Worry Free Vacations In Phuket

1. Consult Your Doctor About Vaccination Requirements

When travelling to Phuket, ensure that you consult with your Doctor about 8 weeks before your trip to find out what vaccinations you will require or if you need to have booster shots for.

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus – diphtheria booster
• Measles booster
• Influenza
• Covid 19
  

2. Travel Insurance 

One of the biggest tips we can give you for worry free vacations in Thailand is to ensure that you take out adequate travel insurance as soon as possible after you book your flights.

Things can go wrong and accidents can happen before and while your on holidays, so it is best to be well protected if they do.

During the pandemic, the Thai Government made it compulsory for foreigners entering Thailand to take out an approved insurance policy to cover visitors for COVID 19. This ruling is no longer compulsory, and you don’t have to show proof of having Covid insurance coverage to enter Thailand, however, it is recommended.

If you already have your insurance make sure that you check what the insurance policy covers you for, as not all policies are the same.

3. Ensure Your Passport & Visa Is Valid 

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended length of stay.
We always take a photocopy of our passport, insurance details and policy number as well as emergency contact numbers.

We keep these copies in a safe place but separate to our original documentation.

Thai Visas are subject to constant change; and some countries are exempt from visa requirements when entering Thailand for tourism purposes.

It is advisable to check with your local Thai Embassy or Consulate to be certain that you are up to date with the current regulations.

4. Beach Safety In Phuket

The beaches in Phuket throughout the high season are calm and crystal clear. 

However from May through to October during the southwest monsoon season the beach conditions can become dangerous.

There can be heavy swells and shifting sandbanks and caution needs to be taken.

Along most west coast beaches you will see signs and flags warning people not to go in the water when it is dangerous. 

Unfortunately, some people either choose to ignore the warnings or don't understand what the signs and flags mean and consequently there are many tourist drownings on Phuket beaches year after year.

If your travelling throughout the low season and want worry free vacations in Phuket book a hotel with a swimming pool . 

Red Flags are posted on Phuket beaches to warn swimmers of riptides and other dangerous conditions.

If a red flag is flying at the beach, don’t go in the water.

Below is another example of the signs that are displayed along the beaches in Phuket.

When swimming and snorkeling on the beaches and offshore Islands around Phuket always be on the look out for jet skis and speedboats.

Don't go swimming if you are under the influence of alcohol.

Stay safe and always check conditions carefully and swim with caution.

5. Road Safety In Phuket

If you decide to hire a car or motorbike to get around the Island, you will need to be extremely cautious.

Road accidents are the major cause of death to foreign tourists in Thailand, with motorbike accidents being the most common cause of death in Phuket.

Always wear a helmet if you choose to ride a motorbike in Phuket and keep in mind that when it rains the roads can become extremely dangerous.

Ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike.

6. Stay Healthy & Hydrated In Phuket

An upset stomach is the most common problem for visitors to Phuket, this is usually quite mild but it can be enough to spoil your holiday.

To avoid getting an upset stomach there are a few simple things you can do to prevent it, allowing you to relax and enjoy a worry free vacation.

• Do not drink tap water - Buy bottled water for drinking, it is cheap and readily available and most resorts will give guests complimentary bottles daily
• Ice is okay to consume, as it has been filtered
• Brush your teeth using bottled water

Dengue fever has been on the increase in Phuket and it is advisable to use mosquito repellent.

Mosquito repellent should be used throughout the day as well as in the late afternoon and night; as the dengue carrying mosquito, "Aedes aegypti" is most active during the day, in particular at dawn and dusk.

The risk of dengue fever is higher during the rainy season from May to October.

Dehydration is one of the most common complaints in Phuket.

This is usually caused by sitting in the hot sun and drinking too much alcohol and not enough water.

• Always carry a bottle of water with you and stay hydrated
• Take or purchase electrolyte tablets to help prevent dehydration  

Safety Tips for Worry Free Vacations in Phuket

Phuket is generally a safe place for tourists; however as with anywhere in the world, there are dangers to look out for.
Some of the crimes that affect tourists are:

• pick pocketing
• theft from hotel rooms

You should only carry what money you need, and put all your travel documents and valuables in the hotel safe.

Like most countries credit card fraud is a problem in Thailand, you should only use your credit card at reputable establishments and check your statements on the internet regularly.

There a many places in Phuket that offer free WiFi, however I wouldn't recommend that you check your bank details using unsecure WiFi. 

If possible try to avoid using credit cards.

Beware of timeshare touts, they will approach you with scratches and you will always be a winner, the prizes range from T shirts to holidays. Before they give you your prize you will have to sit through a timeshare presentation which can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, not the best way to spend your much awaited holiday vacation in Phuket.

When holidaying in Phuket if you have any concerns contact the Phuket Tourist Police, they are located in all major tourist areas and are there to assist foreign visitors.

Worry Free Vacations when Travelling with Kids in Phuket

Parents can enjoy worry free vacations in Phuket with kids no matter what their age. The local Thai's adore children, and they will go out of their way to make your kids feel special.

At first the amount of attention that the locals give the kids, maybe a bit overwhelming for the child, however after a few days the kids will become accustomed to it.

One of the greatest dangers for kids in Phuket is the traffic, always keep an eye on the kids when out and about.
Another problem is that car seats are not required by law for babies and toddlers, however some car rental companies do provide them if they are requested.

For worry free vacations and for the safety of your child you may want to bring your own.

Throughout the Island you will notice lots of stray dogs wandering around, most of these dogs are not dangerous but when travelling with kids in Phuket, it is advisable to keep the kids well away from the dogs.

Dogs can be unpredictable, especially around small children.

Rabies is very rare, however there are a few cases in Thailand each year.

Whilst most adults love trying the local Thai food in Phuket, some of the spices that are used to cook these delicious meals might be to strong for the kids.

Most restaurants in Phuket provide western style food that the kids will enjoy and most importantly you want these restaurants to be clean and hygienic, keep an eye out for signs saying "Good Taste, Clean Food" these signs mean that the restaurant has passed a health inspection.

For totally worry free vacations when travelling to any foreign country always check for travel advice and warnings from your local Government.

Secure & Prepare Your Home Before You Go 

We have covered what you need for worry free vacations in Phuket and how to stay healthy and safe, however there is one crucial thing that we should all do before going on holidays, and that is to secure and prepare our homes.

Now I am no expert on this matter, but I recently came across a great website to give us some pointers. You can read their tips here.

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