The Holiday Photo That Could Void Your Travel Insurance — Expert Warning for Winter Travellers
Winter holiday season is in full swing, and like many Brits, you might be planning to get away somewhere warmer to escape the cold.
Yet while a beach holiday might once have been the go-to choice, recent research shows that nearly 4 in 10 Brits are now ready to swap sea and sand for a more adventurous safari trip beyond Europe. What’s even clearer is the desire for a gripping wild animal encounter, with 83% of Brits hoping to experience one at some point in their lives.
Whether you’re dreaming of soaking up some winter sun while visiting Lapland’s reindeer or embarking on a journey to witness the stunning wildlife of Maasai Mara in Kenya, both destinations offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences but there’s something all travellers should be aware of when visiting places with wild animals. While such trips hold the promise of unforgettable moments, one seemingly innocent habit could end up costing you hundreds in unexpected expenses.
According to Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert working with Avanti Travel Insurance, feeding wild animals on holiday, especially from your hand, for the perfect photo op, could land you and your pocket in big trouble:
Seeing the reindeer, who habitat the Lapland is a huge tourist attraction, but visitors should take note of the warnings provided by the authorities. “Certain activities are not encouraged- it’s illegal to disturb the reindeer or feed monkeys who habitat the Gibraltar Rock as they are well known for being unpredictable and can become aggressive when food is involved,” she says. “A bite or scratch could easily lead to serious injury or infection.”
So, think twice before you offer that piece of fruit or snack.
In the unfortunate event that an animal scratches or bites a traveller, they may end up having to pay for medical bills themselves.
Sarah warns, “Feeding monkeys and other wildlife is often seen as an unnecessary risk. Furthermore, it’s often expressly forbidden- so if you do get bitten, your travel insurance might not cover the costs of treatment.”
In Africa, for example, human population increases have put increasing stress on wildlife habitats and heightened the potential for animal-human conflict.
“Accidents involving wildlife can put holidaymakers in a difficult situation, especially if an incident leads to having to cut your trip short or requiring repatriation. While these situations are typically covered by your policy, they may not be considered eligible for reimbursement in these sorts of cases.”
But that’s not to say the experience can’t be enjoyable, you just need to be aware of the risks and listen to the guidance provided.
Sarah shares her top tips for having a great adventure trip while staying safe:
- Respect your surroundings and always maintain a safe distance from the animals. Do your research and make sure you book with a certified tour operator.
- Choose to wear clothes that blend in with the surroundings. Colours like brown and khaki are usually recommended. It’s also good to minimise noise, which will avoid startling the animals.
- Don’t let plush accommodations lull you into a false sense of security, as animals are known to wander onto lodge property. Always have an escort between the main lodge and your room, especially at night.
- Listen to your guides and avoid taking unnecessary risks. If getting the perfect photo is important to you, familiarise yourself with using a zoom lens before your trip, rather than regretting not being able to get close enough for that ideal shot.
Wildlife encounters can be one of the most memorable parts of any trip but it’s all about enjoying them the right way. Some simple precautions and a bit of research are all it takes to stay safe while having an incredible adventure.
Crave Magazine: your essential guide to the best in UK lifestyle, food and travel.