The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, TD, yesterday launched the Government’s Summer 2025 overseas travel campaign, with a strong message for young people to prioritise safety and preparedness. The “Make the Right Memories” initiative aims to ensure Irish citizens, particularly those travelling independently for the first time, stay safe, informed, and connected while abroad.

The launch, which coincided with the inaugural European Day of Safe Travel Abroad on Friday, 23 May, comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade revealed a significant 22% increase in consular assistance cases so far this year. This rise underscores the critical need for thorough personal and practical preparation before embarking on international journeys.

Speaking at the launch, the Tánaiste remarked:

“This information and awareness campaign is aimed at all Irish citizens, but particularly at young people who may be travelling overseas independently for the first time, many of them celebrating the end of exams and an important life milestone.” He cautioned, “Sometimes, what may seem normal at home can present new and unexpected dangers abroad. However, by being aware and looking out for yourselves and your friends, you can ensure that you ‘Make the Right Memories’, that last a lifetime, for the right reasons.”

A key component of the campaign involves a continued partnership with USIT, focusing on the nearly 5,500 Irish students participating in the J1 programme in the United States. “The J1 experience is the opportunity of a lifetime for thousands of young people but it is important that students take the time to research where they are travelling to and ensure they comply with the laws abroad,” Mr Harris stated, also stressing the importance of maintaining contact with friends and family back home.

The Tánaiste highlighted several straightforward yet effective safety measures for travellers:

• Researching local laws, cultural norms, and customs of the destination country.
• Keeping mobile phones charged and sharing live locations with friends, especially during nights out.
• Maintaining regular contact with travel companions and family in Ireland.
• Being vigilant with drinks in clubs and bars, and keeping digital copies of important documents.
• Swimming only in designated and safe areas.
• Adhering to current health advice, such as avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day and moderating alcohol intake in hot weather.

“I urge everyone travelling this summer to visit www.Ireland.ie/TravelWise for the most up-to-date travel and consular advice,” Mr Harris added. “I also strongly recommend that all travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance. For those travelling within the EU, a European Health Insurance Card is essential.”

While most overseas trips are trouble-free, Ireland’s global network of over 100 Embassies and Consulates, covering more than 200 countries and territories, along with a 24-hour consular support team in Dublin, stands ready to assist citizens who encounter difficulties.

The Tánaiste concluded:

“One of our top priorities is ensuring that Irish citizens have access to timely and practical travel advice. I’m encouraged by the significant increase in public engagement with our TravelWise website in advance of travel, and I hope this continues throughout the summer.”