Travel Advice

Before you travel

We work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Check the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo for advice and the latest information about specific countries.

Further information is available from:
a) Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit (0845 850 2829);
b) ABTA information service 0901 201 5050 - calls charged at 50p/minute;
Latest Information section that may appear throughout the booking process on this website may also contain information for your chosen destination.

Health Matters

Sources of information include the Department of Health's free leaflet Health Advice for Travellers, your doctor, a specialist travel clinic or MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) on 0208 994 9874 lines are open between 6pm and 8pm daily.

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 the risk.

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 and travelling to the lungs causing significant illness and, on very rare occasions, death.

People at increased risk include those with a history of thrombosis, those taking an oral contraceptive pill or who are pregnant, those recently hospitalised, smokers, the obese, some patients with congestive heart failure and people with malignant disease. Dehydration may exacerbate the problem.

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. Those who are believed to be particularly prone are advised to obtain medical advice before embarking on their journey.

Personal Safety

Wherever you travel in the world there is a risk of being a victim of crime, as indeed there is at home. Take sensible precautions, especially when walking around at night and try to avoid carrying valuables.

Part of the enjoyment of travelling is experiencing a different culture/way of life, however this can expose you to different hygiene and safety standards than you are used to.

To visit some countries you may need certain inoculations. Please consult your GP before travel.

You can check advice and latest information on specific countries on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk/travel or phone them on 0845 850 2829.

Weather

You can check advice and latest information on specific countries on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk/travel or phone them on 0845 850 2829.