Staying Safe on Activity Holidays.

Skydive Woo Hoo

Whatever your choice of adventure or activity holiday it’s important to stay safe. Travel insurance that covers your chosen activity is a given, and you should check with your insurance provider that whatever you’re planning will be covered by your policy. But don’t just rely on insurance to make it all better if anything goes wrong, here are our top tips for staying safe while you play:

Obviously you need to get travel insurance. But check that it covers any sports or activities that you’re planning to do. Extreme sports like bungee jumping or a solo or tandem skydive are unlikely to be covered by a standard policy. Remember that if you’re abroad and uninsured the costs for medical care and repatriation could be sky high.

Always check equipment like ski bindings and diving gear. If it’s not your own gear then check it even more carefully. If you’re not happy with it don’t use it.

If you’re skiing or snowboarding – prepare for it like you would any other vigorous exercise. Warm up first and make sure you are fit enough for the amount of activity you intend to do. Wear warm, weatherproof gear and don’t forget sunscreen.

Whether on snow, sand or water, always protect your eyes – sunglasses or specialist goggles are essential. Consider wearing sandals or trainers on beaches to prevent foot injuries and infections.

Listen to local advice and especially weather warnings. Don’t take to the water or the slopes if weather conditions are likely to deteriorate and pay special heed to avalanche warnings.

Don’t swim or surf anywhere if you’re not sure that it’s safe to do so. Ask locals about tides and currents. Use common sense and don’t take to water straight after meals or drinking alcohol. If you’re diving, wait 24 hour after your flight. And always wear a life jacket for water skiing or any offshore water activities.

Finally, if you’re climbing, be prepared. Take bad weather clothing and a first aid kit. Make sure someone knows exactly where you’re going and when you expect to be back. If you’re not an expert, take a guide.

This is a guest post by Rebecca Hall at Extreme Element, providers of extreme sport experiences like tandem skydiving and bungee jumping.