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Your Safety

THE RISKS

they are there

There are very few things that are more exciting than heading off on a new adventure.  But don’t forget about travel security and safety considerations while you’re away.

You can be assured that we will always put your safety as a high priority, in return we ask that you use common sense and protect yourself wherever possible to decrease your level of risk exposure.

Some tips on how you can manage your health, security and safety whilst travelling:

At ICON Adventures we take your safety seriously, but we want you to know for the greater reward you receive by travel there are inherent risks that you can reasonably be exposed to more than you would by staying home.

These include:

  • The laws and safety regulations of the destination you visit may appear lacking compared to what you are used to
  • The emergency services offered in the destination you visit may not be at the standard you are used to
  • There may be political unrest in your travel destination
  • Natural disasters can happen at any time in any location without warning
  • Although a vast majority of the people you come across are kind and genuine, there will always be a few who will target unsuspecting tourists
  • If your travel destination is remote support and help is not always immediately available

BEFORE LEAVING HOME

but not just before you are walking out the door
  • Take out appropriate travel insurance cover
  • Take photocopies of your important documents eg passport, insurance certificate and have an electronic copy too
  • Make a list of all contacts you may need while you are travelling
  • Tell your bank you are travelling overseas so they don’t block your credit/debit cards
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary and your contact details with friends or family
  • Give your travelling partner or tour guide the details of your next of kin, in case of an emergency

YOUR HEALTH

don't take it for granted
  • Visit a travel doctor or your GP at least six weeks before departure. Take your itinerary with you and get their advice on any vaccinations or medications you may need
  • Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about taking a well-stocked first aid kit
  • Complete our Medical Form, if requested during the booking process

TRANSPORT

consider the following before boarding:
FLIGHTS
  • Listen to the safety announcement regardless of how many times you’ve heard it
  • Take advice from the flight attendants they care about your safety
  • Keep your seatbelt fastened at all times while you are seated
BUSES & TRAINS
  • Listen to the safety announcement regardless of how many times you’ve heard it
  • Take advice from the flight attendants they care about your safety
  • Keep your seatbelt fastened at all times while you are seated
TAXIS
  • Pre-order taxis if possible
  • Avoid hailing taxis off the street, use taxi stands as these will be registered, check the identification on the dash before getting into a taxi
  • Keep your belongings with you
BOATS
  • Listen to the safety briefing, understand where the life jackets are and wear one on smaller vessels
  • If in open boat use hat and sunscreen to protect again sun burn
  • Take medication before boarding if you are prone to sea sickness

ACCOMMODATION

  • Hotel receptions can be busy, keep an eye on your luggage whilst checking in and out
  • Many overseas hotels take your passport to photocopy it. Do not be alarmed, this is standard protocol in many countries, just remember to get it back when they have finished.
  • Have small amounts of local currency handy. If you are helped with your bags, it may not be customary to tip at home, but it is appreciated in many other countries. Get advice on the appropriate amount to tip, if you are unsure.
  • Keep your hotel room locked when you’re in or out
  • Keep valuables in the room safe
  • Make a note of the emergency plan on the back of the door

COMMON SENSE

The majority of human communication is based on non-verbal body language. This projection of confidence can prevent you from becoming a target. Keep your head up, stay alert, and aware of your surroundings. When you’re confident, potential attackers can sense it through your body language and eye contact.

  • Blend in with your behaviour and appearance, do not draw attention to yourself
  • Stay on main thoroughfares, avoid dark unpopulated areas
  • Avoid wearing ‘showy’ jewellery
  • If withdrawing cash from ATM used common banks, hide the keypad as you enter your PIN, hide the cash quickly and securely before turning to the street
  • Take the hotel card with the name, address and phone number of the hotel with you, in case you get lost

HIGH ALTITUDE

Seek advice from your doctor before taking on any altitude travel 3,000metres ASL (or 1,500m if you have any pre-existing medical conditions). Take your itinerary with you to the doctor appointment.  Take their advice on altitude medication.

  • On arrival at a destination where you are going to go above 3,000m give yourself at least one day to rest and acclimatise before starting your hike
  • Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Keep a plain diet, you may have a lessened appetite but continue to eat regularly
  • If you feel unwell in high altitude, it is due to altitude sickness until proven otherwise
  • If you have symptoms of altitude sickness, do not proceed to higher altitudes
  • If your symptoms worsen, you need to get to a lower altitude as soon as possible.