Austria is a haven for British holidaymakers seeking peace and tranquility amid the Alpine terrain and mountain villages. Yet the idyllic lush landscape and tourist attractions around it have now sparked a travel warning for UK tourists. The UK’s FCO has thus week updated its advice for those headed to the German-speaking country, in light of “incidents with visitors getting into difficulty.” It states while 980,000 British nationals visit Austria each year, the number of incidents where such travellers get into trouble has prompted the warning.
Addressing UK travellers, the FCO now states: “Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports are popular activities in Austria.
“Unfortunately, each year there are incidents with visitors getting into difficulty and needing the help of the emergency services.
“If you are taking part in extreme sports, check that the company is well established in the industry and that you’ve arranged for your insurance to cover this specific activity.
“For sporting activities such as skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (e.g. off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), your insurance should include mountain rescue services, helicopter costs and repatriation to your country of residence or possible transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment.”
It added: “Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped for the worst-case scenario.
“A map, compass, GPS and telecommunication equipment should always be used when travelling outside urban areas.
“Don’t undertake any activity alone, and consider hiring a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone.
“While the winter’s snows are mostly melted, some remains at high altitude.
“Travellers visiting mountainous areas should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
The advice comes after the FCO issued significant warning for popular tourist destinations including Spain, Turkey and France.
Meanwhile, Express.co.uk recently reported how Austria was flagged as one of the most “peaceful” countries where Britons could flee potential World War Three.
The country was listed alongside Iceland, as well as New Zealand, Portugal and Denmark, as nuclear conflict fears rise.
The revelation came after worsening tensions between Iran and the USA.
The bad feeling rocketed following a serious threat from the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Minister.
Mohammad Javad Zarif told of his belief the US’ influence would “go away” if countries around the world would ditch the US dollar as the basis for their international trade, therefore urging them to swerve away from America currency.
