Possession of illegal drugs can land you in serious trouble anywhere in the world... But do you know what is legal or not? Some countries such as the United Arab Emirates have particularly strict rules, and tourists are ending up in prison as a result.
A recent press release from legal charity Fair Trails International warns travellers “to ensure they are completely free of any substances prohibited by that country” [the UAE]. The warning comes following the conviction of a British citizen after a cigarette stub containing trace amounts of cannabis was found in the tread of his shoe. Other citizens have been arrested and charged for carrying painkillers, cold medication and other over the counter medications containing codeine. One man was even arrested for having three poppy seeds from a bagel on this clothing.
The release warns that even a trace amount could result in a four-year prison sentence. To help travellers avoid future problems, the charity has published a List of Controlled Pharmaceutical Substances in UAE. Travellers are advised to avoid taking any medications with them unless absolutely necessary.
Want to know more about traveling with medication? Check out AST’s article Taking medication on holiday.
Update: According to media reports February 25-26, the British citizen mentioned above was released after receiving a full pardon.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
February 17, 2008
February 4, 2008
Two essential ski vacation tips
The cold temperatures and abundant snowfalls are a perfect combination for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding. If your outdoor adventure takes you across the border, here are two things to watch out for:
1. Make sure you’re covered. Many travel insurance policies don’t cover high-risk activities like skiing or snowboarding. Check out the fine print in your policy before you buy. Already insured? Look for an upgrade to make sure you are protected in case of an accident.
2. Keep your wits about you. Even if you know your limit, you should be aware that the effects of alcohol are more potent at higher altitudes. Your insurance policy likely won’t cover you if an accident happens while you have been drinking. A good rule of thumb: potentially dangerous activities and alcohol shouldn’t be mixed.
For other ski vacation advice, see the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Advice to Skiers and Snowboarders Planning a Winter Break.
1. Make sure you’re covered. Many travel insurance policies don’t cover high-risk activities like skiing or snowboarding. Check out the fine print in your policy before you buy. Already insured? Look for an upgrade to make sure you are protected in case of an accident.
2. Keep your wits about you. Even if you know your limit, you should be aware that the effects of alcohol are more potent at higher altitudes. Your insurance policy likely won’t cover you if an accident happens while you have been drinking. A good rule of thumb: potentially dangerous activities and alcohol shouldn’t be mixed.
For other ski vacation advice, see the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Advice to Skiers and Snowboarders Planning a Winter Break.
December 7, 2007
Here’s to your (travel) health
Looking for health information for a specific country? Here’s where to find it.
Recognizing that travel health is an important issue, a number of health sites have improved their information over the past year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) traded its broad region pages for new country-specific pages as part of its new release in Summer 2007. Visitors can now find content related to particular country in addition to general information on health-related issues and outbreak news.
As of September 2007, the UK-based National Travel Health Network and Center (NaTHNaC) now features country information pages meant to be used in conjunction with a pre-travel health consultation. The content includes both general health issues as well as location-specific risks.
When is the best time to look into health concerns? You’ll want to book an appointment with a travel health clinic at least six to eight weeks before your trip for vaccinations.
Recognizing that travel health is an important issue, a number of health sites have improved their information over the past year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) traded its broad region pages for new country-specific pages as part of its new release in Summer 2007. Visitors can now find content related to particular country in addition to general information on health-related issues and outbreak news.
As of September 2007, the UK-based National Travel Health Network and Center (NaTHNaC) now features country information pages meant to be used in conjunction with a pre-travel health consultation. The content includes both general health issues as well as location-specific risks.
When is the best time to look into health concerns? You’ll want to book an appointment with a travel health clinic at least six to eight weeks before your trip for vaccinations.
August 31, 2007
“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.
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.
June 28, 2007
Insure a good trip to Belarus
Insurance can keep you out of trouble in the event of an accident, but not having it can even keep you out of some countries.
For Belarus, insurance is more than a failsafe – it’s a necessity if you want to get into the country. The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns its citizens that medical insurance is compulsory for a trip to Belarus. Health insurance must be purchased from a Belarus insurance company or a company accredited in Belarus. A list of companies is available from Belarus Embassies and insurance can even be purchased when obtaining a visa.
The advice also notes that if you plan to drive in Belarus you are required to have third-party car insurance (which can only be purchased when you arrive).
For Belarus, insurance is more than a failsafe – it’s a necessity if you want to get into the country. The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns its citizens that medical insurance is compulsory for a trip to Belarus. Health insurance must be purchased from a Belarus insurance company or a company accredited in Belarus. A list of companies is available from Belarus Embassies and insurance can even be purchased when obtaining a visa.
The advice also notes that if you plan to drive in Belarus you are required to have third-party car insurance (which can only be purchased when you arrive).
May 31, 2007
It’s a small, smoke-free world after all
Disney World hotels will soon be smoke-free! According to various media sources, visitors to Walt Disney World hotels will soon have to watch where they smoke. As of June 1, 2007 a new ban prohibits smoking in hotel rooms, balconies and all other public areas. Smokers may use special designated areas instead.
Will the move cause a drastic change? Not likely, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel. Smokers comprise only four percent of Disney’s booked rooms. In fact, Disney is implementing the ban based on feedback from their customers.
Guests who try to sneak in a cigarette will find a cleaning fee of $250 - $500 USD tacked on to their bill to cover deep cleaning services and the replacement of items such as curtains and bedding. The article notes that it is unclear if smoking customers may gravitate towards other hotels on Disney property, such as the Hilton, which permit smoking.
Will the move cause a drastic change? Not likely, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel. Smokers comprise only four percent of Disney’s booked rooms. In fact, Disney is implementing the ban based on feedback from their customers.
Guests who try to sneak in a cigarette will find a cleaning fee of $250 - $500 USD tacked on to their bill to cover deep cleaning services and the replacement of items such as curtains and bedding. The article notes that it is unclear if smoking customers may gravitate towards other hotels on Disney property, such as the Hilton, which permit smoking.
February 22, 2007
An ounce of prevention could safe your trip
Where can you find information on recommended vaccinations for your trip?
Contaminated water, uncooked foods, person-to-person contact, insect bites… These are all ways you can contract serious illnesses when traveling in some areas of the world. The good news is that many of these illnesses can be prevented with immunizations or vaccinations.
A little research can help you stay healthy on your trip, but you’ll need to plan. You should see your doctor at least 4 – 6 weeks before you leave to discuss what shots you will need.
Want to be informed before you make that appointment? Check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health website for information.
Contaminated water, uncooked foods, person-to-person contact, insect bites… These are all ways you can contract serious illnesses when traveling in some areas of the world. The good news is that many of these illnesses can be prevented with immunizations or vaccinations.
A little research can help you stay healthy on your trip, but you’ll need to plan. You should see your doctor at least 4 – 6 weeks before you leave to discuss what shots you will need.
Want to be informed before you make that appointment? Check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health website for information.
February 5, 2007
Don’t drink and trek
Trekking through the mountains can have serious risks. According to multiple government advice sources, those who plan to travel in high-altitude areas should take precautions against acute mountain sickness. The cause? Going too high too fast and not allowing the body to adjust to lowering levels of oxygen in the air. Alcohol can also exacerbate the condition, and in rare cases cause fatality.
Government advice for countries such as Peru, Nepal and even Andorra recommends that travelers should be physically fit, in good health and equipped with proper gear. They should also be aware of the risks, plan an itinerary that allows for acclimatization and follow professional advice. Traveling with an experienced guide is also recommended.
While government advice does not go into detail, there are many good online sources, such as the UK-based Travel Doctor website, that provide more information.
Government advice for countries such as Peru, Nepal and even Andorra recommends that travelers should be physically fit, in good health and equipped with proper gear. They should also be aware of the risks, plan an itinerary that allows for acclimatization and follow professional advice. Traveling with an experienced guide is also recommended.
While government advice does not go into detail, there are many good online sources, such as the UK-based Travel Doctor website, that provide more information.
January 10, 2007
High-tech Toilets in Malaysia
Malaysia is implementing a clean toilet culture in advance of the 2007 tourist season.
According to a recent article in the New Zealand Herald, Malaysia is responding to tourist complaints about cleanliness and lack of necessities in public toilets by installing new high-tech toilets -- just in time for the 2007 tourism reason. Not only are the new toilets air-conditioned, but they also feature an automatic seat cleaner that scrubs and dries the bowl after every use.
So far, the capital city Kuala Lumpur plans to install 23 of these “super toilets” ahead of a tourism campaign expected to draw 20 million visitors next year.
According to a recent article in the New Zealand Herald, Malaysia is responding to tourist complaints about cleanliness and lack of necessities in public toilets by installing new high-tech toilets -- just in time for the 2007 tourism reason. Not only are the new toilets air-conditioned, but they also feature an automatic seat cleaner that scrubs and dries the bowl after every use.
So far, the capital city Kuala Lumpur plans to install 23 of these “super toilets” ahead of a tourism campaign expected to draw 20 million visitors next year.
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