Bulgaria is one of a number of eastern European countries which have been rising to prominence in recent years, both with tourists and people looking to invest in property.

Indeed, the country's long, sandy coastline plays host to an array of stunning beaches and aesthetically pleasing bays, while there are still many areas to discover which are untouched by holidaymakers.

However, anyone considering travelling to the country for a short break should be aware of a number of precautions and tips to ensure that it passes without any problems.

Unfortunately, crime still bubbles away under the surface and groups are active in casinos, nightclubs, prostitution and elsewhere, although tourists are rarely targeted.

Nevertheless, there is always the possibility of accidental injury by getting caught up in such incidents, so exerting caution while on a night out, in particular, is recommended.

In terms of travel around the country, most of the larger towns and cities have extensive public transport which is relatively cheap, while yellow taxis are generally considered to be reliable.

For anyone driving in a hired vehicle, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) explains that care must be taken as some roads are in poor condition and driving standards are generally poor.

The FCO offers the following advice: "Some criminals have been reported to impersonate traffic policemen and impose 'fines' or even steal vehicles and personal belongings on major routes.

"If you are crossing Bulgaria by car, you should try to travel in daylight hours."

Britons with valid passports are permitted to arrive without a visa, but the FCO notes that some British 'subjects' - of Irish descent and born before January 1st 1949, for example - have been refused entry.

These people should ensure that they obtain a visa from the Bulgarian Embassy in London before travelling, while anyone looking to stay longer than three months will need to apply to local police for the appropriate permit.

Holidaymakers are also advised to remember that the old E111 form is no longer valid in European countries, so a European Health Insurance Card should be secured prior to travel.

It also worth noting that the standard of care in Bulgarian hospitals is fairly basic and that nearly all staff at medical facilities are unlikely to speak English.

Finally, anyone heading to Bulgaria should be aware that there was a confirmed case of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in the north-west region of Vidin in the summer of 2006.

However, there have been no human infections or deaths and the risk of catching the illness is thought to be extremely low, as long as live animal markets and poultry farms are avoided.