Research: Most Aussies unaware of government travel warnings
New research has revealed just how little heed Aussies take of travel warnings for international destinations.
A survey by InsureandGo presented 11 destinations with travel warnings to a panel of 1000 Australians, and found that 60 per cent believed that at least one country with a travel warning was safe for travel.
InsureandGo analysed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Smartraveller website to compile a list of countries with travel warnings: Belgium, Egypt, Morocco, India, Mexico, South Africa, Peru, Brazil, Philippines, Nepal and Thailand.
Survey respondents were asked if any of the destinations were considered ‘safe’ for travel, revealing most participants thought Belgium was percieved as the destination that posed the least risk.
However, the Australian Government advises travellers to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’.
Since the terrorist attack at Brussels National Airport in March 2016, the government has issued warnings to Australians to be on high alert for potential security threats in places with a high concentration of people.
Thailand, which welcomes around half a million Australian visitors each year, was considered the next ‘safest’ country to travel to (by volume of respondents).
However, DFAT warns Aussies to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ when travelling there and places some areas, like the provinces of Yala, Pattani and Songkhla, under a ‘do not travel’ classification.
The third lowest-risk destination chosen was the Philippines, even though the government advises Australians travelling to the Philippines ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ overall.
InsureandGo has also provided these handy tips for travellers headed for medium-to-high-risk countries.
1. Be aware of the safety warnings of the countries you’re travelling to. The first rule of safe travel is to not be ignorant about where you are going.
Before you book travel to any overseas destination, check Smartraveller. As with any country classified as high risk, if you travel against government advice, it could invalidate a travel insurance claim.
2. Keep your belongings safe. Petty crimes, such as theft and pick-pocketing, are common in Belgium, Thailand and South American countries.
Have your belongings with you at all times, and make sure you carry a bag that seals completely and can’t be easily snatched from your body. Have your wits about you; turning your back for a second can leave you open to theft.
3. Respect local customs. Gestures, behaviour and clothing that are acceptable in Australia may be unsafe in other countries.
In Thailand, for instance, more than 90 per cent of the population adheres to Buddhism, so there are some customs you should be aware of while travelling. Engaging in offensive or sacrilegious behaviour in relation to God, Buddha or Thai Royalty can result in imprisonment.
Most temples will require males and females to be covered in long clothing, while public displays of affection and using your left-hand for most actions is considered rude.
4. Exercise caution if partaking in adventurous activities. While scooters are common in South-East Asian countries, if you plan on hiring one, ensure you wear a helmet – even if it isn’t required in that country.
Most travel insurers will require you to wear one in order to be covered. Ensure you also declare any planned high-risk activities or sports to your travel insurer to ensure you are covered in the case of an incident.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
insureandgo smart traveller Travel WarningsLatest News
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
Air New Zealand will resume flying to Hobart, it revealed today in its summer schedule update. It also announced it will be returning to Korean capital Seoul. Both the Auckland to Hobart and Auckland to Seoul routes will be seasonal services, with Air New Zealand operating three direct flights a week to each destination over the summer […]
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘Floating Villa’ deal
In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality time for multi-generational bonding can be a challenge. European Waterways’ hotel barge cruises offer families the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate luxury vacation with a private charter experience. They say “it’s like having your own private ‘floating villa’ in a different village every day, made extra special by a […]
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Luxury Escapes has announced its biggest cruise event of the year. The limited-time Sail Away Sale gives cruisers the chance to experience luxury at a cheaper price point. The selection of handpicked offers include exclusive add-ons such as generous onboard credit, bonus value, pre & post-cruise stays, and more. Destinations including Europe, Asia, Australia, and […]
Rex-owned National Jet Express (NJE) adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
National Jet Express (NJE), a Rex Group member, today announced the commencement of weekly charter services between Brisbane and Orange in NSW for mining and civil contractor These services represent NJE’s eighth destination on the East Coast since commencing services from Brisbane in July 2023, and its first port in NSW. “We are delighted to […]
Bonza hires restructuring advisory amid turbulence at Miami-based owner 777 Partners
The financiers of low-cost regional airline Bonza have hired restructuring advisory KordaMentha to give them advice on the operations of the airline. Bonza, which launched in January last year, is a budget airline based on the Gold Coast. They fly to regional areas such as Cairns but do not fly to Sydney or Brisbane (they […]
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Are you one of the industry’s top agents? Well you’ll want to become one when you see the benefits of being invited into Viking‘s platinum club. The Platinum Club is the evolution of Viking’s top advisors incentive program. Just as platinum status celebrates the pinnacle of artistic achievement and platinum cards symbolise the financial elite, the […]
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
It’s the age-old business conundrum and a conundrum that becomes all the more important when budgets are squeezed. Which is more important, sales or marketing? The answer depends on who you ask, Journey Beyond’s Justine Lally and Alicia Triggs say. (Lead Image: Justine Lally and Alicia Triggs ) Journey Beyond is an experiential tourism group […]
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
Singapore Airlines grows group passenger traffic by 13.9% for March
This is one of the few situations where an increase in traffic is a good thing.
Number of Aussies going on cruises beats pre-pandemic levels
To be honest, if being stuck inside for two years doesn't give you the travel bug, then nothing will.