Football fans off to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup need to plan ahead and take out sufficient
travel insurance cover, but they shouldn't be put off by scare-mongering over safety in the country, it's been suggested.
The countdown to the showpiece event, which is being held in Africa for the first time, is now in full swing after the draw was made in Cape Town on December 4th.
Reports have suggested that footy followers could be particularly at risk in Johannesburg, but Tom Hall, travel editor for Lonely Planet, has played down those fears.
The travel editor does say fans need to protect themselves by taking out travel insurance and following Foreign and Commonwealth Office guidelines.
"Be sensible and careful, but do not be overly concerned with any cynicism you hear about the safety situation," he said.
"The areas where tourists will be in Johannesburg are very pleasant and Brits will have a very pleasant time when they stay there."
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