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Below you will find a few tips and guidelines, which we hope will make your travel experience more Pleasureable
Don't just check the weather at your destination, also make a note of when the sun rises and sets. Log onto an internet chat room to obtain safety information about a place you're planning to visit.
If you're the victim of a crime, contact the police and keep the report, insurance companies require this documentation.
When we escape overseas we frequently soak up the sun's rays in excess, just in case we don't see them for a long time. You see it all the time, pale and pasty leaving Dublin airport and red and roasting on their return. Sunburn is associated with skin cancer and is becoming a more serious problem as the years go by. Travellers must ensure that they take care especially during the first few days of their trip. Gentle limited exposure must be the rule while using adequate sun blocking agents. Those with very sensitive skin should start with factor 20+ and only work down towards the lower factors if they are not burning. Skiing and sea adventure holidays are a particular risk in this regard. Remember that dreadful sunburn can occur closer to home on the Mediterranean holidays. If you are badly burnt make sure you drink plenty of fluids and use the after sun creams to lessen the effects. Severe dehydration and sunstroke can kill. Remember children get burnt very easily and they should wear sensible clothing to cover up well while playing in the sand. If you are travelling alone and get badly sunburnt never lock yourself into your room to recover.
The cost of medical treatments can prove extremely expensive in foreign countries, so it's absolutely vital to take out adequate coverage. Check that your policy will cover the cost of flying you and your travelling companions home should the need arise and that there are no major exclusions.
If you are planning adventurous sporting activities please ensure that your policy covers you for such activities. Don't take it for granted.
Check the provisions of your policy to understand any exclusion clauses, i.e. pregnancy, previous illnesses etc.
'Altitude Sickness' can affect people in different ways. This can be a mild headache to sudden death. It is essential to be able to recognise the symptoms. High Altitude is usually defined as 8,000 to 12,000 ft Very High Altitude 12,000 to 18,000 ft Extremely High Altitude as over 18,000 ft.
Causes : At sea level the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere is 21% this is reduced by 40% at 12,000 ft. As a result you heart and lungs are working harder to compensate.
Risk Groups : Those with a history of hypertension, chronic lung diseases, atherosclertic disease, history of blood clots, epilepsy and heart conditions etc.
Warning Signs : Nausea, Weakness, Significant headache, Breathlessness, Loss of appetite, Dehydration, Disturbed Sleep, Yawning, Dizziness, Lack of Coordination. If you suspect a member of your party is developing altitude sickness ask them to walk in a straight line toe to heal.
Treatment : This condition can be rapidly life threatening. It is essential to reduce altitude as quickly as possible by at least 300 to 600 feet and remain there for whatever time is necessary.
Medication : Diamox and Dexamethasone can be used to alleviate the effects of altitude sickness. Ibuprofen can be used to lessen headaches but should be used with caution as it may mask the development of serious altitude sickness.
If you arrive at a high altitude by plane try and ensure that you have no energetic travel plans for the first few days. Avoid alcohol and make sure you rehydrate yourself sufficiently.
Airports at high altitude : Quitio (9500ft), Nairobi (6000ft), La Paz (12,000 ft) and Bogota (8600 ft) are some examples.
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