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Travel Safety

ROUND THE WORLD PLANNER

Download our FREE round the world planner. Everything you'll ever need to sort your trip out!

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3-IN-1 SAFETY DEVICE

This gadget is a smoke detector, a distress alarm and a powerful LED torch

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FAQs for parents

Objective Gap Safety answer some of parents' most frequently asked questions...

Q. What are the biggest dangers facing my child whilst abroad?
A. We believe the greatest threats are road traffic accidents, disease and petty crime. Driving standards in some countries can be terrible so they should avoid driving and be very careful when choosing buses and taxis.

Q. How do I find out whether it’s safe for my child to visit a particular country or area and what they need to be careful of?
A. The Foreign Office website is the best starting point. They have to err on the side of caution so don’t be alarmed if it all looks too scary, but you need to adhere to their advice. Other sources are other countries' governments, travel guides such as Lonely Planet and best of all, local contacts.

Q. How can the FCO help if my child has a problem overseas?
A. Through its network of embassies and consulates. They can help with replacing lost or stolen passports, provide advice on hospitals, doctors, lawyers etc. What they can and can’t do is on their website.

Q. What should my son or daughter do if they get sick?
A. They must go and see a local doctor immediately, especially if they have a fever. Although the facilities may not be good, the local doctor will recognise local symptoms. Don’t be tempted to talk to your local GP back in the UK. If you need more help call Objective Travel Safety and we will put you in touch with travel and tropical health experts.

Q. What happens if my son/daughter’s medical condition gets worse?
A. The local consulate can give advice on the best doctors and hospitals and you should contact their travel health insurers for assistance with medical evacuation if they can’t be treated abroad. So they must have travel health insurance.

Q. As far as insurance is concerned, what do they need?
A. A combined policy covering health and evacuation, public liability and kit/money. All the leading insurance providers will offer this.

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Q. I will be naturally a little concerned as to how they are getting on. How best should we keep in touch?
A. Email is the best. Even in remote areas it’s possible to communicate via email (via satellite). Whether it’s by email or phone please don’t get tied into a fixed schedule (ie 'Mum, I will call every other Thursday'). With the best will in the world it will not happen and you will worry, they will worry that you are worrying and nobody will have a good time!

Q. How can I help to ensure my children don’t get mugged or robbed overseas?
A. There are a number of things you can do. Make sure they are aware of high risk areas, that they maintain a low profile (don’t show off wealth, attract attention etc) and have an air of confidence about them. Objective Travel Safety’s one-day course will teach them the essential skill of how to ‘think safe’: recognise danger and avoid problems before they arise.

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