Lithuania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for holidaying Britons, who are looking to broaden their horizons when it comes to choosing where to head on a break.

However, as with any trip abroad, people considering heading to the country should give themselves the best possible chance of staying safe by taking a number of tips into account.

In terms of crime, travellers are advised that there is a risk of being mugged or pickpocketed, particularly on public transport and in bars, while avoiding secluded areas after dark is also sensible.

Furthermore, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) notes that there has been a recent rise in cases of visitors accepting food and drink from strangers in nightclubs and restaurants.

In a number of these instances, the offerings have been spiked and the victim has ended up being robbed.

Anyone planning to hire a car should also note that the country has a major problem with vehicle theft, so concealing all contents and removing valuables from the inside would be a wise approach.

For those looking to rely on other means of travel, the FCO warns that tickets for buses and trolley buses in Vilnius and Kaunas should be bought from a news kiosk, while booking a cab through a hotel rather than hailing one is advisable.

Moving on to healthcare, it is worth noting that the European Health Insurance Card has replaced the old E111 form and entitles Britons to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Lithuanians.

However, it does not represent a substitute for comprehensive medical and travel insurance and does not offer cover for medical repatriation or treatment of an ongoing or non-urgent nature.

Tick-borne encephalitis is prevalent - particularly in the summer months - and it should go without saying that all vaccinations must be up to date before one decides to travel to Lithuania.

Finally, the FCO draws attention to the fact that any visitor intending to walk along the Curonia Spit should be aware that it soon forms part of Kaliningrad, which is officially Russian territory.

It notes that there is now an honorary consul, Mark Uribe, who can tend to any problems experienced by Britons staying in Klaipeda, Nida and Palanga.

With these guidelines in mind, Britons can ensure that they have a safe trip to Lithuania and get the most out of a country which is growing ever larger and more popular on the European radar.