The UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a warning to British nationals who are considering a move abroad, advising them to plan for the unexpected before they move to a new destination.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister Mark Simmonds said: "The appeal of warmer climates and experiencing different countries and cultures is strong for many British citizens. We want to pave the way for our expatriates to have the best experience possible when they move abroad.

The UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office has the following snippet on its ‘advice to travellers to Portugal,’ specifically for those with their own vehicles:

"You must not use your vehicle for any other purpose than tourism or loan it to anyone else during that time. If you intend to stay longer, you must apply to the Portuguese Customs authority to have the car legally imported. You will be fined if you leave the country without your car.”

The Alfa Pendular and Intercidades offer you the perfect environment for business or pleasure trips. The journeys are quicker, more comfortable, safer and now they are even cheaper too.

Now that British Prime Minister David Cameron and his family have returned home, it can be revealed without the risk of fuelling further sartorial excitement that they chose to spend their summer holiday in the delightfully named and idyllically located Cabana dos Rouxinois (House of the Nightingales), between Monchique and the Algarve's highest point, Foia.

The stayed with the English owners and another couple of friends with young children at a place described as “the ultimate family holiday retreat with all modern facilities” and featured in Tatler’s ‘Top 50 villas to rent’.

With British Consulates in Portugal issuing 493 emergency passports in 2012/13, the British Embassy is urging British nationals to take care of their passports and renew them in good time.

In May 2013, 50 emergency passports were issued to British Nationals in Portugal. This included 24 as a result of theft, principally bag theft, car break-ins, burglary and pick-pocketing. Of the 26 emergency passports issued for other reasons, 15% were because the passport had expired.