Whether you're about to head off on a two week holiday to Butlins or embark on a year-long round-the-world voyage of epic amazingness (not that Butlins isn't epically amazing, natch), everyone will always have one thing in common.

The flappy, hyper-worried panic of your mum/dad/nana worrying themselves silly about what you're going to get up to while you're away.

Luckily, we have a few hints and tips that'll help ease their worried minds (and give you more time and space to enjoy yourself). We spoke to Mark Pope, co-founder of TruTravels, who gave us the skinny on how to stay safe while you're away.

Start with a tour

Give the parentals the reassurance that your first week travelling will be in the hands of the professionals. You may not be able to afford a whole year out on a group trip, but as a starter for ten, it's as comforting as it is fun - plus,you can learn all the tips and tricks of how to stay safe from experienced travellers and make new friends from the outset who are in exactly the same boat as you.

Airport Pick-up

Not all tour operators offer an airport pick up but if you do decide on a tour, make sure you chose one with a free airport pick up. Less hassle.

Get your Mum on WhatsApp

WhatsApp isn't only useful for pseudo-stalking last night's date. It's also the cheapest form of communication when travelling. Every time you hit a spot of Wi-Fi you can check in, allowing your parents to see double check you're all fine and dandy.

SOS Line

During your travels it is always good to know you have a security net to fall back on if you need any help and advice. Tour operatorTruTravels offersall their customers an SOS service which allows all customers to get in touch even after the tour when they continue their adventure as a solo traveller. From advice on places to eat/stay or even help with visas/travel insurance, it's pretty darn handy for anyone venturing out on their own for the first time.

Portable chargers

These are awesome on two fronts. Not only can you tell your parents that they're handy for getting in contact, but they're also amazing for making sureyour camera’s charged. When travelling on buses/boats/trains etc you will not always be able to charge your gadgets with a simple plug in the wall but with a battery pack, it's totes simple.

Research culture customs

There are all manner of terrifying horror stories about ignorant English people travelling abroad and being locked up for 72 years for something they didn't even know was a crime.So it's really important to do some research if you are not familiar with the country's culture you are travelling to. Many tour companies offer safety talks which giveyou all the do’s and don’ts and culture customs on how to stay safe and how not to offend the locals. For example, showing or pointing your feet to people in Asia is a massive offense. WHO KNEW.