Chennai: A heat stroke advisory for Indians? Sounds laughable, but travel companies this week have started issuing alerts for travelers to Europe as temperatures are forecast to exceed 40C.Travel instagrammer at TrippingHippy.com Soumya Balakrishnan, 32, who is set to fly to Europe, says ignoring such alerts got her in serious trouble. "When I went to Cambodia, the travel firm sent me advisories on staying hydrated, wearing a cap, etc. I didn't bother, because hey I was Indian. And we've seen worse heat. But by day 4, my ill luck would have it; I was struck down by a stroke."Likewise, the US issues pollen alerts every summer. "I got those on my mobile in May, but thought that's for white people - they get dairy allergies, pollen allergies. I'm Indian and invincible to dirt or pollen. Again, ignoring it proved disastrous as I had a bad attack when walking down Central Park in New York."So tips like "Don't eat beef" "Buy bottled water" "Avoid wearing expensive jewellery," players like Booking.Com, Thomas Cook and MakeMyTrip say has the potential to make all the difference between a fun vacation and unparalleled disaster.Different countries have different wiring systems and the absence of a device as simple as a charger could ruin a trip as Pulkit Mathur, a software engineer in Netherlands, found the hard way. "I didn't know I'd need a different charger/adapted for my mobile and I was stuck. I also did not know I had to have a check done for tuberculosis on arrival at Amsterdam. Even during my first relocation to South Africa, I found out at the last minute that I needed a yellow fever certificate," says Mathur.And this simple tip-off on mobile adapters had proved a life-saver for many. "If your phone dies out in a foreign country, it could potentially ruin a trip," says James Waters, global director, customer service, Booking.com. "At Booking.com, we put the customer at the centre and attempt to foresee and preempt any questions or concerns that customers may have which could prove a potential dampener on their holiday."Take the case of Raviverma, who missed his taxi while in China — a country has banned everything from Google maps to WhatsApp. "He called us and we helped him converse with another taxi driver who took him to his destination. We also send driving do's and don't, including where and how to park," says Hari Ganapathy, cofounder, Pickyourtrail.As the travel date approaches, Pickyourtrail also sends relevant information like whether one needs to pack woollies because of a dip in temperature. “When you use our site, you select your preferences like leisure, sports, culture etc. We can match this end and send you relevant places to visit nearby based on your travel schedule,” says Ganapathy.Travel agency - coordinated — employer. Note - a yellow fever certificate. There are some specific yellow fever certificate. Had to do that for South Africa. I found out the hard way when i came to Netherlands - has to go through a TB check," says Pulkit Mathur from Netherlands.Likewise, visitors to Tokyo might find a Japanese WC a little overwhelming as most of them are completely electronic and can have as many as 14 options, including hot butt washer facets. Forums and advice from peers also help. In one discussion board on TripAdvisor, there is actually a little guide "on what tap is for part part of your anatomy, as "most WCs in Japan are electronic with instructions in the local language.One of the biggest fears tourists have is an upset stomach in a foreign country. So are bottled waters a must? "Not everywhere. For instance in countries like New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway, you need not waste your money on bottled water as the tap water is quite safe. Also it helps if you specify - if a waiter checks for your preference in a restaurant, request for still water and not sparkling (or you land up with soda!)," says Rajeev Kale, president & country head, leisure outbound, MICE, domestic- Thomas Cook India.Some advisories are basically common sense. "We remind them a power bank comes in handy- for your emails, whatsapp messages and selfies. You could pack light and layer your clothing, so that it leaves ample space for shopping and avoid paying for excess baggage," says Kale.It also helps if one knows the liquor allotment per person. "As per Indian regulations, per person duty free allowance is IRs 35,000. Each traveller can carry one lap top, two litres of liquor and 200 cigarettes or you will have to pass through the Red Channel and pay the applicable duty (fine) on arrival," adds Kale.Travel companies can also help when it comes to bargain hunting. PickYourTrail once tipped off an Indian tourist in China which market to go to, what products to look out for and even the extent to which he could bargain at these markets. The company also sends emails with common phrases like – "Turn right", "How do I get here?" translated in the local language of the country.