Over 55's Causing Holiday Havoc

[Shrubbery]

Older British holidaymakers are causing the sort of trouble normally associated with the younger generation, the Foreign Office has said.

Over-55s are endangering their health by drinking too much alcohol and trying out dangerous sports such as bungee jumping on overseas trips, it warns.

Excessive drinking has led to abusive behaviour from some fifty-somethings, according to the Foreign Office.

Over-eating and over-drinking has also resulted in drownings, it added.

The Foreign Office said recent surveys showed 20% of 55-plus holidaymakers try activities they would not contemplate at home.

In addition, nearly two in three admitted not taking out travel insurance on their last trip overseas, and more than half of older holidaymakers drink more alcohol abroad than they would in the UK.

'Tragedy'

Rania Kossiori, British vice-Consul in Rhodes, Greece, said: "Most problems we see with the older generation of Brits arise from over-consumption of alcohol and food.

"Drinking and staying too long in the sun can make you ill, and undertaking strenuous activity like going swimming or snorkelling after a large meal can put you in unnecessary danger. People have drowned this way."

"After one too many drinks people can become abusive, for example shouting at resort staff," she went on.

"We've also had instances where a few too many drinks has led older guests to over-estimate their strength, for example going swimming in bad weather conditions, which has ended in tragedy," she added.

Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn said: "The Foreign Office is all for over-55s having fun on holiday, but it is crucial they make some simple preparations to help avoid encountering difficulties whilst abroad.

"Acquiring adequate travel insurance is a must, and health scares abroad can be avoided by visiting a GP and having a health check before embarking on a holiday."

Source: BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7305669.stm

[PhilHarries]

Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn said: "The Foreign Office is all for over-55s having fun on holiday, but it is crucial they make some simple preparations to help avoid encountering difficulties whilst abroad.

"Acquiring adequate travel insurance is a must, and health scares abroad can be avoided by visiting a GP and having a health check before embarking on a holiday."

I bet all us over 55's are so very relieved that the F. O. does not object to us having fun on holiday just as long as those returning to the UK remember to turn off those dam_n smiles when they disembark at LHR. Of course some of the "fun" encountered in Thailand leads to that little blue tablet health risk which is probably the bit of fun they want to stop.

[mamanoodle]

Yes SAGA holidays have a lot to answer for!

[Nignoy]

We treat the over 55,s Tourists here with respect and Courtesy We always let them have a swim in the surf before we go in for a swim that way we can be sure there aren,t any Sharks or Jelly fish about Nignoy

[sweetchariot]

Ruddy hooligans!

[billd766]

Ruddy hooligans!

Oi I am nearly 64

but I live here

Edited March 21, 2008 by billd766