Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Safety
to the southern tropics over the course of the year.
The tropical rain belt lies in the southern hemisphere
roughly from October to March and during this time
the southern tropics experience a wet season when
rain is common. Days start off hot and sunny, with
humidity building during the day and culminating in
thunderstorms and torrential rain in the afternoon or
evening. From April to September, the rain belt lies
in the northern hemisphere and the northern tropics
experience the wet season. Extreme climatic conditions,
such as monsoons, hurricanes and tropical storms, can
have devastating effects on long-haul destinations and
appear to be more frequent nowadays. Visitors are likely
to avoid making bookings to long-haul destinations
that are experiencing adverse weather conditions or
cancel their trips when climatic conditions deteriorate.
Safety and security are key factors that affect long-haul
travel by British people. The tragic events of September
11th 2001, plus more recent terrorist attacks closer
to home, make travellers acutely aware of the need
to ensure their personal safety. Crime and unrest can
be a problem in some long-haul destinations, which
employ tourist police to ensure the safety and security
of visitors. Some destinations make clear where tourists
should not venture unaccompanied.
Health issues
Moving across many time zones often leads to jet
lag, when the body takes time to adjust after a long
fl ight. Many people are concerned about deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) on long-haul fl ights, taking exercises
while on their journeys and wearing special socks to
reduce the risk. Health in some long-haul destinations
is also a concern for incoming tourists, particularly in
developing countries where HIV and diseases may be
common. It is important to have necessary vaccinations
before visiting at-risk countries and to take heed of
the advice for the Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce
(FCO) on health issues while travelling abroad.
Entry requirements
Some long-haul destinations place restrictions on
incoming visitors, who may need to apply for a visa well
in advance of their visit. Vaccination certifi cates may
also be a requirement in certain destination countries.
Sources such as the
World Travel Guide
give country-
by-country requirements for visitors before they travel.
Travel restrictions
Social issues
International confl icts, such as wars and terrorist
activities, limit where people can travel safely and are
closely monitored by the Foreign and Commonwealth
Offi ce (FCO), which offers useful advice to UK citizens
on at-risk countries. Natural disasters, such as volcanic
eruptions, hurricanes and storms can also limit where
people can travel in the short-term.
Some people fi nd that visiting certain long-haul
destinations is a real culture shock, with poverty, disease
and malnutrition a problem in many developing nations
that attract tourists. Exploitation of local people can
also be an issue and it is important that tourists do all
they can to support local people when on holiday by
buying local crafts and encouraging appropriate tourist
activities. Organisations such as Tourism Concern and
the Travel Foundation encourage visitors to respect the
culture and people of the destinations they visit and to
'give something back' to local communities.
Weblink
Check out this website for the latest
information on travel restrictions to long-
haul destinations from the Foreign and
Commonwealth Offi ce (FCO).
www.fco.gov.uk
