President Obama has submitted his proposed budget for 2012 which, if passed, will leave Canadian tourists with a sting in their wallets.
The budget proposes a $5.50 fee for any traveler entering the United States by air or by sea. This would include citizens of Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Since 1997, these countries have been exempt from such tariffs, a privilege extended to America’s closest neighbours.
The proposed traveler’s tax is being called a ‘passenger inspection fee’ and is to be used to offset the costs of increasingly elaborate airport screenings. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security anticipates the proposed fee will provide a $110 million cash cow to the country, per annum. That sounds like a lot, until you consider that the current U.S. budget deficit sits at a staggering $1.65 trillion.
Canadian Prime Minister, Steven Harper sees the fee as an obvious attempt to increase the nation’s coffers without angering American voters.
“I think it’s clear that the U.S. government is casting around for ways to raise revenue,” Harper has been quoted as saying. But, he has misgivings about the impact the fee may have on economic recovery.
“This is not a useful way to do that,” the Prime Minister said. “We want to ensure trade and travel between our two countries is easier, not more difficult, and we don’t need additional taxes on that kind of economic activity.”
Susan Bonner, a political journalist for the CBC, hesitates to place too much significance on the proposed budget stating that it is, “a first step.”
“Whatever comes out at the end of the budget-making process is often very, very different from how it starts,” Bronner said; acknowledging that it is entirely possible that the inspection fee will be scratched before the budget process is over.
There will certainly be political pressure to scrap the fee, in light of recent meetings between the governments of Canada and the United States, with the express purpose of simplifying border crossings and potentially establishing a national security perimeter. A new tariff would certainly be a point of contention in those talks.
That being said, Canadians are very used to swallowing new taxes, particularly those disguised as ‘fees’. In the grand scheme of travel costs, what’s an extra $5.50 among friends?
Allison Wallace, a spokesperson for Flight Centre believes the fee won’t hamper travel to any discernable degree. “Given the proximity of the U.S. to Canada and how many Canadians go there every year, the number of people that won’t travel there because of the fee will likely be insignificant.”
That may be true but we’ll make a pouty face while we pay it. – Jen R, Staff Writer
SOURCE
photo VIA Bridgeandtunnelclub.com Proposed Fee for Travelers Entering the United States
President Obama has submitted his proposed budget for 2012 which, if passed, will leave Canadian tourists with a sting in their wallets.
The budget proposes a $5.50 fee for any traveler entering the United States by air or by sea. This would include citizens of Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Since 1997, these countries have been exempt from such tariffs, a privilege extended to America’s closest neighbours.
The proposed traveler’s tax is being called a ‘passenger inspection fee’ and is to be used to offset the costs of increasingly elaborate airport screenings. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security anticipates the proposed fee will provide a $110 million cash cow to the country, per annum. That sounds like a lot, until you consider that the current U.S. budget deficit sits at a staggering $1.65 trillion.
Canadian Prime Minister, Steven Harper sees the fee as an obvious attempt to increase the nation’s coffers without angering American voters.
“I think it’s clear that the U.S. government is casting around for ways to raise revenue,” Harper has been quoted as saying. But, he has misgivings about the impact the fee may have on economic recovery.
“This is not a useful way to do that,” the Prime Minister said. “We want to ensure trade and travel between our two countries is easier, not more difficult, and we don’t need additional taxes on that kind of economic activity.”
Susan Bonner, a political journalist for the CBC, hesitates to place too much significance on the proposed budget stating that it is, “a first step.”
“Whatever comes out at the end of the budget-making process is often very, very different from how it starts,” Bronner said; acknowledging that it is entirely possible that the inspection fee will be scratched before the budget process is over.
There will certainly be political pressure to scrap the fee, in light of recent meetings between the governments of Canada and the United States, with the express purpose of simplifying border crossings and potentially establishing a national security perimeter. A new tariff would certainly be a point of contention in those talks.
That being said, Canadians are very used to swallowing new taxes, particularly those disguised as ‘fees’. In the grand scheme of travel costs, what’s an extra $5.50 among friends?
Allison Wallace, a spokesperson for Flight Centre believes the fee won’t hamper travel to any discernable degree. “Given the proximity of the U.S. to Canada and how many Canadians go there every year, the number of people that won’t travel there because of the fee will likely be insignificant.”
That may be true but we’ll make a pouty face while we pay it. – Jen R, Staff Writer
SOURCE
photo VIA Bridgeandtunnelclub.com Parents Benefit When Traveling With Children
It can be very freeing, to travel without the little ones. Any couple, who has had the chance to get away for a few days, can attest to that. But, there are advantages to taking the kids with you when you travel, too.
There are, of course the broader themes of family travel, i.e. long lasting memories, new experiences and educational opportunities. But, I’m not making a case for the benefits of travel to children. I’m making the case that traveling with children has benefits for parents.
The kindness of strangers comes out in spades when you’re traveling with young children. Travelers have come to think of the airport as a gauntlet of hassles and nastiness. But, airport employees know, all too well, the stresses of traveling with youngsters and will do what they can to make your life easier.
While negotiating airports, with our son in a stroller, we have at various times been expedited at check-in, security and customs. We often get through all the yucky airport business faster than we would have on an adults only trip and our son rarely has the opportunity to become impatient.
In recent years, airlines have really clawed back on the services they provide with the price of a ticket. Remember when you used to get a meal, a pillow AND a blanket? I’m, personally, a bit resentful of the reduction in value and refuse to pay for any extras. And on our most recent flight, I didn’t have to pay for any extras. The flight attendant took a shine to our little guy and the next thing we knew, we were getting free snacks and headsets. It’s a small thing, but it makes the flight much more pleasant.
By far, the people I meet and the conversations I get to have are the greatest perk of traveling with a young child. I’m not a particularly outgoing person. Left to my own devices, my interactions would be limited to saying, ‘thank you’ when the waiter brings my food. But, when I’m traveling with my son, people approach us. I don’t have to be brave and start conversations. People love kids and while they wouldn’t come up and talk to me, they will come up and talk to us. So I get to meet all sorts of people, everywhere we go.
We have found, almost universally, that people are very kind and generous to travelling families. Case in point, last year we traveled to Italy and stayed in a lovely, family run hotel in Sorrento. The couple who ran the hotel were very friendly and helpful. Over time they struck up a rapport with our son. On our final morning, they handed us a wrapped package and explained that it was a gift for our ‘bambino.’ It was a lovely Sorrento t-shirt with a happy looking lemon on the front – and in just the right size.
Touching connections, like that, enhance the trip and the memories you create of the locale you’re visiting. When I think of Italy, I think of the lovely, generous people who live there. But, I wouldn’t have met nearly so many of them if we weren’t traveling with our son. – Jen R, Staff Writer Travel Review: Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana
Palm trees swaying in the warm Caribbean breeze; salty, turquoise waves washing over white-sand beaches; the Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana sets the ideal stage for your family’s winter break.
Gran Bahia Principe is a chain of resorts, with locations in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and Spain. On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic, I had the pleasure of staying at the Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana and was very impressed.
We travelled with a group of friends and family, spanning the demographic range from grandparents down to our four-year-old son. There were nine of us, altogether, occupying four rooms in different locations on the resort. All of the rooms were clean, comfortable and well appointed. Everything worked – the locks, the safe, the TV, the plumbing – everything.
The fact that everything worked should go without saying, but that is often not the case, throughout the Caribbean and poorly maintained rooms can make the difference between a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail,’ for me, when I’m assessing a hotel…They Passed!
The staff willingly accommodated our young son. They prepared the daybed, in our room, so he would have a comfortable place to sleep. The bartenders decorated his orange juice with fruit wedges and little umbrellas, so he would feel special. The wait-staff didn’t bat an eye when we took him to the fancy a la cart restaurants and provided him with a children’s menu.
The housekeeper didn’t even seem upset when we asked for fresh sheets, after he was sick in bed. Alas – into every vacation, a little puke must fall.
The staff throughout the resort seemed to genuinely love children. They were all over our son, trying to engage him in conversation, teaching him Spanish words and petting him on the head (which drove him nuts). The Gran Bahia creates a very elegant atmosphere at their resorts but, thanks to the staff, we didn’t feel the least bit awkward, or out of place with a young child.
The Punta Cana was part of a complex of four Gran Bahia resorts. The Ambar is an adults only location, but there were plenty of families staying at the others. Our little guy had no shortage of playmates on the beach.
He played with children who spoke Russian, Portuguese and another language that I never did identify. It turns out that children don’t need to speak the same tongue, as long as they understand the common language of sand and surf.
The swimming pools were beautiful, clean and well equipped for children; with small splash pools and walk-in shallow areas. Even children who are shy around water would enjoy the playful atmosphere.
Frequent shuttles between the lobby area and the beach and pool make it easy to get around, when little legs get tired.
Accessibility was good throughout the resort. Families with strollers and guests with mobility issues have few problems navigating the resort, provided they stick to a ground floor room. Rooms on the upper floors of the villas are accessed only by stairs.
The animation staff keep things lively through the day and into the evening. There are plenty of unique photo opportunities in the lobby and poolside (i.e. pictures with parrots, iguanas, show girls etc). You can take a crack at meringue lessons by the pool or fitness classes in the pool or on the beach. Once a week, the staff dress up as favourite characters like Mickey and Mini Mouse and mingle with the kids.
There are shows nightly. The Michael Jackson tribute is particularly popular. Children participate in a show, on their own stage, in the early evening. It’s a lot of fun for everybody.
The Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a gracious, elegant paradise with beautifully manicured gardens, impeccably maintained accommodation and impressively appointed common areas. It has a very sophisticated feel while extending limitless hospitality to children and families. I’ve visited good resorts and some I’d rather forget. This was one of the good ones – one I wouldn’t mind visiting again. – Jen R, Staff Writer.
Gran Bahia Principe is a chain of resorts, with locations in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and Spain. On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic, I had the pleasure of staying at the Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana and was very impressed.
We travelled with a group of friends and family, spanning the demographic range from grandparents down to our four-year-old son. There were nine of us, altogether, occupying four rooms in different locations on the resort. All of the rooms were clean, comfortable and well appointed. Everything worked – the locks, the safe, the TV, the plumbing – everything.
The fact that everything worked should go without saying, but that is often not the case, throughout the Caribbean and poorly maintained rooms can make the difference between a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail,’ for me, when I’m assessing a hotel…They Passed!
The staff willingly accommodated our young son. They prepared the daybed, in our room, so he would have a comfortable place to sleep. The bartenders decorated his orange juice with fruit wedges and little umbrellas, so he would feel special. The wait-staff didn’t bat an eye when we took him to the fancy a la cart restaurants and provided him with a children’s menu.
The housekeeper didn’t even seem upset when we asked for fresh sheets, after he was sick in bed. Alas – into every vacation, a little puke must fall.
The staff throughout the resort seemed to genuinely love children. They were all over our son, trying to engage him in conversation, teaching him Spanish words and petting him on the head (which drove him nuts). The Gran Bahia creates a very elegant atmosphere at their resorts but, thanks to the staff, we didn’t feel the least bit awkward, or out of place with a young child.
The Punta Cana was part of a complex of four Gran Bahia resorts. The Ambar is an adults only location, but there were plenty of families staying at the others. Our little guy had no shortage of playmates on the beach.
He played with children who spoke Russian, Portuguese and another language that I never did identify. It turns out that children don’t need to speak the same tongue, as long as they understand the common language of sand and surf.
The swimming pools were beautiful, clean and well equipped for children; with small splash pools and walk-in shallow areas. Even children who are shy around water would enjoy the playful atmosphere.
Frequent shuttles between the lobby area and the beach and pool make it easy to get around, when little legs get tired.
Accessibility was good throughout the resort. Families with strollers and guests with mobility issues have few problems navigating the resort, provided they stick to a ground floor room. Rooms on the upper floors of the villas are accessed only by stairs.
The animation staff keep things lively through the day and into the evening. There are plenty of unique photo opportunities in the lobby and poolside (i.e. pictures with parrots, iguanas, show girls etc). You can take a crack at meringue lessons by the pool or fitness classes in the pool or on the beach. Once a week, the staff dress up as favourite characters like Mickey and Mini Mouse and mingle with the kids.
There are shows nightly. The Michael Jackson tribute is particularly popular. Children participate in a show, on their own stage, in the early evening. It’s a lot of fun for everybody.
The Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a gracious, elegant paradise with beautifully manicured gardens, impeccably maintained accommodation and impressively appointed common areas. It has a very sophisticated feel while extending limitless hospitality to children and families. I’ve visited good resorts and some I’d rather forget. This was one of the good ones – one I wouldn’t mind visiting again. – Jen R, Staff Writer. Families Planning Playdates during Vacations
Kids today have a new way of making friends. It is through playdates that are crossing boundaries and happening while the family is on a vacation.
The trend is growingly becoming popular with families who want to have a vacation but also know the truth behind going on any vacation with kids – jet lags, kid fights, and kids getting tired with all the adventures.
“It’s not fun for the adults unless the kids are having fun,” says Nina Sadjadpour a mother of kids aged 4 and 8.To help, now more parents can find like minded parents as travel playdates while they are on a vacation thanks to websites like Tripping.com, Courchsurfing.org, BeWelcome.org, Servas.org, PassPorter.com and CruiseMates.com. Families are also searching for playmates at popular family forums and even twitter.
Kyle McCarthy, CEO of FamilyTravelForum.com says, “Younger parents are more open to it and more interested in it, we see even more of it with single parents.”The choices too are unlimited depending on the family’s preferences. Some wish to stay over with a local family while on a trip. Others make arrangements online and meet for a afternoon lunch or dinner. Still others prefer to collaborate with other travelling families and spend time together while their kids play. Different travelers though have a different opinion about this growing trend.
Amber Johnson a mom who blogs at CrazyBlogginCanuck.com says, “We’re inundated with playdates and friends in our everyday lives, so when we do a family vacation, I want it to be just about our family. I am not closed off to meeting locals, but I want it to be more natural.”
But Colleen Lanin, editor of the blog TravelMamas.com feels these playdates can be a good break from the trip.
“It winds up being one of the highlights of my trips,” said Lanin, who has two children, ages 3 and 6. “The kids love it; they’re social, too.”Julia Popcowa, a Russian mother living in Poland has taken the concept further and has been organizing annual weekend events for travelling families. Families from France, Germany, Ireland and China have already enjoyed the weekend events like hiking, yoga, kayaking and campfire together. She also feels it is a great way to make friends from different parts of the world.
“Children can find their way easily,” added Popcowa “It’s really very nice. The children are playing, and you can have some time to yourself.”The mother of two has already hosted 25 families in her home in Warsaw and stayed with families she met online when they traveled to Armenia, Algeria, Italy and Germany. Jen O’Neal, CEO and founder of Tripping.com never though he would get response from so many families.
“We didn’t go after families at all,” O’Neal said. “We assumed it would be mostly backpackers and students, but a lot of families are very open to the world.”To ensure the security aspect, the website encourages members to rate other local families and write about their experience. The company also verifies proof of identity and has an emergency call number for travelers who may run into a problem. Other websites too have their stringent rules before a family is added to the list of local families a traveler may visit. But many travelers also have their own way of getting acquainted with other families initially online or meeting once or twice. Sadjadpour believes, it is a great way to introduce kids to different cultures.
“This is a terrific way to infuse our kids at a young age with the culture bug,” she said. “Maybe they will grow up and they will take off on their own.”SOURCE
Delta Vacations Holds Walt Disney World Resort Week
Families looking to travel to Disney between travel between Mar 27 – Oct 1, 2011 can take advantage of up to $250 in savings through Delta Vacations one-week sale. This great offer can be combined with several other money saving offers including up to 40% off a hotel stay or free Magic Your Way Base Ticket for kids.
Delta Vacations will also be holding a Biggest Fan Contest for a chance to win a family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort. Anyone can join the conversation by participating in other activities on Delta Vacations Facebook page, their Talkin’ Travel blog, and answering online trivia on Twitter for a chance to win other prizes.
Walt Disney World Resort vacations through Delta Vacations will include:
- Roundtrip airfare on Delta Air Lines
- Choice of accommodations at an onsite Disney Resort hotel
- Hotel taxes
- Disney’s Magical Express Complimentary Transportation Service between the Orlando airport and your Disney Resort hotel
- Extra Magic Hours
- Complimentary transportation from Disney Resort hotels to Theme Parks
- Choice of Magic Your Way Tickets
- 1,000 bonus miles, in addition to credited flight miles, through the SkyMiles program
Featured Review: Chicco Smart Support Backpack
My husband and I have tried to remain active since having our son and so we are always on the hunt for items that will help us maintain a healthy lifestyle while including all the members of our family in the activity. We’ve been on the hunt for a comfortable baby backpack carrier recently and have come across the Chicco Smart Support Backpack.
The Chicco Smart Support baby backpack is versatile and brings comfort along with many other features that you’ll soon discover you can’t live without. The moment that you pick up the box you’ll realize that the carrier is super light at only 7lbs. Assembly is pretty straight forward and the instruction booklet is easy to follow; simply click a few pieces into place and you’re ready to go.
The carrier is free-standing, making it easy to get your child in and out (even if you’re alone). The first thing I noticed about this carrier is its plushy cushioned seat which makes it extremely comfortable for your little one. The seat can easily adjust in three positions and the leg openings can expand to accommodate children from just 6 months of age to 40 pounds. The kickstand folds in while you walk, then pops back out when you need to get your child in or out of the seat safely. It also doubles as their footrest.
The attached hood protects your baby’s sensitive skin from the sun and the zip-quick weather shield keeps the elements at bay. Having taking my son out on a chilly winter day, I found these features extremely useful to keep him shielded from the wind and snow. Other carriers I have don’t have a hood or weather shield so I tend to avoid using them in that type of weather.
For your comfort, the Chicco Smart Support Backpack carrier offers padded shoulder and waist straps plus a padded and ventilated back and lumbar support area. This is an especially welcome feature, as it reduces the heat and strain on your back while you walk. As I tend to have poor posture I love the waist strap which helped me to ensure that I wasn’t hunched over. If I could change anything about the carrier I’d like to have the ability to tighten the shoulder straps further – even on the tightest setting I felt like it wasn’t quite tight enough for my liking.
My family likes to travel and we always take a baby carrier on our trips with us. The flat-fold design of the Smart Support Backpack makes storing it in an overhead compartment on a plane or in your car very easy.
This carrier comes with two zippered bags, one of which is on the shoulder straps and sized for a mobile phone. The other, a detachable waistpack, is perfect for your wallet, keys, glasses, snacks, etc.
At a price that seems just a bit lower than similar models, Chicco Smart Support Backpack has it all at a great price. 5 Destinations around London That Are Perfect to See With Your Kids: Sea Life London Aquarium
Want to see sea life? There’s no better place. With over 500 species, 14 themed zones and more than 2 million liters of water, Sea Life London Aquarium is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life.
Housing one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life and situated in the heart of London, the experience takes visitors on an immersive and interactive journey along the Great Oceanic Conveyor.
Along the journey, a stunning glass tunnel walkway offers guests an unforgettable experience by strolling underneath a Tropical Ocean. There is plenty of interaction along the way, from feeding the stingrays and watching diving displays to touch pools and discovery zones. Other stars of the show include seahorses, octopus, zebra sharks and the ever popular clown fish.
If your kids want to see the sharks you won’t be disappointed, they have more than 40 of them and a very special shark walk where you can watch 4 species swim below your feet.
You’ll get closer than ever to the creatures of the deep too. Interactive feeding, diving displays and touch pools mean every visit will bring new surprises – and an amazing opportunity to learn about the wonderful creatures of the deep.
- 1000s of creatures in over 2 million liters of water
- 500 species from every part of the world
- More than 40 sharks from 12 different species
- 65 displays with 30 species of plants and foliage
- 14 themed zones over 3 floors
Top 10 Family Travel Destinations for 2011
More people are considering traveling with their family this year. This was found out by TripAdvisor a leading travel website that asked its responders whether they wished to take a family vacation this year. 83 percent said they wanted to take at least one family vacation in 2011 which is higher from 79 percent last year. Also, most wanted a beach, city, theme park vacation, cultural trip or an adventure trip.
To help make the decision, Virtuoso, a leading luxury travel network, has come up with top 10 family travel destinations that can lure people in 2011. These are,
- Italy – The nation with its extraordinary architectural sites like the Pompeii and Roman Colosseum has topped the list of destinations for 2011. People may also enjoy going to the much talked about Italian wine tours.
- England – England is in limelight this year for a multitude of reasons. There is a Royal Wedding scheduled in near future and London is also hosting the 2012 Olympics. There is also the Queen’s Diamond jubilee event in the same year. What makes UK a favourite with families is also the number of things here that can interest the whole family. There are the Countryside castles, city theme parks, cruises on the river Thames and other attractions spread around the nation.
- Hawaii – Families with a beach destination is mind can do all their unwinding at Hawaii. While those who wish to relax on beaches are spoilt for choices here, adventure lovers too can enjoy the different activities revolving around the beaches like snorkelling, surfing, kayaking etc.
- Costa Rica – Number four in the list is the Central American republic with its Caribbean coasts and evergreen forests. It is a god choice for adventure holiday with its numerous attractions like hiking, biking, white water rafting, canoeing etc.
- Alaska – The largest US state has a number of activities for the family. With almost half of world glaciers found here, boating across the glacier lakes is a good attraction. Equally interesting are whale watching trips, visiting the national parks, touring the landscape and enjoying the magnificent rail journeys with the whole family.
- South Africa – Wildlife lovers can plan a trip easily for the family to this land of lions and elephants. The country has a formidable coastline and also Wildlife sanctuaries to boast of. There is also the attraction of watching whales, penguins and seals around the Cape of Good Hope.
- Mexico – While the Cancun beaches and underwater diving are major pullers to Mexico for the family, what people can also enjoy here is the magnificent architectural marvels like the Kukulkan pyramid at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.
- Galpagos Islands – Charles Darwin spent six weeks in the island nation studying the fauna and later arriving at his famous theory of natural selection. The island is known for dense forests, unique animal species like the giant land tortoise and the flightless cormorants. The Glapagos National Park is also a world heritage site. Therefore, tourist activities on these islands feature snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, horseback riding, scuba diving and camping.
- Turks and Caicos Islands – The islands of West Indies have been found to be very popular in 2011 as family travel destinations. The place boasts of world’s longest coral reefs, a cruise ports, family recreational areas, a diving area and many more attractions.
- Australia and Bahamas – Both destinations have tied at number ten when it comes to family travel. While Australia is known for its many adventure sports, outdoor activities, theme parks and amusement parks, Bahamas spell luxury with numerous cruises and family holiday resorts.
5 Destinations around London That Are Perfect to See With Your Kids: The Original London Sightseeing Tour
Explore all that London has to offer with The Original London Sightseeing Tour while still keeping your kids entertained. Forty years ago the company ,who ran London’s red buses, decided to put on a special double deck bus on a circuit of London’s main attractions. This original idea has now snowballed in popularity to a point where every visitor to London seems to use the tours.
The Original London Sightseeing Tour is the only tour operator to offer commentaries specially designed for children. History made fun – for kids, by kids!
The, Original London Tour offers two main sightseeing routes (red & yellow) that cover all the main sights in Central London and you have the ability to switch from one route to the other as you please.
The City Sightseeing Tour (Red route) has multi-lingual commentaries via headphones and a special commentary for children. Plus, every child also gets a “passport” to London and a fantastic free fun pack with activity/quiz book that will help to keep them entertained. The main attractions you’ll see are: Madame Tussaud’s, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, The National Gallery, Downing Street, Big Ben, London Bridge, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London & Westminster Abbey.
The Original Tour (Yellow Route) takes you to the best of London’s sights with an entertaining and informative commentary in English. The main attractions you’ll see are: Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, The National Gallery, Downing Street, Big Ben, London Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London & Westminster Abbey.
It’s not very often that you can see all that you want to without boring your children silly. The kid friendly The Original London Sightseeing Tour allows you to do just that making it a favorite! – Tanya, Staff Writer 
Most International Travelers Ignore Health Advices before Traveling
According to World Health Organisation about 30, 000 travelers are infected with malaria while on their travels. And yet a study by the Journal of Travel Medicine is December finds that most international travelers do not take any health advice before their trip concerning malaria or any other infection they can catch while traveling.
The new study found that 44 percent travelers do not take any health advice before their trip. Only 36 percent carry any medications against traveler’s diarrhea and only 20 percent carry medications against malaria when traveling to countries where the infection is known to be widespread.
Dr. Bruce Kane, medical director of Passport Health says most people do not ignore the warnings, but are just not aware of the health issues.
“I just think it is ignorance. I don’t think travel agents even mention the thought of protection. And it is only if the travelers wonder themselves and seek out their physician who refers them to us that they would know,” he says.The recent case of George Clooney being infected with malaria while on a trip to Sudan only shows that the warnings are not baseless. Malaria is still a cause of 890,000 annual deaths and it makes 250 million people sick each year. The malaria parasite is common is Africa, southern Asia, South America and part of the Caribbean. What is a cause of concern is that while the infection plays spoilsport during the trip, it can also remain dormant and strike after weeks or a year too when travelers return to their home. While mild cases resolve with shaking, chills, fever, vomiting and jaundice, untreated malaria can develop into seizures, coma, kidney failure and death. The CDC found that of 508 confirmed cases of U.S. civilian travelers contracting malaria abroad in 2008, 70 per cent had not taken medication to prevent it. On the other hand, usually it is not a drastic illness like malaria but other health risk that travelers may face. These may be accidental injuries, traveler’s diarrhea, respiratory infections or a stomach bug. Although there are number of other illnesses too that might spoil any person’s vacation in an exotic location, most travelers never come in contact with these infections.
“I spend more time talking people out of vaccinations than into them,” says Dr. Jeffrey Band, director of infectious diseases and international medicine at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. He said, “While yellow fever, a fatal disease, has a well-tolerated immunization profile and malaria prevention is common sense, something like Japanese encephalitis is so rare as to make the immunization advisable for only certain travelers.”The study also shows that travelers who are meeting family or friends or going for a less than 14 day tour are the ones who are least prepared.
“Those visiting family or friends have been one of our biggest problems” when it comes to malaria prevention, Band says.What is therefore a prudent decision before traveling to any foreign country is to first check with what might result in illness in that country and take the necessary medications and shots. While not all exotic infections may affect a traveler, even a simple case of stomach upset may spoil the trip. The CDC offers a traveler’s page (www.cdc.gov/travel) on which tourists can check real-time health alerts and suggested immunizations for individual countries. Prevention is definitely better than cure especially if you are not in your home country. SOURCE
