Health & Safety
The UK has the most exacting standards in the world in terms of hygiene and safety and some of the developing countries still have a long way to go to bring their transport, accommodation and services up to the level you take for granted at home. We are committed to raise safety standards overseas and strive to ensure that all your arrangements are safe and trouble-free, but we do ask that you take extra care while you are away. The following offers some important information and advice to help you travel with greater understanding and confidence.
Helping you to have a safe and trouble-free holiday
Looking forward to your holiday? Part of the excitement is experiencing a different way of life. Please remember though, that this may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards to those you are used to at home. The UK has some of the most exacting standards in the world and some of the developing countries and resorts still have a long way to go to bring their transport, accommodation and services up to the level you take for granted at home. We are committed to working to raise safety standards overseas and strive to ensure your holiday is safe and trouble-free, but we do ask you to take extra care while you are away.
Foreign Office Advice
If the Foreign Office advises against travel to a particular country, we will act on their advice. We are sure you will appreciate from press and media coverage however, that political, social and economic conditions in many of the countries we feature, are not as stable as we are used to in Europe. As situations can change quite rapidly, we would suggest that you obtain up-to-date information and advice by contacting the Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit at www.fco.gov.uk
Security
Crimes against people and their property are a fact of life world over. Be vigilant and avoid drawing attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewellery, carrying expensive camera equipment, etc. You have the same responsibility for your personal safety and that of your possessions as you do at home. Most hotels have safety deposit boxes, please use them for storing money and valuables. Lock your room door at night and when you go out, as you would at home.
Vaccinations
Visit your doctor, travel clinic or pharmacist before departure for up to date advice on recommended or compulsory vaccinations, note that some precautions are needed well before departure. If you are travelling to a malarial area, you should protect yourself against mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers early in the morning and at dusk. Your pharmacist can also advise you on suitable insect repellents.
Your own medication
Always carry your medication in your luggage and carry a sufficient quantity for your time away from home. If you suffer from a medical condition, which may require treatment while on holiday, ask your doctor to provide you with a letter with full details of your ailment. Standards of treatment vary from country to country and pre-existing conditions are not normally covered by holiday insurance. We would also recommend the following items for your personal first-aid kit:
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets
- Travel sickness pills
- Painkillers
- Plasters and dressings
- Indigestion tablets
- A general purpose antiseptic cream
- Insect repellent
- Vaccination kit
Children's Safety
Children are naturally inquisitive, especially in new surroundings. Never leave children unsupervised, especially around the swimming pool, on the balcony or in lifts. Make sure that your children always know where you are, and stress the importance of staying close by. If there is a children's playground at your accommodation, your children will need to be supervised there, at all times.
Balconies
If you are travelling with children, make sure they are not left unsupervised on balconies. Keep balcony furniture away from the railings so that they are not encouraged to climb.
Glass Panels
In many countries it is not mandatory to use safety glass for windows, glass doors, cabinets etc. Take care when walking through patio doors for example, as in bright sunlight, it is not always easy to notice whether the doors are open or closed.
Bathrooms
Few hotels provide non-slips mats in their baths and showers. Tiles are often used as a floor covering and can be slippery, particularly when wet. Please take extra care.
Electrical Appliances
Remember that it is dangerous to use electrical appliances if you are wet or wearing damp clothing (such as a swimming costume, or when standing with bare feet on wet floors). Exercise extra caution when using electrical appliances abroad and supervise any children that are doing so. Also ensure that your appliances are suitably equipped for the voltage used in that area. Report any electrical defects in your room to the Hotel reception or housekeeping.
Alcohol
There are times when alcohol is best avoided, for example, do not drink before swimming and be aware that it will dehydrate you when sunbathing or flying. If you are planning to drive a vehicle, remember many countries have drink-drive laws similar to those in the UK.
Altitude
Some of our itineraries include journeys at altitude such as Nepal, Tibet and some regions of South America. We therefore strongly recommend to anyone (regardless of age) undertaking one of these journeys that they should consult their doctor in advance to ensure that are fully fit and to understand the effects of travelling at altitude. This is essential if you have any pre-existing heart condition, lung problems or anaemia that could be exacerbated by the thinness of the air at altitude.
Animals
Do not feed the animals abroad, irrespective of whether they are tame or wild as the hygiene and care of animals overseas differs vastly. We also advise caution if approaching animals owned by the hotel particularly in the absence of their Keeper. If you are scratched or bitten, seek medical assistance immediately.
Smoking Materials
Only discard matches, cigarettes etc. in the ashtrays provided. Please do not throw cigarette ends carelessly within the hotel grounds or outside, especially near trees and plants. Please do not smoke in bed
Fire Safety
Fire safety regulations and procedures vary from country to country. Please read carefully the fire safety information provided in your room. When you first arrive spend some time familiarising yourself with the location of the fire exit nearest to your room.
Insects
Pools & Beaches
A popular place on many holidays and the centre of much activity. Many hotels and resorts do not employ lifeguards so please familiarise yourself with pools, beaches and sea conditions. Take notice of any advice given locally and any flag warning signs. Here are some tips to ensure safety:
- Take care when walking around the pool, as the surrounding can be slippery when wet.
- Always check the pool design and take note of the depth markings before entering it.
- Consider your own height in relation to the pool depth.
- Do not use a pool if you cannot see the bottom.
- Do not swim in a pool that is closed.
- Always supervise children.
- Check for any obstacles in or around the water (rocks, ledges etc.) before entering a pool or the sea.
- Never dive into water less than 1.5m.
- Never dive from rocks, bridges or other surrounding features.
- Wait at least an hour after meals before swimming.
- Take note of any flag warning signals on a beach and make sure you swim in the designated area.
- Beware of any zones for jet skis, powerboats etc.
- Do not swim after drinking alcohol.
- Swim parallel to the shore within your depth.
- Ask for local advice on tides and currents.
Sunbathing
The sun is harsher nearer the equator, especially at high altitudes. Take the sun in moderation and work on your tan gradually, minimising your exposure at least for the first few days. A helpful leaflet "If you worship the sun, don't sacrifice your skin", is available from the Health Education Authority. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a healthy tan while avoiding painful and dangerous sunburn:
- Always use a sunscreen suitable for your skin type to protect you against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- Avoid the midday sun. If you do go out, cover yourself with light, loose clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
- Never expose babies under 6 months to direct sunlight.
- Protect your children with a high protection factor sunscreen, loose light clothing and a sun hat.
- We strongly advise you to wear an old T-shirt when snorkelling as you may not be aware of burning.
- Please bear in mind that you can still burn in the shade and on cloudy days.
- Protect your eyes from the sun with a good pair of sunglasses.
If you burn apply cold water to the affected area and cover with a light gauze. This will let the skin breath while protecting it from germs. If there is any sign of infection however, seek medical advice. If you get heat stroke, drink plenty of water to combat dehydration.
Sun Loungers & Deck Chairs
Ensure that these are always properly assembled before use. Avoid placing them near a perimeter wall as children could use them to climb over, and avoid placing them under coconut trees as a falling coconut can give you a nasty bump!
Scuba Diving
If you intend to try scuba diving for the first time, advise your doctor before you leave, so he/she can ascertain that you are fit enough for this sport. Flying within 24 hours after scuba diving is extremely dangerous due to decompression, so make sure that your final dive is completed 24 to 48 hours before you are due to travel. While pressurisation is not a problem when diving after a flight, please bear in mind that you will be dehydrated and tired after a long journey. Also, make sure that your holiday insurance covers you for scuba diving.
Traveller's Tummy
It is not unusual for travellers to suffer from stomach illnesses when visiting foreign countries. Medical advice on such matters suggests that changes in temperature combined with a change of diet can cause stomach upsets. The tap water in many resorts has a higher mineral content than we are used to at home. This too can upset your stomach, so we always recommend the use of bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. In hot countries it is important to drink plenty of water to avoid the effects of dehydration. Always be sure that food is properly cooked and properly chilled, that salads and unpeeled fruits have been properly washed in purified water. If in doubt, don't eat it.
Medical Assistance
If you require a doctor or dentist the hotel reception will be able to assist you in organising this. A doctor will charge a visiting fee plus the cost of any treatment provided. Arrangements for direct payment of larger amounts (i.e. hospitalisation) can usually be made through your insurance company.
Road & Transport Safety
Remember that whether you are on foot or in a car, in most overseas destinations traffic will be coming from the left not the right. Take extra care when crossing roads. Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are not recommended as a safe means of transport. We recommend seatbelts are worn (where provided) on road transfers and excursions. When travelling by boat we would recommend your life jacket be worn at all times. However, if you choose not to wear it make sure you know where it is and pay attention to any safety briefings given.
We are confident that you will enjoy your holiday with us. Remember however that when visiting a foreign country, you should exercise more care than at home, not less.
