Skip to content

Health & Safety

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 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.


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.

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.

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.

Beaches & Pools

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.
  • 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.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

The risk of deep vein thrombosis occurring while travelling
by air is extremely low. However, there are a number of
precautions you can take to further reduce risk.


What is deep vein thrombosis?

Any travel involving prolonged immobility can result in deep
vein thrombosis (DVT). This occurs when a blood clot forms, usually in the lower leg. This is a serious medical condition and needs treatment with blood thinning drugs or
anticoagulants to prevent clots breaking off from the DVT and travelling to the lungs causing significant illness and, on rare occasions, death.

Who is most at risk of deep vein thrombosis?
Those at increased risk include those with a history of
thrombosis, those taking an oral contraceptive pill or
pregnant, those recently hospitalised, smokers, the obese,
some patients with congestive heart failure and people with
malignant disease. Dehydration may exacerbate the problem.

What can I do to reduce the risk?

  • Periodic exercising of the feet and legs, or walking around where feasible, is advised to reduce the risk.
  • Elastic stockings may be helpful.
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to prevent dehydration.

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. 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.

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.

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.
www.fco.gov.co.uk/knowbeforeyougo or call 0870 606 0290.

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.

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.

Medication

Always carry your medication in your hand 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 • Indigestion tablets
• Travel sickness pills • General antiseptic cream
• Painkillers • Insect repellent

Passports - Lost of Stolen?

If you are in the UK you must report a lost or stolen passport to the Passport Service and the police immediately. Call 0870 521 0410 or visit www.passport.gov.uk to obtain a report form and find out how to apply for a replacement passport. If you are abroad you must contact your nearest British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission and the local police.
Further information can be obtained from www.fco.gov.uk

Personal Assistance

If you require assistance with mobility or with carrying, or
have special needs, then you should travel with a suitably
capable person and not rely on this being provided overseas.

Personal Safety

Whilst most resorts are generally safe, unfortunately crime
exists wherever you may travel. With your personal safety in
mind, it’s wise to take care and do as you would at home:

  • Avoid walking alone at night and avoid unlit areas or the beach after dark.
  • If you’re not sure where you are going and need directions, please ask your epresentative or reception for advice before going out.
  • Use licensed taxis only and don’t accept lifts from strangers.
  • Make sure that your room is left secure when you go out by locking all windows and doors.
    • Please make use of any safety deposit box facilities; don’t carry your personal belongings around with you.
  • Avoid carrying too much money (use credit cards where possible) or wearing obvious jewellery when you are out and about.
  • Do not leave your handbags or any other baggage unattended at any time.
  • Keep cameras and handbags close to you at all times – items swinging about can be easily snatched.
  • If you are threatened or robbed, please do not attempt to resist or fight back.
  • Do listen to safety advice given to you by your
    representative, they have your best interests in mind.
 

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 ecompression, 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.

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. 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.
  • 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.

Surgically implanted Devices

People with surgically implanted devices are advised to carry a doctor’s certificate to show airport security officials.
Artificial hip replacements frequently set off metal detection
security alarms at airports. Though people with cardiac
pacemakers are unlikely to run into problems due to electrical interference from most airport metal detectors, they should avoid going through them and arrange instead for a personal body check by security officials.

Transportation Safety/Security

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. Motor cycles, 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. Do not ask or expect your guides or drivers to take responsibility for your money or valuable items as they are not authorised to do so.

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.

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.

Traveller's Tummy

When in any kind of accommodation, please ensure all
valuables are locked away in the safety deposit box in your
room or at reception.

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.