Health and Safety Information
June 2021
We are all hoping that covid, quarantine needs of various countries will diminish soon and we can all travel freely. Here is some optomistic news from France (17/6/21) “France on Wednesday said it was ending the obligation to wear masks outside and would bring forward the lifting of a nighttime curfew, as Covid infections fell and the country’s vaccine drive picked up”.
Prime Minister Jean Castex said the requirement for people to wear masks outdoors in much of the country would be lifted from Thursday, with some exceptions, while an unpopular 11:00 pm Covid curfew would be scrapped on 20 June, 10 days earlier than initially planned.
To ensure the well-being of all our clients, participants and our own staff – we are committed to following the guidelines of the UK, WHO, local authorities and any local partners for each destination. We will establish and adhere to a detailed set of health and safety protocols for each tour, including any governmental regulations for the country or area in question. In principle, the following points will be included:
Participants MUST NOT join the tour if:
They are feeling unwell or have a temperature or other COVID-19 symptoms.
They have been in contact with a contagious person within 14-days of the tour.
Participants will be EXPECTED to:
Observe COVID-19 etiquette regarding greeting and social distancing.
Bring a personal supply of face masks to be worn each day as required.
Bring a personal supply of hand sanitiser for daily use. We will also bring extra supplies of disposable facemasks and hand sanitiser, as well as non-contact thermometers.
In addition:
Tour Leaders and Doctors will be tested for COVID-19 shortly before the start of each tour. This is highly recommended for all participants and may be a legal requirement for entry to some countries.
If a participant is unwell or showing symptoms on the tour, they must advise the Tour Leader, doctor and ground representative and will be directed to receive medical attention. They will not be permitted to re-join the group until deemed safe to do so by medical staff.
Traveller safety has always been our #1 concern
Here is a snapshot of the measures that are now in place on our trips
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PRE-TRIP
– The development of a specific COVID risk assessment identification and minimization plan.
– Collection of a pre-departure health declaration to be completed by all participants with specific COVID-19 questions around whether they live in a declared ‘hotspot’, have complied with any quarantine requirements, and disclosures if they have contracted and recovered from the virus or been in direct contact with any person/s whom has been confirmed with coronavirus.
– A response plan in the event that a participant presents with coronavirus-like symptoms during a trip.
– Mandatory temperature testing at arrival point of tour.
ILLNESS
– If any passenger is presenting with COVID symptoms, activation of the response plan provided by our medical advisor and immediate isolation from group.
– Liaison with local medical authorities.
– COVID test as soon as is feasibly possible.
GROUP SIZE
– Fortunately, most of our remote adventures are well suited to allow you to maintain social distancing, with small groups strictly limited to up to 10 – 16 people.
– We are in compliance with the local authority in relation to maximum group size.
– Where it is difficult to maintain a 1.5 metre distance between people in your group, we ask that you wear a mask.
MODES OF TRAVEL
– Utilisation of company vehicles only where high controls over deep cleaning can be executed and logs of such activity recorded.
– Compulsory wearing of face masks by all participants and guides when travelling in vehicles. Participants are advised to bring their own face mask.
– Maintain fresh air ventilation in vehicles when possible and avoid air conditioning
– Exclusion of any participant presenting with virus symptoms from travelling in the vehicle at the same time as other non-symptomatic participants.
– Many countries are requiring people to wear face masks on public transport and in shops. For the most current information, please refer to the individual countries’ health advice.
– As capacity may be limited on public buses and trains, you will need to allow plenty of time to travel to your destination.
– Bookings on public transport are often required on longer journeys (outside urban areas).
– Staff handing over bicycles will wear face masks and gloves.
– All bicycles will be provided with disinfected seats and handles.
MEAL TIME
– Stringent hand washing/sanitisation before, during and after, food preparation.
– Guides to prepare and serve all food using face masks at all times during food preparation/serving
– Passengers not to touch group utensils and there will be no shared items such as table spices or butter pots.
– Participants are not to assist with cooking.
– All surfaces to be wiped down twice daily with disinfectant products.
– On self guided trips, only travellers sharing the same room/cabin or a household will be permitted to sit together during mealtimes. For our small group guided trips, members of the travelling group will be seated together.
– Meals will be served to you and not provided as a buffet (including breakfast).
– Two sittings may be required in the dining room in order to ensure social distancing is maintained.
– When eating out, you may need to supply contact details to restaurants and some bars and shops on entering.
– Seating in restaurants may be limited in order to comply with local social distancing guidelines. Seating in some restaurants may only be available outside.
– Bookings will be required for many restaurants.
SLEEPING
– Rooms / cabins will be thoroughly sanitised between guests. For longer stays when staff/crew enter your cabin / room, they will wear a mask and take all precautions to maintain strict hygiene practices including disposal of cleaning wipes and gloves after each room / cabin has been cleaned, hand sanitizing between cleans etc. to avoid cross contamination.
– Sheets and pillow cases to be washed between every trip and a deep clean treatment of swags after each departure, for some trips (eg. alpine walks in Europe) you will now need to bring a lightweight sleeping bag and pillow. Pillows and blankets may no longer be provided by the hosts.
– You may be allocated a fixed time for check-in or embarkation to avoid queues.
– Your luggage which is handled by third parties will be disinfected (handles).
– Room keys / key cards will be disinfected before being handed over.
– Markers will be provided at reception to ensure social distancing.
– Temperature checks may occur on boarding / check-in.
– In refuge dormitory rooms and whilst camping, only members of the same group will be accommodated in each room.
– All participants who are not travelling as a couple or who coexist in same dwelling in hometown, to be issued their own tent or swag to maintain social distancing requirements.
ON THE TRAILS
– Maintain social distancing procedures on the trail.
– Toilets to be deep cleaned every day.
– Washing water with soap provided in immediate bathroom vicinity
– Hand sanitiser provided and stations will be set up throughout the hotel and on board boats. You will be encouraged to regularly handwash / sanitise throughout your stay.
– You may be required to wear a mask in common areas except when seated for dining.
– High touch areas will be cleaned / disinfected regularly through the day with a log kept.
– Standing areas in bars will not be available.
– Drinks and snacks will be individual and not shared.
– Whilst live music may be provided with appropriate social distancing in place, dancing will not be allowed. Board games, magazines and library facilities will not be available.
SIGHTSEEING
– Most tourist sites will require advance purchase tickets for a set date and time.
– As ticket numbers may be limited it is advisable to book well in advance where possible.
GUIDES & STAFF
– Vigilant monitoring of staff health – guides who have shown any symptoms will not be leading trips.
– Guides are trained in our COVID-19 response plan that has been developed in line with state government medical provisions and by the company’s medical advisor in the event that a participant presents with coronavirus-like symptoms during a trip.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID 19) UPDATE: 25th January 2021
We are adopting the ATTA, Adventure Travel Trade Association guidelines for covid safety as well as implementing the “good to go” recommendations. ATTA also have a covid risk assessment planning tool. In particular we are adopting guidelines on trekking, cultural visits camping as well as putting in thought to our specific situation. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you and it is a hard time for us with the UK quarantine measures currently in place, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan more amazing adventures and adapt to the situation. We have local programmes happening both in the UK and Pyrenees in line with current regulations, and of course this can change.
As well as government information we also look at our in sport news for guidance and in particular with the UIAA, the international federation for climbing and mountaineering for country specific reports. https://www.theuiaa.org/home/uiaa-members-report-on-latest-national-covid-19-measures/
https://www.adventuretravel.biz/covid19guidelines/
CORONAVIRUS (COVID 19) UPDATE: 13th APRIL 2020
The current situation is unlike anything the travel industry has ever seen before, and we are all working hard to get through it as best we can. This is the first time we have had to put a pause on customers adventuring somewhere in the World. Our whole ethos is based around enabling people to get out there and adventure and as a small business this is a difficult time. Therefore we have made the tough decision to suspend all trips until 1st June 2020 for the health and safety of our own contractors and customers always have and always and always will remain our priority.
We are very honoured that you continue to choose to travel with us. As a ground operator for larger companies we also respect their operations too and their charity clients who may be disappointed to need to postpone their fundraising activity or if you planned to travel from a country with extensive restrictions. Rest assured we are keeping up to date with this.
The global spread of Covid 19 and the knock on effects it had on travel (not to mention the more recent restrictions the whole of the UK now find themselves in) could obviously not have been foreseen
We totally appreciate it’s going to be much tougher right now but know that the determination some of you have shown on previous trips will enable you to find a way through this challenging time and the rewards at the end will be all the sweeter. Were here to take you on your next adventure.
It’s crucial to us and our partners, and for our local teams, as small businesses, that people begin to travel again when it is safe to do so. With this in mind, at such a time we have to cancel any trips due to travel restrictions, we ask you to strongly consider postponing your trips with us rather than cancelling, as we would love to take you on the adventure of the lifetime in the future. We’ll be reaching out as soon as things return to normal and once it’s safe to live the adventure again. We’re in this together.
In the mean-time please stay safe, look after yourselves and family and we’ll see you out there again when we’re able.
Anne Arran – MD and Founder
We want you to have an enjoyable time but please remember that when you are travelling you should exercise more care than you do at home. Part of the enjoyment of travel is experiencing a different way of life and cultures but it may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards than those you are normally used to. Below is a list of topics that you should make yourself aware of (depending on the location and activities you are undertaking, some of them may not be relevant to your trip).
Before You Go
Insurance
• Ensure you have appropriate insurance for your challenge and that it covers any activity you intend to undertake;
• Avoid activities, or side trips, that are not recommended by us as they often lack public liability insurance and have unchecked safety standards;
• Any accident or injury should be reported immediately and a report obtained.
Foreign Office Advice
• We recommend you check the latest Foreign Office advice for the country you are travelling to prior to departure;
• Check out the Know Before You Go programme on the FCO website;
• We will advise you of any significant changes in advice before travel or whilst you are overseas.
Travel Health Advice
It is advisable to check any specific health advice for the country you are travelling to, either via your GP and/or the following websites: www.nathnac.org or www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
Malaria Precautions (not required for challenges in the Pyrenees)
• Take appropriate anti-malarial drugs;
• Use insecticide within your accommodation;
• Sleep under bed nets (preferably treated with insecticide);
• Use a strong DEET based mosquito repellent;
• Wear long trousers and long sleeved shirts at night.
Whilst you’re on your challenge
Challenge Safety Advice
• Follow the advice of your leader at all times;
• If you experience any medical problems whilst on the trip consult our doctor immediately;
• Dress appropriately for the conditions on your challenge – consult our kit list advice, sent to you when you confirm your booking;
• Take plenty to drink and have sun hat, sun glasses, sun cream, lip balm, insect repellent etc in your day bag;
• Don’t over exert yourself, take time each day to warm up and down properly;
• If you get lost or separated from the main group follow the protocol set out by our leader at the start of the challenge.
Personal Safety
• Avoid walking in poorly lit areas;
• Be aware. Stay away from situations where you do not feel comfortable;
• Avoid carrying too much money and/or valuables;
• Use of a money belt is encouraged at all times;
• Ensure your room is left secure when you go out;
• Place all valuables in a safety deposit box, where available, or with reception;
• Never leave windows or balcony doors open;
• Ensure your main luggage can be locked when left unattended (in rooms, luggage rooms etc.);
• Do not take any valuable jewellery/watches etc. away with you;
• Please follow any specific local advice that may be provided.
Sun Care
• Ensure you have adequate protection for your type of skin, high factor sunscreens should be utilised initially;
• Re-apply sunscreen frequently;
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest time of the day;
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration;
• At the first sign of burning, cover up and get out of the sun;
• Take a sunhat, sunglasses and lip salve;
• Beware that you can still burn, dehydrate and get sunstroke in the shade or in the water.
Food Safety
• In order to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets make sure your food has been thoroughly cooked and avoid any uncooked food, except fruit and vegetables that you can peel or shell yourself;
• In many countries you should only drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact when purchasing;
• Tap water can be used for brushing your teeth, unless advised otherwise;
• Avoid ice in drinks;
• Avoid purchasing food from street vendors, we cannot vouch for the health and safety of the food and drinks they provide.
Altitude Sickness
High altitudes on some challenges can affect customers (e.g. Kilimanjaro Trek, Everest Base Camp). AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can affect people at altitudes above 2500m. Symptoms include: dizziness; fatigue; nausea; loss of appetite; breathlessness; or headache. They usually develop in the first 36 hrs and not immediately on arrival. Symptoms can affect people of all ages and level of fitness and will usually subside on their own after 24/48hrs, if they persist you should consult our doctor. If you suffer from altitude sickness drink lots of water and/or non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks. Whilst trekking at altitude walk slowly enough to be able to maintain a steady and sustainable breathing pattern, take regular rests and listen to advice of our leader/s and doctor.