Irwin Mitchell Report Highlights Worst Holiday Hotspots
27/04/2010
Holiday Illness
Now that the summer has finally arrived, many people will start preparing for their summer holidays but unfortunately many find that their dream holiday ends up being less than idyllic when they are affected by illness on holiday.
Specialist solicitors at Irwin Mitchell have released a report highlighting the five worst holiday hotspots, based on their cases from clients in 2009 who had their dream holidays ruined when they suffered from an illness on holiday abroad.
The specialist law firm, which has the largest number of holiday illness and injury solicitors in the UK, is hoping to help customers avoid their holidays being ruined by publishing their annual report which highlights the five worst holiday hotspots where customers have been affected by holiday injury or illness.
The number one hotspot to avoid, according to the report, is Turkey which tops the list for the second year in a row and accounted for 41% of the complaints in 2009. Cruise ships are also badly affected taking the number two spot after a number of outbreaks saw hundreds of customers affected by illness. Egypt has dropped a place from last year's report but still accounts for a large number of complaints, making up 15% of the total in 2009. Fourth on the list is European favourite Spain, with 6% of complaints and the final destination to avoid is the Dominican Republic who have re-entered the list with 4% of the complaints.
The head of Irwin Mitchell's International Travel team, Clive Garner, explains: "We do find that countries tend to dip in and out of the 'worst five' list. It's a cyclical thing, which can partly be attributed to holiday trends, for example a sudden rise in popularity of a particular destination, compared with previous years. However, it can also be a sign that standards may be slipping and adequate action is not being taken to address the problems in resort.
"What links most of these illness complaints is basic lack of hotel hygiene. We're not talking here about people who are suffering a mild case of 'holiday tummy,' but of often serious and in some cases life threatening illnesses, such as salmonella, dysentery and Legionnaires Disease. It is also a matter of great concern to us that some hotel exhibit repeated problems year after year."
Following the publication of the list Clive has this advice for holidaymakers who experience any illness or injury when abroad:
- Make sure you complain to the holiday rep as soon as possible if you experience any problems with the resort or are suffering from any kind of illness
- Keep a record of any illnesses and make sure you fill out a written complaint form, keeping a copy for yourself
- Support your claim by taking photographs or videos which highlight your issues and be sure to swap contact details with any other holidaymakers who have suffered similar problems
- Make sure that you get a copy of the doctor's report if you need to seek medical advice on your holiday as this can provide evidence in your case
- If you complain but are not contacted to try and rectify the problems then write to your tour operator within 28 days of your return and keep a record of any medical treatment you receive upon your return
- If you are still not happy that your complaint has been dealt with correctly then you can take legal advice from a specialist solicitor following your illness on holiday
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