Health and Safety

Safety is always of paramount importance with every single Ramblers Worldwide Holiday we offer. Our staff in the UK and overseas are trained to deal with most eventualities but we always advise our customers to be ‘safety aware’ during their holiday.

Hotel safety

We do seek to ensure that our hotels meet reasonable local health and safety standards and provide accommodation that is as safe as reasonably possible given local conditions.  However, please note that safety standards overseas may differ from those expected in the UK. We work with our overseas hoteliers and other suppliers to raise standards and resolve any issues of concern.

Your leader will ask you to familiarise yourself with the escape routes and fire exits at your accommodation. Please take the time to do this as you may need to use them in the unlikely event of an emergency. It is always worthwhile making sure that you know how to find your way out of your hotel shortly after arriving at your room; it’s better to identify your escape route at leisure than in a possible emergency!

Safety when out walking

You should be aware of potential hazards on holiday as walking amongst mountains, hills and even in cities does involve an element of risk. For example, weather can deteriorate unexpectedly and may cause paths to become slippery. Terrain underfoot can also vary and be different from what you’re used to. Walking poles can be a great aid to mobility over uneven ground, and they take some strain off the knees.

Your tour leader and your safety

As the tour leader is responsible for the safety of all group members, he or she may adopt a more cautious approach than would be considered reasonable by an individual party member.

Do be aware that itineraries planned for some holidays may be changed on the spot due to unexpected events.

The final decision for any change rests with your leader. Ramblers Worldwide Holidays cannot be held responsible for disruption to planned itineraries arising from weather conditions or situations beyond our control, such as earthquakes or political unrest. Every effort will be made to provide alternative activities and to ensure that you have the best holiday possible.

When travelling overseas, it’s wise to take extra care. Temperatures, humidity or altitude may be higher than you are used to, changes in diet may affect you and unpleasant insects may be encountered.

Read our Keep Safe on Holiday leaflet.

Think about your travel health, what to take and how you can keep safe on holiday, and make sure you have taken out the appropriate travel insurance.  Again, make any arrangements as far in advance as possible.

For travel to the EU it is essential to hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that may become necessary while you are in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. Application forms for a free EHIC can be obtained at Post Offices or you can apply online for a free card at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk. You can also apply by telephone on 0845 606 2030. Although an EHIC is no substitute for effective travel insurance, many insurers require that you use your EHIC where appropriate.

Please remember that you must apply for a new EHIC if you change your address and that you should check the expiry date of any card that you have before you travel.

You may find it useful to read the leaflet Access to Healthcare Abroad which is available from GP surgeries.

Note that an EHIC is not a substitute for private travel insurance, but is often a required accompaniment. 

Health hazards abroad - safety on holiday
You should be aware of potential hazards on holiday as walking amongst mountains, hills and even in cities does involve an element of risk. For example, weather can deteriorate unexpectedly and may cause paths to become slippery. Terrain underfoot can also vary and be different from what you’re used to. Walking poles can be a great aid to mobility over uneven ground, and they take some strain off the knees.

As the tour leader is responsible for the safety of all group members, he or she may adopt a more cautious approach than would be considered reasonable by an individual party member.
When travelling overseas it’s wise  to take extra care. Temperatures, humidity or altitude may be higher than you are used to, changes in diet may affect you, and unpleasant insects may be encountered. There is useful information on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Travel Advice Unit at www.fco.gov.uk .

Vaccinations
In the few holidays where there are mandatory requirements for vaccinations, details are given before and after booking. Please contact your GP for medical advice as our staff are not qualified to provide information relating to inoculations or other health matters. Known health hazards are identified in our General Information Booklet (issued with your Confirmation of Booking), but please contact your own GP for medical advice. We regret that our staff are not qualified to give medical advice relating to inoculations or other health matters.

Deep vein thrombosis
You may be aware of press reports concerning deep vein thrombosis, which can be caused by immobility. One of the recommended measures for reducing the risk whilst flying is to wear compression hosiery. Flight socks are available from most chemists and are proven to help with blood circulation and reducing the build-up of fluid that can cause this condition.

Exercise during the flight and limiting your consumption of dehydrating drinks, such as alcohol and coffee, may also help reduce any risk.

Some people are more susceptible to DVT, including those having undergone recent surgery, those with a family history of DVT, people undergoing hormone treatment, suffering from varicose veins or with blood-clotting abnormalities. If you are concerned, or feel that you might fall into a higher risk group, we recommend that you discuss your travel plans with your doctor. Information on travel-related DVT can be found on the Department of Health website by clicking on this link.

Most insurance policies include DVT cover, provided that you are not travelling against medical advice and have disclosed any pre-existing condition. Please check your policy documents for details.

It is advisable to take a small first aid kit with you including a remedy for stomach upsets. If you are diabetic, or suffer from vertigo, heart problems, asthma, epilepsy or some other illness or disability which you think we or your leader should know about, then please advise us in writing. If you have not done so already, please include such details when sending us your final payment so we can ensure that your leader is made aware of your condition. Your insurance company must also be made aware.

We may ask clients of 75 and older to sign a declaration stating that you are fit to undertake your chosen holiday.


 

We recommend the following sites which provide travel and health advice by country:

• Scottish NHS "Fit for Travel" travel health website
• NHS Direct is ideal for any questions you have about keeping healthy before and during your holiday.
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office "Travel & Living Abroad" pages