As the holiday season approaches, the findings of a recent study show that the Dutch are none too thorough in their preparations for a trip abroad. The Foreign Ministry is launching a campaign on Monday dubbed 'Travelling wisely' to encourage people to prepare better for their foreign holiday.

The Foreign Ministry study published on Friday revealed that a quarter of Dutch people travelling abroad are robbed or are the victims of violence. Twenty percent of those questioned leave no contact information with friends or relatives, and 40 percent fail to take copies of important documents with them.

Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen will launch the campaign at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, where he will make a speech and personally hand out checklists to travellers. The list features matters such as travel insurance and essential documents, and also includes practical items to remember, ranging from mosquito nets to condoms.

In the run up to the holiday season, a Foreign Ministry campaign team will be distributing the checklist around the country. The ministry’s 'Travelling wisely' website also offers a range of advice for travellers, encouraging Dutch people abroad to make sure they follow local rules and customs, and dress appropriately.