Latest news with #travelSafety
The Independent
20 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Should I be worried about rabies on holiday and where is it a risk?
Following the death of a British grandmother from rabies, tourists headed on their summer holidays may have heightened concerns about the safety of their travel plans. Yvonne Ford, 59, died in Sheffield last Wednesday (11 June), four months after being scratched by a puppy in Morocco. Rabies, a rare but deadly infection, is usually transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, the viral disease is almost always fatal. Common symptoms of rabies include numbness, hallucinations and difficulty swallowing. Here's everything holidaymakers need to know to stay safe from rabies while travelling. What is rabies? Rabies is a usually fatal infection of the brain and nerves that can be caught if a person is bitten, scratched or licked by an infected animal. The viral disease is spread by contact with saliva from mammals, such as dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes. What are the symptoms of rabies? According to the NHS, symptoms of rabies can take days, weeks or even several months to appear. These include: Numbness or tingling where you were bitten or scratched Hallucinations Feeling very anxious or energetic Difficulty swallowing or breathing Paralysis 'Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal,' says NHS guidance. Where is rabies most common? Rabies is rare in the UK, but it is found in some UK bat species. It is more common in parts of: Asia Africa Central and South America Can I get a rabies vaccine? There is a pre-exposure rabies vaccine that is recommended to travellers visiting regions where the viral disease is more common. Travellers headed to remote areas for more than a month with a likelihood of encountering infected animals are encouraged by the NHS to have the vaccine. In most cases, you have to pay for the rabies vaccine. Is there a treatment for rabies? Yes, if administered before symptoms appear, travellers can be treated to prevent rabies post-exposure. This usually involves two or more doses of the rabies vaccine. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): 'A full course of pre-exposure rabies vaccines will provide good protection from rabies for most people.' If a traveller has completed a full course of the pre-exposure rabies vaccine within the last year, they may receive a single booster dose. The NHS say that those who have not had the rabies vaccine before or are immunocompromised may also have their wound treated with a medicine called rabies immunoglobulin. However, once symptoms develop, there is no effective treatment. What is the UK government's advice for travellers? To reduce the risk of getting rabies while travelling abroad, the UKHSA tells tourists to avoid contact with any wild animals, including touching or feeding them. It also warns: 'Rabid animals may behave strangely or seem unusually tame, but some may not have any signs that they are infected.' If bitten, scratched or licked by an animal on broken skin, UKHSA recommends travellers take these steps:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
I'm a solo traveler and these are 5 scary cities women should stay away from — I survived kidnap and mugging scares
Women with wanderlust, be warned. A self-described 'solo female traveler' has taken to TikTok to reveal the five most dangerous cities she's visited — and is urging other globetrotting gals to remain vigilant should they venture there. Andrea Elliott shared the list of the five frightening locales in a viral video that has recently resurfaced ahead of the summer travel season. 'If you are a solo traveling woman like me, or if you plan on solo traveling somewhere this summer, I would watch this video in its entirety for the list of destinations that I will never travel to again as a solo traveling woman,' the intrepid tripper told viewers. First, the TikTokker urged ladies to stay away from Manila in the Philippines, saying it was 'definitely not safe' in the area where she stayed. 'My hotel wouldn't even let me go to the ATM outside,' Elliot alleged. 'They told me to put more clothes on, not to wear a tank top because there were so many men outside and it just wasn't safe for me to walk alone,' she added. Secondly, the globetrotter told viewers that she would never set foot in Paris, France, again. 'I was literally almost mugged twice while on the subway,' she explained. 'And mind you, there are police walking around with guns, like a lot of police and law enforcement walking around, but yet I was still nearly mugged while on the subway in Paris.' 'I was also cautioned about pickpockets and advised not to go out alone at night,' she further dished. Third on Elliot's list of scary cities: Cartagena, Colombia. 'Overall, I really loved Cartagena, even though the men were pretty aggressive,' the content creator claimed. 'The reason why Cartagena is on this list is because when I initially got there before I got into the walled city, I was taking a video from my taxi and stuck my arms slightly out of my taxi window,' she recalled. 'The cops then pulled up next to me in a scooter and told me to stick my arm back in — that it wasn't safe to have my cell phone out like that and just to be very cautious with my cell phone and my belongings.' Also on Elliot's list: Caye Caulker, Belize. 'Unfortunately, the men are very, very aggressive,' she told her virtual audience. 'So much so that I had to pepper spray a man who was literally touching my person, touching me physically, just to get me to come into his restaurant.' The fifth and final frightening locale, according to Elliot, is San Salvador, El Salvador. The bruette sensationally claimed she was almost kidnapped by two men while she traveling alone there. 'These were construction workers because they were in a flatbed truck, and they had wired spool in the back of their truck,' she recalled. ' They pulled up next to me… both of them grabbed me by my arms and were pulling me inside of their truck.' 'Luckily, there were restaurants nearby, heard me screaming, people heard me screaming and came outside and were like, 'Déjala! Déjala! Leave her alone. Don't touch her. And the guys got in their truck and sped off.'
Travel Daily News
7 days ago
- Travel Daily News
Travel Guard promotes safe travel for LGBTQ+ community
Travel Guard launches LGBTQ+ travel safety initiative for Pride Month, offering guidance, resources, and risk awareness for international LGBTQ+ travelers. HOUSTON – In celebration of Pride Month, Travel Guard, a worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance services, launched an expanded online educational initiative to provide guidance to members of the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness of potential risks they may face while traveling internationally. Many individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ may face unique security and safety challenges when traveling for work or leisure, especially to countries where sexual orientation and/or gender identity are criminalized or marginalized. According to Statista, homosexuality is illegal in 68 countries – more than one-third of the world. Additionally, per research from 59% of LGBTQ+ travelers say they have experienced discrimination while traveling. 'Travel Guard recognizes the ongoing need for greater understanding and awareness regarding safety for LGBTQ+ travelers and has developed a series of informational resources to empower this community to travel safe and smart,' said Rhonda Sloan, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. 'Our LGBTQ+ travel safety initiative recommends security measures and provides advice to help ensure LGBTQ+ individuals can travel proud.' The initiative is anchored by a dedicated LGBTQ+ website that contains a broad range of travel safety tips including how to assess potential risks, conducting thorough research on the destination, steps to take when traveling with children, the importance of a paper trail, specific guidance for transgender travelers and more. The site also includes a regional breakdown of potential travel risks, an FAQ, links to reputable external resources, and a video series from Tommy DiDario, entertainment correspondent and host of the podcast, I've Never Said This Before. The safety guide was developed in partnership with Hospitable Me, a global leader in inclusive hospitality with educational programs used by hotels and travel brands internationally. As part of its broader focus on travel safety advocacy, Travel Guard has also launched campaigns for Women's Travel Safety and Student Travel Safety.
The Independent
12-06-2025
- The Independent
Solo female traveler reveals why Mexico is great for visiting alone (though there is a city she won't return to)
There's no denying that Mexico has a crime problem — its murder rate is three times higher than America's, for example. But one travel expert says that it's a bucket-list-worthy country for female travelers regardless, whether they're alone or with companions. Sam Saenz, from Texas, has spent a huge amount of time in Mexico and tells The Independent that she is "fascinated by the country", having had joyously memorable experiences there with friends and on solo adventures in places that include Mexico City, the resort town of Puerto Vallarta and the Teotihuacan ruins. However, the 38-year-old, who runs travel blog eatwelladventureoften, admits that solo women vacationers do need "street smarts" to stay out of trouble and admits there is one place she'll never return to. The content creator explains: "Mexico can be a dangerous vacation destination for solo female travelers if they do not have street smarts or if they act like the stereotypical obnoxious tourist. "There are some parts of Mexico, like any country, that aren't safe for solo female traveling. For example, there are parts of Miami I would not go by myself and I lived there for four years." Sam takes precautions such as sharing her Google location and trip details with multiple friends and family and staying in hotels rather than Airbnbs. She explains: "With hotels there's an added layer of security. There's often only one entry point, unlike an Airbnb, which can have multiple. There are also lots of people around, so if you need help there are people to ask. If something goes wrong, the hotel staff are more likely to find out faster than if you're staying at an Airbnb, isolated. "Also, you can get local recommendations from the hotel staff. I also think hotels are cheaper now than Airbnbs, so that is another benefit." Sam's first international solo trip was to Cabo San Lucas, a resort city on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. And this 2016 vacation was a huge confidence booster. Sam tells The Independent: "I was kind of lonely on this trip. I also didn't feel as comfortable as I do now, being a more seasoned traveler. "So the first day I didn't explore the town as I was intimidated to be out alone in Mexico. "However, I ended up making friends with another woman who was solo traveling and we explored the next day together, so that was fun and memorable, just because I feel like you can make fast friends solo traveling." Sam had a similarly happy experience on a cruise. She said: "I also had people kind of adopt me on a cruise from Florida to California back in 2023. "I got adopted by a group and it was awesome, because I could have as much or as little solo interaction as I wanted. "If I wanted to, I could hang at the pool all day by myself then have dinner with the group. "I ended up staying at a condo in Puerto Vallarta, a resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast, that belonged to a couple in the group. So, I think you are more likely to make connections when you are solo traveling." Asked to name her favorite spots in Mexico and Sam is quick to sing the praises of Mexico City. She says: "I'm always down to return to Mexico City. I love the vibe of the city. The food is incredible, the people-watching is incredible, the art and culture is great. I mean, there are something like 150 museums and art galleries. "In 2016, I went on a Bumble date and on the date, we booked flights to Mexico City for literally six hours later and spent an entire weekend there exploring. It was definitely one of the greatest memories of my life. So romantic and exciting. I wrote a book based on this adventure and I am hoping to publish it in the next year. "When I went, everyone asked me why I was going there and told me it was dangerous — and now several people on my social media have since made the trip after seeing my experiences and pictures." Other Mexico highlights for Sam include experiencing the Unesco-listed Teotihuacan ruins, which she describes as "mindblowing"; being "two pina coladas deep on Isla Mujeres on a rope swing over the water and feeling so happy and free"; going across the "amazing" Jorullo suspension bridge in an all-terrain vehicle; and visiting the aforementioned Puerto Vallarta, which she describes as "extremely solo-traveler friendly". She adds: "I wouldn't be quick to tell people in Puerto Vallarta you're alone, but I went all over the city and took tours and felt very safe. People are also very welcoming there, so I think it helps." One place she isn't keen to return to, however, is the city of Oaxaca [wuh haa kuh]. Sam explains: "I don't think I would go to Oaxaca as a solo female traveler. I went with my business partner who was female and we just didn't feel that welcome in the city. "I didn't feel unsafe, but I definitely didn't feel welcome and I hate to say that. I think Oaxaca has an incredible food scene and unique culture." For anyone who is hovering over the "book" button for a solo trip to Mexico but is feeling nervous about going, Sam says: "If you've done your research, then FIBI. That's short for 'f*** it, book it'. Usually, taking the first step by booking your trip helps everything else come together, and the fear becomes excitement. "Just don't forget the seaweed. Many people don't know about sargassum [a brown tropical seaweed] and how it affects different regions of Mexico at different levels of intensity until after they get to their destination." For those who are particularly jittery, Sam recommends a cruise. She remarks: "I think a cruise is good for those looking to ease into solo travel and/or see different parts of Mexico — and it's a good way to experience Mexico safely."
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Dad-of-two placed into coma after Turkey holiday as chef, 55, ‘caught rare disease from dirty 4-star hotel'
A DAD-OF-TWO has claimed he nearly died after contracting a rare disease from a "dirty" 4-star hotel. Richard Moore, 55, began to suffer from a fever and chest pains after returning from a holiday in Turkey with partner Julie, 50. 6 6 Richard, a chef, became so ill that he had to be rushed to hospital and placed into an induced coma. His wife and kids were told by medical staff that he may not survive the ordeal. Doctors confirmed he was suffering from potentially deadly Legionnaires' disease, Richard needed five days of intense hospital treatment which included antibiotics and an IV drip. Richard, of Blyth, Northumberland, said: "This holiday was meant to be a short break before I started a new job as an executive chef. "Instead, it cost me my dream job, my health and very nearly my life. "As a result of the memory loss, I can't recall much of my time in hospital, but when I was admitted, I remember the fear and not knowing what was wrong. "I'm lucky to be alive but it's so upsetting to think my family were told I might not live. "I never realised Legionnaires' disease was so serious and I want to tell my story to make other people aware of the symptoms and the dangers. "I wouldn't want to think that other people were going off on a holiday unaware of what they could be walking into. "If there are issues with the hotel then that needs looking at urgently. "I feel fortunate to have pulled through. However, I do worry that someone else might not be as lucky as I was." Richard and his family paid £2,000 to stay at the four-star Champion Holiday Village in Kemer, Turkey. After arriving at the hotel on August 18 last year, Richard said he thought the hotel was dirty, old and dated. He also noticed that the room felt damp and had a grim fusty smell. 6 He said: "I can't specifically pinpoint to one thing but the water temperature fluctuated a lot in the shower. "The bathroom and hotel generally looked run down and the sofa in hotel room beneath the air con felt damp throughout the holiday which made me think it was leaking." Days after returning to the UK, Richard began suffering from severe flu-like symptoms. On August 30 he developed chest pains, a shortness of breath and a fever and was rushed to hospital for treatment. He spent a whole month in hospital and has been unable to start at his new job as an executive chef. Richard still struggles with lethargy, weakness and mobility issues linked to Legionnaires' disease. He has now instructed travel illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of his Legionnaires' disease. 6 6 Jennifer Hodgson, representing Richard, said: "Richard's first-hand account of his experience at the hotel and contracting his illness is deeply disturbing. "Legionnaires' disease is an incredibly serious condition, and it can take several days from coming into contact with Legionella bacteria before symptoms of the illness start to appear. "As Richard has since discovered, the effects of the disease can be long-term. "Nothing can make up for the impact the illness has had and continues to have on Richard, but we're determined to provide him with the answers and specialist support he deserves. "Public buildings, such as hotels and offices, can have complex water systems, so it's vital that all precautions are taken to prevent the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease developing. "As part of our work and to assist with our investigations, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may also have been affected by illness whilst staying at the Champion Holiday Village Hotel, Turkey."
