While many people consider Spain to be one of the safest holiday spots for Brits looking to relax on the beach, it turns out that the country may not be quite as safe as we initially thought.
In fact law firm Simpson Millar solicitors recently revealed that they’ve dubbed the country one of the worst when it comes to safety for Brits abroad, particularly when it comes to sickness and illness. And just in case you were thinking of simply switching to Greece or Turkey, it turns out it may be a good idea to give them a miss as well.
Simpson Millar’s head of travel Nick Harris explained, saying that the many inclusive holidays during summer means that there are often incidents near swimming pools, along with large outbreaks of illnesses. In fact, one hotel had 260 people get sick all at the same time last year.
According to Mr. Harris, his firm claims millions of pounds from holiday operators when Brits find themselves in bad situations overseas every year. People are getting anywhere from £3,000 to £50,000 if they end up with life-long conditions from their holiday- something which is more common than you would think.
A bad infection in the stomach can actually end up attacking the stomach lining, while dehydration from bugs or food poisoning can end up affecting your liver or kidneys.
Specific issues to watch out for include robberies, swimming pool bugs and balcony falls. However many incidents can be prevented by simply being smart overseas, watching how much you drink, and staying away from lukewarm food at the buffet.
While all-inclusive resorts are a favourite among tourists, it’s a good idea to ensure that you’re keeping an eye on the food, watching how long it is left out for and if it is being replaced. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be one of the perks of traveling, just be careful to make sure that it has been washed in bottled water, and if possible stick to fruit you need to peel like mangos, bananas and oranges.
I think this article should definitely be taken with a grain of salt, and should in no way dissuade people from traveling to these countries. However most tourists could do with a wake-up call when it comes to their behaviour overseas. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you would do something at home. If you wouldn’t, and you’re just doing it because “you’re on holiday”, it’s a good indication that your behaviour is risky.
Always ensure that you’ve had all necessary vaccinations, and you’re taking mosquito repellent in areas where you can get malaria or dengue. If you’ll be away for a while, or you’re avoiding main towns and resorts, ask your doctor to give you some antibiotics just in case you fall ill and can’t get to a doctor.
Often it’s experienced travellers who are most likely to let their guard down, so this research comes as a good reminder that we should all be vigilant overseas. For more information about how you can stay safe overseas, check out the interesting infographic below.
