What Does This Mean to You?

Jul 8, 2016
3 min read

I was listening to a podcast that aired not too long after the recent incident that occurred in one the beach areas on Disney properties. The discussion focused on the meaning of warning signs. The group had varying ideas of the meaning of the NO SWIMMING signs. Some thought it meant don’t go in the water at all, others thought it was a warning against swimming only but wading was perfectly fine. As you may have seen in various media outlets, there was an outcry for specific signage on alligator dangers. But why was the first sign not enough?

So I ask “what does this mean to you?”

In light of recent events, your original thoughts may have changed. No one ever thinks of tragedy

striking while enjoying a fabulous vacation. For me personally NO on any sign means stay away. It would probably take a book to list all of the possible dangers. You could very well be playing Russian roulette if tittering on the line of what you can and cannot do.

Best advice scenario is to follow the direction of warnings when visiting anywhere especially when you’re unfamiliar with the area. Please don’t consider this any type of shame towards anyone who has had to endure a horrible accident while vacationing or visiting loved ones. Things happen and many are out of our control.

As a travel agent, I want to try to ensure that my clients have the best information possible about the location they decide to vacation to. There is no way possible to make someone aware of every possible danger especially in a place like Disney World. This is considered to be one of the safest places to visit and many travelers feel extremely safe and comfortable while there. Just like anywhere else, there are always unforeseen dangers. Always use caution and leave assumptions at home. Disney does a great job of maintaining a clean and safe environment. They took immediate action after this incident to ensure

guest are well aware of pending dangers. Yet note that they cannot predict or prevent everything.

I know we hate too many rules but they are put in place for a reason. Consider time to think before making a rash decision or jumping to a not so obvious conclusion. That alligator could have easily been a flesh eating disease or toxic virus.

When booking your future vacations ask about any situations you may need to be aware of. Research blogs like this one and other social media about your location to educate yourself about the area. A great thing to do especial for foreign travel is to register with your country’s embassy. The US Embassy along with other countries allows you to register with them so that you can be alerted of any health issues or important travel information for the area you are visiting. It’s very easy to sign up. You will receive alerts and also if needed be able to reach out for help in unfamiliar areas if you need to.

www.usembassy.gov

Other things to think about is always purchasing travel insurance. If you should get into an unavoidable situation, it’s better to have options to recover from it the best way possible. Also check with your health insurance provider to see about what services are available in the location traveling to. I’d so rather we all be safe than sorry. With that, I hope that everyone chooses to be cautious and aware. Enjoy your vacations!

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