“But I’m not going to get sick.”

A new study shows that travellers who skip recommended immunizations are bringing back unwanted souvenirs. While no one plans to catch a serious illness while on vacation, travellers should be doing more to prevent it. Despite the warnings many people are still ignoring the risks.

A recent article in BBC News reveals some starting figures: More and more travellers are bringing back vaccine-preventable illnesses from their travels. For example, typhoid has recently emerged in the UK with 248 cases appearing in 2006 – half of which travellers acquired abroad (and could have been prevented).

If these illnesses are preventable, why are they still occurring? The numbers show a lack of knowledge. A recent survey reveals that many people aren’t aware of what illnesses are preventable. For instance, two thirds of respondents did not know typhoid was preventable with a vaccine, while about 40% incorrectly thought there was a vaccine for malaria.

The key to healthy travel is education. Find out what vaccines are recommended for your destination and take them. Links to vaccine resources and can be found in the “Immunization” section of our country advice pages.

Holy water: miracle or security threat?

Surprised pilgrims discovered holy water is banned from their flight – even though the Vatican chartered the plane.

The Vatican recently launched its Boeing 737 charter flight service for pilgrims starting with Lourdes, France. Lourdes is home to the famous grotto where Catholics believed the Virgin Mary appeared almost 150 years ago, and many believe that water from this grotto has healing properties. Consequently, the water is available for purchase.

However, bottled water – holy or not – is not permitted on flights because it exceeds the three ounce (100 mL) security restrictions currently in place. Surprised pilgrims quickly found out that security officials would not make an exception. Any amount of liquid that exceeds the restrictions can be considered a threat.

According to various media reports, one woman had eight bottles of water – shaped like the Madonna – confiscated while another man drank his bottle on the spot rather than surrender it.

Reportedly, the Vatican predicted this problem would occur and offers complimentary bottles on board.

Forget fixed prices – talk your way into a great deal

Haggling over prices is a way of life in many countries and can be an important part of your travel experience. Look for great souvenirs such as traditional clothing, local arts and crafts, gold and jewelry.

The key to successful haggling is knowing some of the ground rules. Don’t accept the first price you are quoted or see on a price tag – it’s often three times higher than the actual price vendor will sell the item for. You should never end up paying more than half of this initial price.

Looking for other great tips? Check out our article: Haggle your way to great souvenirs

"If they sell them in the street, how can it be illegal?"

Can shopping get you in trouble? Yes, and here's why:

Market places and street vendors can offer unique items that make great souvenirs. However, as a tourist in Russia recently discovered, not everything for sale on the streets is legal.

A recent article in the International Herald Tribune recounts the story of a Chilean tourist in Russia who purchased Red Army metals and old ruble notes not realizing that buying and selling these items violates Russian law. Though these items are worth a relatively small sum, the tourist has so far endured two months of issues dealing with a foreign justice system.

In other parts of the world, items made from protected animals and plants are also readily available for sale in market places but are actually illegal to purchase and transport out of the country.

Because not knowing about a law will not exempt you from being prosecuted under that law, a little pre-trip research and caution while shopping can save a lot of hassle later on.

Beijing Olympics nothing to spit at

China aims to clean up its dirty habits ahead of the 2008 Olympics – but how?

Littering, cutting in lines and the infamous habit of spitting in public… These are all habits that China would like to see corrected before the world spotlight is on the country for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

According to an article on NEWS.com.au, new bans and procedures were already in place for the May Day week holiday. Officials handed out thousands of bags to tourists in an effort to prevent littering. Travel guides are now required to include a discussion on etiquette, and the eleventh day of every month is “voluntarily wait in line” day to get people in the habit of behaving in an orderly fashion rather than pushing and shoving.

Officials have also implemented campaigns whose goal is to “cultivate courtesy and civility”, the article reports.

The Summer Olympics begin August 8

Currency check in Nepal

There is more to managing your money while traveling in Nepal than just knowing the local currency is the Nepalese rupee.

In fact, according to the US Department of State Consular Information Sheet for Nepal, travelers must declare any cash currency they carry that exceeds $2,000. Travelers are required to fill out a customs declaration form and keep a copy of the endorsed form with them.

Another “note” of caution: Don’t confuse your currency! It is illegal to carry 500 or 1,000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal.

LP survey reveals green travel trends

How are travellers planning to safe guard the planet?

Lonely Planet’s annual Travellers’ Pulse survey reveals some interesting changes in environmental awareness and travel. The survey polled 24 500 people from 144 countries, through online polls and partners. According to the press release, respondents’ answers show an increasing awareness about the environmental impact of travel – and a willingness to do something about it.

For example, 84% now say they would consider offsetting their emissions in the future (a jump from 31% who have done so in the past). In the past, 70% said they have opted for low-impact travel (such as buses instead of flying), while 90% said they would do so in the future. A full 93% said they would or might “partake in environmentally friendly travel in the future”.

Lonely Planet reports that the biggest jump in the numbers was volunteering abroad. While only 25% of respondents reported volunteering in the past, almost 80% said they might do so in the future.

The survey comes after the June 2007 release of Lonely Planet’s Volunteer: A Traveller’s Guide to Making a Difference Around the World, a guide which includes all kinds of volunteer experiences.

For more information see the full press release.

Keep your hands to yourself

Be aware of what your hands might be saying in a different culture. Many people “talk with their hands” but what their gestures are saying may different from country to country.

For example, according to FCO advice for Zimbabwe, a politically turbulent country, an open hand is a symbol of the opposition party. A friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted. In Australia, a “thumbs-up” sign is a profane gesture. In many Latin American countries, a simple hand signal can warn you against theft, according to a Spanish Language website.

The best defense? Read the travel advice for your country and invest in a good guidebook to learn about the culture and customs where you are traveling.

Brits behaving badly

How prepared are travellers when it comes to avoiding or minimizing problems? A new report suggests there is a lot of room for improvement.

Arrests, hospitalizations, lost passports and even deaths are among the many reasons British nationals needed help from their government while travelling last year. On August 2, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Know before you go campaign released its new report on British Behaviour Abroad which reveals some startling statistics.

For instance, Greece had the largest number of hospitalizations at 955, despite having significantly less visitors than Spain and France. The USA has the most arrests per capita at 1368, as well as the most lost passports (3064) – second only to 6078 lost passports in Spain which had three times as many visits. The data doesn't cover victims of crime other than rape or transportation accidents.

Furthermore, the report suggests that “although Brits are getting more adventurous with their travels, they are not doing enough preparation before they go.” The FCO hopes releasing this data will encourage travellers to better prepare for their trips. According to the report, the FCO “believes that many of these problems could be prevented or made easier to deal with through better preparation by travellers”. The report therefore provides tips and information on preventing common problems, such as protecting your password, avoidng excessive drinking and exercising caution in certain locations.

The best advice? Check out the government travel advice before you go.

To see the full details of the report, see British Behaviour Abroad.