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.
August 31, 2007
August 29, 2007
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.
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.
August 27, 2007
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
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.
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.
August 20, 2007
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
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
August 14, 2007
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.
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.
August 8, 2007
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.
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.
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