DESTINATION INFORMATION

Health and Safety Abroad

Vaccinations
If travelling to a tropical or third-world location, specific health requirement may be needed. Your doctor should be able to advise you. Check at least 6 weeks prior to travel. For more information you can visit the UK government Department of Health travel advice web site at http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/. Also, villa owners can often help you in this matter.

 Medical

• If you are taking prescribed drugs, check they are legal in your holiday destination.
• Always carry medication in their original containers.
• Make sure you have sufficient supplies for the duration of your holiday plus extra in case of delays.
• Take your prescription with you.
• Pack medication in your hand luggage.
• For UK citizens travelling within the EU, get form E111 from your local post office for reduced or free emergency care.

 Deep Vein Thrombosis
IMPORTANT: There is growing evidence that passengers on long-haul flights (over 4 hours) are at increased risk from developing potentially life-threatening Deep Vein Thrombosis. Everyone is at risk, however there are several things you can do to help guard against DVT. Consult your doctor for personal advice but there are some general recommendations.

• Take a low dose aspirin (100 - 150mg) the day before, during a long haul flight and for three days after - if you have ulcers or other stomach or digestive problems, check with your doctor.
• Ensure you get up and walk about during your flight at least once an hour, exercise (rotate) your legs, feet ankles and flex your shoulders whilst seated, breathe deeply at regular intervals to increase oxygen intake.
• Keep well hydrated by drinking two small glasses of water an hour
• Avoid excessive alcohol, tea and coffee
• Eon’t sleep in an uncomfortable position
• Don’t use a footrest if it leaves your calves dangling and avoid calves making prolonged contact with your seat.
• Perhaps one of the most important preventative measures is to consider wearing compression socks.

Remember, the risk of DVT doesn’t end when the plane lands. Therefore we strongly advise you to seek further information about DVT, visit this web site NOW: The Aviation Health Institute.

 Air Safety
There are many regulations governing items you may carry aboard a passenger aircraft. Most people do not realise that many items used in daily use are forbidden aboard an aircraft - these include flammable aerosol cans such as hairspray or insect repellent, matches, cigarette lighters or lighter fuel. Always take non-aerosol sprays. These are just a few of the items, so we strongly recommend you visit http://www.airsafe.com/danger.htm

 Customs
Be aware of what you can and cannot take in or out of any country, as well as your duty free allowances. For the UK see http://www.hmce.gov.uk/index.htm