Essential Travel Info: Health and Safety

Part of the enjoyment of travelling abroad is in experiencing a different way of life. Please remember though, that it may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards from those you are used to at home. UK standards are among the highest in the world, but many developing countries and resorts still have a long way to go to bring their transport, accommodation and services up to the level you normally take for granted.

We are working to raise safety standards overseas and will of course do our best to ensure that your holiday is safe and trouble free, but we do ask that you take extra care while you are away.

Vaccinations

British citizens do not require vaccination certificates for Australia and New Zealand, however please consult your Doctor if you are planning a stopover en route.

Road Safety

Driving overseas is a great way to explore and driving in Australia and New Zealand is on the 'left', just like in the UK. However, the rules of the roads can be very different, drivers are not always obliged to stop at pedestrian crossings, and you may need to look the other way when crossing the road! Please be aware of local regulations and never drink and drive, as this is an offence in most countries. Variable road conditions and driver's attitudes towards mopeds can make riding them a dangerous option overseas, particularly for those unused to riding them at home. We do not recommend moped hire, even for experienced drivers.

Fire Safety

Different countries have different fire regulations and procedures. You should bear in mind that in some resorts, local regulations designed to preserve the historic nature or aesthetic beauty of the property, may prevent the hotelier from providing the level of fire safety that you're accustomed to in the UK.

When you first arrive at your hotel you should plan how you and your party would leave the hotel or apartment if the fire alarm sounds.

To help, familiarise yourself with the following:

- The fire instruction notice in your room or apartment

- Where your nearest exit is

- The fire assembly point if you should need to evacuate

- How to raise the alarm should you see smoke or fire

Balcony and Glass Safety

Please make sure that young children are not left unsupervised on the balconies. Keep balcony furniture away from the railings so that children are not encouraged to climb up, and adults should remember never to sit on, or lean over, the balcony rail.

Please take particular care when walking through patio doors - in bright sunlight it can be difficult to tell if they're closed. Identifying stickers should be in place on balcony and other large glass doors.

Children's Safety

We all know children are naturally curious, and even more so whilst on holiday. Balconies, lifts, playgrounds and swimming pools are just some of the areas where we know accidents occur.

Please remember to supervise your children at all times.

Before using a cot, ensure that all vertical angles are not more than 10 cms apart, and that the mattress fits snugly into the base. If the side bar is adjustable make sure that it is high enough to prevent an infant from climbing out. Cots and highchairs should be sturdy and free from any sharp edges.

Gas Safety

If your accommodation has a gas cooker, always double check that it has been turned off properly, as you would do at home. In many cases you will find that the gas is supplied direct from a bottle and as an extra precaution you should turn off the supply at the bottleneck when it is not in use.

It is our policy not to use accommodation with internal, instantaneous, individually supplied gas water heater.

Food and Drink

While tasting new and different foods abroad is all part of the fun, please remember that standards of hygiene do vary from country to country. Many of our long haul destinations are still developing countries. We work closely with our hoteliers to promote good hygiene practices, however we would recommend you take the utmost care when eating outside the hotel. Heat and humidity abroad, combined with alcohol and new foods, can cause minor stomach upsets. If in doubt don't eat it, and try not to over indulge!

Animals and Insects

The hygiene and care of animals overseas differs vastly from what we are used to at home. We suggest that you do not feed or play with animals, domestic or wild, whilst abroad, and ensure that the children are not allowed to do so.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal please seek medical assistance immediately. In tropical areas, a variety of diseases, such as malaria are spread by insects and ticks. Use insect repellent preparations and cover your arms and legs with appropriate clothing when walking, especially in wooded areas.

No Go Areas

For guidance and information please use the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice to Travellers telephone line: 0870 606 0290 or visit the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk

Drugs

Avoid any involvement with drugs. You could face massive fines, long prison sentences in grim conditions, or even the death penalty. Do not carry parcels or drive vehicles across borders for other people.

Water Safety

Some of your holiday will probably be spent around the swimming pool or on the beach. These are the areas where serious accidents can and do occur, especially in the first couple of days of your holiday when you are unfamiliar with your surroundings. Please follow our tips below to ensure that your time in and around the water goes swimmingly!

At the Swimming Pool

• Children must be supervised constantly in and around the pool. Remember that your pool will probably not have a lifeguard.
• The design of the swimming pools overseas can be very different from those in the UK. Take a few minutes with your family to familiarise yourselves with the pool in your hotel or apartment at the beginning of your holiday.
• Check the depth of the swimming pool before getting in, find out where the shallow areas and the children's pool are.
• Familiarise yourself with what you should do in case of an emergency, and make sure you know what hours the swimming pool is in operation.
• Never let children run around the swimming pool area.
• If the evening entertainment in your hotel is near the hotel swimming pool, please be extra vigilant with children.

On The Beach

• Check if there is a lifeguard and a flag warning system in place. If so, make sure that you know what that flag means, especially those that may tell when and where it is dangerous too swim.
• Children must be supervised at all times. Be aware of the local conditions; tides, winds and currents can even make the safest beach hazardous. If there is a 'lost children' centre or meeting point, make your children aware of its location, and what they should do if they become lost.
• Ensure that you are aware of any 'zoned' areas that are marked out for water sports. Between Nov-Feb, the far northern states of Australia are affected by Jellyfish (stingers) and you are advised not to swim in the sea except in designated areas.

Scuba Diving

You must be in a reasonable state of health and require a medical certificate prior to scuba diving. Your final dive must be completed at least 24 hrs before your flight home. Flying within 24 hours of scuba diving is extremely dangerous due to pressurisation of the aircraft cabin. Please check that your insurance policy covers you.

Hazardous Sports

If you are going to take part in potentially hazardous sports such as skiing, kayaking, white water rafting or jet boating, follow all the relevant safety guidance; make sure that there are adequate emergency medical facilities on hand; and check that you have medical insurance which covers you fully in the event of any accident.

Top Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday:

Children's Safety

The safety of younger guests is our biggest concern. Remember that children should never be left alone near swimming pools, balconies or lifts. At children's playgrounds, your children will need to be supervised at all times.

Balconies

Please ensure that children are never left alone on balconies, and keep furniture away from the railings so that they are not encouraged to climb up.

Swimming Pools

Many swimming pools abroad are not designed in the same as pools in the UK, and may have unusual features. Pools are unlikely to have a lifeguard so please check the layout and depth of the pool at the start of your holiday.

Fire Safety

Familiarise yourself with the location of the nearest fire exit and fire alarm call point to your room or apartment, and read the fire safety information that is provided. Make a mental note of where the fire assembly point is.

On the Beach

Tides and currents can turn the safest beach into a hazard. Check if there is a flag warning system on the beach, and if so then familiarise yourself with it.

Lifts

Never allow children to travel inside any lift without an adult. Do not use the lifts in the event of a fire.

Safety in the Sun

Always use a high factor sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Take extra care with children

Road Safety

In a lot of overseas destinations the vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road, but not in all! Driving in Australia and New Zealand is on the 'left'. The rules of the roads can be very different and drivers are not always obliged to stop at pedestrian crossings, for example. It is therefore essential that you familiarise yourself with local conditions on your arrival, especially when travelling with children.

Drinking Water

Do drink bottled water and make sure the seal is intact. In hot climates, it is important to drink plenty of water or soft drinks to avoid the effects of dehydration.

Personal Belongings

Watch handbags and cameras when you are out and about. Only take with you the cash that you will need for that day and leave valuables in safety deposit box.