NATURAL DISASTERS CAUSING AUSSIE TRAVELLERS TO RECONSIDER THEIR PLANS

Exhausted stranded travellers wait for news at Tokyo railway station during recent quake.

The recent string of natural disasters in Queensland, New Zealand and Japan are making travellers increasingly nervous about their safety overseas, according to the results of an independently
commissioned national survey of 1,000 travellers conducted by CheapHotels.com.au.

Earthquakes, tsunamis and floods are top of traveller’s minds with one in three (33%) saying they are rethinking or changing their travel plans for 2011.

Although the survey reveals travellers are more aware of the potential risks of a natural disaster striking, (62%) admit they do not properly prepare themselves for a potential crisis in advance of travelling.

One in ten travellers surveyed said they’ve personally experienced a natural disaster whilst travelling.

“Few of us give thought to what we’d do if a worst case scenario became a reality when we’re travelling, but a fun, relaxing holiday can turn into panic and chaos in a matter of seconds should disaster strike,” says Braden Yuill, Managing Director of CheapHotels.com.au. “A small amount of preparation before you travel will lessen the stress in an emergency.”

Here are some planning tips to help travellers pull through a catastrophe should one occur.

1. Research potential dangers at your destination in advance. Check the news in the area you are travelling. Check out www.smartraveller.gov.au which advises travellers of potential hotspots around the world.

2. Make sure you know the refund policies of ravel agencies, airlines and hotels if you get stranded.

3. Check that your travel insurance covers natural disasters.

4. Register with Australian embassy and know where it is located.

5. Leave your contact details with families and friends and inform them on your travel plans.

6. Know your emergency numbers and the international dialing code. Make sure global roaming has been set on your phone.

7. Keep a copy of your personal info (passport, credit card numbers, etc) on your phone, your PDA or somewhere safe.