Thai cave rescue and the travel lessons we can learn from it
You’ve probably heard of the Thai cave rescue — a story of courage and resilience in the face of extreme adversity. 12 boys and their football coach were trapped underground in a cave, with water levels rising steadily due to heavy monsoon rain. On 10 July 2018, the whole world let out a collective sigh of relief. After heroic efforts from divers and rescuers around the world, all of them were rescued.
Now that the ordeal is over, there is much to celebrate and be thankful for. But equally important are the lessons that we can learn from it. Here are 3 important takeaways from the Thai cave rescue.
1. Travel precautions may seem unnecessary but are more important than you think
When it comes to travel, certain precautions such as checking the weather forecast are often low on our to-do list. We can also be easily swayed by misconceptions of a particular place from the pictures we see on social media, such as the picture-perfect weather in Bali and Hawaii. But did you know that even such places experiences natural disasters such as earthquakes and flash floods? Always check the weather before embarking on a trip because you don’t want to be surfing in stormy weather or getting swept off by strong winds while hiking a mountain.
2. Don’t take on risky activities without doing your research
Are you a fan of outdoor activities? Be it abseiling down Goa Jomblang, the vertical cave in Indonesia, or surfing in Gold Coast, the diving paradise of Australia, it is important to do some research on the kind of package you’re signing up for. Make sure that any risky activities are always conducted by professionals or a qualified instructor. One reason why the Thai cave rescue was successful can be attributed to the experience and expertise of the Navy SEALs and other veteran divers who flew in from all over the world. When it comes to risky activities, you’re much safer in the hands of seasoned professionals.
3. Ensure that you’re fully covered before you travel
One of the most important things we can learn from the rescue mission is to always be prepared. No matter where you’re headed to, be it domestic or overseas travels, it is important to have insurance at hand. Some travel insurance provides coverage such as emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, which can be crucial when you least expect it. And by knowing that you’re always fully covered, you’re also giving yourself that extra peace of mind no matter where you are in the world.
