Experts offer travel advice for the Spring Festival holiday -- Written ahead of the crowded Spring Festival period
It is expected that there will be over 3 billion cumulative trips by road, rail, air, and sea nationwide. Being well-prepared is key to ensuring you have a healthy, safe, and enjoyable Spring Festival. Crowded conditions may lead to travel delays and potential safety risks.
Beijing, February 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In mid-February this year, over 1 billion people around the world will celebrate the Lunar New Year. International SOS hopes the following advice will help the public, as well as expatriates traveling and living in China, to have a safe, secure, and healthy new year.
International SOS and Control Risks expect that over 700,000 expatriate employees and business travelers will spend the Spring Festival in China during the holiday period; in addition, according to statistics from the National Tourism Administration's outbound tour group system, the number of outbound group travelers during the 2014 Spring Festival reached 4.725 million.
International SOS is the world’s leading provider of medical and travel security risk services, and Control Risks is the world’s leading global risk consultancy. Together, the two companies combine their global networks and specialized resources.
Dr. Gordon Peters, Medical Director for International SOS North Asia, said: “Every year during the Chinese New Year, discussions arise about the risks of traveling within China or abroad.
Of course, many of the dangers are related to the movement of people during this time of year in spring, with more congested road traffic, extensive fireworks displays, and the fact that it coincides with the influenza season in the northern hemisphere, posing risks throughout the holiday period.”
Although media reports indicate that fireworks sales in China during the Spring Festival have dropped by approximately 37% compared to last year, tens of thousands of people are still injured each year due to fireworks, with injuries ranging from minor burns to amputations and even death.
In addition, due to the large-scale movement of people,whether you are planning to travel or choose to stay in your city of residence, crowds pose potential risks.
Shi Liwei, Client Engagement Director for International SOS and Control Risks in China, mentioned:
“The recent tragic stampede on Shanghai’s Bund during New Year’s Eve can serve as a cautionary tale. Whether you are a local resident or an expatriate, planning ahead is especially important when traveling or celebrating during the Spring Festival. Making plans and staying vigilant are key to minimizing risks during the holiday period.”
Tips to note:
- Make necessary preparations --Before considering going anywhere during the Spring Festival, ensure you are familiar with your itinerary. Stay informed about local news and monitor safety alerts from assistance service providers. If you plan to travel, make sure you have copies of essential travel documents, including your passport, insurance documents, and instructions for any medications you take. Please note that during the holiday period, hospitals and clinics in China will have reduced staffing and services, so check the operating hours of local facilities.
- Travel will be challenging--If you plan to travel during the Spring Festival, book tickets in advance. Flights, train tickets, and other forms of transportation sell out quickly and prices rise as the holiday approaches. With large crowds, expect delays, so allow extra time. Long queues and crowded conditions can be expected at security checkpoints in major city train stations. Additionally, major airports will be more crowded, so plan for extra time for immigration, customs, and security checks.
- Stay vigilant in crowds--Whenever possible, avoid crowded places. If you find yourself in a crowd, stay alert and, if necessary, identify exits and plan your escape route. Theft and petty crime can occur easily in crowds, so remain watchful and keep your belongings and valuables in a safe place.
- Avoid petty crime -- Although police presence is increased during the holiday, petty crime remains a concern in crowded areas in China. Common crimes include theft of mobile phones, wallets, and jewelry, scams, fake train tickets, counterfeit currency, and theft of bank or credit card information. Travelers are advised to carefully monitor and protect their belongings. Take precautions when using ATMs and other cash/credit card devices, do not disclose financial information, and do not easily trust strangers.
- Be careful with fireworks -- When setting off fireworks, do not lean over them, and move to a safe distance immediately after lighting. Never let children handle fireworks; if a firework does not ignite properly, do not touch or attempt to relight it. Finally, after use, douse all remaining fireworks with water to ensure there is no risk of sparks or accidental explosions.
- Be careful on the roads -- More than 1.24 million people die in traffic accidents globally each year. During the Spring Festival, the number of vehicles and people on the roads increases significantly at the start and end of the holiday and around popular tourist spots. To ensure safe road travel, make sure the vehicle you are using has been recently inspected and that brakes, lights, and tires are in good condition. If you are driving, ensure you have had sufficient rest the night before your trip—ideally eight hours of sleep—and always wear your seatbelt..
- Beware of taxis -- Even for locals, taxis in China can still be a problem. Generally speaking, it's more convenient for foreign travelers to arrange pick-up and drop-off services in advance. Taxis customs may vary from city to city, but ride-sharing and taking longer routes are not uncommon. However, if you must take a taxi, make sure you have written down the destination address and informed someone of your trip. Insist that the driver uses the meter and avoid unlicensed taxis.
- Stay Healthy -- The Spring Festival coincides with the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere every year, so taking measures to prevent the flu is important to ensure you and your family enjoy a happy holiday together. The most effective way to avoid the flu is to get a flu vaccine. The vaccine is only effective for one season, so you need to get vaccinated every year. Wash your hands regularly during the day and try to avoid touching your face with your hands. In situations where it's not convenient to wash hands with water and soap, make sure to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use it frequently. If you do get sick, remember to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and wear a mask to protect others.