Contact usWe have pulled together the below guide to help you plan for a really enjoyable vacation. It is by no means definitive as there are so many variables and we would advise all customers to check out their particular requirements before booking.
PASSPORT/VISA REQUIREMENTS
It’s really important that when you plan your holiday you understand the relevant location’s passport and visa requirements and apply for them in plenty of time.
Generally you should ensure that you have at least 6 (six) months before your passport expires on your return date.
You should also ensure that your passport is not damaged in any way (you may get through one check-in person but not another!!!!) – it really is best to apply for a new passport rather than putting your holiday on the line.
Please ensure you check with the relevant Embassy to ensure you have the correct Visa (if required) – THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY – do not leave it to the last minute as your Visa may not arrive on time.
INSURANCE
We all know that Insurance is the last thing on people’s minds when booking a holiday – what can go wrong?!?!?!
We advise all customers to ensure they take adequate Travel Insurance to cover their requirements.
This should include Cancellation Insurance, adequate Medical Insurance and to ensure that your insurance adequately covers you for those Extreme Sports you may want to partake in – such as Skiing, Watersports etc.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
When you start planning your holiday you start planning to enjoy the differing cultures and food.
It is really important to remember that many places have differing safety and hygiene standards from what you may be used to at home.
Check with your GP which vaccinations are recommended for all the places you are planning to stay, make sure you leave plenty of time for the full dosage to be applied - it is recommended that you contact your GP at least six weeks before you travel.
We are committed to helping you enjoy your vacation and hope that you take a minute to read the below advice and take a little extra care whilst you are away.
FIRE SAFETY Most countries have differing fire regulations and procedures. It is really important that when you arrive at your location take a few minutes to:
· Know how to raise the alarm – emergency services number.
· Know where your nearest exits are
· Ensure all members of the party know how to handle an emergency
BATHROOMS Very few properties will include non-slip mats in their baths and showers. Also most bathroom floors will also be fully tiled. Please take extra care to ensure you do not slip.
BALCONY AND GLASS SAFETY
As you can imagine balconies, glass doors and panes are areas where most serious accidents can occur, especially in the first few days of a vacation.
Balconies Please ensure that children are never left unsupervised on balconies at any time.
Please ensure that all balcony furniture is kept back from the railings.
Never sit or lean over the balcony and do not try to pass anything from one balcony to another.
Never attempt to climb from one balcony to another.
Please take extra care on balconies after drinking alcohol as judgement may be affected.
Glass Please take extra care when using glass doors in bright sunlight or at night as it is often difficult to tell if it is closed or not.
Children find new locations new and exciting and are often unaware of the dangers that glass can present. Please ensure that you extra care with rooms with glass doors.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Please exercise proper precautions when handling electrical appliances and ensure children are supervised at all times.
Please ensure that if you take electrical appliances with you that you obtain and use suitable adaptors for the local voltage where you are staying.
LIFTS Please ensure you stand well clear of lift doors when travelling in lifts.
Do not allow children to travel in lifts unsupervised.
Never obstruct lift doors when they are closing.
Never use lifts if there is a fire / fire-alarm has been raised.
GAS SAFETY Please ensure that if the property has a gas cooker, always double check that it is properly turned off.
We cannot guarantee the safety maintenance of the properties and it may be worth considering taking along some ‘Carbon Monoxide’ indicators so you can be sure of your personal safety.
CHILDRENS SAFETY
Children find new environments exciting and are curious to explore the area. Please remember to supervise your children at all times – especially around balconies, lifts, playgrounds and swimming pools.
FOOD AND DRINKThis is a big part of any holiday, tasting new and different food and drink.
Be aware that there are differing standards of hygiene from country to country.
Heat and humidity, combined with alcohol and new foods can cause stomach upsets – please take care.
Also, please do not drink alcohol before swimming and try to avoid it when sunbathing as this will dehydrate you.
SWIMMING POOL SAFETY
In general, pools are unlikely to have a lifeguard and so we would strongly recommend that you take time to check the layout and depth of the pool before you first use it. Please follow the following steps:
· Children must be supervised constantly in and around the pool.
· Remember it is unlikely that there will be a lifeguard present.
· Familiarise yourself with what you should do in case of emergency.
· Do not swim after eating and drinking, especially alcohol.
· Never let children run around the pool area.
· Before using sun-loungers/deck chairs please check that they are properly set up before use.
ON THE BEACH Check if there are lifeguards and a flag warning system in place. If so, please make sure you know what the flags mean.
Please ensure that children are supervised at all times.
Be aware of local conditions; tides, winds and currents that can make swimming hazardous.
Be aware of any “zoned” areas for watersports and ensure children stay well clear.
Always wear high factor sunscreen.
ROAD SAFETY The rules of the road can be very different from your resident country. Drivers are not always obliged to stop at what appears to be a pedestrian crossing and they could be driving on the opposite side of the road.
Driving overseas can be a great way to explore the local area but please ensure you are aware of local regulations and never drink alcohol and drive.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Please take care of your personal belongings (such as cameras and bags) when you are out and about.
We recommend that you only take what you need for the day and ensure you use safety deposit boxes/safes (where available) to leave your valuables.
Remember to lock your property at night and when you go out during the day – just as you would at home.