Travel Safe – Our Client Health & Safety Information

Your safety is paramount and we take all reasonable steps to ensure we provide safe and trouble free travel to the best of our ability.

Firstly, we would like to emphasise that all of our partners meet their own local and national safety standards as a minimum requirement of working with us.

In addition, we encourage our partners to maintain and improve safety standards where required, by seeking good practice in health and safety.

When travelling with Black Tomato

We want you to have a fantastic time with us and, therefore, would like to remind you that when travelling, you should exercise more caution than you do at home. Part of the enjoyment of travelling is experiencing a different way of life and cultures but it may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards than those you are used to. So, please, use your common sense as well as refer to notices and follow any safety advice provided locally too.

We are continually working with our partners to ensure that your stay is safe and trouble free, but we do ask that you take that little bit of extra care whilst you are away.

The following are some important safety tips:

1. Foreign Travel advice

2. Travel Health advice

3. Flight Safety

  • Do not place flammable liquids, lighters, matches, gasses or aerosols in your suitcase
  • Always carry medication in your hand luggage
  • Keep your passport safe and have a photocopy with you just in case
  • Pay attention and follow any in flight safety information
  • On long flights, to avoid DVT, drink plenty of water and follow simple exercises or occasionally move around the cabin

 4. Local Transport Safety

  • In vehicles, where fitted, always wear a seat belt
  • Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that vehicles we provide in all destinations will be fitted with seat belts on every seat
  • Remain seated on board at all times when the vehicle is in motion
  • In larger vehicles never place luggage in the aisles or footwells
  • Follow any safety instructions provided by your driver/guide/local representative

5. Road Safety

  • Traffic in some countries travels on the opposite side of the road to what you are used to, therefore ensure you look both ways before crossing the road
  • Beware, in some countries vehicles do not automatically stop at crossings

 6. Accommodation Safety Fire & Fuel/Electricity 

  • Ensure you know where your nearest usable fire exit is, bearing in mind there may be more than one route to a point of safety
  • Study the fire instructions in your room so you know what to do in the event of an evacuation
  • Identify how to raise the alarm if a fire occurs
  • Check the location of the nearest fire extinguisher
  • If a fire occurs, leave immediately do not stop to collect your effects
  • Proceed to the assembly point, which should be well away from the building
  • If you have a fuel-burning appliance in your accommodation (e.g. a gas fire, or a wood fire/stove), there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed
  • Check that all electrical sockets, appliances and plugs in your accommodation are in good working order
  • Only use the correct adaptor for the country you are visiting and do not overload sockets with too many devices

7. Accommodation Safety Glass 

  • Glass doors and windows may not be toughened glass
  • Take care in bright sunlight, it may not be obvious doors/windows are closed
  • On large panes of glass there should be anti-collision stickers in place at both adult & child height

8. Accommodation Safety Balconies and Steep Drops

  • Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony top rail/ guard rail or wall
  • Do not climb on, or stand on any balcony furniture and keep all balcony furniture away from the railings/wall
  • Supervise any children on balconies at all times
  • Balconies and alcohol do not mix!
  • Take additional care when walking near steep drops and/or on walkways, pathways, bridges, terraces/decks, stairs and outside corridors, particularly at night
  • If your accommodation is located over water, additional care should be taken and children should be supervised at all times

9. Accommodation Safety Swimming Pools

  • Familiarise yourself with all pools and their layout, both deep and shallow ends
  • Make note of the depth of the water and any hazards under the surface of the water
  • Observe ‘No Diving’ signs at all times and never jump or dive from raised pool features
  • Take additional care if a lifeguard is not present
  • Supervise your children around the pool at all times
  • Always shower before entering the pool and do not swim if your are suffering from an upset stomach
  • Observe pool rules and information signs at all times
  • Do not swim at night, even if the pool is lit and do not swim immediately after a meal or when drinking alcohol
  • Pool surrounds can be slippery, do not run and take additional care
  • In the event of an emergency, ensure you know how to raise the alarm
  • If your accommodation has access to a communal swim-up pool or a private pool, additional care should be taken and children should be supervised at all times

10. Food Safety

  • In order to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets
    • Make sure your food has been thoroughly cooked
    • Hot food should be hot, cold food should be cold
  • Avoid any uncooked food (notably those you can peel or shell yourself), except fruit and vegetables
  • In some countries you should only drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact when purchasing it
  • In some countries tap water can be used for brushing your teeth
  • Avoid ice in drinks as this can cause upset stomachs in hot climates

11. 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 if carrying cash/important documents
  • 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 or being transported for you
  • Do not take any valuable jewellery with you
  • Please follow any specific safety advice provided locally

12. 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
  • Carry a sunhat, sunglasses and lip salve
  • Beware, you can still burn, dehydrate and get sunstroke in the shade or in the water

 13. Insurance

  • Ensure you have appropriate insurance for your trip and that it covers any activity you intend to undertake
  • Check when participating in any activities not provided by us that they have public liability insurance and have good safety standards
  • Any accident or injury should be reported immediately to ourselves and the supplier and a report obtained for insurance purposes

Should you have any further queries regarding our safety information please email info@blacktomato.com