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5 things to research before your holiday
Getting excited for your summer getaway? Be sure to check these off your list first There is nothing more exciting than planning your summer holiday. From treating yourself to new clothes to hunting down the best local beaches, it’s fun to imagine the exciting and relaxing things you’re going to be doing during your well-deserved time off. But there is also a serious side to holiday planning, one that you can’t ignore. This is the side that requires you to ensure everything is in order for a safe, healthy trip that’s also fun. To help you check these all-important factors off your list, we’ve listed the five questions you’ll need to answer before you travel. How long will it take to travel? Once you’ve got your holiday booked, you’ll need to have a clear idea of exactly how long it’s going to take to reach your destination. This will include things like flight times and duration if you are catching a plane or perhaps calculating the miles of your preferred route by car. Will you need a connecting flight or stopovers on your way? For those flying to far-flung destinations, you’ll also need to work out how you’re going to get to and from airports – whether it is by hire car or transfers. What is the weather going to be like? Not surprisingly, weather plays a key role in most of our holidays. Checking the weather will give you an idea of which clothes to pack and what activities to plan for. Looking like it’s going to be hot and sunny? Don’t forget to pack sun cream, sun hats and sunglasses. The weather is a particularly important factor in areas prone to monsoons or natural disasters like hurricanes. Make sure you’re not travelling during the peak risk season. Who knows where you’re staying? Of course, you need to have a clear idea of where you’re staying when planning your holiday, but you also need to make sure that your nearest and dearest are also in the loop. Find out the contact information of your destination before you leave – including address and phone number – and pass these details on to at least a couple of people at home. This means that, should something go wrong while you’re away, it’ll be a lot easier for friends and relatives to track you down. Where are the local amenities and services? You may have chosen your hotel or apartment because of its large pool, or close proximity to the beach, but there are other factors you’ll need to consider too. Where are the nearest shops, including food stores and pharmacies? Are there plenty of services nearby? Consider searching out local mechanics, hospitals, police stations and visitor information centres. Knowing the location of these places will give you a better idea of where to go in case of emergency. Are vaccines necessary? Many countries require you to get vaccines in order to enjoy a visit safely. As a general rule, the further afield you travel, the more likely you are to need vaccinations. With destinations like Indonesia becoming so popular in recent years, it’s vital to research what vaccinations are necessary for you and your family to enjoy your holiday in a safe and healthy way. If you’re thinking of travelling to South Asia, South East Asia, Africa or South America this summer, you should be especially wary of any necessary vaccines. Contact Express Travel Clinic for expert advice and effective vaccinations. Give our team a call on 0208 993 58 89 or click here to book online today.
28. Jun 2018
Figures show how threatening rabies is for travellers
Protection against rabies is a vital part of all-round travel safety in many parts of the world As we enter into the summer months, many of us will have holidaying and travelling on our minds. However, along with planning activities and packing your swimwear, it’s important to take the time to consider travel safety before you go away. Many countries possess the risk of viruses and infections which can seriously impact your health while abroad. One such risk is rabies. In fact, recent figures reveal just how much of a threat rabies can be for travellers worldwide. We’re here to take you through these figures, and show you how you can prevent rabies from not only ruining your holiday but even putting your life at risk. The figures Here are some of the most recent statistics surrounding the rabies virus, putting into perspective how important it is to protect yourself when you travel to Asia, Africa and Central and South America in particular. – Human rabies is present in all continents except for Antarctica, and is active in over 150 countries and territories across the world. More than 59,000 people die every year from rabies, and over 95 per cent of these deaths occur in Asia and Africa. This equates to nearly one death every nine minutes – Around 40 per cent of people who are bitten by animals are suspected to be carrying rabies are children under the age of 15 years old. While the rabies virus can be transmitted by any infected animal to humans, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that dogs are by far the main source of death caused by human rabies. In fact, dogs contribute up to 99 per cent of all rabies transmissions to humans. Advice for travellers The rabies virus is spread by contact with saliva from any infected wild or domestic animal, usually via a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound. Certain activities like cycling and running can increase the risk of rabies exposure. If you plan on travelling for an extended period and seeking employment, taking on work as a vet, animal control officer, wildlife worker or animal shelter volunteer can also increase your risk of infection. For humans, contracting rabies is usually fatal. Travellers should avoid any contact with wild or domestic animals when travelling, including other people’s pets. If you are travelling with children, be sure to keep them away from any animals as they are at the greatest risk. Children are more likely to touch animals and less likely to report a bite or scratch. If you or one of your fellow travellers does receive an animal bite or scratch, soak the area beneath a running tap for several minutes and was thoroughly with soap or detergent to remove saliva. You must also seek immediate medical attention after receiving a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound, no matter how trivial it seems. It is important to receive prompt post-exposure treatment even if you have received pre-exposure treatment and washed the wound immediately after receiving it. For the best rates of immunization against the rabies virus, it is absolutely vital to receive the necessary vaccination before you travel. This is particularly true if you plan on travelling to Asia, Africa or South or Central America. Be sure to leave plenty of time between your vaccination and your travel. For protection against rabies and a host of other potential health threats, visit Express Travel Clinic before you leave. Contact our team today by calling 0208 993 58 89 or click here to book an appointment.
15. May 2018