The last few months have been a turbulent time globally. Natural disasters, heightened military tensions, and the emergence of a new disease we don’t as-of-yet have a cure for, have dominated news headlines across the world.
While these issues have dire implications for the people directly involved, they can also have a knock-on impact on holidaymakers everywhere.
If you’re worried that your prospective destination might be unsafe to visit, you’ve come to the right place: we’ve summarised the concerns three different areas are facing and compiled all the resources, tips and tools you should be aware of.
Australia
Raging wildfires have devastated a staggeringly large portion of Australia, killing 30 people and destroying thousands of homes.The wildfires are estimated to cover an area that is at least 10 million hectares (or 100,000 sq km) in size. To put this in context, wildfires would consume the vast majority of England and Wales.
It isn’t just the sites of the fires that are affected. The pollution created by the fires is spreading across Australia, adversely affecting air quality in surrounding areas too. By visiting, you run the risk of exacerbating existing respiratory illnesses or developing entirely new ones. Always consult the latest advice before making the trip.
Middle East
The increasingly fractious relationship between Iran and the US has cast the threat of violence over the Middle East. Even flying over Iranian airspace in a commercial flight is laden with danger. A Ukrainian plane, misidentified by Iranian defence forces, was shot down – killing 176 people. Iran is a complete no-go zone for UK citizens and escalating tensions have made many surrounding areas dangerous too.
Popular tourist destinations for UK travellers like Egypt, Turkey and the UAE all come with a warning attached. Holidaymakers hoping to trade the gloomy British weather for sunnier climes may have to put their plans on hold.There are very real concerns of attacks in these areas and you should always seek the latest information before booking (or embarking on) a trip to one of these places.
China
The outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China in the last few days has sparked fears of a global health crisis. Never before seen in humans, there is as of yet no way to treat the affliction. Cases have been reported in 25 countries, but the overwhelming majority are in China – the epicentre of the disaster is in Wuhan and the surrounding Hubei province.
As you’d expect the government is advising against: all travel to Hubei and all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. British Airways is one of several airlines to suspend all direct flights into China.
FCO advice
In the event of an emerging crisis, locating the latest news is only a Google search away. Your first port of call should always be the UK government website. You’ll find up to the minute advice on any location on the planet from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
If you’re still in the planning stage – and your prospective destination isn’t facing an imminent threat – the travel advice section of the government website is still an invaluable resource. It’s teeming with useful advice – from the documentation you’ll need to travel freely to briefings on local laws and customs to ensure you don’t come unstuck while you’re in an unfamiliar area.
Am I covered by travel insurance?
Lost luggage, medical expenses and egregious delays: three things we know will be covered by even the most basic travel insurance policy. But what if your trip abroad is jeopardised by some unforeseen disaster – like the political machinations of an unpredictable foreign leader, a freak natural calamity or the outbreak of a never-before-seen virus?
Essentially, it all comes down to timing. Taking the coronavirus outbreak as an example, If you’d already travelled to China ahead of 29th January – the date the government began advising against travel – you’ll be entitled to cover. If, however, you still choose to travel to China after this date (against the advice of the government) you run the risk of invalidating your policy. If you have to then cancel your trip, you should be able to get reimbursed (depending on the fine print of your policy).
Book airport transfers in Liverpool
Travel insurance quibbles underline the importance of organising everything as early as possible and putting the time and effort into finding something that comprehensively protects you. In this spirit, why not book Manchester airport transfers in advance with a firm you can trust? Our luxury chauffeur Manchester service features Wi-Fi, bottled water and plush, spacious seating – allowing you to stay in-the-know on your way to the airport.