The relaxed atmosphere on holiday often makes us less vigilant and sometimes more adventurous than usual it is when we are at our most relaxed that we are less vigilant and most at risk of a holiday accident. We tend not to be as alert to potential danger either in regard to our own safety or that of our children and we are often tempted to take part in activities which we aren’t physically prepared for or which are hazardous.

Below are a few tips to help you enjoy a safe holiday:-

• Check that your accommodation is safe particularly if you have children with you, and make sure you know where the emergency exits are.
• Check the depth and cleanliness of the water when using the swimming pool. If you swim in the sea, a river or a lake, beware of currents and obey any warning signs. Do not swim after eating or drinking alcohol.
• If a restaurant or café doesn’t look clean it probably isn’t. Holiday illness caused by food poisoning can ruin the rest of your holiday.
• Drink only bottled water to be sure that you aren’t at risk of suffering a holiday illness such as sickness and diarrhoea.
• If you intend taking part in any sports or adventure activity where you are at risk of injury on holiday ensure that you wear the correct safety equipment, have proper instruction and appropriate insurance cover.
• If you intend to drive abroad make sure you understand the road signs and that you remember to drive on the correct side of the road to avoid a holiday accident.
• If you are hiring a vehicle check it carefully. Make sure that the tyres have sufficient tread and are inflated to the correct pressure, and check that the lights work.
• To avoid a holiday illness make sure that you have the immunisations or booster shots and any medication, such as malaria tablets, required for the part of the world you are visiting.
• If holidaying in an EU country apply for a European Health Insurance (EHIC) card which will assist in covering any emergency medical costs. They are easily obtainable from the Post Office or via the internet.
• Make sure that you have adequate Travel Insurance cover.

There are things however, that are beyond our control and if you suffer an injury on holiday or have a holiday illness because for example; the hotel you were booked into did not provide a satisfactory standard of Health & Safety, or you were hurt in an accident on a planned excursion because the travel company failed to should provide safe transport, or you were injured taking part in a sports activity because the instruction given was poor or the equipment provided faulty you may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation from the tour company.

Macks Solicitors have many years of experience in bringing claims for personal injury in holiday accidents and holiday illness. If you believe that your holiday illness or injury on holiday was the fault of a person or company contracted to the tour operator Macks Solicitors can assist you in making a claim for personal Injury Compensation. To receive expert advice without obligation simply call Freephone 0800 652 4321 or complete the Online form and one of our solicitors will contact you as soon as possible.

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