A carefree autumn break: what you need to know about a safe holiday

The second half of August beckons with the chance to make the most of the last hot days of summer. Some are planning a family trip to a river or lake, whilst others are heading to the mountains or off for a cosy picnic in the woods, trying to recharge their batteries before autumn sets in. However, natural factors can quickly turn a long-awaited weekend into an ordeal. How can you organise a family holiday so that you return home with a lovely tan and warm memories – and without any trouble?

The last days of the heatwave: what’s easy to forget on holiday

At the end of summer, outdoor holidays have their own particular challenges. The days remain hot, but solar activity and the natural environment present several subtle pitfalls that are easy to overlook in the excitement of the holiday.

• Heatstroke and dehydration. In August, it feels as though your body has already got used to UV rays, so you let your guard down. In reality, however, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight by the water or whilst hiking in the mountains can lead to rapid overheating, especially in young children.
• Spoilt food at a picnic. High temperatures provide the ideal environment for bacteria to multiply rapidly. Meat products, sandwiches or dairy products that have been left in a rucksack for several hours without a cool bag can cause food poisoning.
• Peak activity of insects and reptiles. Towards the end of summer, wasps, hornets and horseflies become particularly aggressive as they seek out sweet food near people. Furthermore, during this period there is an increased risk of encountering venomous snakes, which emerge to bask on rocks or paths heated by the sun.
• Sudden injuries by the river or whilst hiking. Slippery, wet rocks near bodies of water, evening campfires and active games on unprepared grassy areas can sometimes result in bruises, dislocations or burns.

Family safety checklist

Planning a holiday at the end of August requires a little more attention to detail. A few simple steps will help you avoid minor mishaps.

• The ‘layering’ principle for clothing and closed-toe footwear. Despite the daytime heat, evenings in the countryside can bring a sudden chill. Instead of one thick jumper, it’s better to pack several light items that are easy to take off or put on depending on the weather. For walks in the woods or mountains, it’s best to swap city sandals or slip-ons for closed-toe shoes with a treaded sole — this will help prevent sprains on wet grass or slippery rocks.
• Nutrition and hydration guidelines. Make sure you have plenty of clean drinking water: at least 1.5–2 litres per person, not including water for cooking. Without a cool bag, food will only keep for a couple of hours in the August sun. Eat perishable dishes and ready-to-cook meat products right at the start of the picnic.
• Supervise the area around the campfire and bodies of water. Children near open fires or water require constant visual supervision by adults. Clear the area around the campfire of dry grass and branches, keeping a container of water or sand nearby. In unfamiliar bodies of water, it is best to check the bottom in advance, completely avoiding jumping from cliffs or unsecured jetties.
• Be cautious around plants and insects. Teach children not to touch unfamiliar plants and not to taste wild berries or mushrooms, however tempting they may seem. Avoiding sweet drinks in open containers and using insect repellents in good time will help protect against wasps and horseflies.

Financial protection for the whole family

Even the most thorough preparation does not guarantee protection against the unexpected, as events in the great outdoors can unfold in an instant. Having an insurance policy gives travellers a sense of security and protects the family budget should misfortune strike.

The accident insurance scheme covers both adults and children aged 3 and over. It covers a wide range of injuries (bruises, dislocations, fractures), acute food poisoning, the effects of insect or animal bites, as well as thermal burns and heatstroke. The policy is valid for a period ranging from 1 day to one year, providing cover not only during a specific trip but also in everyday life.

The policy is valid 24/7 – whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities, playing sport or travelling. In the event of an accident, the customer must seek assistance from a medical facility and notify Euroins to receive a claim payment. You can choose a suitable cover limit – from 3,000 to 150,000 hryvnias. The insurance is valid throughout Ukraine, with the exception of active combat zones, temporarily occupied territories and the 50-kilometre zone along their borders.

Look after your loved ones’ comfort, follow simple safety rules when out in the countryside, and choose tried-and-tested solutions from Euroins to enjoy the last days of summer in peace and comfort.

To find out more, book a consultation on the website: https://euroins.com.ua/en/prilend-standart

Stay healthy!