“Every gap year student should have some skills training to help them travel in a more sensible and informed way. There are very few things in life that we expect to go off and do with no training, so why do we assume that travelling in the developing world can be achieved without preparation?”

Charlotte Hindle – author of Lonely Planet’s ‘Gap Year Guide’

Friday, 27 July 2007

The day-trippers who risk death on Mont Blanc

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Title – The day-trippers who risk death on Mont Blanc
Source – The Independent
Date – 27th July 2007

Adventure travel is more popular then ever and the boundaries are being pushed further and further, with travellers looking to outdo each other. Destinations that were once the preserve of expeditions are now offered as day trips that even the averagely fit should attempt. Unfortunately this availability and peer pressure can end up being a deadly combination.

Even in Europe with all the advantages of infrastructure, modern technology and dedicated rescue teams regular rescue are needed and unfortunately deaths of people that have over stretched themselves or been caught out in unpredictable environments are regularly reported. In many parts of the world there is no help, but travellers often take even more risk where there are no restrictions.

Beyond The Blue don’t run survival training, but our Gap Year and Independent Travel safety and Awareness workshop allows those attending to understand the risks and take whatever measures are sensible in the circumstances. Those attending the workshop leave with the clear message that actions during travel need to be considered even more carefully then when at home. Factors that we take for granted in some parts of the world are simply not available in others and issues as simple as clean drinking water, can have a very serious impact on even a short hike, when far away from home.

We examine Travel Equipment, personal safety, Travel Health, Visa and Documentation issues as well as Cultural Awareness to prepare you for the adventures in front of you.



Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

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