D-Day: Retracing History from England to France

Health & Safety

Health and Safety

We all have an important role to play in making this journey a positive and memorable experience. While our enhanced Health and Safety Protocols have been established to maximize group safety regarding factors within our control, all travelers have a shared responsibility to follow the following guidelines to keep as healthy as possible during the journey. By joining this program, you agree to the Smithsonian Journeys Health and Safety Protocols.

Smart Traveler Program (STEP)

The U.S. Department of State provides a free service called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to register their international travel plans. We are strongly recommending that all American travelers enroll in this program since it allows the Department of State to contact travelers and their emergency contacts in case of a crisis such as a natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. STEP makes it easier for the State Department to find you and get you the help you need before, during, and after a disaster hits. Travelers can also choose to receive emails with travel advisories and news about their destination country before they depart.

The information that is required to enroll:

  • First and Last Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Citizenship
  • Emergency Contact’s Phone Number
  • Arrival Date
  • Departure Date
  • Destination Country

This is not a requirement of travel but is strongly recommended. To enroll in this program, you can follow this link to the State Department’s website.

Physical Requirements 
We are dedicated to providing our travelers with truly exceptional travel experiences. For the most satisfying experience, and in fairness to your fellow travelers, please note that this trip requires the following capabilities:

  • Ability to walk without assistance two to three miles, at times over uneven terrain.
  • Ability to climb sets of stairs without handrails, without assistance.
  • Ability to walk and stand for up to two hours at sites listening to a guide.
  • Ability to keep pace with an active group of travelers.

Anyone with a serious medical problem, whose medical situation might be adversely affected by strenuous travel, or who might have difficulty walking should not consider this trip. If your medical history is such that you have any questions or doubts about your ability to enjoy this trip, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your concerns with you.

National Security Numbers

England:

  • Ambulance: 999 or 112
  • Fire: 999 or 112
  • Police:  999 or 112
  • NHS Direct (24-hour health helpline): 0845 4647

France:

  • Emergency: 999 or 112

Vaccination or Preventative Medicine Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not require any vaccinations for travel to the United Kingdom or France. However, it is advised that you ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date. Additionally, the following vaccinations or preventative medicines may be advised:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B

Please consult with your doctor to determine if any of the above recommendations are necessary to ensure your personal safety. If so, it is best to ensure that vaccinations are received four to six weeks prior to departure. If this time frame is not possible, consult with your doctor as some vaccinations or precautions may still be advisable.

For questions about the above information, you may consult the CDC website or call the CDC at 1-800-232-4636.

Medical Care
It’s a good idea to carry an up-to-date record of your known allergies and/or chronic medical problems so that emergency treatment can be carried out with minimal risk to your health.

Medicine 
Please plan to bring all prescription medications that you will require for the entire trip. All essential medications need to be in their original containers and should always be packed in your carry-on luggage.

Theft
As in many major areas of the world, pick-pocketing and bag-snatching can occur in the United Kingdom and France. Please be careful, and please keep your cash and credit cards safe. Keep your passport and other valuables in a safe place and leave expensive jewelry at home.

Photography
As a matter of common courtesy, please ask permission from anyone you wish to photograph.