a small first aid kit and some cold and headache remedies. Blisters are bound to happen with all the walking you’re going to do, and a few bandage strips and some cream will come in handy. While the Brits have plenty of drug stores (with Boots as their largest chain of “chemists”) with usually very helpful pharmacists, their products are just not the same as ours. The last thing you want to do if you get sick while on vacation is try to figure out if Night Nurse or Lemsip is going to work as well as what you’re used to taking back home.

If more serious medical attention while in London, your hotel staff will be able to direct you to an emergency room (called Casualty or A&E for accident and emergency) or ambulances can be reached by dialing 999, not 911. You’ll need to pay for doctor’s services out of pocket. If you want to put your mind at ease before leaving, check with your insurance carrier to see if they will help reimburse some of your expenses for overseas medical consultations. You may also choose to purchase additional traveler’s insurance.

Crime occurs in every major city, and London is no exception. Tourists are often easy targets because they are preoccupied with having a good time far from home and may be oblivious to warning signs around them. Basic safety principles, such as not walking alone after dark (especially in parks or isolated areas), should be observed. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers work the streets and the Underground, so men should keep their wallets in their front or inside jacket pockets and women should keep their bags securely fastened and closed. As night turns to morning and many Londoners spill out of the pubs and clubs, take caution as you may see an increase in disorderly behavior on the streets.

The attacks of 7/7/2005 on the public transport system have renewed worries over terrorism. London proved that it had emergency plans ready to implement that day, and while things can always be improved upon, the local and national authorities are constantly working to strengthen both their anti-terrorism campaign and their preparedness procedures. During a crisis, television news from the BBC and other channels can often be your best and quickest source of information.

If you have a wireless phone with international roaming, it may be a good idea to carry it with you while on vacation. They can also be rented at the airports when you arrive in the U.K. or from certain companies before you leave. Mobile phones are of great help during emergency situations and can help keep your family connected in case you become lost or separated.

Finally, the U.S. Embassy in Grosvenor Square is able to provide assistance in emergencies for American tourists. Keep their phone number in your wallet — 020 7499 9000 – and it’s not a bad idea to register your visit with them online at www.state.gov. Along with passport assistance, the Embassy can help you if you become ill and need advice or if all your money is lost or stolen and you need assistance in obtaining funds.