Tánaiste launches summer travel campaign with a special message for young people to ‘Make the Right Memories’

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris,, today (Friday, 23 May) launched the government’s Summer 2025 overseas travel campaign, encouraging young people to ‘Make the Right Memories’ by staying safe, informed, and connected while travelling abroad.

The campaign comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reports that the number of consular assistance cases handled by the department has increased by 22% so far this year, underlining the importance of personal and practical preparation for international travel.

Speaking on the inaugural European Day of Safe Travel Abroad (Friday, 23 May), the Tánaiste commented:

“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.

“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.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has partnered with USIT again this year, to ensure that the close to 5,500 Irish students taking part in the J1 programme are well prepared for their American adventure.

The Tánaiste said: “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.

“It is also really important they stay in touch with their friends and their family back home too.”

The Tánaiste highlighted simple but effective safety measures that travellers can take, including:

• researching local laws, culture and customs for the country you’re travelling to
• keeping phones charged and sharing live locations with friends, especially on nights out
• staying in touch with one another and with family back home
• watching drinks in clubs and bars, and photographing key documents for easy access
• swimming only in designated and safe areas
• following current health advice, such as limiting physical activity to cooler parts of the day and moderating alcohol consumption during periods of hot weather

The Tánaiste added:

“I urge everyone travelling this summer to visit www.Ireland.ie/TravelWise for the most up-to-date travel and consular advice. 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 the majority of overseas trips go smoothly, should citizens find themselves in difficulty abroad, Ireland’s global network of more than 100 Embassies and Consulates, covering more than 200 countries and territories, is available to assist, along with a 24-hour consular support team in Dublin.

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.”

ENDS

Press Office

23 May 2025