With the approach of the 2024 Chinese New Year, a surge in both domestic and international travel is expected, raising concerns about health and safety risks amidst the festivities. In anticipation of this peak travel period, International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, has released essential travel safety tips to ensure the wellbeing of travelers.
The festive season brings a significant increase in travel, with millions of vehicles expected to use highways nationwide and a rise in outbound travel bookings compared to previous years. International SOS Singapore and Malaysia Assistance Centers, Medical Director Dr. Chan Yanjun emphasised the importance of vigilance, especially with cross-state travel making a comeback and the popularity of winter sports and warm-weather destination holidays. Travelers are urged to pay attention to weather changes and organisations are encouraged to provide remote medical support services for employees.
Asia at International SOS, Security Director Assistance, Noriko Takasaki, highlighted the need for heightened security awareness during the holiday period. Security risks such as extreme weather, criminal activity, and crowd accidents must be taken into consideration. Takasaki stressed the importance of pre-trip measures, maintaining situational awareness, and establishing clear communication mechanisms for real-time alerts and support in unexpected security situations.
International SOS provides eight key travel safety tips for the Chinese New Year holiday:
- Preventing Common Diseases:
Maintain good personal hygiene practices and consider vaccinations to reduce the risk of viral respiratory infections. - Prevention of Injury:
Assess risks during sports or activities and use protective gear to prevent accidental injury. - Road Safety Awareness:
Stay informed about traffic regulations, road conditions, and driving habits in destination countries. - Attention to Extreme Weather:
Monitor weather alerts and take necessary precautions for potential disruptions. - Avoid Cultural Conflicts:
Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious sites. - Prioritise Health and Security Risks When Traveling Abroad:
Stay informed about infectious diseases and avoid areas of social unrest. - Maintain Flexibility in Travel Plans:
Be prepared for unexpected situations and allocate extra time for travel. - Enhance Mental Health Resilience:
Offer access to employee assistance programs or mental health professionals to address travel-related stress.
As travelers gear up for the Chinese New Year holiday, these safety tips from International SOS serve as a valuable resource for ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience. By prioritising health and security, organisations and individuals can minimise risks and maximise the holiday festivities.
