COACHES
All coaches feature air-conditioning, reclining seats (back row seats may not recline), on-board toilets and drink machines. Should the air-conditioning system break down for a period exceeding 12 hours, compensation will be awarded up to a maximum of £10 per fare-paying passenger per tour. Feeder coaches, including taxis, minibuses and National Express, operate to and from the U.K. port (feeder coaches may not have toilets, reclining seats, air-conditioning or drinks facilities). We operate a passenger interchange prior to your Channel crossing. When non-British coaches are used on transfers or tours an on-board toilet may not be available. However, comfort stops will be made during long journeys.
ROYAL CONSORT COACHES
Please note that holidays which offer Royal Consort coaches may not use these vehicles as your feeder coach. Feeder coaches to/from the port will usually be executive coaches. Royal Consort will be available from the port. In the unlikely event we are unable to operate a Royal Consort vehicle for the whole of the overseas part of your holiday, an alternative vehicle will be provided with facilities as close as possible to the standard of facilities on the Royal Consort vehicle, although being able to acquire such a high specification vehicle cannot always be guaranteed at short notice.
COACH CREWS & TOUR MANAGERS
European tours will be crewed appropriately with at least one driver and an extra driver and/or a Tour Manager/host/hostess. Due to a change in the Drivers’ Regulations, there may be an occasional day when only one driver will operate your tour. RESERVED SEATS Seats are allocated on your main tour coach.
FRONT ROW SEATS
Front row seats can be reserved for £25pp on all European tours. This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons and is subject to availability. In addition to this, seats on the second row can be reserved for a supplement of £12pp. Guaranteed front or second row seats cannot be reserved on feeder journeys to/from the U.K. port. PLEASE NOTE: children under 15 years of age are not permitted to sit in the front seats of any coach. On some coaches the legroom on front seats and seats directly in front of the washroom may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front. If your tour is cancelled for any reason and front or second row seats are not available on your new tour you will be refunded the supplement paid. No other compensation will be payable. NO SMOKING All our coaches and feeders operate a ‘no smoking on board’ policy.
SEA CROSSING
Channel crossings are by ferry from Dover to Calais, (90 mins) or, on selected dates, by Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais or vice versa (35mins). All timings are approximate. Channel crossings featured on any particular date may change. Crossings from Portsmouth are to Bilbao (36hrs). It is not always possible to advise you of a change to Channel crossings prior to the start of your holiday.
HOLIDAY FLIGHTS
Where flight times are shown, they are for guidance only and may change. The return time shown is arrival in the U.K. Exact flight times will be sent to you and shown on your air ticket or on your final travel documents. All of our holidays are subject to availability and price. Therefore, there may be an additional cost if the fare class we request is unavailable. Under these circumstances, we will offer you the opportunity to book at a higher cost or to select an alternative date. Please call our reservations staff for more information. Flight numbers and latest times will be confirmed with your travel documents. Please see clause 18 of our Booking Conditions. We cannot confirm specific seats for you on an aircraft. We recommend you check-in for your flight three hours before the scheduled time for long haul flights and two and a half hours before the scheduled time for any European holidays.
BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS
If you book ground arrangements with us and make your own airline reservation, all flight bookings will be your own responsibility and are subject to the terms and conditions of the airlines involved. In the unlikely event of your flight being cancelled or changed by the airline, we regret we cannot permit the change or cancellation of the Consort Travel holiday arrangements without payment of the applicable charges as set out in our Booking Conditions.
YOUR HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
We have carefully selected all accommodation for its degree of comfort and its location to enable us to operate the applicable excursions. Some hotels we use have annexes for sleeping which are nearby, with meals being taken in the main hotel. Each room usually has twin beds or a double. In some countries twin rooms may consist of separate mattresses and bedding within a double bed frame. The type of beds in your room very often depends on the country you are visiting and, for this reason we cannot guarantee any combination of single and double beds in advance. Should there be more than two people in your party requesting to share one room, the extra beds may be a foldaway/rollaway type bed. All rooms have private facilities. Where a hotel has been named, we reserve the right to substitute other hotels of a similar or higher standard. PLEASE NOTE: If demand exceeds the service originally contracted on any particular tour, extra availability may be at a higher price than originally advertised. There may be facilities in your room which incur a charge payable locally e.g. mini-safe, film rental, mini-bar etc. Leisure facilities such as swimming pools, saunas etc, where available, may also incur a charge payable locally. Smoking laws in public places vary throughout Europe. SINGLE ROOMS If you book a single room, it is highly likely that you will be allocated a single room and not sole occupancy of a double or twin room. However, should you require a double or twin room, this will be on request only with an added supplement charge if available.
LUGGAGE
Due to space, weight and health and safety restrictions, you must limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase weight limit 20 kilos plus one piece of hand luggage (max. 5 kilos) per person. NB: Hand luggage must not be stored under the coach seats. We reserve the right to refuse to carry any luggage which exceeds these limits. For air holidays, the airlines own luggage restrictions will apply. You will be notified of these limits with your travel documents. Many of our suppliers, including airlines, also reserve the right to refuse to carry luggage which exceeds the applicable limits. Alternatively, the supplier concerned may ask you to pay additional charges before agreeing to carry any excess luggage. We cannot accept any liability towards you if we, or any of our suppliers, refuse to carry any of your excess luggage or the suppliers impose any such additional charges. If, in the coach driver’s opinion, your luggage is overweight, you may be required to empty some of the contents into an additional suitcase on arrival at the port and leave it there, incurring a deposit fee payable at the time. PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure that your luggage is loaded on the coach prior to each departure. Please also see clause 15 of our Booking Conditions. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please ensure that prescribed medication and items of particular value are carried in your hand luggage. For security and safety reasons, airlines do not permit certain items to be carried in hand, or even sometimes hold luggage. Other transport providers have similar rules. We cannot accept any liability if you are prevented from taking any such items on board the aircraft or other form of transport. If you have any queries regarding the items you are permitted to take on board, please contact the airline or transport provider concerned.
EXCURSIONS AND ATTRACTIONS
Certain excursions are included in the price of your holiday. If you choose not to go on an included excursion, for whatever reason, no refunds will be made. Optional excursions can be booked with your coach driver or Tour Manager and operate strictly subject to availability and demand. The running order of included and optional excursions may be altered without prior notice. PLEASE NOTE: Unless specifically stated, entrance fees to places of interest mentioned in the text are not included. Credit cards and travellers’ cheques are not acceptable in payment for optional excursions. CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR ON THE CONTINENT Please remember that some European countries do not celebrate the festive season in the same way that we do. Often Christmas Eve is the main celebratory event. Restaurants and bars may have shorter opening times and food menus and decorations may reflect their own traditions. Enjoy Christmas and New Year in the continental way, but bear in mind that this is their holiday period also.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Operational dates for the various Christmas markets featured in our brochures are correct at the time of printing. Should any market not take place on the dates advertised, this will be due to circumstances beyond our control and we reserve the right to change the itinerary accordingly. Please also see clause 5 of our Booking Conditions. DOCUMENTS Your travel documents containing departure times, hotel details and coach seating will be dispatched approximately 10 days before departure. Please check these documents immediately on receipt. It is your duty to ensure you have correct and valid documentation. We will not accept responsibility or any liability in respect of those passengers who do not have the correct valid documentation (including passports and visas).
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
British Citizens: A full British passport is required by everyone, including infants and children. British passports usually take 2 to 4 weeks to obtain but can take longer. Some countries require up to 6 months’ validity on a passport from your return date. There are no visa requirements for European holidays. Requirements may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such necessary documentation must be paid by you, except where specified above. If you are 16 or over and haven’t yet got a passport, you should apply for one at least six weeks before your holiday. The U.K. Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this. Both non-British citizens and British citizens should check the passport and visa requirements with the consulate of the country being visited or travelled through in good time before departure.
INSURANCE
It is a condition of booking a holiday with us that you take out holiday insurance. Consort Travel offers a comprehensive insurance provided by Rock Insurance Services who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (Firm Reference No. 300317). If you do not take our insurance you must provide us with details of your policy by the date that the final balance of payment is due. Any alternative policy must offer the same or greater protection as our own. We must bring to your attention some of the important features of the policy that we offer. PLEASE NOTE: We do not check alternative policies.
HEALTH
If you or anyone else on whom the trip depends at the time of taking out the insurance have an existing medical condition which requires ongoing medication, or have been treated or investigated for any medical conditions during the 2 years prior to the commencement of cover OR at any time have had any cardiovascular or circulatory condition NO COVER WILL BE PROVIDED by this insurance for such medical condition(s) UNLESS you contact the medical pre-screening line on 0844 338 6484, and you receive approval of cover for such medical condition(s) for your planned trip, and accept any special terms provided in respect of your existing medical condition(s). The medical screening line must also be notified of any changes in health or prescribed medication prior to the commencement of the trip.
CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
The insurance is subject to the conditions and exclusions shown in the policy document. General Exclusions and Policy Conditions apply to all sections of cover. There are also certain exclusions that apply to specific sections of cover. These are clearly set out in your insurance document. PROPERTY CLAIMS Claims are paid based on the value of the goods at the time that they are lost and not on a ‘new for old basis’ or replacement cost basis.
HAZARDOUS HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
All activities listed in your holiday itinerary are covered. Any activities not listed in your holiday itinerary will need to be disclosed to Rock Insurance Services on 0844 482 0686.
COOLING OFF PERIOD
Your insurance contains a cooling off period of 14 days, during which you can return the policy and get a refund if you have a justifiable reason for being dissatisfied with the conditions, providing you haven’t travelled or made a claim in the meantime. LAW Unless specifically agreed, this insurance shall be subject to English law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.
POLICY LIMITS
Most sections of your insurance have limits on the amounts the insurer will pay under that section. Some sections also include specific limits, e.g. for any one item or for valuables in total.
POLICY EXCESS
Claims under most sections of your insurance will be subject to an excess (except Gold Cover where there are no excesses whatsoever). When an excess is applicable, you will be responsible for paying the first part of the claim.
COMPLAINTS
Your insurance contains a complaints procedure that tells you what steps you can take if you wish to make a complaint. LOSS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY You must report any loss or theft of personal property to the local police within 24 hours. Keep a note of where you reported the loss or theft and obtain a written report/crime reference number from the local police. If your property is not recovered by the time you return home, please contact your insurance company immediately.
NON U.K. RESIDENTS
We regret we can not offer non-U.K. residents travel insurance.
CURRENCY
You will require local currency to use during your holiday. Exchange facilities are not guaranteed in any of the hotels we use. Please check with your travel agent, foreign exchange or bank, or call us if you are unsure of the currency required for an individual country.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
At the time of going to print, no vaccinations are required for holidays in Europe. However, this situation may change and it is advisable to check with your doctor or the Department of Health before travelling. Information on health is contained in the Department of Health leaflet T7 (Health Advice for Travellers) available from the Department of Health on 0870 1555 455 or via its website www.dh.gov.uk and most Post Offices. MEDICAL SERVICES The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the old E111. If you are a U.K. resident, you are entitled to medical treatment that becomes necessary, at reduced cost or sometimes free, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Only treatment provided under the state scheme is covered. However, to obtain treatment you will need to take a EHIC with you. NB: For customers travelling to the Channel Islands your EHIC card is not recognised. You must check your own Travel Insurance Policy will cover your medical costs in the Channel Islands. A EHIC provides limited protection and is not a substitute for travel insurance.
APPLYING FOR A EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC)
APPLYING ONLINE
The quickest and easiest way to apply for an EHIC is online at www.ehic.org.uk. Your card will be delivered within seven days. APPLYING BY PHONE To apply by phone, call 0845 606 2030 and have the information listed previously ready. When your application is completed, your card will be delivered within 10 days.
APPLYING BY POST
To apply by post, pick up the EHIC form and preaddressed envelope from the Post Office. Your card will be delivered within 21 days. For a nominal fee, the Post Office will check your completed application form and forward it for processing. This service is optional. There is space for up to four dependent children on the application form. If you apply online or by telephone, you can apply on behalf of more children.
YOUR DESTINATION
The general standards of safety, hygiene, fire precautions etc. vary from country to country and can, in some instances, be lower than you are used to in the U.K. The monitoring and enforcement of such matters is governed by the authorities of the country and overseas supplier of the services concerned. It is the requirements and standards of the country in which any services which make up your holiday are provided which apply to those services, and not those of the U.K.
TRAVEL ADVICE
The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 (Ceefax) page 470 onwards or on the internet at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo. Alternatively, you can contact the FCO Travel Advice Unit on 0870 606 0290.
CHILDREN & INFANTS
We are unable to accept bookings for children under 8 years old. Customers aged 16 and under at the time of travel must be accompanied by an adult, parent or guardian aged at least 18 years old. We reserve the right to refuse to carry any passenger not complying with the above, and levy full cancellation charges, as detailed in the Booking Conditions.
PREGNANT WOMEN
Due to circumstances such as rough conditions on ferry crossings and changes in air pressure on board aircraft and in mountainous regions, women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant at the time of departure are not permitted to travel on our holidays.
PRICES & BROCHURE ACCURACY CHANGES & ERRORS
Our brochures are produced many months in advance of your holiday, and whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the brochure and prices at the time of printing, regrettably, errors do occasionally occur. Also, changes may have to be made. Maps, where featured, are for illustration purposes only and are not to scale. Whilst we endeavour to maintain brochure prices, we must reserve the right to increase or decrease them at any time after brochure publication as our costs change and exchange rates fluctuate. We also have the right to correct errors. The current prices of our holidays are shown on our website and are available by telephone. You must, therefore, ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us (directly or through your travel agent) at the time of booking.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
Consort Travel is a data controller. In order to process your booking, we need to collect certain personal details from you. These include, where applicable, the names and contact details of party members, next of kin details, passport information, credit/debit card or other payment details and special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition which may affect the chosen holiday arrangements or any insurance you wish to purchase and any dietary restrictions which may disclose your religious beliefs. We need to pass on your personal details to the companies and organisations who need to know them so that your holiday can be provided (for example your airline, hotel, other supplier, insurance provider, credit/debit card company or bank). Such companies and organisations may be outside the European Union, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if your holiday is to take place or involves suppliers outside these countries. We may store and use your personal details (except sensitive personal details) for future marketing purposes (for example, sending you a brochure or details of a promotion, including by email or telephone). We may also pass your details onto other companies in our group or selected suppliers so that they may send you information on their products and services (including financial services) which we feel may be of interest to you. If you do not want us to do any or all of these things, please let us know at the time of booking or at any time subsequently by sending an e-mail to unsubscribe@consorttravel.com or by telephoning or writing to us. Except as permitted by the Data Protection Act, we will only deal with the personal details you give us as set out above unless you agree otherwise. You are generally entitled to ask us what details of yours are being held or processed, for what purpose and to whom they may be or have been disclosed. We will charge a fee to respond to such a request. We promise to respond to your request within 40 days of receiving your written request and fee. In certain limited circumstances we are entitled to refuse your request. If you believe that any of your personal details which we are processing are inaccurate or incorrect please contact us immediately. For our full privacy statement in respect of these details please consult our website.
EARLY BOOKING SPECIAL OFFERS
Any early booking special offers featured on our holiday pages or website can not be used in conjunction with any other offers.
GREAT-VALUE TRAVEL INSURANCE THAT’S WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD!
Although Consort Travel takes every care to make sure your holiday is happy and relaxing, we still urge you to safeguard your holiday with the travel insurance we offer. Why? Quite simply, the travel insurance Consort Travel offers is right for our customers’ needs. You want good, reliable cover at a sensible, low price. And with Consort Travel, that’s exactly what you get. The insurance we offer is provided by Rock Insurance Services Limited and includes emergency medical and dental costs, loss or theft of personal possessions, missed departure, cancellation and curtailment, and much, much more. (In fact, over the years, many of our customers have commented on the fast, fair treatment they have received when they did have to make a claim). Your policy provides 24-hour assistance for medical emergencies overseas. Tel: 0044 (0) 845 2603260 quoting your Consort Travel booking reference and scheme reference CRSLC40008-01. The premiums shown on our brochure pages are for Standard Cover for guests aged under 66 on the day of departure. The supplement for Gold Cover starts from as little as £6 per person. Guests aged 66 and over on the day of departure will be charged an additional premium – please call for details. Here is a summary of the main terms and benefits. Full details of the policy are available on request.
| SECTION |
STANDARD COVER INSURED |
STANDARD COVER EXCESS |
GOLD COVER INSURED |
GOLD COVER EXCESS |
| MEDICAL |
£1,000,000 |
£35 |
£10,000,000 |
NIL |
| PERSONAL LIABILITY |
£2,000,000 |
£35 |
£2,000,000 |
NIL |
| LEGAL ADVICE |
£10,000 |
£35 |
£50,000 |
NIL |
| PERSONAL ACCIDENT |
£10,000 |
NIL |
£30,000 |
NIL |
| PERSONAL POSSESSIONS |
£1,000 |
£35 |
£1,500 |
NIL |
| MONEY |
£150 |
£35 |
£500 |
NIL |
DEMANDS AND NEEDS STATEMENT
This travel insurance policy will suit the demands and needs of an individual, or group (where applicable) who have no pre-existing medical conditions, are travelling to countries included within the policy terms and who wish to insure themselves against the financial impact of specified unforeseen circumstances/events relating to or occurring during the trip. Full details of these circumstances/events, levels of cover and terms and conditions can be found in the policy booklet. IMPORTANT You may already possess alternative insurance(s) for some or all of the features and benefits provided by this product. It is your responsibility to investigate this. We will not provide you with advice about the suitability of this product for your individual needs. We will, however, be happy to provide you with factual information to aid you in making your own informed buying decision. Leger Holidays, trading as Consort Travel are an Appointed Representative of ITC Compliance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Health and Safety
Consort Travel are committed to working to raise safety standards and strive to provide a “safe and healthy” holiday. To help you have a great time; we have put together this information to highlight certain areas where we recommend you take extra care and consider how best to look after yourself and your family.
While you are Away
Please take a few minutes to read our top tips for your safety on holiday
Fire Safety
Different countries have different fire regulations and procedures. When you first arrive in your accommodation we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the escape routes and locate the nearest fire exit to your room. We suggest that you study the instruction notice in your room and identify the method of raising the alarm on discovering a fire. If you discover a fire, evacuate the area immediately closing all doors behind you and raise the alarm. Do not stop to collect your personal belongings. To minimise the risk of fire we ask you to take care to extinguish all cigarettes and cigars and avoid smoking in bed.
Take care not to leave anything heating on any kitchen hob unsupervised, particularly pans containing oil or fat. Avoid leaving any flammable items such as shopping or tea towels on the hob area of a cooker. Turn off all electrical appliances when not in use.
Balcony and Glass Safety
If you are travelling with young children in your party, please make sure that they are not left unsupervised on the balcony area. We advise you to keep all balcony furniture away from the railings or balcony wall. Adults and children should remember not to lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railings.
The majority of hotels and apartments overseas are not required to install toughened glass in their windows and balcony patio doors. It is recommended that extra care is taken around these areas, particularly in bright sunlight, as it often may not be obvious whether the window or door is open or closed.
Encourage children not to run to and from the balcony.
Bathroom
We ask you to take care in the bathroom as condensation and water spray can make surfaces slippery and bath or floor mats are rarely provided.
Please also familiarise yourself with the taps and fittings as the control and type may differ from that of the UK. Take extra care with hot water and ensure mixer taps are set at a suitable temperature for use.
Electrical Appliances
Please exercise caution when using electrical appliances. You should avoid using mains electrical appliances when near water, when physically wet, or when standing on wet surfaces. Children should be closely supervised when using electrical appliances. If you have brought electrical appliances with you from the UK, we recommend that you use an adapter suitable to the local voltage. If electrical cooking facilities are provided in your room or apartment, please ensure that these are turned off when not in use.
Lifts
Children should always be accompanied when using any type of lift. Occasionally you may find that the lift in your accommodation is not fitted with internal doors. This means that the lift shaft wall is visible when the lift is in motion. Please take care when using this type of lift and stand well back from the exposed wall.
Insect Bite Avoidance
In some resorts you need to take prevention against biting insects such as mosquitoes. Several tropical diseases are transmitted this way such as Malaria, Dengue Fever & Yellow Fever. In most instances bite avoidance is the only real precaution you can take. Please cover up arms and legs at dusk and dawn when insects are at their most prevalent and use a DEET based repellent, which is recommended as the most effective on exposed areas of skin. Repellents should be re-applied at regular intervals especially in hot/humid conditions.
Children’s Safety
Children’s curiosity and excitement about their new surroundings will mean that they are not aware of hazards, which are obvious to adults. Please supervise your children at all times and be extra vigilant about watching your children, particularly when they are on a balcony, using lifts, or, in or around the pool area, on the beach or at playgrounds.
Food and Drink
Food and drink is an enjoyable part of the holiday experience, but please remember that moderation is the key, particularly at the beginning of your holiday when the local cuisine may be unfamiliar to you. The tap water in many overseas destinations has a higher mineral content than we are used to in the UK, which can lead to stomach upsets.
We recommend that you always drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact. Where possible avoid ice in drinks. If going off-site to eat, we recommend you check that your food has been thoroughly cooked and is still hot when served. Be careful with salads and seafood.
Safe and Health in the Sun
Escaping the British weather is always an exciting prospect. To help prevent sunstroke and sunburn, we would recommend you build up the amount of time you spend in the sun gradually, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Apply high factor sunscreen and re-apply this frequently, particularly after swimming.
Never expose babies to the sun and always take extra care with children. Use water-resistant sun-block on children. Please drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and if you show any signs of burning, you should get out of the sun immediately.
Room Safety
Please remember to always lock your room or apartment door and to ensure that you do not leave your window or patio doors open (particularly if you are on the ground floor level).
Personal Safety
When out and about in resort please be aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations where you do not feel comfortable. Drugs and alcohol can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If part of a group look out for one another and consider carefully whether you should leave a pub, club or event with someone you have just met.
Drinks/Drugs (non medical)
Please don’t accept drinks from strangers and avoid sharing or exchanging them. Try to keep your drink with you at all times or ask someone to watch it if you leave your group or go to the toilet. We advise you to have nothing to do with drugs. Possession of even small amounts for personal use may result in severe penalties, including the death sentence in some countries.
Beach Safety
When on the beach familiarise yourself with the beach area and be aware of heavy surf or undercurrents. It is recommended that you swim where there are other people, preferably where lifeguards are present. Take advice given locally and obey any flag system or warning signs. We recommend that you do not swim after dark, after drinking alcohol or immediately after eating.
Children should always be closely supervised, even when a lifeguard is present. Investigate how a beach shelves before allowing children or less confident swimmers to enter the water. Take extreme care when boats and jet skis are in the area. Follow any zoning scheme designed to separate watercraft and swimmers.
Swimming Pool Safety and Hygiene
The vast majority of swimming pools overseas do not have lifeguards. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the design and layout of the pool prior to use, taking into account any depth changes or unusual features.
Brief your children
To make your time around the pool a “Safe and Healthy” one, we would like to share the following tips:
- Many pool accidents happen when children are exploring, often soon after arrival. Please make sure you know who is supervising your children at all times.
- Please observe the pool rules displayed on notices around the pool area.
- Most swimming pools in your accommodation will not be suitable for diving.
- Please observe any ”no diving” signs and never dive from the deck side into water less than 1.5m deep.
- Do not dive from any raised features around the pool (such as rocks or bridges).
- In the event of an emergency, know how to summon help.
- The pool surround can often be very slippery; please do not run around this area.
- Do not swim immediately after eating a meal.
- Avoid swimming after drinking alcohol.
- When using sun loungers around the pool area, please ensure that they are set up properly before use.
- Observe pool opening hours and do not use the pool after dark.
- Do not use the pool if you are suffering from an upset stomach or feeling unwell.
- Remember – even when a lifeguard is present they are not a substitute for parental supervision.
- Please take a shower before entering the pool.
- Ensure children use the toilet before using the pool. In the event of a faecal accident in or around the pool, please report this immediately.
- Young children and babies should wear appropriate swim wear (i.e. pool nappies)
Getting Around a Resort On foot:
When walking around resort, please take care, as pavements may not be of the standard you are used to in the UK. The rules of the road overseas also differ and pedestrian crossings do not always oblige drivers to stop for pedestrians.
Try and avoid walking around dimly lit areas. We would always recommend that you take a resort map (usually available at the accommodation reception) if you are not familiar with your resort. We recommend that you do not carry your valuable belongings around with you (passports, large quantities of money etc.) and store things in your room safe. Remember to familiarise yourself with the direction of traffic.
By Coach:
- Follow safety information given by your driver or guide.
- Not all-foreign coaches will be equipped with seatbelts.
- American Law does not require seat belts on Tour Coaches.
- Never leave your luggage in the aisle.
- Always remain seated until the coach has stopped.
By Hire Car:
This is a great way to explore your holiday resort. We advise that you familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in your chosen destination and obey speed limits. We advise against moped and motorbike hire. If you do hire such vehicles or quad bikes, etc., please wear a crash helmet and ensure that you are confident in relation to the safe operation of the vehicle. We advise against the hire of open top or self drive off road excursion vehicles. Taxi/Minicab It pays not to accept lifts in unlicensed taxis or from a stranger; it is always safer to share a taxi with a friend or someone you trust. If you do travel alone, sit in the back and avoid giving the driver any personal details.
Excursions and Activities
We act as agents on excursions and activities with independent suppliers overseas and we endeavour to promote appropriate safety standards. If you choose to organise independent excursions, please check that your travel insurance, the operators’ insurance and safety standards provided are satisfactory.
Avian Influenza
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice The risk of avian and pandemic influenza to British nationals visiting countries affected by avian flu is believed to be very low.
The following precautions are recommended:
- Avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you might come in to contact with wild, domestic or caged birds.
- Avoid surfaces contaminated with animal faeces or fluids.
- Avoid eating or handling poultry, egg or duck dishes if they are undercooked or raw.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Do not attempt to bring any live poultry products back to the UK
Gas Safety
Should you have any gas appliances within your accommodation we advise that you always check that they are turned off when not in use. Never use gas cookers as a form of room heating and always follow the operating instructions provided.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced by faulty gas appliances or appliances located in rooms that are poorly ventilated. CO is a toxic, colourless, odourless, tasteless gas.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, tiredness and headaches. If you suffer from these whilst indoors, but feel better outside seek medical attention. Indications of a faulty appliance include black marks or stains, lazy orange flames instead of crisp blue ones and excessive condensation in the room. If you have concerns speak to reception, tell your representative (or call the 24-hour service line).
CO detectors are extremely rare in overseas accommodation.
DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
The risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis is not confined to just air passengers. Research now suggests that DVT could be just as likely to affect anyone seated in a confined space for a prolonged period, although there is very little hard evidence linking DVT to Coach travel.
For anyone seated in the same position for an extended time, veins in the feet and legs can become constricted. This in turn can lead to the formation of blood clots in the leg, or DVT. Below are some sensible and precautionary measures we would recommend to you.
- Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.
- Sit so that your legs are as un-constricted as possible.
- Don’t cross your legs for long periods as this position can reduce blood flow in the legs.
- While seated, massage feet, ankles, lower legs and knees.
- Exercise calf muscles by clenching your toes to stimulate blood circulation.
- Do seat exercises such as ankle rolls and toe pointing.
- Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills before and during the journey.
Hurricanes/Cyclones/Typhoons
Some of our destinations are in parts of the world where Hurricanes, Typhoons or Cyclones occur. These are intense storms with winds exceeding 75mph and can be accompanied by heavy rain and high seas. All hotels and local areas will have plans in place but we will also communicate with you when we are advised of an impending storm.
There are 3 stages of advice:
1. Alert: Intense storm in the general vicinity but could still be several hundred miles away, however, predictions are it may come closer to your resort. We will keep you advised of its track.
2. Watch: Announced when an intense storm is 36 hours away but heading towards your resort. This still means it may not be imminent as it could yet change direction. At this point you will be advised to remain within the hotel grounds and follow any instructions given to you by the hotel management or representative.
3. Warning: An intense storm is expected to strike your resort within 24hrs, it is imperative you follow instructions given to you by your hotel management or representative.
4. Secure all your valuables, passports and documentation in safety deposit. Pack a bag with essential items e.g.: medication, glasses, toiletries, towel and change of clothing. Pack any baby food or nappies if travelling with small children. For your safety alcohol will not be served during this time. You will be advised of the safest place to go. Stay away from any glass windows or doors.
5. Do not attempt to go outside even when the storm appears to have passed as this could simply be the calm eye of the storm before the winds return with even greater force in the opposite direction. You will be advised when it is safe to leave.