World news
| How to protect against malaria? |
|
If tourists are properly protected, malaria is virtually powerless. |
| Created 2009-05-06 by princeMalko |
| A trip must be prepared! |
|
You go far, this summer? That is the moment to think Vaccination, Visas and passport. To spend holidays in Africa, Amazonia, South-East Asia or India, it’s fantastic. But it cannot prepared at the last minute. To avoid the bad surprises, you should now… 1. Check the validity of passports This point is very important because a lot of country, China, Kenya or India require a minimum validity of 6-9 months after the trip. NB : To do a new passport can may take time ! And visas have the same time problems for some countries. Kenya or Lebanon will give your visas in the arrival, other, such India require you ask visas several days before the departure. About: www.oag.com or www.dfae.admin.ch (in french) 2. Consult a doctor A generalist or a specialist of tropical hills will can inform you on potential health risks, on precautionary measures and prophylactics and on compulsory vaccinations. For passengers traveling to Mecca during the pilgrimage season, the meningitis vaccine is required, eg. Same, the yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travel in Benin, Cameroon or Côte d’Ivoire. In addition, rabies still kills in India and Asia, it is strongly advised to get vaccinated preventively. Why should you think some weeks before? Simply because the vaccination effects are not immediate. For an optimal protection, you should get vaccinated 6-8 weeks before the departure. NB: some countries require a vaccination proof: Don’t forget your vaccination booklet! 3. Check with its insurance This formality will let you know if your health insurance supports treatment abroad, repatriation, etc.. In addition, if necessary, you can take the opportunity to take out travel insurance. Generally, it covers loss of baggage, cancellation fees, air accidents… NB: using certain credit cards to pay for transportation costs and hotel expenses, travel insurance is included. Be careful, it is not usefull to have duplicate. 4. Well documented To know and to have assimilated the manners, eating habits, two or three basic language things and to know what the formal bow avoid many problems and even legal sanctions. In Singapore, for example, to spit can cost up CHF 25.-. Throw a paper in the street and you can get worth a fine of CHF 750.-! Saskia Galitch « le Matin » of 16 april 09 |
| Created 2009-04-17 by princeMalko |
| Thailand: A number of reasons for travellers to exercise caution |
| Due to the political situation prevailing in this country, tensions continue to run high in a number of districts throughout the country's capital Bangkok. The French embassy is once again advising people to be cautious and particularly recommends avoiding the Dusit district (where the government and parliament are located), the airport area and more generally any political gatherings. For those staying near the airport, it is recommended that you remain inside the hotel and stay away from the windows in the event of trouble. Furthermore, the Thai meteorological office has issued warnings of floods and landslides in the country's northern provinces (Chiangrai, Chiangmai, Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Pitsanulok and Petchaboon), in the Northeast and the Centre (Nakorn Ratchasima and Nakorn Nayok) and finally in the south (Pang-gna, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun). Finally, due to the tension around the Preah Vihear temple since late July, situated at the border between Cambodia and Thailand, it is recommended that travellers avoid any trips to this site. (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr December 4, 2008 ) |
| Created 2009-01-05 by princemalko |
| Help Keep Holiday Travel Hassle Free |
|
Although holiday air travel is expected to be down this year, there are a few things travelers should keep in mind before they head out to the airport. There could be shorter lines at ticket counters and security checkpoints this holiday season. The average time to get through security at Orlando International Airport is 10 minutes, but that could go up as the holidays approach. To save yourself time, do not wrap gifts in either carry-on on or checked bags. The TSA may unwrap them to check for dangerous materials.
Another way to save time at security, keep in mind that the liquids restrictions are still in place. For all carry-on luggage, liquids must be in containers smaller than 3 ounces and must be in a quart-sized plastic bag. The rule is intended to keep people from bringing explosive or dangerous chemicals on board, and passengers said they are used to it. "Just safety is the No. 1 concern," one passenger said. Passengers with medical supplies that require larger liquid containers will be allowed to pass through security, but they will be screened separately. "We want to have a special lane because it’s going to cause some additional screening and it may slow the process down a little bit," Transportation Security Administration director Joe Samuels said. Another change from Christmas 2007, the cell phone lot has been relocated. People can use the lot to wait for free to pick up incoming passengers. It is now across from the red surface parking lot. For those paying to park at the airport while they are out of town, OIA has added a Christmas bonus. Anyone who parks in the garages or surface lots will get the sixth day free. "I think it’s a way of offering something special and also encouraging them to park closer," Carolyn Fennell of OIA said. The incentive is also intended to discourage travelers from parking off airport property and using off-site park-and-ride services. |
| Created 2008-12-18 by princemalko |
