If you are heading off for some fun on the slopes this season, don’t forget to pack some common sense along with the sunscreen and ski insurance.
Avalanches are most often triggered by people using the mountains or by temperature or weather conditions.
If you don’t understand avalanches it is worthwhile doing some research. Consider taking an avalanche safety course to learn about the emergency equipment you should carry and how to use it (transceiver, probe, beacon, air bag, shovel, etc.)
Avalanches may occur anywhere there is a heavy accumulation of snow – and when temperatures warm up during spring skiing the danger is higher. So, whether you are heading for a European resort or to North America, remember that many accidents and deaths are unnecessary and could be avoided:
Oodles of fresh powder is every skier’s dream, but combined with the right conditions that white gold can turn deadly. The last thing we want to do is put anyone off going to the mountains, but please take care.
Here are just a few sobering avalanche statistics – for North America:
For the current U.S. 2010-2011 ski season: (via avalanche.org)
9 have been caught in avalanches so far, with 7 fatalities (3 snowmobilers, 1 skier, 1 snowboarder, 1 ski patrol, 1 climber)
2009-2010 U.S. ski season:
63 caught in avalanches with 36 fatalities (15 skiers, 3 snowboarders, 16 snowmobilers, 2 climbers, 1 ice climber, 1 caught in a roof avalanche)
Statistics so far this season in British Columbia: (Canadian Avalanche Centre: avalanche.ca)
2 snowmobilers involved in incidents – one fatality
3 backcountry skiers involved in incidents (all fatalities)
1 snowmbiler in a group triggered an avalanche and killed (airbag deployed)
The above statistics do not include the many other accidents and incidents that result in injury and death on the slopes each season.
If you stick to a resort’s main ski slopes and areas there is little chance of an avalanche ever affecting you. Before you even think about going off piste (out of bounds), helicopter skiing or backcountry skiing check your ski insurance policy – assuming you have one!
If an accident should occur and a mountain rescue/helicopter evacuation is needed, you (or your family) could end up with an avalanche of very expensive bills. This is before you even reach a hospital bed and receive any treatment – or repatriation by air ambulance if it becomes necessary…
Ignoring posted warnings about avalanches, skiing off piste, and venturing into closed areas could not only put your life in jeopardy, but also potentially invalidate any claims on your ski insurance! Ski insurance is not a license to take unnecessary and dangerous risks.
Always purchase adequate ski insurance for your needs, but read the policy terms and conditions before you even think of stepping into those bindings! If you are unsure about anything don’t leave it to fate – call us and ask.
This Thursday, 3 February 2011, marks the start of Chinese New Year celebrations – and the Year of the Rabbit.
The Chinese tradition of releasing lanterns into the sky has taken hold in the UK and many other parts of the world - and not just during Chinese New Year or the Lantern Festival - they are being released during all kinds of parties and celebrations from birthdays to weddings.
There is no question that the spectacle of the lit lanterns rising into the sky is magical and spellbinding, but is it responsible? Currently, the European Commission is debating the issue and whether they pose a health and safety risk.
In the UK many organisations, including the National Farmers’ Union and the Civil Air Authority, have called for a ban of sky lanterns. They claim that the increased popularity of the lanterns is posing a safety risk, putting buildings, crops, livestock and even lives at risk.
If the lanterns land in fields animals could be harmed through eating or becoming entangled in the type that have wire frames. The lanterns also pose a fire hazard, as well as a litter menace. They also cause problems for the Coastguard and Maritime agencies through false distress flare alarms, and are a potential hazard to aircraft.
There are calls for the lanterns to be banned unless they can be made safer, manufactured from biodegradable materials, or designed to completely self-destruct before they reach the ground.
The lanterns are unpopular with farmers throughout the world. Currently the lanterns are banned in some countries, including Germany and even Sanya, China. In Austria it is against the law to produce, sell or import the lanterns.
Let’s hope that there are no problems this year with the lanterns and that all those who celebrate the Chinese New Year will do so responsibly.
Famous people born during the Year of the Rabbit (also ‘Hare’) include Lewis Carroll, Julian Lennon, Bob Hope, John Cleese, Whitney Houston, Roger Moore, Sting, and George Orwell.
The Rabbit is believed to be the luckiest sign in the Chinese Zodiac. Whether or not you are born under this sign it is probably not wise to leave your luck to the stars when travelling. If you neglect to take out travel insurance and your luck runs out you could be left out of pocket and hopping mad!
Happy New Year and safe travels!
Flickr cc Image: Thanks to simonsimages (Chinese lantern)
The Foreign Office continues to advise against all but essential travel to Cairo (which includes all four governorates, including Giza), Alexandria, Suez and Luxor.
According to reports, access is currently closed to museums in Cairo and the famous pyramids at Giza.
British nationals are advised by the FCO to avoid any demonstrations or public gatherings.
Update: Note that the nationwide curfew has been relaxed, now from 5 pm to 7 am local time.
The FCO advises British nationals in any of the above areas to leave as and when safe to do so. Those in other areas of Egypt, including Sharm el Sheikh and other Red Sea resorts, should continue to monitor the situation and avoid any demonstrations.
Those with travel plans that include Egypt in any way should check with their travel agent, airline, or tour operator for information and advice and confirm flights before travelling to the airport.
The FCO website also contains important information for those in Egypt who are having difficulty printing off their boarding passes or need to have tickets mailed to them in Egypt.
British nationals in Egypt who require assistance should call 020 7008 0000 from the UK, or (02) 2791 6000 in Egypt. For complete FCO information visit the website – click here.
An enormous and very powerful tropical cyclone named ‘Yasi’ is heading for Queensland and expected to hit the coastal area around Cairns on Wednesday (2 February 2011).
It is predicted that the cyclone will hit the coast as a category 3 storm but increase to a category 5 as it moves inland. It is likely to affect the entire state of Queensland, bringing heavy rain and wind.
Island resorts and coastal areas are currently being evacuated and residents are reported to be panic buying for food and supplies.
Those in the area, or with plans to travel to the area should keep an eye on the news and weather reports and contact their travel agent, airline, or tour operator for advice.
Oh dear, not again, poor old Queensland…
Visit our Travel Guide to Australia and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) for updates on the storm as well as other important travel advice.
Fed up with winter weather and the constant gloom and doom in the news? Unfortunately, most of this is out of our control. The reaction of this baby to the taste of grapefruit expresses that feeling very well!
The price of everything is sky high and there’s not much hope of improvement any time soon. In fact, it appears that things will get a lot worse before they get better. You can’t blame people for thinking ‘to heck with it’ and spending what spare cash they have on a needed sanity break. Here are a few ideas:
Spring is on the way and the snowdrops are coming out here in the UK. If this reminds you of snow -and skiing or snowboarding are your passion – why not plan a last-minute trip for some fun on the slopes of Europe or North America.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so you could surprise that special someone with a romantic break. For rugger fans out there with plans to jet off to Paris or Rome for a 6 Nations match, why not take that special person along and make it a romantic weekend.
Easter is late this year… So, if you plan it right and are able to take the time off work you could wangle a long break for just a few days of your precious annual holiday allowance. For example: Good Friday falls on 22 April; Friday 29 April is a public holiday for the Royal Wedding; Monday 2 May is the early Spring Bank Holiday (UK). So, for just three or four days of annual leave (26-28 April) you could take a 10 day holiday, departing Thursday 21 April, or Good Friday 22 April and return to work on Tuesday 3 May. Nice one – if you can beat your work mates to it!
If you are lucky enough to be able to escape the winter blues, don’t forget to protect your trip with travel insurance – you can always add ski insurance to the policy. This is something over which you have some control.
Unfortunately, travel mishaps are always a possibility but if you are prepared and insured those unexpected expenses won’t leave such a bad taste in your mouth!
The Foreign Office (FCO) still advises against all but essential travel to Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor and Suez.
However, they have added a recommendation that British nationals who do not need to stay in any of these cities should leave if it is safe to do so. British nationals currently in other areas of Egypt where there are ongoing protests and demonstrations are advised to stay indoors.
Transit through Cairo is not affected for those with onward travel plans, however flight schedules may be disrupted.
A nationwide curfew continues in effect from 4pm until 8am local time. The FCO advises British nationals to respect the curfew and be alert to any changes in the requirements. Mobile phone coverage is still intermittent and there is no access to the Internet.
Those with plans to travel to, from, or through, Egypt are advised to check with their tour operator or airline to confirm arrangements.
Consular assistance is available to British nationals by calling: 020 7008 0000 (from the UK) or (02) 2791 6000 in Egypt.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has now issued an advisory against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez.
Cairo airport is currently reported to be open and transit through the airport for onward travel to other destinations is not affected at the time of writing. This advisory has become necessary due to the continued demonstrations and protests, which have increased today (28 January 2011) in the above cities of Egypt.
Travellers and visitors already in Egypt are advised to stay where they are and follow FCO advice. The FCO is not advising British nationals to leave the country. However, they should avoid any political gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice or instructions of the local authorities. Visitors in Cairo or other large cities in Egypt should keep up with TV and radio news and not go out in central Cairo or into areas where demonstrations are taking place.
Note that a nationwide curfew is in effect on 28 January from 6pm (local time) until 7 am 29 January. Also, as has been widely reported in the news, the Egyptian authorities have blocked internet and mobile telephone communications.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has also issued an advisory against non essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and Luxor. The DFA advises that tour organisers and hotels will be able to advise of any demonstratons. There is likely to be disruption to travel in the affected areas so extra time should be allowed to travel to the airport.
Travellers are reminded to take out comprehensive travel insurance (including adequate medical insurance) before travelling to Egypt. (Be aware that booking travel to affected areas after a government advisory against non-essential travel has gone into effect may invalidate any related claims on your travel insurance).
Travel Insurance is important for many reasons, but especially as the government does not pay for any emergency medical care or repatriation (alive or dead – sorry!)
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup takes place from 19 February to 2 April – hosted jointly by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The teams are in two groups, as follows:
Group A: Australia, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe Group B: Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, and West Indies
The Foreign Office has published some helpful information and travel tips for cricket fans planning to travel out to the matches, including a link to a PDF file of the Match Schedule, as well as the following:
Passport and visa requirements (and tips to protect them and avoid loss)
Vaccination requirements
Tickets should only be purchased through approved outlets/websites
Confirm accommodation, travel arrangements, and tickets a.s.a.p.
Register online with the FCO ‘LOCATE’ service
Areas to avoid and the political situation in each country
Advice regarding medical care and the need for travel insurance
Delays possible at events due to security checks
Items banned from match venues
Public transportation
For the complete FCO information and advice click here.
Outside the major cities, good emergency medical treatment is not always available. If you should have an accident or become ill while travelling it could be very costly. Treatment in a good private hospital in major cities may cost more than £120 per night and the rates escalate if you are taken into ICU. Without travel insurance you will be responsible for payment of these costs.
Be careful with your food and drink to avoid contracting Traveller’s Tummy or Delhi Belly!
British nationals travelling out to support the teams should make a note of the emergency contact information and High Commission offices in New Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Visit our Travel Guide to Asia and follow the links on the relevant country pages for the FCO for updated travel advice as part of their excellent ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. For a travel insurance quote click here.
According to the Foreign Office (FCO) train services throughout Greece will not be operating on 26 and 27 January, 2011 due to industrial action. This includes the Athens suburban railway.
For more information visit our Travel Guide to Greece and follow the link for the FCO for updated travel advice.
If you need a quote for your travel insurance please click here.
Activists in Egypt plan to hold a day of action and protests today, Tuesday 25 January 2011.
Reports indicate that this action may have been inspired by recent events in Tunisia. The government has warned that security will be high and arrests are likely.
Travellers in Cairo, or due to arrive in Cairo today should be cautious and avoid any demonstrations.
The Foreign Office (FCO) has issued advice for British nationals in Egypt to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and to follow any instructions and advice issued by the local authorities.
Visit our Travel Guide to Egypt and follow the link for the FCO for updated information and any travel advisories in effect.
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If you are heading off for some fun on the slopes this season, don’t forget to pack some common sense along with the sunscreen and ski insurance. 
