Tips to Stay Safe at the Winter Olympics
Here are some tips for travelling to Sochi and Russia for the Winter Olympics.
- Make sure your childhood vaccinations are up-to-date. Also vaccination against hepatitis A is a good idea (link to Sitata country description for Russia).
- If you haven’t had a flu shot, you might want to get one since the winter season is the period for high transmission of the flu virus.
- Don’t forget to put any regular medications in your carry-on luggage and bring a small travel health kit.
- Be ready for cold weather. Although daytime temperatures in February in Sochi may be as warm as 500F (100C), the temperature may dip below freezing at night. Events on snow and ice may be very cold.
- Be sure your medical insurance will cover you when overseas. You never know when a medical emergency might happen.
- Stay safe in crowds that might become unruly after victories or defeats. Always check out emergency exits when indoors.
- Traffic is expected to be very heavy, and traffic jams are likely. Allow plenty of time to reach sporting venues.
- Watch out crossing streets, since pedestrians do not have the right of way all the time.
- Be safe and secure (Sitata country safety profile). Be aware that there is little tolerance in Russia for gay or transgender persons.
Follow these simple tips and stay safe and healthy in Sochi.