Is it safe where you are going?
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The Travel Safety Hub
New Zealand Earthquake - Travel Alert
A strong, magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Christchurch just after 4:30 on Saturday morning 4 September (local time).
There have been no reported
deaths, although there has been a steady stream of injured at the city's
hospitals. So far there are only 2 seriously injured people, a man who was hurt
when a chimney collapsed on him, and another man hurt by falling glass.
There's widespread damage to
buildings throughout the area. The CBD was cordoned off and evacuated after the
facades of several high-rise buildings collapsed and others threatened to
fall. Many historic buildings have also been badly damaged. Aftershocks
continue to be felt across the city.
The National Crisis has been
activated and a state of emergency declared. Almost all power services were cut
in the quake but are now restored to 90% of homes. Water and sewerage services
are still disrupted.
Christchurch airport was
closed for several hours, causing the cancellation of domestic and
international flights. It reopened mid afternoon but there are long delays to
all flights.
Rail services around
Christchurch and on the South island have been disrupted.
There have been reports of
looting in central Christchurch, and the area is cordoned off.
There are long queues at
petrol stations and, prior to the curfew, traffic jams as people left the city.
Additional police have been sent from Auckland.
What Does It Mean For Travellers?
A curfew is in place between
7pm and 7am Sunday.
You are asked NOT to flush
the toilet, and to use water sparingly. Use your mobile phone only when
absolutely necessary. Stay away from damaged buildings and downed power lines.
The international airport is
open again, but there are long delays. Check with your airline or tour operator
before going to the airport.
State Highway 1, north of Christchurch,
is closed, as was State Highway 77 between Methyen and Windwhistle, and the
State Highway 74 ring road at Bromley.
A major New Zealand newspaper has compiled a list of what services are operating and which aren’t.
WorldNomads.com has advice on what to do if you’re caught up in a disaster which you should find useful.
What is happening to me and who do I call?
It is important to remember that
the situation you are in can be extremely
stressful.
Call home and your country's Consulate or Embassy to let them know where you are, if you are alright and if you need any assistance.
Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations.
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders).
When you get out of there or get back home
If you become unwell within 6 weeks of returning with fever, rash, respiratory illness or any other unusual symptoms seek medical attention and tell them that you were recently in a Disaster affected region.
Emergency Assistance Contacts
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders).Please have your name, location and phone number ready when you call (and policy number if available)
Emergency assistance numbers for World Nomads policy holders:
Australian and New Zealand travellers (Specialty Assist for policies purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009):
Email: operations@specialty-assist.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7405
Australian and New Zealand travellers (Mondial Assistance Australia policies purchased prior to Dec 1, 2009):
Email: medicalnotes@mondial-assistance.com.au
Telephone: +61 7 3305 7499 (While overseas, reverse charges)
Telephone: 1300 729 467 (Within Australia)
Telephone: 0800 630 117 (Within New Zealand)
UK travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@specialty-group.com OR assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 845 643 2628
Irish travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7403
USA travellers (Access America):
Email: AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Telephone: +1-877-257-8108 (toll free within US)
Telephone: +1-804-281-5789 (Collect)
Canadian travellers (Mondial Assistance Canada):
Email: nomad.inquiries@mondial-assistance.ca
Telephone: +1-866-759-2892 toll-free from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island or
Telephone: +1-519-342-4947 collect from anywhere else in the world
For all other travellers (ihi Bupa):
Email: emergency@ihi.com
Telephone: +45 33 15 33 00 (not toll free))
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
USA Hurricane Earl - Travel Alert UPDATE
A state of emergency has been declared in North Carolina, and several boroughs of New York City (including Manhattan) are on Tropical Storm Watch as Hurricane Earl continues to move up the US east coast.
Where Is Earl?
At 5pm EDT on Thursday 2nd September, the category 3 storm was 185 miles south-southeast of the Outer Banks, a string of North Carolina islands jutting into the Atlantic, and travelling north at 18 mph.
Although the islands won’t take a direct hit, they have been cleared of tourists and locals have bunkered down. They’re expecting winds of around 90 to 100 mph. One of them told BBC news they weren’t too concerned because experience shows it requires winds of 140 or 150 mph to do any severe damage.
Earl is expected to track to the north east throughout Friday, taking it to within 250 miles of New York City, and 30 miles east of Nantucket Island over the weekend.
Weather experts are keeping a close eye on Earl and if it keeps to its present path there’s a 75% chance of winds at 75 mph. However, be aware, any deviation from its northeastward path could see it head directly for Manhattan.
New York & Hurricanes
In 1985 category 1 hurricane named Gloria came ashore on New York’s Long Island. Gloria’s path up the east coast claimed 8 lives and caused damage costing $900 million.
The New York City Office of Emergency Management has tips on preparing for a hurricane on its website.
The office also explains how an evacuation should occur. It recommends using mass transit instead of a private vehicle. Evacuations would be in a phased order so it’s important to listen to local media for announcements.
If Earl does veer towards New York there could be only a few hours warning, so residents and visitors are advised to be prepared.
What Should You Do?
Visitors to New York should check with hotel staff now to make themselves aware of the evacuation plan.
The hurricane is likely to cause major disruption to flights along the eastern seaboard. The effect of cancellations could be felt for several days after the hurricane passes. Most airlines are waiving fees and charges for booking changes. If you have flexibility in your travel plans you should either leave the east coast earlier, or delay until a few days later.
If you find yourself in the hurricane, move to a substantial brick or concrete building, and stay inside a room in the centre of the building away from windows (a basement is good). Make sure you have a battery operated radio to monitor news reports, and a stockpile of non-perishable food.
Do not venture out into the storm. A man has already been killed by Hurricane Earl, he was hit by flying debris on a Caribbean island.
Am I Covered?
In most states of America, evacuation is compulsory when ordered by police and state authorities. Failure to comply with their directions will most likely disqualify you from making a travel insurance claim.
If you intended to travel to an area that has been evacuated, or where a state of emergency has been declared, and cannot complete your trip, you could be entitled to make a claim for out-of-pocket cancellation costs and the expenses of re-arranging your itinerary.
As always, check the wording of your policy.
Unfortunately, poor weather running your last chance to go to the beach for summer is not grounds to make a claim.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Fiji
Fiji has had a long-standing reputation as a South Pacific tropical paradise. Travelers have been visiting the tiny archipelago for decades now to kick back oceanside and enjoy the azure waters. While there's been some recent political unrest, it's done little to deter travelers keen to soak up the island lifestyle and maybe sip a little kava while they're at it.
Here are a few things you might want to know before heading off on a Fijian adventure...
1. On the subject of kava...
Kava (also called yaqona, or grog) is a non-alcoholic, non-narcotic beverage made from the ground root of the pepper plant. Far from being spicy, though, the drink actually numbs the lips and tongue slightly for a few moments. Not to worry, though--this effect is short-lived and subtle. It takes a lot to have any effect on the average person, but after several cups, you may begin to feel slightly more relaxed than you were (if that's possible in a tropical paradise like Fiji). Kava contains massive amounts of vitamin B, a natural muscle relaxant and anti-depressant. Drink enough, and you'll start to feel aggressions and tensions melt away (again, assuming you had any to start with). Too much, and you'll find yourself too, well, groggy to do much of anything. If this happens, relax (you won't have a choice). It won't last long.
-Nicole Clausing, freelance writer (courtesy of Travelocity.com)
2. Flower power
If you’re a flower lover than a tour of the Garden of the Sleeping Giants is a must. Located in the Gorgeous Sabeto Valley, the Garden of the Sleeping Giants is where you’ll find the largest collection of orchids in all of Fiji.
-Courtesy of Canuck Abroad
3. Don't forget your wallet...
Many of the shops in Nadi are run by villagers from the mountains who will invite you in for kava. We had a welcome ceremony especially for us and spent an hour joking and drinking kava on a mat in a Nadi store. But of course, after much hospitality, you SHOULD buy something from the store to help support the village. Just realize that some of the prices and items are much more expensive than the souvenirs you can get at "Jack's" down the street.
-"pporto" at Virtual Tourist
4. Airport agent alert
The agents can be of a great help, but take everything they say with a pinch of salt! Our agent Fili promised us that our room at Mereani's shared a bathroom with only one other room, and that the rate was 60 Fiji dollars for the two of us. What we paid was 70 plus tax, and we shared two showers and two toilets with 20 other people... Make sure to have all agreements written down and signed, with all prices including taxes. But be prepared for surprises anyway!
-"Rusket" at Virtual Tourist
5. Taxi tip
If getting a taxi, be prepared to heckle everyone walking past to get in the taxi too... because no one is setting off until it’s full.
-Courtesy of i-to-i
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods. We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
USA Hurricane Earl - Travel Alert
The worst hurricane in 20 years is bearing down on the east coast of the U.S. gathering strength and bringing wind speeds of 135 mph. Hurricane Earl, a category 4 storm, has already caused the evacuation of Ocracoke Island in North Carolina, and local authorities are planning to declare a state of emergency, coinciding with the Labor Day weekend holiday.
What’s Happening?
Hurricane Earl was 910 miles south- southeast of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, moving northwest at 15 miles per hour at 11 p.m. August 31st Miami time.
It’s not expected to make landfall in the U.S. but will scrape past North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras early on Thursday Sept. 3 and then on toward Nantucket and Cape Cod in Massachusetts before coming ashore in Nova Scotia.
A hurricane watch extends from the Virginia border to Surf City, about 135 miles southeast of Raleigh. The tropical storm watch extends from Surf City to the Cape Fear area south of Wilmington.
On Cape Cod the last remaining days of summer will have temperatures in the 90’s, but things will change dramatically at the weekend with strong winds and heavy rain.
Earl has already battered the U.S. and British Virgin islands, Puerto Rico and Antigua, causing flooding in low-lying areas and damaging homes.
Several Caribbean countries and territories reported power outages, cruise ships were diverted and flights cancelled across the region.
What Should You Do?
If you are visiting the U.S. east coast it is advisable to move away from coastal areas as soon as possible.
If you intend to stay make sure you have somewhere safe to shelter. Also check regularly with local media. Follow the instructions of police and authorities.
Locate a safe room or the safest area in your accommodation. Hotel or hostel staff will advise you. In certain circumstances a community shelter may be best.
Determine escape routes from your accommodation.
Have an out-of-state friend as a contact so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Stock-up on non-perishable emergency supplies, a radio, and a disaster supply kit.
Am I Covered?
In most states of America, evacuation is compulsory when ordered by police and state authorities. Failure to comply with their directions will most likely disqualify you from making a travel insurance claim.
If you intended to travel to an area that has been evacuated, or where a state of emergency has been declared, and cannot complete your trip, you could be entitled to make a claim for out-of-pocket cancellation costs and the expenses of re-arranging your itinerary.
As always, check the wording of your policy.
Unfortunately, poor weather running your last chance to go to the beach for summer is not grounds to make a claim.
Do not venture out into the storm. You may be injured by flying debris, or washed away by a sudden storm surge. Deliberately putting yourself in danger in a severe storm is not covered by travel insurance. You are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
Is It Safe To Fly In Laos?
Happy Landings?
On the Lao Airlines website a promo says “Fly with Lao Airlines for your travel Experience” and the word “experience” is highlighted and in bold. Who wants air travel to be an “experience”!
Air safety in Laos has a bad reputation. Traveller’s tales of white-knuckle rides through turbulence and with steep descents and rough landings are legend.
Partly that’s because Laos is mountainous with challenging weather conditions for flying, but also because Lao Aviation operated a fleet of notoriously bad aircraft until a few years ago – Yakolevs, Harbins and Antonovs made by their comrades in China and Russia.
From 1990 until Lao Aviation became Lao Airlines in 2003, there were 5 crashes, 3 of them fatal, claiming 53 lives. The Aviation Safety Network has information about each of the incidents, three of them occurred in bad weather. It's possible better aircraft with better radar might have avoided the crashes.
It’s a poor safety record, but not the worst. The bad reputation was understandable but perhaps overstated.
Safety Attitude Gets Altitude
The mountains and the monsoons are still there, but the company has a new name, new aircraft, improved airfields and a new attitude to safety and service.
Lao Aviation is now Lao Airlines and after upgrading its fleet is one of the safest airlines in the region.
All of the major tourist routes use either French made ATR-72 or Xian MA-60 aircraft which both comply with international aviation safety standards. They also operate an Airbus A320 on international routes.
The average age of the fleet is just 7 years. In mid-2010 the company ordered two more ATR-72s.
The only incident on Lao Airlines record involves a single-engine Cessna Grand Caravan which in April 2009 experienced engine failure at 2000 metres and landed in a rice paddy north of Vientiane. No one was injured.
Check The Aircraft Type
On its website the airline says it still uses Harbin Y-7s and Y-12s on “routes to remote areas”. It’s very unlikely you’ll want to go to these destinations, but think carefully about boarding these flights. While safety is much improved in the company, these are less-reliable aircraft and they are heading to locations in mountainous areas with unpredictable weather where the landing strips are few and short… not a great combination.
Check The Weather
The modern turbo-prop aircraft Lao Airlines now operate are very capable aircraft and can handle adverse conditions. But if the weather is really bad and you’re the nervous type, ask the airline if you can take a later flight after conditions have improved. (This applies to flying anywhere in the world).
What Their Customers Say
There are several passenger review websites where you can get an independent assessment of airlines. On airlinequality.com passengers give Lao Airlines the thumbs up.
The airline’s online booking process does not get the same accolades. Laos Airlines is promising improvements, but the booking process seems to be hit-n-miss, and favours one particular type of web browser (IE, the others often don’t work).
Safer Alternatives?
What can be said of Lao Airlines could be said of any airline in the world; could one of its aircraft crash? Sure. Will it? Most probably not.
And think of the alternatives. If money was no object, you could fly from Vientiane to Hanoi, in an aircraft known worldwide for its reliability, in a couple of hours, or you could take a chance with a 24-hour journey in a bus of dubious quality on notoriously bad roads.
Really the only question you need to answer is; window or aisle?
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
Plain of Jars - Danger UXB!
The oddly named Plain of Jars in far north-eastern Laos is a sight not to be missed, but danger lurks here. Across a wide flat plain are spread hundreds of cauldron sized containers hewn from stone. The biggest is over 2 metres tall, the smallest, no chance of popping it in your pocket, it weighs 600 kilograms.
They’re mostly perched on hilltops, and the stone isn’t local, earning the phenomenon the title “the Asian Stonehenge”. A mysterious ancient civilization dragged these stones here at great effort. No-one’s exactly sure when, or why. The best explanation is that they’re burial chambers - huge urns.
Unexploded Bombs!
The region around the Plain of Jars is one of the deadliest places on earth, and that’s not a joke about cemeteries. 20 to 30 people a month are killed when they stumble upon unexploded ordnance (that’s bombs and missiles to you and me).
Between 1964 and 1973 the US dropped almost 2 million tonnes of bombs on this part of Laos as they tried to interrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail – the supply line which supported the Vietcong in neighbouring Vietnam.
An aid organization, Mines Advisory Group, is working to remove the ordnance from the area but it’s a daunting task. They say, on average over the nine years of the war a B-52 full of bombs was dropped here every 8 minutes. There are so many they’ll probably never find them all.
Mind Your Step
The tourist areas of The Plain of Jars are relatively safe, but walking off established paths could end be deadly.
Stick to the well-worn trails, MAG has marked cleared areas with pairs of red and white markers…. Stay between the white markers.
or this
If you insist on trekking off the beaten path, check with locals police or villagers about the safe paths. Or better still take a guide, you’ll be safe and a local will get some employment.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
Is It Safe To Travel To Colombia?
Colombia, the South American country with a frightening reputation for warring drug barons and - thanks to Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan – kidnapping, is surprisingly a hot new destination for backpacking.
So is it safe?
WorldNomads.com travel safety specialist Phil Sylvester put on his journalist’s hat (it’s a trilby with a card in the band that says PRESS) and did some investigating. No judgment about the beauty of the scenery, the friendliness of the people or the charm of the culture, all of which we're assured are top notch.
The Bad News:
Colombia is not as bad as it once was, but you need to use common sense and caution to stay safe.
The number of kidnappings is down hugely
from a few years ago, but there's been a surge in 2010, 25% more than the same
time last year.
3 foreign tourists were among the 146 people kidnapped (for ransom) so far this year. They've since been released.
The south of the country is especially dangerous and many foreign governments recommend against any travel to that region because of the risk of kidnap or being caught in the crossfire of a drug war.
The US State department reissued its warning that it considers Colombia "dangerous" in March 2010 and said: "...violence by narco-terrorist groups continues to affect some rural areas as well as large cities."
The Australian government (mine) says Do Not
Travel to the south - at all.
It recommends you Reconsider Your Need To
Travel to: provinces of Cesar, La Guajira and Antioquia (excluding Medellin),
the cities of Cali and Popayan, and most rural areas.
Of Colombia as a whole it says Exercise A High Degree of Caution. (It says the same thing about Brazil.)
The Good News:
In February 2010 the French government declared parts of Colombia to be "safe": adding Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Bogota, Tunja, Bucaramanga, as well as the Zona Cafetero departments of Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas to Cartagena and San Andres as destinations approved for travel.
Traveller forums (people who've actually been there - this year) overwhelmingly rave about the place; they say it's beautiful and it's safer than other South American countries.... as long as you stick to the popular tourist destinations.
Which seems to be the key: Going off the
beaten path might not be the best idea, and when you're in the cities ask
locals or other travellers which areas to avoid.
The city of Cali continues to be troublesome and best avoided, as are most rural areas, and the whole of the south.
Kidnap Culture
There’s a 2005 movie called Secuestro express, about the kidnap of a rich businessman's daughter, and set in Venezuela. It describes the capital, Caracas, as "the most dangerous city on the planet". That was probably a promotion stunt to cover up for the fact the movie wasn't very good. However, kidnapping is one of the dangers of South America, a crime particular to the region, and particularly lucrative for the criminals.
Unfortunately, other South American countries haven't been
as successful as Colombia at combating kidnap. In fact it's getting worse in
some places - like Ecuador, where Express Kidnap (Sucuestro express) is rife.
What Is Secuestro Express?
You get kidnapped for an hour or so... as long as it takes for them to drive you around town visiting ATMs to empty your bank account and max-out your credit card. Or they hold you for as long as it takes for your family (or travel companion) to do the same.
It usually begins when the victim gets into a taxi. It drives around the corner and the bandits jump in. They 'persuade' you to cooperate with knives, guns, a punch or two, and unfortunately for women, sexual assault.
In Ecuador in June 2010, depending on whose figures you
believe, there were between 194 and 363 express kidnaps - in one month. Middle
class locals are the main targets, but wealthy ex-pats who aren't vigilant are
also common victims. Travellers might also be mistaken for wealthy ex-pats or simply look like an easy target.
Am I Covered?
If this happens to you, your travel insurance will cover medical expenses for injuries they give you, and you'll have access to an emergency assistance helpline that will put you in touch with consular officials and experts who can help you deal with the psychological trauma - invaluable stuff.
You'll have to argue with your bank about
the credit card bill.
What To Do
Perhaps you should take a second credit card with a low limit to South America, and leave the main card at home, or locked in the hotel safe (not the room safe, they might take you back there and force you to open it).
Try to keep a low profile.
Don't flash your money or valuables.
Don't use illegal taxis.
Buses are also a problem, as are rural roads
where a single car is an easy target.
Don't drive on rural roads at night at all.
Lock the doors of the car, and keep at least
a half a tank of fuel.
Don't travel alone.
Watch out for drink spiking at bars and
clubs.
And if you are kidnapped - hand over what they want; fighting back will only make them more demanding and violent. It’s better to lose a few hundred dollars than your life.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
Bandits in Laos!
Highway Robbery.
“You should be vigilant if travelling on Route 13 (Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang), due to banditry. A number of people have been killed in attacks on vehicles travelling these routes.”
This alert from
Australia’s foreign office (typical of other government warnings and advice in
guide books) about the threat of bandits on the country’s main highway is
confronting, especially because Vang Vieng is the destination-of-choice for
many westerners in Laos
The last thing you want when you’re looking for a tubing party experience is to have an AK-47 shoved in your face.
The Lao government says the bandits are Hmong anti-government rebels.
A Short History Lesson
The Hmong have waged an
insurgency against the Lao government since they sided with the Americans
against the communists in the Vietnam War.
Predictably they were singled out for retribution when the Pathet Lao triumphed in 1975, and tens of thousands fled seeking political asylum.
Those who remained continued to be oppressed, often resorting to banditry to make a point, or just make a living.
The Lao people had been subject to this highway robbery for many years, which is how route 13 earned its dangerous reputation. Westerners only became aware of it after 1995 when they were allowed back into the country.
Incident in 2003
The incident that
grabbed the headlines, because westerners were involved, was in February 2003:
Bandits attacked several
cars, motorcycles and a bus just north of the then quiet “beauty spot” Vang
Vieng. They boarded the bus and began demanding money and valuables before
randomly shooting 8 Laotian passengers.
Two French tourists
just happened to be cycling by… they were shot dead, too.
Incident in 2007
Fears the bandits were
back to their old habits came in February 2007 when a truck driver was shot
(probably while being robbed) at a bridge 15km north of Vang Vieng.
The Lao government went into overdrive, because they knew a resurgence of banditry would damage the growing tourism industry. They sent troops to the region in a crackdown on their usual suspects (mostly Hmong).
The troop movements resulted in travel warnings from US and other governments. They said Vang Vieng itself was safe, but advised against travel outside the town.
How Real Is The Threat?
Banditry in Laos is inextricably linked to the plight of the Hmong. There has been considerable international pressure to give them a better deal, which has had some success because the Lao government is striving to improve trade relations.
However there was a setback
in December 2009 when Thailand forcibly repatriated 4500 Hmong refugees
(probably at the insistence of Laos). Whether this reignites tension is not yet clear.
The Lao government continues to position armed-militia on some tourist buses and along major highways. Because the militia is not in uniform, some travellers mistake them for bandits.
Despite that - perhaps because of it - there’s no evidence of a deliberate campaign against tourist buses on Route 13 anymore.
What bandits do exist are not a coherent, competent paramilitary force. They are more like opportunist criminals and there’s probably more money to be made taking tourists to dodgy Buddha caves around Vang Vieng than robbing them directly.
But the warnings about the "notorious road" keep being repeated year after year.
In an alert after the 2007 incident the US embassy again asserted that Route 13 was notorious for banditry. Its source: a popular guidebook printed in 2006, which got its information from (you guessed it) the US embassy after the 2003 incident!
Seasoned Laos travellers and ex-pats say they haven't heard of an incident for years.
Because reliable reports about the situation are hard to come by you can forgive the authorities and publishers for erring on the side of caution.
That doesn't mean it's totally safe now and forever more, if you plan to travel independently on Route 13 you should use caution, just like you would if you were going to walk through Times Square on a Saturday night.
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River Tubing Without Drowning
So you’re going river tubing at Vang Vieng. You’ve heard about the cheap beer and buckets, free shots of tiger whisky, zip lines, rope swings, a killer water slide (we're not kidding), followed up with a night of “happy” shakes and pizza with weird green stuff (wink, wink!).
There’s an old backpacker’s tale about a legendary tuber, some guy
who liked it so much, he did it every day for 290 days. If this guy
exists you need to talk to him, because he has the secret to surviving against
the odds!
If it was just tubing, a leisurely float down a river, it’d
be fine. But it’s the added extras which mean you're going to need your wits
about you to survive even one day on the river!
Floating Party.
For example, there’s a bar at the tubing launch point, Mojitos
before you get your feet wet. They’ll put your drink in a plastic bag for you,
the old “one for the road” (which has never caused anyone trouble, right!).
It’s hard to say “no” because the profits fund a local school. Your good deed
for the day done, next stop: hedonism… a hundred metres downriver.
Each of the bars lining the riverbanks has pumping tunes, a zip
line, a rope swing, or a ridiculously steep water slide to entice you to stop. As
long as you keep buying beers or buckets, you can test your luck. And you’re
going to need lots of luck because bravado rises with booze intake, and it
seems to make people leave their common sense zipped-up in their dry bag.
Higher & Higher.
The beer is cheap and the tiger whisky even cheaper. Actually, most
of the bars hand out this crudely distilled homemade spirit for free!
The zip line launching towers get higher and higher as the tubers
get, well, higher and higher! This is the golden triangle. You may
see some tubers nip off for an opium smoking session, hand over their kip for
some weed, or order a “happy” shake laced with amphetamines. All of which is
illegal, but the bar owner seems immune from prosecution (just hope his
“immunization” is up to date).
Dangerous Mix.
By now, you’re probably getting an idea why this is a “survival
guide”… drugs, alcohol, a river, and death defying leaps into unknown waters.
In the rainy season the river runs fast and even strong swimmers
struggle. In the dry season it’s dangerously shallow. Do not believe
those “diving OK” signs. The double-double full-full (with pike) might have
seemed like a good idea at the top of the zip line tower, but cracked heads and
blood in the water are common.
You’ll see walking wounded in the bars of Vang Vieng, injured
tubers with an arm bandaged, or a foot strapped. If it wasn’t the face plant on
the rope swing, it was the back flop when they tried to play volleyball in the
mud bath!
Like the whisky, medical treatment here is homemade, there’s no
hospital. Not even a clinic. A mild injury will mean a bus trip back to
Vientiane before you see a doctor. Anything serious and you’re looking at
medical evacuation, probably to Bangkok.
Death Defying?
Not always. In September 2009 Irishman Michael O’Sullivan, his new
wife and 18 others went tubing. It was the rainy season, they got into
difficulty and locals had to rescue them. Michael was the only one they didn’t
get. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket. His new wife – this was their
honeymoon – was part of the search party that found his body 3 days later.
Michael's not the only tourist to lose his life here. And you know how I mentioned cracked heads earlier? Other backpackers are lucky to be alive.
Am I Covered If…?
Tubing: floating down a
benign river enjoying the scenery (and the karst outcrops on the Nam Xong are
spectacular) – no problem.
Rope swings and zip lines: as
long as you use them responsibly, sure.
The giant water slide: Hmmm!
I don’t think many bar owners in Vang Vieng have even heard of Occupational
Health and Safety, let alone had a government inspector visit them, but again
if you use it responsibly, you’re okay.
Travel insurance does not
give you a license to take risks. It does not absolve you from the need to take
reasonable steps to ensure your own safety.
If you deliberately put
yourself in danger, if you contribute
to your injury or loss (and that definitely includes being affected by drugs or
alcohol) you’re on your own. That
means medical costs, the cost of tours and accommodation you’ve paid for but
can’t use, the airfare you can’t use, the extra airfare you need to get home, or
the bill for the nurse and charter flight to Bangkok. This can run to tens of
thousands of dollars.
Safe Tubing.
It is possible to have great time tubing … and survive.
Most days most of the tubers, mostly because of good luck, make it back to town safely.
How to be sure you’re one of them:
- Try to limit your alcohol intake. Those bucket drinks are great value, but it’s a bit hard to know exactly how much alcohol you’ve had. Too much alcohol makes people do crazy things.
- The tiger whisky is homemade, in a backyard, without any regulation of how pure it is or how strong it is.
- The same goes for the happy shakes. You’ve seen some of the toilets in Laos, right? What do you think the amphetamine labs are like?
- If it’s rainy season, the river’s running fast and you’re not a strong swimmer… take a tuk tuk to the bars instead of floating to them, they’re only a couple of kilometers from town.
- If you do indulge in whatever, make sure your friends know, stick together, and look after each other.
- If you think the rope swing tower is too high, it is. Don’t be timid, make sure you try new experiences, but if you’re really unsure of that final towering tower, don’t let peer pressure get to you, and remember your judgment will be affected by the fun stuff you’ve consumed.
- Wear a life jacket (undead is better than uncool).
- Get back to town before dark. There’ve been muggings and sexual assaults of tubers stumbling home in the dark. (Even if that doesn’t happen you’ll get stung another 20,000 kip for late return of your tube!)
Wild Times.
If you’re in Laos to immerse yourself in the local culture, it’s best if you don’t go to Vang Vieng.
But hundreds, thousands, of young travellers go there every year for an indulgent, wild, backpacker party experience. Make no mistake it is wild: unregulated, un-policed, and unsafe. By all means go and enjoy the party, just take care that you live to tell the tale.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe withTravel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.
WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Laos
Laos has never enjoyed the same distinction as a travel destination as some of its more frequented Southeast Asia neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam. Still, the nation offers many treasures for the traveler seeking to get away from the bustle found elsewhere. There is the laid-back capital of Vientiane, the rich monastic tradition of Luang Prabang, the mysterious Plain of Jars and the backpacker haven of Vang Vieng.
Here are a collection of pointers from those who've been to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time while in Laos.
1. Stay on the beaten track
Many people worry about landmines, but if you stick to heavily touristed areas, they have been cleared. Exercise more caution should you decide to do more independent ventures. As usual for developing countries, leave expensive jewelry, purses, etc., at home. While it seems and sounds remote, Laos is a quick flight from Bangkok, where one can receive world class medical care.
-Kimberly Haley-Coleman, GlobeAware
2. Boiled and well-done
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
-Courtesy of World Travel Guide
3. Needles needed
Hepatitis E occurs and hepatitis B is highly endemic and dengue fever, tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis are known to occur so be sure you are up to date on your vaccines before you travel.
-Christy McCarthy, WorldNomads.com
4. Cash is king
Try to bring sufficient amounts and appropriate forms of cash with you upon entry. Laos now has ATM machines, but they are only sparsely located in Huay Xai, Luang Prabang, Vientianne and Vang Vieng. And even these can sometimes be problematic to use and have expensive fees on a percentage basis due to the small amounts you may only be allowed to take out at a time. The only foreign currencies readily usable in Laos are US dollars and Thai baht, so try to bring as much of these as you comfortably and safely can. Make sure to have some smallish notes as part of your stash, because change for large notes can sometimes be difficult to find. Credit cards can sometimes be used in higher end tourist shops and hotels, but usually incur a 3 percent surcharge. Bottom line - cash is king, especially for budget travelers.
-Keith Hajovsky, TheBestTravelWebsites
5. Mindful motorcycling
Motorcycle travel in Laos is not without risks but the rewards of truly independent travel are great. There are several rental shops in Vientiane only and bike rentals in other parts of the country are few. Quality of machines varies from shop to shop so you need to fully inspect your new friend before you head out on the road. There are many good roads and many paved ones and touring Laos is done easily. Most bikes in Laos are Honda Baja or XR 250 dual purpose bikes and anything else is usually mechanically questionable. Helmets are not only mandatory in the country but a valuable item in a place where traffic rules are made up by the minute. Police have been cracking down on people who do no have a motorcycle license, so expect to pay a fine if caught without one.
-Courtesy of Wikitravel
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods. We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
Travel Health & Hygiene
Is there anything worse than being ill far away from home? Our motto at WorldNomads.com is keep travelling safely, and that means looking after your health as well as your safety. But how do you stay healthy on the road?
Matthew Kepnes, aka "Nomadic Matt", has been travelling around the world since 2006, and apart from the occasional lapse, he keeps on travelling safely, so we invited him to be a guest blogger on WorldNomads.com and share the secret of his health success with us.
Tips from an experienced traveller:
If you travel long enough, you will eventually get sick. It’s one of the worst possible things that could happen on your trip. It’s not only physically draining but you feel down because you are in a beautiful new city and you’re stuck in bed. Luckily, in 4 years of travel, I’ve only been sick a few times. I spent my week in Madrid in bed with the flu. I missed Christmas in Australia because of a fever. I spent a few days in the bathroom because of bad food. But in my experience, if you practice basic health and sanitation common sense, you’ll avoid getting sick.
So, some general health tips for the road that mom would be proud of you for following:
·
Wash Your hands- Dirt and grime are everywhere.
·
Have hand sanitizer- Again, dirt and bacteria are
everywhere. Just following these
two simple things will help cut down the amount of time you are sick
·
Take your vitamins – Most travelers don’t get enough sleep,
they eat poorly, and they drink a lot. Not the best recipe for a healthy
body. Taking a few vitamins can
help keep your body healthy and your energy up.
·
Wash before you cook- There are a lot of pots and pans in
hostel kitchens for you to use. However, most travelers aren’t thorough when
washing dishes. Give them a good rinse before you start using them.
·
Skip the Empty Stalls- Some of the best food is found on the
street stalls of the world. Yet it is also really easy to get sick from these
places. If you find that they are empty, despite the ones nearby being full,
skip them. If the locals aren’t eating there, there is probably a very good reason.
·
Get the Food Extra Cooked- Your stomach might not up to the task of
handling foreign bacteria. Make sure you get your food a bit extra well done to
be on the safe side. When getting meats from street vendors, I have them leave
the food on an extra minute or two. Just to be safe.
Consult your doctor
Make sure you
check with your local doctor for any vaccinations you may need. Typhoid,
Hepatitis, and Tetanus are the basic shots to get and, if you are going to a
malaria zone, make sure you get malaria pills. Traveling in Southeast Asia
usually means you also will need a Japanese Encephalitis shot. For more
information, consult your doctor before you leave. They will have the most up
to date information. In general, it’s important to get all your shots and
treatments before you go because you don’t want to take any chances. Make sure you carry your vaccination
book as some countries want to see it before you enter.
Cheap drugs
Moreover, in many
parts of the world (e.g. Asia, Latin America) it's very easy to resupply
medications over-the-counter (i.e, no prescription needed). After a short visit
to a pharmacy in Bangkok, I had all the emergency antibiotics and stomach
stuff I needed without any prescriptions. Don’t feel like you need to bring a
portable pharmacy with you. If you are really stuck for something on the road,
you can find it. This is 2010 not 1910.
Back to basics
Basic hygiene, a well a balanced diet, and common sense – like avoiding sick people and keeping clean -will go a long way in ensuring you don’t end up spending a week sick in a dorm room, but are out enjoying the trip you’ve spent so long thinking about.
About Nomadic Matt
Matthew Kepnes, originally from Boston USA, has been travelling around the world for the past four years (favourite country: Thailand, favourite city: Amsterdam). He runs the award winning budget travel site Nomadic Matt which has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian UK, AOL's Wallet Pop and yahoo! Finance.
For more information visit his site, subscribe to his blog, or his twice monthly newsletter.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to China
If you’re planning to travel to China, you probably already have a laundry list of things to do in order to prepare for your journey. There are, however, some things you may not have even considered – things which can only be learned after one has already experienced a trip to this beautiful and ancient country.
The following are some of those tips from our awesome Facebook fans:
“Always good to have the name of your hotel written in Chinese characters to give to the taxi driver.”
~ Nueva Viola A. Gacutan
“Learn to say ‘Cesuo zai nali’ (where is the toilet?). Very important. And remember when having soup, it is best to make a slurping sound, a sign of satisfaction and compliments your host and the chef. Silence while having soup seems to insult your host and the chef.”
~ Linus Jc M. Lopez
“Get a cell phone there. It’s very cheap and easy to get a Chinese sim card. You may either text or call a service and they will translate whatever you want to say from English to Chinese (or vice versa). You can call the service and ask for directions for anything and they will either send you a text message with the address in Mandarin or they will ask you to pass the cell phone to the taxi driver and they will explain the driver how to get to wherever you want to go.”
~ Gabriel Nunes Saraiva
“Be careful when you give a banknote to the shop owner. In return they will give you some Ancient East German or Mongolian money.”
~ Tufan Sevincel
“When in a taxi, HOLD ON for dear life! ;-) Haggle prices. Dress warmly for the Great Wall in winter, it's cold! Cars have the right of way, not pedestrians so be careful when crossing the street. Don't drink the coffee at Starbucks... it sucks!”
~ Paula R. Montgomery
Travel to China is certain to be an exciting event. As with any trip to another country, however, there are always things that can only be learned through experience. These simple tips will help make your journey even more unforgettable and help you to better prepare and understand what to expect once you arrive.
What did you learn in China and wish you knew before you went? Leave us a comment...
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.
WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
Update: Information regarding Volcanic Eruption/ Volcanic Ash Clouds
The following information is for Australian & New Zealand policy holders only.
On 15 April 2010, airports across Europe and the United Kingdom grounded flights resulting from volcanic ash clouds in Iceland. Due to this an embargo was put in place for these events from 15 April 2010.
After receiving updated advice informing the risk from these events has now eased, we are happy to resume offering cover, on new policies purchased after 28 July 2010, for Volcanic Eruption and Volcanic Ash Clouds.
Australia and New Zealand Policies
For all policies purchased between 15 April 2010 and 28 July 2010
Policies will not cover events relating to Volcanic Eruption and Volcanic Ash Clouds. These events were excluded when these policies were purchased and there was an ongoing threat of further interruptions was widely reported by the media, customers who purchased a policy were aware of these probable disruptions to airline services.
Policies will provide cover for reasonable cancellation costs incurred as a result of service disruptions from Volcanic Eruption and Volcanic Ash Clouds. The cover is subject to certain conditions, exclusions and limitations that are detailed in the Product Disclosure Statement.
If you make a claim, you must provide us with written confirmation from your airline that your flight was cancelled, the specific reason for the cancellation, confirmation of what your original trip plans were and itemised accounts for any cancellation costs incurred by you.
Important Note
- In some circumstances there may be limitations of cover or exclusions that apply to your individual situation that means that we are not able to provide financial assistance.
- You should check your Product Disclosure Statement and any endorsements we have provided to you for full terms and conditions that apply to your policy.
Contact us
Should you have any further enquiries please refer to your Product Disclosure Statement and Certificate of Insurance or contact our Customer Service team on 1300 787 375 if in Australia or +61 2 8263 0400 while overseas or email infoAUS@worldnomads.com or infoNZL@worldnomads.com or our Hotline: 1300 208 998 or +61 2 8263 0491
Thailand Political Situation - Travel Alert Update
What's happening?
The Thai government on July 29, 2010 lifted the State of Emergency decree from a further 6 provinces, but the order remains in force in 10 provinces, including the capital, Bangkok.
The decree, which was imposed on 23 provinces last April during "redshirts" protests, prohibits gatherings of 5 or more people, allows the imposition of a curfew, censorship of the media, detention without charge, and allows the government to quickly move troops onto the streets to quash any protest. In May, when authorities moved against protesters, 8 people died and 150 were injured.
Last Tuesday, responding to a bomb blast in downtown Bangkok on Sunday July 25th, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said emergency rule would remain in the capital for the foreseeable future.
The blast, at a bus stop in the same commercial district occupied by Redshirts during the recent troubles, killed one person and injured 10 others and coincided with a by-election.
A day after the latest relaxation of emergency decree, another grenade exploded in central Bangkok, seriously injuring a refuse collector.
The device, in a plastic garbage bag, exploded around 1:30am opposite the King Power shopping centre in Soi Rang Nam on Phayathai Road in the Ratchathewi district.
There's a useful map detailing the location of incidents.
Follow WorldNomads.com travelsafety alerts on twitter for updates.
How does this affect travellers?
The 10 provinces STILL under emergency law are:
Bangkok, Chiangmai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chiangrai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Smut Prakan.
Visitors to these provinces may be stopped by authorities at checkpoints. It is a legal requirement to carry identification with you at all times in Thailand. A driver's license with a photo, or a photocopy of your passport will do.
What's the official government advice?
In June, the Australian government through its smartraveller site amended its "Do Not Travel" advice for Thailand to "Exercise a High Degree of Caution" in response to the end of the "Redshirts" protests and normalisation of activity. Other foreign governments made similar changes. It's not expected that advice will change in light of the more recent events.
However, you should check your government's travel advice on a regular basis.
What should you do?
- Avoid public gatherings or demonstrations, and areas where you see police or military movement.
- Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of police and military.
- If you suspect unrest or violence has broken out close to you, remain in your hotel room and follow the instructions of staff, police and military authorities.
- In Bangkok, exercise extreme caution while moving around areas which were part of the Redshirts protests, as they appear to be the focal point of further unrest.
- Advise friends and family of your location via phone, email or on your travel blog, just in case the situation deteriorates.
How does this affect my travel insurance?
Frankly, it doesn't. At present none of the provinces covered by the state of emergency (including Bangkok) are subject to foreign government advice to "do not travel", so there are no special conditions on your policy at this time, regardless of when or where you bought it.
Graham Kingaby,Insurance Director for WorldNomads.com, says "If you are innocently caught up in an incident - there's a spontaneous riot or demonstration, another grenade explodes or there's a sudden eruption of violence - generally your insurer will look after you. Just don't go looking for trouble, don't get involved in or go to watch a protest, and certainly don't go looking for unexploded grenades in former protest sites." As always, take time to read the policy to make sure the cover is right for you.
However, there are other parts of Thailand where foreign office or government "do not travel" advice does apply. These are the southernmost provinces Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla where a separatist insurgency continues. Your World Nomads Travel Insurance policy may not cover you if you travel to these provinces.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods. We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships. Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
WorldNomads.com <http://www.worldnomads.com/> - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
Insect Repellent & Sun Block: which goes first?
If you’re in a country that requires you to apply sunblock, there’s a good chance you’ll also need to apply insect repellent.
There are many old traveller’s tales warning if you apply them in the wrong order you'll neutralise one, the other, or both!
A bit like the ‘milk in first?’ debate for tea drinkers, the travel medicine community has been discussing this dilemma for years. So what’s the truth?
The Adventure Doc, Dr Erik McLaughlin MD - worldnomads.com’s roving medico - has been looking at the latest research:
DEET and Sunscreen Together:
The debate on application of sunscreen with DEET is an old one.
Using DEET insect repellent with sunscreen decreases the effectiveness of the sunblock by about 30-40%. So if using both at the same time, be prepared to re-apply sunscreen more often than if using sunscreen alone.
There
are several commercial products that combine DEET and sunscreen into one cream
or lotion. These are generally not as good as using two separate
products.
Which one applied first?
For several years, the Travel Medicine community has preached application of sunscreen first and then DEET applied over the sunscreen.
This information comes from the CDC Yellow Book. Put the sun block on first, allow a period of about 5-10 minutes to allow the sunscreen to dry, prior to applying DEET insect repellent.
This new advice, from the International Society of Travel Medicine, says to apply the DEET first and the sunscreen after. This has prompted a good discussion and a look at the evidence for both sides... or lack of evidence.
Evidence, what evidence?
Simply, there is not good evidence for application of sunscreen before or after DEET based insect repellent.
One
of the experts in the discussion believes that the order in which the two
products are applied has little effect on the decreased efficacy of
sunblock. This decreased protective effect of sunblock when used with
DEET is unavoidable.
The
doctor then went on to hypothesize that the sunscreen applied over the DEET
might interfere with the evaporation of the DEET, thus lowering its ability to
repel mosquitoes. He is also quick to point out that he has not found
decent literature to back this statement.
The other belief is that DEET might be less absorbed by the skin if sunscreen were applied first, protecting the skin. Obviously, the goal is to reduce the skin's absorption of DEET as much as possible. This is also another theory without decent evidence.
Basically, there is no clear, decent evidence that supports these ideas.
Real Life Application
This should raise the issue that a decent study needs to be done, examining this issue.
Lacking decent evidence, Travel Doctors should be cautious about sticking to the old advice of sunscreen before DEET and inform their traveling patients that the data is unclear.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com http://www.worldnomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance http://www.worldnomads.com/insurance.aspx you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice http://journals.worldnomads.com/safetyhub/ .We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog http://www.worldnomads.com/get-a-free-travel-blog.aspx, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides http://journals.worldnomads.com/language-guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship http://journals.worldnomads.com/scholarships and donate to a local community development project http://footprints.worldnomads.com/ through our Footprints program.
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5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Bhutan
Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, is a destination that few travelers make it to. With stunning natural scenery, a harmonious society, and a strong sense of culture and tradition the Kingdom of Bhutan has been referred to as "The Last Shangrila."
The following is a small collection of things to keep in mind when traveling to the kingdom of Bhutan.
1. Car cautions
It is advisable to avoid public transportation. To avoid being a victim of motor vehicle trauma, which is very common in Bhutan, it is recommended to wear seatbelts and avoid night driving in the mountainous roads of Bhutan that have poor visibility and so many blind bends. Persons traveling by car and 4WD should always be aware to NOT leave valuables inside when parking in tourist sites and villages.
-Prem K. Khatri, Ace the Himalaya
2. Off the mobile
Our mobile phones were not functioning in Bhutan. Since Bhutan is not a common visiting place, Turkey’s GSM operators don't have a roaming contract with Bhutan’s GSM operators. We were completely disconnected. The “real” world was far, far away and I took this situation as an opportunity and blessing. Yet, this is a warning for those people attached to their phones who cannot live without them.
-"ozalp", Virtual Tourist
3. Dzong dress up
When you enter a Dzong (one part temple, one part municipal office), make sure you are dressed properly. Not that you can't wear jeans, but you're not supposed to wear your jacket on your waist, or have your jacket unbuttoned or unzippered.
-"illa", Virtual Tourist
4. Carry cash (or cheques)
There are no credit or debit card ATMs in Bhutan except for the locals. For convenience, it is preferable to have travelers cheques or cash.
-Prem K. Khatri, Ace the Himalaya
5. Tackling the Tiger's Nest
Many travelers want to hike to the top of the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ which is 3,000 meters which is nearly 10,000 feet in elevation. It’s a good idea to bring a telescoping hiking pole. Be sure to drink lots of water before, during and after the hike. And with Bhutan’s typically crystal clear air, be sure to bring your UV coated sunglasses.
-Mark Campbell, Solaia Consulting
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods. We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
Scared of Flying?- Some Safety Tips
Flying - it’s an essential part of travel, but do you ever get a little bit afraid? Passengers on a Qantas flight out of San Francisco in August 2010 had every right to show a little fear – one of the engines exploded, ripping a hole in the engine cowling and sending flames shooting into the night.
Hardly surprising when you realize what’s going on inside the engine: highly flammable fuel is being pulverised in a maelstrom of air which has been blasted through the intake at 900 km/h, super-heated to an intense 2000 degrees Celsius, squeezed close to atom-smashing pressure, and then thrust into the near vacuum of the troposphere with enough energy to propel a 400 tonne aluminum tube through the air. (Scared now?).
Engine Failure.
In reality, at 30,000 ft, where this aircraft was, the engine is cruising along efficiently, sipping fuel. Technically speaking it could have continued its trans-Pacific flight safely on 3 engines. Even one functioning engine can keep a jumbo in the air, but doesn’t leave much margin for error. The safe thing to do was go back to San Francisco and try again with a fully functioning plane the next day. The passengers seemed to agree with this decision, they cheered when they landed.
Most engine failures happen not at cruising altitude, but during take-off when the engine is under great stress and a part is likely to fail, or because of bird strike. Remember the Hero of the Hudson, who ditched his aircraft into the New York river in 2009 after a double bird strike?
It was a dramatic incident, and the fact no one was killed is testament to the skill of the Captain Chesley Sullenberger. Recordings of his conversations with air traffic controllers during the emergency reveal how calm and professional he was. They also show how everyone involved was doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safety of the people aboard. Very reassuring.
How safe is flying?
What are the chances you’ll be killed in a scheduled passenger air service? Well, someone’s actually worked it out.
A study published in the August 2010 edition of the Journal of Transportation Science puts the risk at 1 in 3 million.
But (there’s always a but) that’s an average. The real figure is higher or lower, depending on where you’re flying.
In first world industrialized nations, like the US, Japan and Canada, the figure is a reassuring 1 in 14 million.
In middle-ranking nations, like Singapore, South Korea, Brazil and China, it’s 1 in 2 million.
In developing nations, the death risk per flight is 1 in 800,000.
Given you’re reading this on a travel site, you’re most likely an avid traveller, and there's a good chance you’ll be taking a few flights in those more risky developing nations. So how does 1 in 800,000 compare to other dangers?
The risk of being killed in an auto accident in one year in the US is about 1 in 6500. Multiply that over your lifetime and it’s about 1 in 83.
Flying is sounding a whole lot safer now, right?
Accidents Do Happen.
What should you do if there is an engine failure at take-off? You read the safety card while the plane was on the tarmac, right? Do it next time.
If you didn’t notice the loud bang and the flames coming from the engine, if the shuddering of the aircraft escaped you, if the screams of the other passengers can’t be heard through your headphones (this is why you are told to switch off music players), if you haven’t noticed you’re getting closer to the ground – the first indication something’s wrong will be when the pilot comes over the intercom and says “Brace! Brace! Brace!”
You should brace now.
"Brace" means brace for
impact. Head on your knees or the seat in front of you, grip your ankles with your feet flat on the floor. This is to stop your limbs flailing
around on impact, reducing injury and making it more likely you’ll be in fit
shape to make your escape.
(It is NOT true the brace position will kill you faster but make it easier for rescuers to identify your body parts. That’s a nasty, cynical, disturbing myth).
Have a look out the window, if you’ve landed on water you’ll need your life jacket, otherwise leave it, don’t waste time getting it.
Most likely it’ll be dark, smoky, bags will have fallen out of storage bins, people may be crying and screaming. It’ll be chaotic. Or it may not – many times survivors have reported it was eerily calm.
The crew and passengers will be opening the emergency exits, automatically deploying the escape slides.
Leave your bags and possessions behind. Of course you counted the number of rows to the nearest exit when you took your seat – follow the floor lights. Shoes off. Jump down the escape slide feet first. Move away from the aircraft, about 150 metres upwind, but don’t wander off, wait for help.
Chances of Surviving.
In his book “Beyond the Black Box: The Forensics of Airplane Crashes” (nice!), author George Bibel takes the example of the DC-10, an aircraft with not a great safety record.
Of the 446 delivered, 27 of them were involved in crashes that led to “total hull loss.” Overall in these crashes, 69% of all passengers and crew members survived. If you throw out the three worst crashes, the survival rate is nearly 90%.
The airlines will tell you there’s no guaranteed "safe” seat on a plane, but the statistics do give you a clue to seat preference.
In first and business class only 49% survive a fatal crash. (But they get a better quality of champagne to toast their impending departure).
Back in cattle-class, 56% forward of the wing and the same number over the wing survive.
Down the back of the bus, the rear of the cabin, the survival rate is 69%, so stop whining about being last off the plane at your destination.
I’m still afraid of flying.
Oh, come on, you’re being irrational now! Just joking, rationality has nothing to do with it, and ramming statistics down your throat won’t do anything to address your anxiety.
Don’t take medication to calm down before a flight. In the very unlikely event something goes wrong, you’ll need to be alert and ready to go (I know, that only makes you more afraid!).
Most major airlines run “fear of flying” courses where they address these problems and help you get over your concerns. Usually they’re free, and very successful so give it a shot.
The author, Phil Sylvester, is a travel safety specialist at WorldNomads.com
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
Being Safe and Cautious When Travelling
Traveling, as anything in life, can have some risks involved. We always question ourselves, What if “blank” happens? Well, there’s always a “what if…” on our mind but if we are cautious we can prevent those “what if’s” from happening and have an amazing trip!
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with fellow travelers you met on your way; there are basic precautions and approaches you should try to keep your trip as safe as possible while still having a good time. Our friend Norbert Figueroa from Globotreks shares his tips.
First and foremost, be cautious.
We all want to explore everything, but use your common sense. If you see a desolate area that doesn’t seem too safe, stay away from it. Or at least don’t go by yourself. If you have a local host at your destination, have them go with you; they might know how safe or not the area is. Also, try not walking by yourself on dangerous-looking alleys or late at night.
Be as friendly as you can, but don’t be a simple open book.
If hanging with fellow travelers you met on the way, no matter how friendly they are, keep in mind that they are virtually strangers. So, be careful what you share with them and how you share it.
You should be alert and pay attention to your surroundings.
That includes people too. Always keep an eye on your stuff so you don’t become an easy target to pickpocketers and thieves.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do…
I know you’ve heard that one before. Right? Well, the phrase says it all. This helps from attracting the wrong attention or from unknowingly insulting a different culture.
Try being inconspicuous.
Of course that big backpack on your back doesn’t help achieve this, right? But, when not carrying your backpack try looking as less touristy as you can. It’s kind of cliché to have that tourist look by wearing the “I love NY” (or whatever destination) t-shirt and by wearing that big flag patch from your country on your bag. You know… dress as you would dress normally back at home and dress appropriately for the place (i.e. sacred places, museums, etc.).
There’s nothing better than being confident while traveling.
This is key to any traveler. Be confident or at least fake it. Act like you know where you are even if you don’t. Even though there’s nothing wrong with this, but flapping your map in the middle of a crowded street will definitely attract some attention, specially the scammers’ attention. Doing that just made you an easy target. So, if you need some direction, ask someone (still with confidence) or go inside a store or café and peek your map.
Always be polite.
Not only it’s a good manner but also a way to have a good standing among other people. Don’t offend the locals with rude and crass behavior. You don’t have to be goody two-shoes but at least have a common sense of behavior.
So, these are just some “safety and approach” tips that will help you have a fun and amazing trip while being safe and cautious. After all, you are traveling to have fun, right? Thought so… Being cautious is not about restricting yourself, it is about having common sense. Exercise it!
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.
Get inspired: Read more stories from WorldNomads.com and keep travelling safely.
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Ski Safety - Staying Safe on the Snow
Ski season in the southern hemisphere, and you can choose to go ‘down under’ in Australia or New Zealand, or take your snow with a Latin American flavour at Portillo in Chile (only an hour from Santiago) and Bariloche in Argentina.
Wherever you go it pays to follow a few tips, to make sure your trip doesn’t end in icy tears.
Rule number one, ski, or board, to your ability. If you’re not ready for a black run, don’t try it (and don’t let your mates talk you into it).
The statistics tell the tale; most injuries happen to novice skiers, on the first day of their trip, on the beginner’s slope. Like the first-time skier hobbling from the medical centre who declared to concerned onlookers she’d torn her crucial ligament. Well, it is crucial to skiing, but medically speaking it’s the anterior cruciate ligament, a dense sinewy bit inside the knee which stops the femur and the tibia from floating around independently (ouch!). She was a typical ski injury; going home before her holiday had really begun.
At Australia’s Perisher Blue, which has great facilities for first-time skiers, the President of the ski patrol, Peter Kaim, says a ‘gung-ho’ attitude with skiers who’ve never had a lesson is a recipe for trouble.
“The most common injuries are broken wrists and dislocated shoulders for boarders, knees for skiers. The best advice I can give is read the Alpine responsibility code”, he says.
Alpine Responsibility Code
The code’s first two points are 'ski in control' and 'get lessons', but it also lays out a few rules of the road, which apply to experienced skiers as well as novices:
· As you ski downhill, give way to skiers below you as you overtake.
· Don’t stop where trails merge or you can’t be seen from above.
· When entering a trail, look uphill and give way.
· Don’t ski or board if you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol
Follow the rules, or risk losing your lift pass, the ski patrol will take it away if you’re being an idiot.
Ski Insurance
By the way, injure yourself while affected by drugs or alcohol and your travel insurance won’t pick up the bill.
In fact, do anything where you deliberately put yourself in danger (like jumping off that cornice that’s been closed all winter) and you’re on your own.
Given that any medical treatment at a ski resort will involve an ambulance ride, and possibly air evacuation to an off-mountain hospital, it could be expensive.
Stay within the resort boundaries, stay within the rules, and you’ll be covered.
You might even get back pre-paid costs of lift passes and lessons if your injury keeps you off the snow for a just day or two. You can pick-up where you left off and not be out of pocket.
It’s rare to see an experienced skier or boarder in the medical centre, because the incidence of injury declines dramatically with skill, which is just another reason to sign-up with the ski school.
But with experience comes responsibility. Sure, you’re good enough to try that pristine powder on the heli-ski trip. Maybe you can pull off that full-double-full-full, but make sure you stick it, because what's called "high risk snow activity" is not covered by most insurance (that includes heli-skiing, ski acrobatics, snowmobiling and any motorised assisted skiing, plus ski-joreing - being towed by a horse. No, seriously, it's a sport!).
Back to Peter Kaim at Perisher, who says being safe is a matter of common sense. “But it’s surprising how many people leave common sense behind when they get on the snow.”
Put A Lid On It
Peter’s also an advocate of helmets. “We recommend them, and more and more resorts, especially in the U.S. are considering making them compulsory.” He says.
“I was called to help a skier who’d fallen and hit his head on a rock. He required stitches, but if he’d been wearing a helmet I wouldn’t have been needed there at all.”
Drive Safe - Ski Safe
The number one danger to skiers and boarders isn’t on the snow… it’s the drive to the snowfields. If you’re staying off-mountain, the drive down rapidly freezing roads after a hard day’s skiing is fraught with danger.
In Australia where people will drive for five or six hours after work on a Friday night to get a weekend on the snow, extra care is needed. Take your time, have breaks every couple of hours or share the driving. Slow down on winding mountain roads, and watch out for shaded parts of the road where ice may form. Make sure you have snow chains AND you know how to fit them.
There are more great safety tips, including advice on how to spot and treat hypothermia and what to do if you’re lost, available from snowsafe.
Keep skiing safely.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods. We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
Jamaica - re-issued alert for Kingston
The US State Department re-issued its travel alert for Kingston, Jamaica and surrounding areas on 24 June 2010, warning its citizens of the possibility of continuing sporadic violence.
The government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency for West Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine's Parish, which includes Old Spanish Town, as they continue to seek out criminal gangs and their supporters.
The emergency was sparked on 23 May 2010 when Jamaican police and military personnel began an operation to arrest alleged drugs and weapons trafficker Christopher "Dudus" Coke. The clashes resulted in an estimated 73 deaths.
Coke has been arrested and faces extradition to the U.S. but police operations against criminal gangs continue.
The U.S. State department warns that further violent clashes are likely to break out without warning. The airport may be closed at short notice. Read the travel alert here.
A number of other foreign governments have advised their citizens to reconsider their need to travel to Kingston at this time, and to exercise a high degree of caution while in Jamaica generally. Check with your airline or travel provider.
The WorldNomads SafetyHub Blog has detailed survival tips information for travellers caught up in this or other natural disasters here.
Avoiding civil unrest
- Avoid public gatherings or demonstrations, and areas where you see police or military movement.
- Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of police and military.
- If you suspect unrest or violence has broken out close to you, remain in your hotel room and follow the instructions of staff, police and military authorities.
- Keep an eye on airline websites if you are travelling through Kingston to find out about travel disruptions or redirections.
- Advise friends and family of your location via phone, email or on your travel blog, just in case the situation deteriorates.
What is the official Govt Travel Advice?
This data can change frequently, so please check your local Government's travel advisory website. Also, register with your foreign affairs department or Consulate so they can easily find you in the event of an emergency.
How will this affect my travel insurance?
For World Nomads policy holders, please check your policy wording to ensure you know what is covered (and not covered) or contact us for advice:
Australia & New ZealandFor policies underwritten by Allianz purchased on or before 30 Nov 2009 - Click Here for policy wording and contact 1300 729 467 (within Australia), 0800 630 117 (within New Zealand) or +61 7 3305 7499 (reverse charges while overseas) worldnomads@mondial-assistance.com.au
For polices underwritten by Lloyd's purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009 - Click Here for policy wording and contact 1300 625 229 (within Australia), 0800 807 717 (within New Zealand) or +61 2 8263 0487 (while overseas) travelclaims@cerberusspecialrisks.com.au
United Kingdom & Ireland
United Kingdom Customers - Click Here for your policy wording and contact World Nomads Claims UK +44 (0)845 643 2629
Ireland Customers - Click Here for your policy wording and contact info@csal.co.uk World Nomads Claims Ireland +44 (0)1702 427 202 info@csal.co.uk
United States
United States Customers - Click Here for policy wording or contact World Nomads Claims US 1.800.654.1908 (toll free within US)
+1.804.281.5700 (Collect) AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Canada
Canadian Customers - Click Here for your policy wording or contact World Nomads Claims Canada +1 (519) 342 4947 infocanada@worldaccess.com
Other Countries
Other Country Customers - Click Here for your policy wording or contact World Nomads Claims +45 33 15 33 00 emergency@ihi.com
The WorldNomads.com website will continue to monitor this situation in the SafetyHub blog.
Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com- an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
Brazil floods UPDATE
UPDATE: Thursday 24 June 2010
The military and state rescue services are continuing attempts to reach towns cut off by floods which followed several days of torrential rain in Brazil's north-east.
The floods have affected Alagoas and Pernambuco provinces, with communities along the Mundau River which runs through Alagoas state the worst hit. AFP reports Rio Largo, 40 kms (25 miles) from the state capital, Maceio, was all but destroyed when a swollen dam burst, sending a torrent of water through the town.
With roads and railways washed away, food and emergency supplies are being delivered by boat and helicopter to the many thousands made homeless. Estimates vary, but between 40,000 and 180,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.
The number of confirmed dead has risen to 45, but with hundreds still unaccounted for the toll is expected to rise.
There has been 40 cm (13 inches) of rain in the past four days, and more is expected.
Issues for travellers:
Clean Water:
Widespread flooding often also contaminates clean water supplies - when the sewers fill up, everything just flows out.
Frequent hand washing helps keep germs at bay. (If a traveler becomes unwell within six weeks of returning home and has fever, rash, respiratory illness or any other unusual symptoms, advise a physician of having just returned from a disaster-affected region.)
Drink only bottled, boiled or disinfected water. For more information refer to the CDC website.
Getting out:
Follow all advice from either your medical assistance service and/or local emergency service team and authorities to move to safe zones or transport to take you to the airport for evacuation.
What is happening to me and who do I call?
- It is important to remember that the situation you are in can be extremely stressful.
- Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations.
- Call home and your country's Consulate or Embassy to let them know where you are, if you are alright and if you need any assistance.
If you become unwell within 6 weeks of returning with fever, rash, respiratory illness or any other unusual symptoms seek medical attention and tell them that you were recently in a Disaster affected region.
Advice for World Nomads policy holders:
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders).Please have your name, location and phone number ready when you call (and policy number if available)
Emergency assistance numbers for World Nomads policy holders:
Australian and New Zealand travellers (Specialty Assist for policies purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009):
Email: operations@specialty-assist.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7405
Australian and New Zealand travellers (Mondial Assistance Australia policies purchased prior to Dec 1, 2009):
Email: medicalnotes@mondial-assistance.com.au
Telephone: +61 7 3305 7499 (While overseas, reverse charges)
Telephone: 1300 729 467 (Within Australia)
Telephone: 0800 630 117 (Within New Zealand)
UK travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@specialty-group.com OR assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 845 643 2628
Irish travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7403
USA travellers (Access America):
Email: AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Telephone: +1-877-257-8108 (toll free within US)
Telephone: +1-804-281-5789 (Collect)
Canadian travellers (Mondial Assistance Canada):
Email: nomad.inquiries@mondial-assistance.ca
Telephone: +1-866-759-2892 toll-free from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island or
Telephone: +1-519-342-4947 collect from anywhere else in the world
For all other travellers (ihi Bupa):
Email: emergency@ihi.com
Telephone: +45 33 15 33 00 (not toll free))
Read more from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
Brazil flooding in north-east: advice for travellers
Overview of the situation
Several days of heavy rain has sparked severe flooding in north-eastern Brazil. 31 people are confirmed dead, thousands are missing, and 40,000 people are homeless in the states of Pernambucco and Alagoas.
A spokesman said 1,000 people are missing in Alagoas, 500 from the town of Uniao dos Palmares alone.
Alagoas is a popular summer destination because of its many beaches, but visitor numbers decline during winter.
Thousands of kilometers of roads have been washed away, hindering rescue and aid operations.
More rain is predicted for the region.
From BBC News and CNN Tuesday 22 June, 2010
Issues for travellers
Clean Water:
Widespread flooding often also contaminates clean water supplies - when the sewers fill up, everything just flows out.
Frequent hand washing helps keep germs at bay. (If a traveler becomes unwell within six weeks of returning home and has fever, rash, respiratory illness or any other unusual symptoms, advise a physician of having just returned from a disaster-affected region.)
Drink only bottled, boiled or disinfected water. For more information refer to the CDC website.
Getting out:
Follow all advice from either your medical assistance service and/or local emergency service team and authorities to move to safe zones or transport to take you to the airport for evacuation.
Issues for travellers:
What is happening to me and who do I call?
- It is important to remember that the situation you are in can be extremely stressful.
- Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations.
- Call home and your country's Consulate or Embassy to let them know where you are, if you are alright and if you need any assistance.
If you become unwell within 6 weeks of returning with fever, rash, respiratory illness or any other unusual symptoms seek medical attention and tell them that you were recently in a Disaster affected region.
Advice for World Nomads policy holders:
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders).Please have your name, location and phone number ready when you call (and policy number if available)
Emergency assistance numbers for World Nomads policy holders:
Australian and New Zealand travellers (Specialty Assist for policies purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009):
Email: operations@specialty-assist.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7405
Australian and New Zealand travellers (Mondial Assistance Australia policies purchased prior to Dec 1, 2009):
Email: medicalnotes@mondial-assistance.com.au
Telephone: +61 7 3305 7499 (While overseas, reverse charges)
Telephone: 1300 729 467 (Within Australia)
Telephone: 0800 630 117 (Within New Zealand)
UK travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@specialty-group.com OR assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 845 643 2628
Irish travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7403
USA travellers (Access America):
Email: AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Telephone: +1-877-257-8108 (toll free within US)
Telephone: +1-804-281-5789 (Collect)
Canadian travellers (Mondial Assistance Canada):
Email: nomad.inquiries@mondial-assistance.ca
Telephone: +1-866-759-2892 toll-free from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island or
Telephone: +1-519-342-4947 collect from anywhere else in the world
For all other travellers (ihi Bupa):
Email: emergency@ihi.com
Telephone: +45 33 15 33 00 (not toll free))
Read more from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
Travel Alert - G20 Toronto Canada
The G20 summit is being held at Toronto's Metro Convention Center on June 26 - 27 2010. There are plans for demonstrations and protests by groups opposed to the event. At past summits these demonstrations have turned violent.
A protest group has already firebombed a Bank of Canada branch in Ottawa, and announced it intends to disrupt the G20 meeting.
The Metro Convention Center is adjacent to Toronto's entertainment district and the landmark, CN Tower. Both of these locations are immediately outside a secure perimeter established by police (map). Expect increased security measures around this perimeter. Local authorities are also warning of significant traffic disruption.
Several countries, including the US, have warned their citizens to avoid the downtown area during the summit.
If you are in the vicinity you should avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, and follow the instructions of police and security officials.
Generally, travel insurance policies will not cover you if you actively participate in the protests, or disregard the instructions of law enforcement officers.
There is also a G8 summit on June 25 - 26 2010 in Huntsville, Ontario.
Large scale protests are not expected at this venue, but visitors should exercise caution during that time and ensure their personal safety by avoiding public gatherings. You should follow the instructions of law enforcement agencies at all times.
UPDATE: Thailand political situation
A number of countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia have downgraded travel warnings for Thailand, but are still urging visitors to exercise a high degree of caution throughout the country, especially Bangkok, because of ongoing political instability.
A state of emergency remains in force in the capital and 23 provinces 3 weeks after violent confrontations with anti-government “Red Shirt” protesters, but a nighttime curfew has been lifted.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, said there was no fear of immediate flare-ups by the “Red Shirts” protesters, but the state of emergency would remain in force.
There have been a number of peaceful public events in central Bangkok in recent weeks, encouraging Thais and foreigners to return to shopping and restaurant areas affected by the clashes.
Despite this, commentators warn there are many unresolved issues and elements of the “Red Shirts” movement, dissatisfied with the outcome of the last protests, may re-group.
As a consequence visitors should be aware that political, potentially violent, demonstrations may erupt at any time.
They are urged to continue to monitor the situation through local media, to stay away from public gatherings, avoid unnecessary visits to government buildings, and to follow the advice of Thai authorities.
In accordance with the state of emergency, some civil liberties have been suspended, and visitors are warned they may be subject to security checks at military roadblocks and government buildings.
*Provinces under the declared state of emergency:
Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chaiyaphum, Chonburi (including Pattaya), Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Maha Sarakam, Mukdahan, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Rachasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Nong Bua Lambu, Roi Et, Sri Saket, Sakon Nakhon, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakarn (including Suvarnabhumi International Airport), Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.
Top 10 Medical Tips for Travelling to the 2010 World Cup
1.Visit your doctor
Visit your local doctor one month prior to your intended trip departure date. To discuss your travel plans, accommodation and potential health concerns or risks at your destination country
2. Get your immunizations up to date
Discuss with your doctor or a Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (TMVC) about the current immunisation recommendations for South Africa. Currently these include consideration for immunisation against the following diseases Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR Vaccine), Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT, Bostrix), Polio, Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid may be advisable.
If you intend to travel and a lot of your time will be in rural South Africa involving camping or hiking then you should discuss the option of a rabies immunisation with your health care professional.
Malaria is also present in Mpumalanga Province, Limpopo (Northern) Province, and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal as far south as the Tugela River and is present in Kruger National Park; if you are traveling to these areas you may which to consider obtaining anti-malarial medication from your doctor or International Travel Vaccination Centre
Further information can be found at the CDC website or the Travel Doctor
3. Consider a Flu Vaccination
Consider having your seasonal flu & H1N1 immunisation prior to your travel. Discuss this with your Healthcare provider. There will be people coming from around the world to South Africa, it may no longer be the flu season in your home country but other travellers could carry the flu virus. Take a small bottle of an alcohol based hand rub or hand hygiene on the go and regularly wash your hands with soap and fresh water. Remember cough etiquette, use a tissue and dispose of it appropriately.
4. Pack insect repellent
Take DEET insect repellent to keep away the flying insects which may carry dengue fever and malaria. Ensure you wear long sleeved shirts and pants. Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn which is the time most flying insects are out and about.
5. Pack a first aid kit
Pack a first aid kit or Travel Emergency Medical Kit which includes sterile dressings, gloves and with medication for diarrhoea (Over the counter) which you can obtain at your local pharmacy.
6. Carry your medications in your hand luggage
Carry enough of your medications for the duration of your trip and another two weeks supply in case of unexpected circumstances. Keep your medication in the original packaging. Be sure to follow security guidelines at all airports. Always take a letter from your local doctor listing the medication you are carrying and that they have been prescribed for your use. Some medications may be prohibited in some countries so it is recommended that you contact the South African consulate or embassy for further information.
Carry your medication in your carry on board bag. Do not place it in your suit case in the hold of the aircraft. Suitcases’ frequently go missing and your medication may not be available at your destination which can cause you a lot of undue stress and concern.
7. If you get sick, see a health care professional
If you develop a fever and diarrhoea you should see a health care professional as soon as possible, and call your World Nomads Emergency Assistance Phone number for advice. Cholera does occur in South Africa, usually in rural areas, however there have been periodical outbreaks in other locations.
8. Drink bottled water
Take care with your food and water; always wash your hands before eating. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Don’t drink from fountains or tap water and avoid ice cubes. Remember it is safe to eat if you can cook it, peel it or boil the food before you eat it.
9. If it's not on it's not on!
Always observe safe sex practices, this means always use a condom and/or dental dam. HIV infection rates are known to be very high in South Africa, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases. You don’t want to bring home an unwanted surprise disease.
10. Take out travel insurance
Don’t forget to take out Travel insurance before you go as you never know when you may need it and medical costs overseas can be expensive. If you feel unwell contact your travel insurance medical assistance company as soon as possible. Make sure you keep a copy of your policy on you at all times. World Nomads Travel Insurance medical assistance companies have a toll free number and can also receive collect call. Remember they are open 24-hours a day. They can provide you with emergency information and help in obtaining emergency medical assistance.
Important Phone Numbers for South Africa
Contact details for emergencies:
Emergency telephone numbers are for exactly that - emergencies - so don't clog up these vital lines with general or non-emergency calls.
10111 - Nationwide Emergency Response
- Dial the telephone number 10111 from anywhere in South Africa.
- A call centre operator will answer the incoming call, take all necessary particulars and assign the complaint to a Flying Squad patrol vehicle, or the local police station, to attend the incident.
011 37 55 911 - City of Johannesburg Emergency Connect
- 24-hour emergency services relating to all-life threatening situations, including ambulances, fire engines and metro police.
- Appropriately qualified
Government numbers:
086001-0111 - Report a crime
080011-2040 - Report unfair conduct by a government official
080060-0933 - Report corruption in or out of government
(012) 320-0431 - Report unfair conduct by police
080001-2322 - HIV/AIDS support
0800 002587 (toll free) - Joburg Anti-Corruption Unit
Kingston Jamaica - Civil Unrest
Overview of the situation
Jamaican defence forces and police are involved in an operation to arrest an alleged drug baron and weapons trafficker wanted in the USA, resulting in widespread unrest in the capital, including gun battles which have claimed as many as 60 lives since Sunday May 23rd.
The fighting has intermittently closed the Norman Manley International Airport. (Check with your airline or travel provider if you plan to transit through the airport in the next few days.)
On May 24th the US State Department issued a warning to its citizens to stay away from Kingston and its surrounds.
Other nations are considering their response and may issue their own warnings.
As of May 25th (local time) there were no reports of unrest spreading to major tourist areas.
The WorldNomads SafetyHub Blog has detailed survival tips information for travellers caught up in this or other natural disasters here.
Avoiding civil unrest
- Avoid public gatherings or demonstrations, and areas where you see police or military movement.
- Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of police and military.
- If you suspect unrest or violence has broken out close to you, remain in your hotel room and follow the instructions of staff, police and military authorities.
- Keep an eye on airline websites if you are travelling through Kingston to find out about travel disruptions or redirections.
- Advise friends and family of your location via phone, email or on your travel blog, just in case the situation deteriorates.
What is the official Govt Travel Advice?
This data can change frequently, so please check your local Government's travel advisory website. Also, register with your foreign affairs department or Consulate so they can easily find you in the event of an emergency.
How will this affect my travel insurance?
For World Nomads policy holders, please check your policy wording to ensure you know what is covered (and not covered) or contact us for advice:
Australia & New ZealandFor policies underwritten by Allianz purchased on or before 30 Nov 2009 - Click Here for policy wording and contact 1300 729 467 (within Australia), 0800 630 117 (within New Zealand) or +61 7 3305 7499 (reverse charges while overseas) worldnomads@mondial-assistance.com.au
For polices underwritten by Lloyd's purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009 - Click Here for policy wording and contact 1300 625 229 (within Australia), 0800 807 717 (within New Zealand) or +61 2 8263 0487 (while overseas) travelclaims@cerberusspecialrisks.com.au
United Kingdom & Ireland
United Kingdom Customers - Click Here for your policy wording and contact World Nomads Claims UK +44 (0)845 643 2629
Ireland Customers - Click Here for your policy wording and contact info@csal.co.uk World Nomads Claims Ireland +44 (0)1702 427 202 info@csal.co.uk
United States
United States Customers - Click Here for policy wording or contact World Nomads Claims US 1.800.654.1908 (toll free within US)
+1.804.281.5700 (Collect) AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Canada
Canadian Customers - Click Here for your policy wording or contact World Nomads Claims Canada +1 (519) 342 4947 infocanada@worldaccess.com
Other Countries
Other Country Customers - Click Here for your policy wording or contact World Nomads Claims +45 33 15 33 00 emergency@ihi.com
The WorldNomads.com website will continue to monitor this situation in the SafetyHub blog.
Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com- an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
Cuban Health Insurance Requirements - Information
Following is updated travel information regarding travel to Cuba provided by the Cuban Government:
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS TO CUBA AS AT: 01 May 2010
The Government of Cuba decided last February 16, that all travelers, foreign and Cubans living abroad, coming to the island from May 1, 2010 and thereafter shall take out a medical insurance policy.
To meet such requirement, travelers shall have a travel insurance which covers medical expenses or a policy for medical expenses with coverage in Cuba.
The insurance policy should be taken out at the home country of departure. Travelers, who, exceptionally, do not have insurance at arrival, could take out a policy of insurance and assistance from Cuban insurance companies at the airport, port or marina.
Travel insurance from Cuban insurance companies and most international insurance companies receive travel assistance services in Cuba from Asistur S.A, available 24 hours all year round.
Experience shows that over 80% of visitors to Cuba have insurance coverage, from companies at their countries of origin covering their medical expenses in Cuba.
Residents in the United States traveling to Cuba will have to take out their insurance policy at their home country of departure from Cuban insurance companies. The arrangement shall be made through agencies associated with Havantur-Celimar Company. US insurance companies do not provide coverage in the Cuban national territory.
Upon demand after their arrival, travelers shall present a policy, insurance certificate or travelling assistance card valid for the time span they will stay in Cuba.
Visitors to Cuba will not only find the natural beauty of the island and the proverbial hospitality of its people, but also absolute safety, which includes, of course, welfare and health. In case of any medical emergency, the Cuban health system guarantees the necessary medical care through a network of policlinics and hospitals, covering every corner of the island. Primary health care is provided in most of hotel facilities.
For more information when planning your trip to Cuba please, visit our web site or any Cuba embassy or consulate next to you, or any Cuban Tourism Office.
Likewise, you can visit (www.cubatravel.cu) or Asistur insurance company at (www.asistur.cu)
UPDATE: Information regarding the civil unrest in Thailand for World Nomads Policy Holders
Following the escalated situation in Thailand, the following information is relevant for World Nomads policy holders travelling to and already in Thailand.
We are aware that this is a stressful time for our members who are directly affected by this event and wish to remind members with travel insurance to refer to your policy wordings for important information regarding cover under your policy.
Please note: If you choose to travel to Thailand or a specific area of Thailand against the advice issued by your country’s foreign office or government, you may not be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance.
If you need emergency assistance or are concerned about your travel insurance cover, contact us. We also suggest that you contact your travel providers as soon as possible if you have been affected.
Our advice changes depending on your country of residence:
Australian and New Zealand Policy Holders
UPDATED: 21 May 2010
We recommend that you follow the most recent advice provided by Smartraveller (AUS) or Safetravel (NZ) to “do not travel to” Bangkok (not including Suvarnabhumi International Airport) and Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, and use extreme caution whilst travelling in other parts of Thailand.
For policy holders currently in Thailand:
For travel insurance policies issued prior to Friday 23 April 2010, depending on the latest travel advisory, your policy may include cover for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey, or the unused portions of your journey, as a result of current civil unrest:
- If you were in Thailand with pre-booked travel expenses to Bangkok or an area where it is advised to “do not travel” on or before the change in travel advisory on 19 May 2010, your policy may provide cover for cancellation costs including amendment or additional travel and accommodation expenses, whichever is the lesser, due to the current civil unrest.
- If you were in Bangkok before or at the time the change of travel advisory on 19 May, 2010, your policy may included cover if your scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by the current civil unrest or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination.
If you chose to travel to Bangkok after 19 May 2010 or plan to travel after 19 May 2010 and travel against the travel advisory of “do not travel”, no matter when your policy was purchased, there will be no cover for any expenses that result from the current civil unrest, including cancellation, amendment or additional travel and accommodation expenses.
For travel insurance policies issued on or after Friday 23 April 2010, there is no cover at this time to claim for cancellation or amendment expenses relating to the current civil unrest.
Bangkok Airport is currently considered safe to transit and is not included in the current "do not travel advice". If you are transiting through Bangkok for 24 hours or less, and are not leaving the airport precinct, your policy (no matter when you purchased it) does not cover cancellation or rearrangement expenses. You must continue to check Smartraveller & Safetravel for the latest advice.
It is advised that you contact your airline/tour operator to discuss what will happen with regard to continuing your travel plans. You may also want to consider contacting family or friends back in AUS or NZ to keep them informed of your whereabouts.
If violence breaks out you should stay indoors, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor the media and regularly check:
- Smartraveller (AUS) or call 1300 555 135 within Australia (local call cost) or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia
- Safetravel (NZ) travel advice or call +64 4 439 8000
The Australian Embassy in Bangkok is still operational. However, due to ongoing violent clashes in central Bangkok, including in front of the Australian Embassy, the Embassy will be closed to visitors from Monday 17 May 2010 until further notice.
Due to protest activity and an intensified presence of security forces in the immediate vicinity of the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok (located in Wireless Road) will be closed until further notice. New Zealand citizens in Thailand who require emergency assistance from the Embassy should contact the Embassy’s duty officer on the following number: +66 81 837 7240
If you are planning to travel to
Thailand:
If your travel insurance policy was issued on or after Friday 23 April 2010, there is no cover at this time to claim for cancellation or amendment expenses relating to the current civil unrest.
If you choose to travel to any part of Thailand against the travel advisory of “do not travel”, no matter when your policy was purchased, there will be no cover for any expenses that result from the current civil unrest, including cancellation, amendment or additional travel and accommodation expenses.
If you are travelling to Bangkok after
28 May, we reserve the right to review the situation at that time. Cover
may only apply when scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your
accommodation has been made uninhabitable by civil unrest or if you are unable
to reach your accommodation/destination. Should the situation change, a further
advisory will be issued.
We advise you to contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some airlines and operators are providing penalty-free options to amend travel arrangements.
If you have re-scheduled your trip
for a later date your existing policy will be transferred /extended to
cover
the new dates. Please contact us to confirm this
Further information for Australian
and New Zealand Policy Holders:
Please be aware that your policy
specifically excludes coverage if your claim arises because you did not
follow
advice in the mass media of a government or other official body’s
warning:
- against travel to a particular country or parts
of a country
- of a strike, riot, bad
weather, civil commotion
or contagious disease;
Contact us:
In the event of an emergency: If you are or have been injured as a
result of the civil unrest we urge you to contact our emergency assistance partners, Specialty Assist
on: +44
(0) 20 7902 7405
All other questions, please contact
our Customer Service team on 1300 787 375 if in Australia or +61 2 8263 0400
while overseas or email infoAUS@worldnomads.com
or infoNZL@worldnomads.com
British
& Irish Policy Holders
Please note: the following advice was issued on April 30, 2010. Please check back for updates or contact us.
Policy holders
currently in Thailand :
- We recommend that extreme caution is used whilst travelling in Thailand and to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
- You should consider whether it is essential for you to travel within the city of Bangkok. If violence breaks out you should stay indoors, monitor the media and regularly check Foreign Office travel advice.
- If the situation changes then you are advised to contact the airline/tour operator to discuss what will happen with regards to continuing your travel plans.
- You can keep up to date with the Foreign Office travel advice or you can contact the Foreign Office (FCO) advice line on +44 207 008 0000
- You may want to consider contacting family or friends back in the UK to keep them informed of your whereabouts.
- There is a British Embassy situated in Bangkok who may be able
to provide you
with consular assistance.
- Please contact your airline or tour operator before travelling to make sure your flight is still operating.
- If your journey is not essential and you can make alternative arrangements please consider doing so. If you do decide to travel you are advised to regularly review your security arrangements.
- Your policy will cover you whilst in Thailand providing the advice given by the FCO doesn’t change. At the moment the FCO advises against ‘all but essential travel to Thailand’. If this changes to advise against ‘all travel to Thailand’ then your cover may be affected. If this occurs it is likely that airlines will cancel flights, in this event you will need to contact them.
- Please check the Foreign Office website regularly in order to receive the most up to date information and advice.
- If you have booked a trip and the airlines cancel your flights due to the current situation you will need to contact your tour operator/airline. It is anticipated that airlines will make a full refund of your flight cost or offer an alternative flight.
- If your trip is a package holiday and your flights are cancelled operators must refund you the full cost of the holiday or offer an alternative trip. Often if you have booked on a package trip the tour operator may offer 3 main options:
1. deferring the start date of your trip
2. transferring to another holiday of the same or similar value, or
3. a refund of the cost of the whole holiday.
- If you have purchased a single trip policy and your outbound flight is cancelled and you do not travel we will refund your premium.
Contact us:
For emergency assistance, contact our partner Millstream
+44 (0) 845 643 2628 or assistance@specialty-group.com OR
assistance@mstream.co.uk
All other questions: +44 (0)845 838 4718
United States of America
Policy Holders
UPDATED: 21 May 2010
The Department of State recommends against travel to Bangkok and non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand at this time.
The U.S. Embassy, including visa operations, was closed on Friday, May 14 and will be closed on Monday, May 17. If security issues persist, the U.S. Embassy may continue to close. American Citizen Services (ACS) will be available for emergencies only. The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.
Policy holders planning to travel to or in Thailand:
As per the general exclusions
section of the policy wording, policies insured with Jefferson or BCS Insurance
Company are not covered for any loss that results directly or indirectly from
war (declared or undeclared), acts of war, military duty, civil disorder or
unrest.
Contact us:
For further enquiries, please contact World Nomads Claims USA 1.800.654.1908 (toll free within US) or +1.804.281.5700 (Collect) or email AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Canadian
Policy Holders
Please note: the following advice was issued on April 30, 2010. Please check back for updates or contact us.
The following information concerns applies to travel insurance policies issued on or before April 23rd, 2010:
Canadian policy holders in Thailand:
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is recommending that travellers “avoid non-essential travel” to certain areas of Bangkok as a result of recent political demonstrations and civil unrest.
The current travel advisory applies only to non-essential travel (that is, there are specific security concerns; travellers should reconsider their need to travel at this time) to certain areas within central Bangkok’s commercial district. Your claim would need to include pre-paid travel expenses to that specific area in order to be considered. Please consult the Canadian government’s travel report for Thailand to see if your travel destination is within these identified areas.
If you have not yet departed, your policy may include coverage for cancellation of your journey. This benefit only applies when a travel advisory warning against non-essential travel to your specific destination has been issued after you book your trip but before you depart.
If necessary, we ask that you please contact our partner, Mondial Assistance immediately to notify us of your need to cancel your travels. It is also recommend you contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some airlines are providing penalty-free options to amend travel arrangements and we also recommend you contact your airline for further details.
If your travel plans do include the specific areas of Thailand that Foreign Affairs recommends cancelling travel to, please submit your travel insurance claim to World Nomads' partner, Mondial Assistance for consideration.
Mondial Assistance will assess your claim under the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy.
You will need to submit all receipts for any additional accommodation and transport expenses. If you are claiming cancellation expenses you will need to submit all documents showing what your original planned pre-paid arrangements were, along with any receipts and documents showing your new arrangements.
Contact us:
Policy Holders From All Other
Countries
UPDATED: 21 May 2010
Policy holders planning to travel to or in Thailand:
Our insurance partners at ihi BUPA have evaluated the situation in Thailand according to the advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Denmark) and provides the following advice for World Nomads policy holders regarding your insurance cover:
- Cancellation: Unless, you cannot travel because you or a close family member dies, or becomes seriously ill/injured requiring hospitalisation or medically prescribed as unfit to travel, your World Nomads policy does not provide cover for the events in Thailand under the cancellation provisions. Please contact your airline, tour operator or agent as soon as possible if you have been affected, as in many instances they may offer an alternative, allow rescheduling, offer cancellations without penalties or provide full refunds.
- Evacuation: As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Denmark) does not recommend evacuation from Bangkok, your World Nomads travel insurance policy does not cover evacuation at present. Individuals who departed after the Ministry’s recommendation not to travel to Thailand was issued should note that the insurance policy does not cover evacuation if, at some later date, the ministry recommends evacuation. Apart from the above, cover is provided as usual regardless of developments.
- Medical cover for illness and injury is still valid as normal.
Emergency Assistance
For 24/7 assistance contact our Emergency Assistance partners:
Australian & New Zealand Policy Holders - call Specialty Assist on: +44 (0) 20 7902 7405
United States Policy Holders - Contact World Nomads Claims US: 1.800.654.1908 (toll free within US) +1.804.281.5700 (Collect) AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
United Kingdom & Ireland Policy
Holders - Contact Millstream: +44 (0) 845 643 2628 or email
assistance@specialty-group.com OR assistance@mstream.co.uk
Canadian Policy Holders - call Mondial Assistance Information Hotline collect on collect on 1-519-342-4947 or 1-866-759-2892 (free call within Canada or the USA)
All other countries - call iHi Bupa on: +45 33 15 33 00 or emergency@ihi.com
Questions ?
If you have questions about your World Nomads travel insurance policy, please email us using our web form or call our Customer Service team on 1300 787 375 if in Australia or +61 2 8263 0400 while overseas.
Travel Alert: Thailand - Political Instability
This is a very brief overview of the current situation in Bangkok, Thailand. We are keeping an eye on the situation, so come back for regular updates.
*20 April, 2010: Please read the IMPORTANT UPDATE for World Nomads policy holders. Please contact us if you are affected by the situation in Thailand.
What's happening in Thailand:
With the situation changing daily, we suggest you keep checking the most recent news reports and your Government travel advisory. You can get the latest stories from CNN, the BBC and locally in Thailand from the Bangkok Post.
Update
from red24, Global Security Specialists as of May 18, 2010:
"The ensuing civil unrest has also led to extensive
disruptions in central Bangkok with full or partial road closures
currently in effect at the Rama IV, Silom, Sathon, Soi Saladaeng, Henri
Dunant, Petchburi, Ratchadamri, Sarasin, Soi Chidlom, Langsuan,
Ratchawithi, Ratchaprarop and Rang Nam roads. In addition, services on
the Skytrain and underground MRT system remain suspended. It is as yet
unclear as to when services will resume. While the Suvarnabhumi
International Airport remains open for commercial flights, security has
been significantly increased at the facility and airport authorities
have advised travellers to arrive at the airport at least three hours
prior to their flight. Furthermore, a number of foreign diplomatic
missions in Bangkok were closed on 13 May, including the UK and US
embassies, in response to the escalation in tensions. It is unclear at
this stage how long these closures will remain in effect.
On 16 May, due to increasing violence between police and anti-government protesters, which included exchanges of gunfire and the use of various explosive devices, the Thai government declared 17 and 18 May to be public holidays. An 'open firing zone', which allows security officials to fire on suspected belligerents, also remains in place in the Ratchaprarop area of central Bangkok. Others areas currently affected by civil unrest include the Ratchaprasong intersection, Rang Bam Road, Ratchaprarop-Din Daeng intersection, Bon Kai, Wireless Road, Pratunam, Rama IV, the Suan Lum night market and the Lumpini kickboxing stadium.
Bangkok has also witnessed a number of small-scale grenade attacks in recent weeks, which are suspected to be related to the current political situation. These have mostly targeted government buildings and military installations and have for the most part caused minor casualties. However, there have been instances where these attacks have resulted in numerous casualties. On 17 May, two grenades were also thrown at an ATM and a bank in Chiang Mai, with no casualties being reported. However this is the first not the first time an attack of this kind has occurred in the city as a result of the political tensions in Bangkok. It still remains unclear as to who may be behind these attacks, but Thai authorities have blamed the red shirts - a claim denied by the UDD.”
How does this affect travellers?
For World Nomads travel insurance policy holders, please read this important advice.
If you are considering travelling to Thailand, it is important to regularly check the security advice issued by your government travel advisory as they may have recently changed their advice to travel to Thailand.
If you are currently in Thailand, it is also important to check your government travel advisory regularly and register your presence in the city with your home embassy. Red24 also advises to "Avoid discussing the country's political situation, and refrain from wearing bright red or yellow clothing, as this could be misconstrued as indicating support for anti- or pro-government groups respectively."
What is the official Govt Travel Advice?
This data can change frequently, so please check your local Government's travel advisory website. Also, register with your foreign affairs department or Consulate so they can easily find you in the event of an emergency.
UK Govt - Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Canada - Foreign Affairs & International Trade
What should you do?
WorldNomads.com's Insurance Director, Graham Kingaby gives this advice to travellers in Bangkok or thinking of travelling there...
- Avoid all political gatherings or demonstrations;
- Avoid areas in and around government buildings, particularly around Govt House and Parliament and Police HQ;
- Keep an eye on the airline websites if you are travelling through Bangkok to find out about travel disruptions or redirections;
- Advise friends and family of your location via phone, email or on your travel blog, just in case the situation deteriorates.
How will this affect my travel insurance?
We are aware that this is a stressful time for travellers who are directly affected by this event. If you have travel insurance, it is important to refer to your policy wording for important information regarding cover under your policy or contact your Travel Insurance provider for more information or emergency assistance.
For World Nomads policy holders, please read our most recent advice and check your policy wording to ensure you know what is covered (and not covered) or contact us for advice:
Australia & New ZealandFor policies underwritten by Allianz purchased on or before 30 Nov 2009 -
Click
Here for policy wording and contact 1300 729 467 (within Australia), 0800 630 117 (within New Zealand) or +61 7 3305 7499 (reverse
charges while overseas) worldnomads@mondial-assistance.com.au
For polices underwritten by Lloyd's purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009 - Click
Here for policy wording and contact 1300
625 229 (within Australia), 0800
807 717 (within New Zealand) or +61 2 8263 0487 (while overseas) travelclaims@cerberusspecialrisks.com.au
United
Kingdom & Ireland
United Kingdom Customers - Click Here for your policy wording and contact World Nomads Claims UK +44 (0)845 643 2629
Ireland Customers - Click
Here for your policy wording and contact info@csal.co.uk World Nomads Claims Ireland +44
(0)1702 427 202 info@csal.co.uk
United States
United States Customers - Click
Here for policy wording or contact World
Nomads Claims US 1.800.654.1908 (toll free within US)
+1.804.281.5700
(Collect) AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Canada
Canadian Customers - Click
Here for your policy wording or contact World
Nomads Claims Canada +1 (519) 342 4947 infocanada@worldaccess.com
Other
Countries
Other Country Customers - Click Here for your policy wording or contact World Nomads Claims +45 33 15 33 00 emergency@ihi.com
The WorldNomads.com website will continue to monitor this situation in the SafetyHub blog.
Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
British Airways Strike - How will it affect my travel insurance?
Unite, the trade union for British Airways (BA) cabin crew, has announced its intention to take strike action between 18 May 2010 and 9 June 2010.
Please refer to the British Airways website for further information regarding flight departures booked between 18 May 2010 and 9 June 2010.
We are hopeful that this proposed strike action will not negatively impact any of our World Nomads insurance customers and wish to remind you to refer to your policy wordings for important information regarding cover under your policy.
To view the policy wording specific to you please sign in to your World Nomads members page here.
If you have forgotten your password please click here.
To contact World Nomads please click here.
For Policies Purchased Before 15 March 2010
We ask that our customers attempt to minimise additional costs in line with the requirements in the Product Disclosure Statement. Where there is provision for claims, please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for specific coverage information and details of any conditions, exclusions or limitations which may apply.
In the event of a claim being lodged where cover is applicable, you must provide us with written confirmation from British Airways that your flight was cancelled or delayed, confirmation of what your original trip plans were, and itemised accounts for any additional expenses incurred by you. Each claim will need to substantiate that the claimed costs were unavoidable and not reimbursed by British Airways or recovered elsewhere.
For Policies Purchased On or After 15 March 2010
Please note that customers will not be covered for losses incurred as a result of this strike. Costs are only covered when the loss is unforseen and as this industrial action that has been widely reported by the media, customers purchasing a policy after this date would have been aware of the strike.
Should you have any further enquiries or wish to contact our teams in regards to claims, please contact the following
Australia
For policies underwritten by Allianz purchased on or before 30 Nov 2009:
1300 729 467 (within Australia)
+61 7 3305 7499 (reverse charges while overseas)
worldnomads@mondial-assistance.com.au
For polices underwritten by Lloyd's purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009:
1300 625 229 (within Australia)
+61 2 8263 0487 (while overseas)
travelclaims@cerberusspecialrisks.com.au
New Zealand
For policies underwritten by Allianz purchased on or before 30 Nov 2009:
0800 630 117 (within New Zealand)
+61 7 3305 7499 (reverse charges while overseas)
worldnomads@mondial-assistance.com.au
For polices underwritten by Lloyd's purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009:
0800 807 717 (within New Zealand)
+61 2 8263 0487 (while overseas)
travelclaims@cerberusspecialrisks.com.au
United Kingdom & Ireland
World Nomads Claims UK
+44 (0)845 643 2629
info@csal.co.uk
World Nomads Claims Ireland
+44 (0)1702 427 202
info@csal.co.uk
United States
World Nomads Claims US
1.800.654.1908 (toll free within US)
+1.804.281.5700 (Collect)
worldnomads@mondialUSA.com
Canada
World Nomads Claims Canada
+1 (519) 342 4947
nomad.inquiries@mondial-assistance.ca
Other Countries
World Nomads Claims
+45 33 15 33 99
worldnomads@ihi.com
