How safe is your holiday destination?

Nottinghamshire holidaymakers are trying to play it safe this summer as a number of sunshine destinations are now on high alert due to terrorism.

East Midlands Airport has seen an increase in the number of passengers flying to Spain and the Canary Islands as travellers avoid countries like Egypt and Tunisia following terrorist attacks.

Jack Kelly, head of external affairs at the airport, said: "Our top three destinations this summer are Alicante, Tenerife and Palma. We believe this is primarily due to passengers seeking alternative destinations as the government advises against all travel to Egypt and Tunisia."

And with more people looking to travel to Spain and Portugal, travel agents are advising holidaymakers to book early to avoid high prices.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of the Association of British Travel Agents, said: "We are seeing a significant increase in summer holiday bookings to Western Mediterranean destinations, so I would urge holiday makers who are looking to travel not to delay in making their booking."

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The Foreign Office lists countries including Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey and even France and being high risk. But before you panic too much, it's worth remembering that even the UK is in this category. Here is a rundown of some of the most dangerous - and safest - holiday destinations, according to latest Government advice:

High risk: France

France is on high alert for terrorism following last year's Paris attacks and a national state of emergency remains in place. The Government advises travellers to be vigilant in public places and report anything suspicious to the authorities immediately. Despite this, around 17 million Brits visit our neighbours across the Channel every year and enjoy a safe trip. The most common reported problem is pick-pocketing.

High risk: Egypt

Egypt has been considered a high risk area for some time due to the threat from Islamic extremists, and following last week's Egypt Air Flight MS804 crash, the British Government is advising against all travel to many parts of the country.

High risk: Tunisia

The Government is also advising against all but essential travel to this north African country following the terrorist attack in Sousse last June. A state of emergency is currently in place in Tunisia after a suicide bomb on a bus in November. Brits who do decide to travel to Tunisia are advised to check their travel insurance policies as they may not be covered.

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High risk: Spain

Despite the increasing number of holiday makers choosing Spain as a safe option, the terror threat in the country is actually considered to be high. In 2015, Spanish police disrupted a number of plots from extremists travelling to Syria and Iraq. But 12 million Brits visit Spain each year and most trips are trouble free. The Government has also warned travellers, who commonly include young revellers, as well as families, to beware of the risks of binge drinking and using drugs after a number of deaths caused by people falling from hotel balconies.

Other high risk countries: Belgium, Australia, Germany, Columbia, Russia, Turkey, Morocco, India.

Low risk: Iceland

The risk from terrorism in Iceland is considered to be extremely low. The country saw a 33 per cent increase in the number of British visitors last year, from 2014. One of the main risks is the weather, with conditions changing quickly. Inexperienced drivers are advised to stick to main roads, make sure their hire car is well-equipped to deal with snow and ice, and always carry a map.

Low risk: Austria

Like most European countries, there is an increasing general risk of terrorism due to recent attacks, but overall the specific threat level in Austria remains low. Instead, the Government warns Brits travelling to the country - especially those on skiing holidays - to beware of avalanches! The majority of travel insurance claims following visits to Austria relate to skiing and snowboarding injuries.

Low risk: Malta

Sunny Malta is also considered to be very low risk in terms of terrorism, and around 450,000 Brits visit every year. Travellers are advised to call 112 in the event of an emergency.

Low risk: New Zealand

Despite the poisonous spiders, if you can afford the airfare, New Zealand is considered to be a relatively safe holiday destination. Visitors are advised by the Government to make sure their travel insurance is adequate and plan carefully if they are visiting remote areas.

Other low threat destinations: Switzerland, Chile, Fiji, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico.

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Source: How safe is your holiday destination?