At Wendy Wu Tours we are continually working with our ground partners to maintain and improve safety standards by seeking good practice in health and safety and we will do our best to ensure that your holiday is safe and trouble free. Part of the enjoyment of travelling abroad is experiencing a different way of life and cultures, but it may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards than those we are used to at home. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense as well as refer to notices and follow the advice from your National Escort and/or Local Guide.
We are continually working with our accommodation and transport providers to endeavour to raise safety standards as much as possible and we will do our best to ensure that your holiday is safe and trouble free, but we do ask that you take that little bit of extra care whilst you are away.
Flight safety
- Do not place flammable liquids, lighters, matches, gasses or aerosols in your suitcase
- Always carry medication in your hand luggage
- Keep your passport safe and have a photocopy with you just in case
- Pay attention and follow any in flight safety information
- To avoid DVT, drink plenty of water and follow simple exercises or occasionally move around the cabin
Transport safety
- In vehicles always wear a seat belt if one is provided – though it is not compulsory in Southeast Asia to do so. We cannot guarantee that vehicles will be fitted with seat belts
- In minibuses never place luggage in the aisles or foot wells
- Ensure you know where your nearest emergency exit is
- Check the location of the fire extinguisher, first aid kit and break glass hammer
- Follow any safety instructions provided by your driver/guide
Road safety
- Car hire is also not recommended in most areas
- Traffic in most Asian countries travels on the opposite side of the road to Australia/New Zealand. Ensure you look both ways before crossing the road
- In many countries vehicles do not automatically stop at crossings
- Often paving can be uneven and loose with kerbs higher than you may be used to. Please take more care whilst walking around cities and resort areas
- Crash helmets are often not provided with mopeds and motorbikes – we do not recommend you hire these vehicles
Fire safety
- Ensure you know the location of your nearest fire exit
- Check the location of the nearest fire extinguisher
- Study the fire instructions in your room
- Identify how to raise the alarm if a fire occurs
- Do not smoke in bed
- If a fire occurs, leave immediately, do not stop to collect your belongings
- Proceed to an assembly point well away from the building glass safety
- Glass doors and windows may not be toughened glass
- Take care in bright sunlight, it may not be obvious doors/windows are closed
- Check to see if anti-collision stickers are in place at adult & child height balcony safety
- Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony
- Families with small children should request ground floor rooms whenever possible
- Do not climb or stand on balcony furniture
- Keep all balcony furniture away from the wall/railings
Pool safety
- Familiarise yourself with the pool and its layout, deep and shallow ends
- Make note of the depth markings and any hazards
- Most pools do not have life guards, so please take care
- Shower before entering the pool
- Do not swim, if suffering from an upset stomach
- Observe pool rules and information signs at all times
- Do not swim at night, even if it is lit
- Do not swim immediately after a meal or when drinking alcohol
- Pool surrounds can be slippery, don’t run around them
- Observe No Diving signs at all times
- Never jump or dive from raised pool features
- In the event of an emergency ensure you know how to raise help
Food safety
In order to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets:
- Make sure your food has been thoroughly cooked
- Hot food should be hot, cold food should be cold
- Please ensure that utensils are provided with every meal
- Avoid any uncooked food, except fruit and vegetables, (notably those you can peel or shell yourself)
- Always drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact when purchasing
- Use boiled or bottled water for brushing your teeth
- Avoid ice in drinks as this is generally made from unsafe tap water
- Avoid purchasing food from street vendors, we cannot vouch for the health and safety of the food and drinks they provide
Personal safety
- Avoid walking in poorly lit areas
- Be aware, stay away from situations where you do not feel comfortable
- Avoid carrying too much money and/or valuables
- Use of a money belt is encouraged at all times
- Ensure your room is left secure when you go out
- Place all valuables in a safety deposit box, where available or with reception (use of these are often a condition of your insurance policy)
- Never leave windows or balcony doors open
- Ensure your main luggage can be locked when left unattended in rooms, carriages, luggage rooms etc.
- Do not take any valuable jewellery on holiday with you
- Do not leave valuable items or money on coaches
Sun care
- Ensure you have adequate protection for your type of skin, high factor sunscreens should be utilised initially
- Re-apply sunscreen frequently
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest time of the day
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- At the first sign of burning, cover up and get out of the sun
- Beware, you can still burn, dehydrate and get sunstroke in the shade or in the water
- Take a sunhat, sunglasses and lip salve
Insurance
- Ensure you have appropriate insurance for your holiday and that it covers any activity you intend to undertake
- If participating in any high risk activity, appraise yourself of the safety standards being operated by the supplier
- Avoid purchasing activities or excursions from anyone not connected to Wendy Wu Tours they often lack public liability insurance and have unchecked safety standards
- Any accident or injury should be reported immediately to the National Escort or Tour Guide and a report obtained
Online information
For the latest Health & Safety information for travellers visit www.smartraveller.gov.au or www.safetravel.govt.nz