Holidays from hell

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Title – Holidays from hell
Source – The Guardian
Date – 3rd August 2007

How many times do we see headlines like this? Newspapers, magazines and the plethora of TV programmes entitled; “The worst ever …” or “The worlds most dangerous…”. It’s a wonder we ever choose to leave our own shores.

There are undoubtedly dangers of varying degrees out there for even the average traveller let alone the intrepid traveller. This article highlights some of these with statistics such as the five most dangerous destinations: 1. Thailand – 224 Deaths; 2. Australia: 59 Deaths; 3. India: 111 Deaths; 4. Czech Republic: 16 Deaths, 1 Rape, 445 lost passports, 52 Hospitalisations; 5. Greece 139 Deaths, 955 Hospitalisations, 48 Rapes. Rape is also a higher risk in; Spain: 41 Rapes; Turkey: 38 Rapes.

But statistics must always be put into context, of the 224 deaths in Thailand, the vast majority were from natural causes and involved elderly visitors and ex-pats. But there are a significant number of serious incidents the ruin holidays, result in serious injury or loss of valuables that are wholly avoidable.

Many of these destinations are actually no more dangerous then being in London, the difference is that we have grown up aware of the dangers we face in our everyday lives at home and we have taught our children to be aware of them. However the same rules don’t apply equally across the world and too many people try to use what is acceptable behaviour in their own country to resolve problems in countries where such behaviour or actions may actually make the situation worse.

Our two day Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety and Awareness workshop provides those attending with an insight into the culture and traditions of the countries they intend to visit. With conflict management and resolution skills to avoid potentially dangerous situations in the first place and personal safety techniques designed to allow individuals to remove themselves physically from dangerous situations when they get out of hand, candidates can set off on their travels with renewed confidence gained through the skills they learn. We also offer practical advice on how to remain safe both from people, disease, accidents and the elements.


Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com