LITTLETON, Colo., June 9, 2010 — WorldNomads.com, a global travel services company, suggests easy-to-implement pre-departure and in-country health and safety guidelines if traveling to Soccer's World Cup in South Africa this June and July.
Pre-Departure – Top 10 Medical Tips for Traveling to the World Cup
Discuss health concerns with a medical doctor; update appropriate immunizations, including rabies, if plans call for hiking / camping; consider anti-malarial medications and updating seasonal flu and H1N1 immunizations.
Pack anti-bacterial hand rubs, DEET insect repellant, long-sleeved shirts / pants and first-aid kit with sterile dressings, gloves and over-the-counter medication for diarrhea.
In hand-luggage pack two-week supply of prescription medicines (in original packaging) with letter from doctor outlining what has been prescribed. Contact the South African consulate or embassy for information on some medications that are prohibited in some countries.
Carry extra copies of passport and travel insurance documents; leave one set with friend / family.
In South Africa – How to Stay Safe at the Games
Drink only bottled water; eat only cooked and peeled foods. Avoid outdoors at dusk / dawn when most flying insects are out and about and wear long sleeves / pants at these times. If fever or diarrhea occurs, see a health care professional as soon as possible and call the World Nomads Emergency Assistance Phone number (do you have that number?) for advice. Always observe safe sex practices.
Spectators can receive free primary healthcare at official venues, including a script or referral to a health facility if necessary. Any investigations, procedures or admissions will be paid by the patient. Dispensing machines will be situated throughout the stadiums for basic drug purchases. 24-hour pharmacies will be in place for the duration of the event. World Nomads Travel Insurance medical assistance companies accept calls 24 hours a day.
Conceal money pouch; place wallet in front trouser pocket, ensure that all bags, including for cameras, are zipped with clasp closed. Avoid carrying large sums of cash. Try not to walk alone; take special precautions at lonely lookout points, especially at dusk or after dark. Don't accept assistance from strangers at ATMs. Give food, not money, to street children / beggars. Park in well-lit areas. Keep document photocopies in a safe place. Don't walk and talk/text; keep phone out of sight when not in use; use security lock code and insure it.
"Don't get drunk with people you don't know," says Graham Kingaby, director/underwriter and WorldNomads.com travel safety guru. "Be wary of accepting alcoholic drinks from strangers, as their intentions may not always be noble."
WorldNomads.com provides global travel safety products and services to travelers from over 150 countries around the world. From great-value travel insurance, travel safety advice, language guides and free online travel journals, WorldNomads.com provides the tools to keep you traveling safely. All clients can donate to a community development project when purchasing travel insurance through the Footprints Charity program. WorldNomads.com is backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurance companies.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Alexia Nestora
Lasso Communications
alexia[at]lassocommunications.com
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