Information Guides HANDY HINTS WHEN TRAVELLING

Transcription

1 Information Guides HANDY HINTS WHEN TRAVELLING

2 INTRODUCTION We travel to enjoy, to experience, to explore. We don t travel to be stressed or to worry. Here are some tips from us to help you reduce the risk of accident, illness or simple inconvenience whilst away from home. To make the most of your holiday we ve prepared this handy booklet for people living with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities, as a reminder of the things to do before travelling and tips for whilst on holiday. We've gathered lots of information from a number of different sources to help us write this guide. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 BEFORE YOU ESCAPE 4 ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS 5 AIRPORT EXTRAS 6 PASSPORTS AND VISAS MEDICATIONS, INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS INSURANCE LUGGAGE AND MONEY FLYING AND DIFFERENT TRAVEL METHODS 12 GETTING AROUND 13 ON YOUR TRAVELS YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST USEFUL LINKS

3 BEFORE YOU ESCAPE Arranging a trip takes a lot of planning and organisation. Here at Fish we want to help you sort the little things that can make or break your holiday. ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS AIRPORT EXTRAS PASSPORTS AND VISAS MEDICATIONS, INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS Call our team on

4 ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS When making holiday plans, make sure you consider any assistance or specialist requirements that you may need. It s important to check that any airports, hotels, car rental companies, restaurants and so on can meet your requirements. Think of everything you might need on your trip such as an accessible hire car, or meals that meet any dietary requirements. ACCOMMODATION, SERVICES AND SPECIALIST TOUR OPERATORS These are just some accessible and disabled travel specialists that review accommodation and offer advice: ACCESS AT LAST: Includes directory of accessible UK, European and US accommodation and late offers. ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL & LEISURE: Established specialist operator featuring holidays in the UK, Europe, Canary Islands, Africa and America, including skiing breaks and sea and river cruises. DISABLED HOLIDAYS: One of the UK's largest accessible holiday specialists that enables you to travel without limits. ENABLE HOLIDAYS: Specialist tour operator serving European beach and city destinations, Egypt and Florida. HOLIDAYS FOR ALL: Directory of accessible holiday options in the UK and overseas, including safaris, sailing and canal boat breaks. REVITALISE: UK short breaks and holidays at centres in Essex, Southampton and Southport

5 AIRPORT EXTRAS At Fish, we believe nothing should stop you having a great time on your holiday, which is why we ve teamed up with the UK s leading provider of airport essentials, Holiday Extras, to help you have a stress-free trip. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, or just find travelling a little more difficult, our convenient range of airport hotels, car parks and lounges are there to ensure you get the help you need, while also enjoying the freedom you deserve. To see what we can offer and take the hassle out of your trip, visit or call , quoting reference WA364 REMEMBER: If you book flights and accommodation separately, it's important to check whether you will be covered by the Air Transport Organisers Licence (ATOL) scheme should your airline fail. It's also important to check whether you will get a refund on you accommodation or to be repatriated at no extra cost should this happen. Call our team on

6 PASSPORTS AND VISAS Some countries require you to have at least six months left on your passport before you can enter and, of course, visa requirements vary widely. If you need to apply for a passport for the first time allow plenty of time as you ll be required to attend a passport office for interview the process can now take up to six weeks. Make sure that everyone in your party is aware of any entry requirements and that they have a valid passport: the last thing you want is for you to gain entry but someone who you perhaps rely on is denied. Take note of and safely store your passport number in case it is lost or stolen and you need to apply for an emergency replacement via the British embassy (whose location you ve also noted before departing!). It s also worth letting someone you trust in the UK have your contact and insurance details in case of emergency. If you re web savvy, consider storing all such useful information on a cloud-based secure site which can then be accessed wherever you can get an internet connection. Take another means of identification with you preferably with a photograph. Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport. PASSPORT For more information visit 6

7 MEDICATIONS, INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS If you need prescribed medication for your health condition, talk to your GP or practice nurse about your travel plans at least two months before your departure date. They can tell you if you need to make any special arrangements. NHS (2015) Check what s allowed Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding the types of medication they allow into the country. You can check the rules of each country you re travelling to by contacting the foreign embassies. A full list is available on the GOV.uk website) foreign-embassies-in-the-uk The NHS advises that you should carry your medicine in its original, correctly labelled packaging along with a copy of your prescription. As suggested by the NHS, you should carry your medication in your hand luggage, but check your airline s regulations before travelling. It has also been advised that you should pack a spare supply of your medication in your hold luggage, in case you lose your hand luggage. If you re travelling to a warm country, you can get advice from your pharmacist about how you should store your medicine to keep it at the right temperature. If you re planning to travel outside of the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world. NHS (2015) The NHS provides a handy destination-by-destination health guide which includes inoculation advice; All above information is based on Call our team on

8 SPECIALIST TRAVEL INSURANCE If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, then you may have found it difficult to find affordable travel insurance or even get insured. Thankfully Fish offers a specially designed travel health insurance policy which covers most medical conditions such as a stroke, epilepsy, cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes, angina and other heart complaints. IMPORTANT: You should never travel without appropriate travel insurance. 24 % 20 % of travellers visited a hospital of us travelled without insurance* or doctor whilst abroad * REMEMBER: When applying for insurance you need to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to make sure that you are fully covered. Consider looking to cover the whole travelling party so that in the event the holiday needed to be cancelled, they can claim under the policy too. You should always take a copy of your travel insurance documentation away with you. *Research by the Association of British Travel Agents (2013) 8

9 WHY CHOOSE FISH? Our policy has been created specifically to serve people with pre-existing medical conditions, providing comprehensive travel insurance as well as offering specific benefits, such as emergency replacement of your vital prescription medicines or carer. Whether European or worldwide, annual or single trip, we provide travel insurance cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions and what s more, there is no upper age limit. KEY BENEFITS Covers a wide-range of pre-existing medical conditions. No age limit. Covers emergency replacement of prescription medicines. Provides for a replacement carer. Protects mobility and disability equipment. Friendly UK-based claims service and specialist medical assistance. For more information on travel insurance or to get a quote, call us on or visit 15 % ONLINE DISCOUNT Limitations and exclusions apply to Fish Insurance policies. 15% discount applies to Travel Insurance policies purchased online only. Terms and conditions apply. These offers are not to be used in conjunction with any other promotion or discount. Offer valid until Call our team on

10 LUGGAGE AND MONEY You can t take more than 100ml of liquid on an aircraft (except prescribed medication) and this must be carried in a container placed inside a transparent resealable bag. LUGGAGE Weigh your hand and hold luggage to check you re not exceeding allowances or to calculate any excess charges you may need to pay. Use locks on your suitcases and bags. Use easily identifiable, personalised tags/stickers so you can spot your luggage on the carousel. To read the restrictions, visit MONEY Find out which currency is used in the country/countries you are travelling to. It's a good idea to find out whether cash, cards or traveller's cheques are the best options for your travel money. The Money Advice Service suggests that it's a good idea to take some travel money in the local currency to pay for essentials. However, they also advise that you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Check the expiry date on your debit/credit cards. Shop around for the best exchange rate to get more for your money. For more information on travel money, visit categories/cars-and-travel 10

11 MOBILE PHONES If you re planning on using your mobile phone, check with your provider that you ll have network access in the countries you are visiting. Beware of talk and data roaming charges; to avoid hefty bills go into your phones settings and switch off data roaming or set a data limit. Make sure your phone is password protected. If you need/want to access the internet check if your accommodation has free Wi-Fi and its availability elsewhere. Open Wi-Fi hotspots aren't as secure as private ones so be wary of entering sensitive information when connected. FLYING & DIFFERENT TRAVEL METHODS PREPARING TO TRAVEL Try and ensure you reserve a good seat. Even within the same class and fare some seats are much better than others. Consider an aisle or exit row seat to provide more leg room, or a window seat if you want to sleep. Try and avoid seats near toilets as other passengers will be using these and may bump or knock you. Consider bringing your own food if you have special dietary requirements. Prepare a first aid kit and take it with you include rehydration sachets. You should tell the airline about your disability at least 48 hours before departure. DURING YOUR JOUNEY Try and move around, particularly important when on a long journey. Drink plenty of water. Wear comfortable clothes. Stretch often during the journey. Try and relax. PASSPORT Call our team on

12 GETTING AROUND If you use a manual or powered wheelchair, rather than taking yours abroad, consider hiring locally. Airlines and airports will offer wheelchair assistance to get you to the gate and on an aircraft, as will many rail companies and stations: but check, book and confirm before you travel. LAST MINUTE REMINDERS If you have milk or newspapers delivered don t forget to cancel them. If possible ask a neighbour to check that no post, leaflets or free newspapers are left hanging out of your letter box. Use a timer(s) to set a light(s) on and perhaps a talk radio station to come on whilst you re away. Turn off anything that doesn t need to be left on. Empty your fridge of any perishable foods. Turn down your heating - although in winter in particular it s advisable to set your timer so it comes on once a day. At the back of the booklet, see our handy checklist of things to do and pack. 12

13 ON YOUR TRAVELS To enjoy your holidays and make the most of your experience, you should remain vigilant and take extra care to protect yourself and your belongings. If possible, keep your passport in a room or hotel safe. A RESPECT AGENDA Respect local laws, customs and the people: dress and behave in a manner appropriate to your hosts. Ask before taking pictures of people or their property and make sure you are permitted to use your camera when photographing buildings which may be sensitive such as military or security facilities. Try learning a few simple phrases in the local language: it s often really appreciated and, who knows, might mean you enjoy better service! TIPPLE TIPS An obvious point we know, but be careful with alcohol. Drink can lower your defences, impair your reactions, skew your thinking and can lead to awkward situations. At home this can be a problem, abroad ten times more so. Excessive alcohol consumption can also invalidate your insurance. On the flipside if you re in hot or humid countries, or engaging in physical activity, keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water from a safe supply; if in any doubt, use bottled. DRESS SENSE Pack clothes to suit the climate, culture and social occasions. Consider what to wear when travelling bearing in mind the local weather conditions and any difficulties you may have should you need to change clothes on arrival. Don t forget that you ll need something to wear for the journey home when you get back to the UK. Roll rather than fold clothes to prevent creases. Call our team on

14 TRAVEL CHECKLIST Here's our ultimate list of things to consider before you travel. We've used the many sources from this guide, along with our own personal experiences, to help you prepare for your trip. EARLY DOORS ITEM Accessibility NOTES Consider every aspect of your journey and stay: getting to and across airports, airline seating, transport at your destination, wheelchair hire, accommodation. If possible, book with a disabled travel specialist. Inoculations Check if vaccinations are required or recommended. You can usually arrange these through your surgery, otherwise a specialist travel clinic. Some countries may require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before allowing you entry. Passport Confirm validity. Allow plenty of time for renewal and up to 6 weeks for new passports. Visas Currency/travellers cheques Insurance Mobile phone Medications Research Check requirements and apply well in advance. Some countries may require you to attend an embassy interview. Check which currency is used and whether travellers cheques are appropriate for your destination. Buy appropriate cover; read your policy documents and store the policy reference securely. Check network coverage and data roaming. Order enough to cover your period of travel and a little bit more. If possible, take a repeat prescription with you. Read a decent travel guide so you know what to expect, the dos and don ts and likely accessibility issues. 14

15 IN THE IMMEDIATE RUN-UP ITEM NOTES Cancel newspapers/milk Pay any urgent bills Plan your route to the airport Insurance Tickets and documents Home security Baggage allowance Luggage Re-confirm your flight If you re driving, make sure you can access appropriate parking pre-booking is advisable. Note down airport/airline/taxi/parking contact details in case you are delayed. Give policy details to a trusted friend or family member along with your travel itinerary. Check all your tickets, visas, passports etc. have arrived. If you have a response alarm service, advise your provider that you'll be away. Fitting timers for lights and a radio are a good way to make it look like someone's home and it's a good idea to keep the build up of post out of sight. You could also give a set of keys to a trusted friend or family member. Check hold and hand luggage allowances with your airline(s). Decide what you ll need to put in your hand luggage (e.g. medications, travel documents). Remember the restrictions on liquids. Pack and weigh the day before travel. Do this the day before you travel. Call our team on

16 WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PACK? FUNDAMENTALS Passport and visas (if required) and copies Flight tickets and itinerary Insurance documents Currency/travellers cheques Credit/debit cards Prescription medication Airline/airport approval to carry liquid medicines Prescription copy/gp s note Feminine hygiene products Accommodation booking reference, details and directions Driving licence Airport parking ticket Mobility/hearing aids (with spare battery) Dentures Glasses/contact lenses and fluid (hold luggage) Camera + memory cards (or film if non digital) Mobile phone and accessories Travel adaptor Destination appropriate clothing/accessories (sunglasses, hat) Appropriate return journey clothing Compression stockings (flight socks) Suncream and after-sun lotion Spare underwear Toothbrush and paste Shaving equipment Deodorant HAND / HOLD / 16

17 LESS ESSENTIALS & LITTLE LUXURIES Travel iron Travel kettle Travel hairdryer Travel pillow Hair straighteners Wet wipes Translation dictionary/phrase book/electronic translator Travel guide(s)/map(s) MP3 player/ipod Tablet/laptop Internet radio/bluetooth speakers Headphones Books/E-reader Currency converter Ear plugs Eye mask Cosmetics, hair grips, comb, brush, nail file, compact mirror Sewing kit Insect repellent and bite cream Headache pills Plasters/antiseptic cream sanitiser Binoculars Compass Tea bags HAND / HOLD / / / / / / / / / / / Call our team on

18 ON THE DAY ITEM Secure your home Switch off appliances Empty fridge of perishables Set heating or turn off water Check for flight delays Tickets, documents, passport and money NOTES Lock all windows and doors, set light timers and if possible keep any cars in a garage. Switch off what you don t need to leave on. Set heating on low and on a timer or switch off water to prevent burst pipes in winter. Stow these somewhere safe yet accessible, such as a money belt. PASSPORT 18

19 USEFUL LINKS TRAVEL ADVICE FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE: Extensive general and country specific travel advice. GOV.UK: Offers advice and tips on air travel for people with disabilities. TOURISM FOR ALL: Charity site offering advice and information on accessible UK holidays. transport-disabled/planes FOR ACCOMMODATION, SERVICES AND SPECIALIST TOUR OPERATORS SEE PAGE 4. HANDY HINTS WHEN TRAVELLING 7 Call our team on

20 CALL OUR TEAM ON FISHINSURANCE.CO.UK/PRODUCTS/TRAVEL-INSURANCE/ Fish Insurance is a trading style of Fish Administration Ltd. Company Registration no: England & Wales. Fish Administration Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, under firm reference number You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA s website at or by contacting them on ^Calls to 0333 numbers are usually chargeable at a local rate from both UK landlines and mobile phones. These calls are usually included within network providers free minutes packages. 15% discount applies to Travel Insurance policies purchased online. Last updated January