SAFETY AND SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING
Relaxing and being able to switch off from everyday concerns is all part of the holiday experience and your Travel Director is there every step of the way to ensure that things run seamlessly. However it is good to be aware of issues that could affect your enjoyment of your holiday and it’s our job to remind you to take certain precautions when you’re travelling.
Take a good look at the following guidance, as well as any other information that’s given to you or is on display throughout your trip. That information may be provided by us, our travel Directors or suppliers, either before you go, or when you arrive in your destination and at your
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up to date advice on staying safe and health overseas.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security, local laws and customs check gov.uk/travelware and follow @FCOtravel and Facebook.com/FCOTravel.
On arrival at your hotel, your Travel Director will provide you with their contact number that you can save to your mobile phone or write down and keep somewhere safe and accessible.
General Safety
PERSONAL BELONGINGS Many of us carry the latest phones, cameras and tablets. Be wary of showing them off in crowded places and never leave them on the table in restaurants, bars, hotel lobbies and public places.
BAGS Keep bags with you at all times and if possible wear the strap across your body. When visiting crowded places, ensure the bag is worn on the front of the body. Never keep money or valuables in your suitcase.
PASSPORT Make sure your passport is always safe. Keep it on your person on travel days. Many hotels provide safety deposit boxes for your use on longer stays but be sure to reclaim them before checking out. Make a photocopy of your passport and important documents and keep them separately from the originals and make a note of emergency numbers for any credit/ bank cards that you use.
CASH Conceal a few notes on your person for emergency funds should you mislay your purse/wallet or bag and avoid excessive displays of wealth. (Only carry sufficient cash for your daily needs.)
HOTELS When leaving your room, securely shut all windows and close the door to your room as you exit, with enough force to ensure it properly locks. Remember to keep your room key safely on you.
On arrival at a new hotel familiarise yourself with escape routes and locate the nearest fire exit to your room. Always know how to raise the alarm.
ROAD SAFETY Please take care when crossing roads. In Continental Europe motorists drive on the right while in Britain and Ireland motorists drive on the left. Before exiting the coach, please check the traffic direction and note the drop from the last step to the ground. This can vary in depth at each stop and is especially important later in the day when the lights may be fading.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Avoid confrontational situations and large gatherings and if at any time a situational doesn’t feel right walk away.
HOSTILE SITUATIONS In the very unlikely situation you find yourself in the vicinity of a hostile incident, leave immediately and contact the police – call 112 in Europe/999 in the UK. If you are unable to leave, find somewhere to hide, lock the door and keep as quiet as possible. (Remember to turn your phone to silent) and contact the police.
Be as alert to current security issues on vacation as you are at home. Your Travel Director will keep you informed regarding the areas in which you are travelling and provide gentle reminders and suggestions to ensure your safety and well- being throughout each day of your vacation.