International Travel and Health Insurance

Are you planning on going on a holiday or are you booking your
family vacation? Is this going to be your dream trip? Well if
you said "yes" to any of these questions then you need to read
on.

In order to really enjoy your holiday you need to make sure that
you are fully prepared, you have to make sure your bags are
packed; your passport and papers are in order. Before you
depart, you will chat for ages about all the wonderful things
you want to do; you will be very excited and you will probably
have no concerns if you have planned properly.

Despite all the excitement of travel, Americans however, do have
some concerns. According to a survey by the Chubb Group, more
than 70% of Americans surveyed said their greatest concern when
traveling is suffering a medical emergency...more than double
the fear of being mugged (30.7%), three times the fear of being
injured in a terrorist attack (23.4%).

What happens if a medical emergency arises when traveling
overseas? Many people assume that while they are out of the U.S.
or Canada they will be covered by their standard medical plan.
However, most traditional health insurance plans are not
designed for international travel. According to the U.S.
Department of Commerce, approximately 27 million travelers'
board U.S. airlines for overseas destinations and almost 26
million foreign travelers come to the U.S. each year. However,
many are not prepared for a medical emergency abroad. Most
traditional health insurance plans would not cover an unexpected
illness or injury during international travel. But travelers
with international medical insurance would have protection for
scenarios ranging from a local ambulance trip to an emergency
evacuation for care at the nearest qualified medical facility.

Some even offer repatriation flights out of the country where
the traveler is located back to the U.S. Available plans can
cover individuals or groups for specific periods of time abroad
and can be in effect should they be stationed abroad for an
extended period of time. There are policies for corporations to
insure their personnel, plans to cover missionaries who are on
an outreach program and for those participating in extreme
sports.

So, in conclusion, in order to really enjoy your holiday, as
well as being fully prepared with your bags packed; your
passport and papers in order, make sure your International
Travel and Health Insurance is in place and suitable for your
needs.

Author: Jenny Gill is an international author with vast
experience in a diverse range of subjects, for more information
visit www.recreationforallsyte.com



About the author:
Jenny Gill is an international author with an immense range of
knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas. Jenny is a mother
and a grandmother and devotes a lot of her time supporting the
aged in her community.

================================================================

Safety Precautions While Traveling

Author: Linda Polansky

There are many important features of vacation. It is not an
option but a compulsory measure that has to be taken while
traveling anywhere whether it is your own country or whether it
is abroad.

To have an uninterrupted vacation you need to keep a count of
the things you should be careful of. Especially children being
sensitive you have to take extra care when it comes to children.

Some of the things you should be careful of is knowing what can
causes allergic reactions, taking extra care if you have
undergone any operation, making sure you carry your medicines as
prescribed by your doctor.

Having a First Aid tool kit is a must have on a trip or a
vacation, Some of the medications are prescribed skin creams,
pills, bandages, wound cleansing lotion, lots of Cotton,
carrying hot water bottle, carrying your own medicines that are
prescribed by Doctor, if at all you get allergic to anything,
you know what to do!

Now, a First Aid tool kit is not the only precaution that you
need to take, wherever you go, you have to be very watchful and
protective of your family, avoid places that are vulnerable and
can make you a victim. Keep your valuables intact on you, so
that you are not a victim of robbery. Make sure that you do
carry something to protect yourself from maniacs. And one of the
recommendations will be eye spray. Eye spray will not harm the
person completely but at least make him or her aware that you
can defend yourself.

When traveling with children, children get excited when going on
vacation so make sure that they do not put themselves in
vulnerable situations where it would be hard for them to come
out of.

Avoid legal difficulties; you should follow the law no matter
what. There are families who have gone on vacations and have
broken the law of where ever they have been and had to pay a
great deal for it. So make sure you follow the legalities of
where ever you are.

Terrorism is spoken of nowadays, make sure that you stick to
your own family and just be friends with those people in the
vacation that you feel you are confident of. Terrorism is
spreading all over the world, so it does not mean that you can't
be safe in your country if you choose to go on a vacation at
home. Be wise and you should have a very good judgment about
recognizing people that you are around while vacationing. In all
following some of these guidelines have the best vacation ever!

About the author:
Linda Polansky writes about href="http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/">Travel Discounts
, href="http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/Categories/Travel/Air/"
>Air Travel and href="http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/Categories/Travel/Hotel
/">Hotel Coupons

The Beaches Of Puerto Vallarta

Author: Justin Burch

The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most
diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the
area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline,
26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are
elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts.
Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider,
with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of
Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places,
creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.

Playa Los Muertos is the most frequented beach in Puerto
Vallarta. This sandy beach is long and wide with small waves
perfect for swimming. Despite its popularity, there is usually
plenty of room to spread out a towel and soak up rays. Los
Muertos is a bustling place full of craft and food vendors; the
beach itself is lined by numerous resorts, restaurants and bars.
This is also a great place to ride a parasail and get a bird's
eye view of the city. The beach has the added attraction of
being on the edge of Viejo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta's beautiful
old town.

Several other beautiful beaches lie in close proximity to the
city's Hotel Zone. Playa El Saldo, also known as Marina
Vallarta, primarily caters to hotel guests. However, the beach
is wide and well-maintained, offering stunning views of the city
and its mountainous backdrop. Playa Pelicanos is generally
quiet, making it a great place to escape the beach crowds while
remaining in the heart of the city. Playa Las Glorias is the
name of the sandy stretch between Playa Pelicanos and Marina
Vallarta. If you're staying in a hotel north of the primary
Hotel Zone, you will find this excellent swimming beach outside
your back door.

North of the city, the beach of Nuevo Vallarta offers a wider
stretch of sand with fewer rocks than most beaches within
Banderas Bay. As favorites of families, visitors to Playa
Destiladeres and Playa Bucerias can expect mild waves (perfect
for boogie-boarding or learning to surf), elegant white sand
beaches and fresh seafood at charming palapa-shaded restaurants.

To the North, Punta Mita, also known as Playa Anclote, is
distinguished for its row of pleasant beach restaurants and
gentle slope, making it a perfect beach for all ages. With
consistently low, rolling waves, Punta Mita is also celebrated
as an excellent place to learn to surf. There are even a few
surfing schools that offer instruction to travelers.

For those with more experience on the waves, the tiny community
of Sayulita is the place of choice. A surfing mecca of
international renown, the shoreline of this picturesque fishing
village is home to abundant coves and beaches where surfers hunt
perfect waves and day trippers relax in the sun. As Sayulita has
developed over the past few years into a surfer's town with a
bohemian feel, travelers will be treated to a refreshing,
laid-back attitude.

A few miles beyond the northern-most point of the bay are the
beaches of San Francisco and San Pancho. Sporting a windswept
and primitive feeling, with deeper, creamier sand and rougher
waters than inside Banderas Bay, these beaches are ideal for
travelers who want a taste of pristine nature and the open sea.

To the south of Puerto Vallarta lie such treasures as Playa
Gemelas, Playa Garza Blanca, and Playa Punta Negra. Because both
are slightly more difficult to access, you'll find beautiful
beaches that are fairly secluded and scarcely used, with great
rock outcroppings for snorkeling. In this area, you'll also find
Playa Mismaloya, where John Huston's The Night of the Iguana was
filmed in 1963, putting Puerto Vallarta on the international
tourist map.

With a rustic South Seas feel, Boca de Tomatlan is a small sandy
cove at the jungle's edge three miles south of Mismaloya where
the Tomatlan River meets the bay. Boca de Tomatlan is the last
beach stop on the primary road heading south from Puerto
Vallarta. It is another great site for swimming or snorkeling
with a couple of lovely beach restaurants where you can sit
under a palapa on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

To the south of Boca de Tomatlan are a number of quaint fishing
villages, secluded beaches and peaceful coves. Playas Las
Caletas and Las Animas are elegant, rock-lined stretches ideal
for quiet relaxation. Quimixto, one of the largest fishing
villages in the southern half of Banderas Bay, features a number
of excellent restaurants and the best surf south of Puerto
Vallarta. Near the southern-most point of the bay, Majahuitas
and Yelapa allow visitors to feel completely removed from
civilization. Bordered by lush jungles, these beaches are the
definition of tropical privacy.

About the author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select
pieces about travel in Mexico for the href="http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/PVRMX">CasaMagna
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort. - href="http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/PVRMX">http://mar
riott.com/property/propertypage/PVRMX

5 Things To Look For In A Travel Reward Credit Card

Author: John Morris

Article:
Tightly secured in an individuals cardholder or wallet, credit
cards seem to have replaced cash whenever it comes to shopping.
With credit cards, people will never have to worry carrying big
amount of money whenever they go shopping. Convenience is the
name of the game. With credit cards, it is a total cashless
shopping experience.

Consequently, the growth of credit cards has extensively reached
the financial world. Before, credit cards were considered as
alternatives to cash, but with the easiness of using these
items, they have become the much- needed paraphernalia.

Much of the progress can be attributed to freebies, rewards, and
other incentive enticing people to get credit cards. No wonder
why almost everybody has credit cards. In fact, surveys show
that nearly 80% of the Americans have at least one credit card.

Among the many marketing tools that credit card companies use,
rewards are considered the best. Credit card rewards bring a
particular credit card above the others. Rewards are considered
as one of the best solutions to make a particular credit card
stand out from the rest.

One of the common rewards credit card companies provide is the
travel reward. There are many kinds of travel rewards; however,
they are mostly focused on "air travels."

Travel rewards are usually accumulated by earning miles or
points based on the acquisitions that credit card holders make
with their plastics.

Travel rewards may differ from one another. There are travel
rewards that offer complimentary airline tickets, while others
provide markdown prices on "air travel." For people who do not
need these kinds of travel rewards, other options are available
such as hotel price cuts or money off on car rental rates.

One of the best things about travel rewards is that you can earn
something by merely using your credit card. Hence, people are
encouraged to use their credit cards as often as they can to get
travel rewards.

Today, there are many kinds of travel rewards as there are many
credit cards. This makes choices more difficult to bear. With so
many options, sometimes it is so hard to choose the right travel
reward for you.

So to get you started, here are some pointers that can help you
choose the best travel reward credit card for you. It is
imperative that you consider these things when deciding on a
particular travel reward credit card.

1. A good program

To benefit from travel rewards, it is very important that you
look for a good program. A good program should consist of higher
amount of rewards, reliable system, or reasonable limits. These
benefits will let you maximize your travel reward credit card.

2. Reasonable interest charges

It is a well- known fact that most travel reward credit cards
have higher interest rates as compared to those credit cards
without incentives. This is fairly acceptable considering the
fact that the credit card company is providing you with lots of
freebies anyway.

Of course, it is very important to take note of the interest
rates because there are some credit card companies that take
advantage of this privilege. Hence, it is better to take note of
your travel reward credit cards interest rates. So if you are
not at ease with higher interest rates, then, it is best not to
get a travel reward credit card.

But then again, keep in mind that interest rates only apply when
you do not pay your bills on time. Besides, you will not even
enjoy your travel rewards if you fail to pay your bills on time
as well.

3. The kind of travel rewards you can get

Of course, not all travel reward credit cards offer the same
incentives. Each travel reward credit card is different.
Incentives may range from free airline tickets to freebies in
hotel accommodations.

Therefore, before you try to apply for a travel reward credit
card, it is best to evaluate the rewards you will be getting. It
is best to apply for cards that can give you the travel reward
that can best work for you.

4. Good points accumulation system

Since travel reward credit cards work on points- based system or
through miles, it is best to choose a credit card that can give
you a clear method of accumulating miles or points.

Be sure that your travel reward credit card can give you the
appropriate points or miles for every dollar you spend. In this
way, you can be sure that the money you spend will provide you
something good in return. Conversion rates will differ from one
card to another, so it is best to see how your purchases can
give you the incentives that you deserve.

5. Expiry date

There are some travel reward credit cards that have expiration
dates. This refers to the required number of days that you have
to make purchases. If in case you fail to purchase anything
within that date, you will not be able to get the incentives
even if you have been diligent enough to pay your balances.

Indeed, travel reward credit cards can offer you a whole lot of
surprises. Think of it as an early gift from Santa. If you are
nice enough to pay your bills on time, you will surely reap many
travel rewards, extremely more than you can imagine.

About the author:
For more great travel reward related articles and resources
check out href=http://123rewards.info>http://123rewards.info

Work While You Are On The Road In Your RV!

Article by: Michelle O'Connor, href="http://www.insideyourrv.com/rv%20loans.shtml">RV
Loans

THINGS TO CONSIDER

You
may not realize but there are many things to consider when it
comes to working out of your RV. Here are a few to keep in mind.
What kind of job: Seasonal, full-time or part-time? Location:
where and why? Space Consideration: How much and where? Working
while Rving: Making sure you set time aside for your life and
vacation.

WHAT KIND OF JOB

Is seasonal what you're looking for? For winter you may want to
consider Christmas tree farms, ski resorts, neighborhood snow
shoveling. Retail stores are also looking for seasonal helpers
to get them through the season. How about Fall? Opportunities
such as Pumpkin patches, yard clean up (due to the winds), again
retail stores getting ready for the holidays. Then there is
spring. Check out garden centers/nurseries who might become very
busy or agricultural jobs, which might just need a little extra
help. Summer, if you're not using this time to vacation here a
few ideas: This is time when school is out, childcare is usually
an issue with parents. You might try a daycare. Theme parks and
water parks are always a refreshing way to spend the summer
working. However, if you are the type that likes air
conditioning try fast food restaurants or even working out of
your RV. Working with a computer can bring may opportunities.
The computer is great for full-time and part-time work. Consider
the following when searching for jobs out of your RV: Becoming a
writer, having an internet web site business, sales (many
opportunities), tax preparer, property care taker, a financial
planner for a company that requires traveling just might be the
thing your looking for.

SPACE CONSIDERATIONS

Considering space may be more important than you think. Is your
RV big enough to work out of? Does your job require a lot of
paper work, if so where will you put it? On the table? Are
clients going to enter your RV? If so, it needs to look
professional. Are you going to have a considerable amount of
physical inventory? These are things to consider. We suggest
creating a space in the back and making it your office even if
there is not desk (there are many collapsible desks available on
the market). A place where a file cabinet and supplies can
remain out of sight. Using your kitchen table would be a great
place for a lap top and customers to have a place to sit.

LOCATIONS

Having the right location is extremely important. Consider the
following when choosing a location: A state that has the
economical growth that fits your needs. Weather, too hot or too
cold can make life miserable and costly considering the use of
gas and electricity. And last but not least, since you chose to
work out of your RV, scenery and personal activities are
something you should consider. You could even stop traveling for
a time and get into href="http://www.insideyourrv.com/rv%20sales.shtml">RV
sales.

SETTING TIME ASIDE

Keep in mind the reason your working out of your RV is so you
can enjoy life a little differently than home owners. If you're
a work-aholic make sure you set time a side for your life and
for vacation. It is very tempting to work when your office is
right there when you're vacationing. This is very important so
as to not burn yourself out and resent what you began as a
passion.

Beaches and Weather in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya

Millions of people a year flock to Playa del Carmen, and the
Riviera Maya, to escape cold weather, get a reprieve from work
pressures, and take time off for serious rest and relaxation.
The major attractions to the area are the white sandy beaches,
the amazing crystalline waters, the laid back Caribbean
attitude, and the warm tropical weather.

The climate in the Riviera Maya is semi-tropical, with an
average yearly temperature of 80° degrees Fahrenheit (26 °
Celsius), which can rise to 100° degrees Fahrenheit (37.7°
Celsius) in the hot summer months. June first is official start
of hurricane season and ends on November 30th. From November to
April, which is considered high season here;it is hot and sunny
during the day and cool and breezy at night.

• February to May February, March, April, and May
  are beautiful in The Rivera Maya. The Caribbean Sea is calm and
  clear and as summer approaches the water temperatures gradually
  rise. With warmer waters by May this is usually the time that
  the jelly fish, or href="http://www.playamayanews.com/health/got_an_itch_to_go_swimm
  ing_think_again..html" target="_blank">"agua mala"
  come to our shores. So May is a perfect time of year to go href="http://www.playamayanews.com/area_info/cenotes.html"
  target="_blank">cenote hunting! Nights can still be
  cool, but a sweater is rarely needed.
• June to
  August During the summer months Playa del Carmen and The
  Rivera Maya are hot, hot, hot! The humidity rises so afternoons
  are steamy and hot. We highly recommend you stay close to a
  water source. The Caribbean is so warm you can float the day
  away, and the cenotes stay at an even 78 degrees (25.5C) which
  is always refreshing. There is some rainfall in the afternoon
  and evenings, but it never lasts very long. The nights do not
  get much cooler so for a truly good night sleep
  air-conditioning and a good fan are highly
  recommended.
• September and October September and
  October are considered the height of the href="http://www.playamayanews.com/area_info/hurricanes_of_the_ri
  viera_maya.html" target="_blank">hurricane and
  tropical storm season. We also can get a fair amount of rain
  during these months, however it doesn't rain everyday. It is
  still hot and humid with days and evenings registering similar
  temperatures.
• November to January These are the
  coolest months in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas,
  which means it is warm and sunny during the day and cool and
  breezy in the evenings. Rain is very rare during this time of
  year, but evenings can bring temps in the high 60's (15.5C) so
  a sweater is recommended.

Warm weather wear: Playa del Carmen and The Rivera
Maya's weather does not fluctuate that significantly though out
the year. It is the tropics so lightweight cotton clothing,
beach wraps (pareos),, and bathing suits are what you spend the
majority of your time in. During the day, the climate is hot and
light clothing, such as shorts and tank tops, are recommended.
During the evenings you may need a light sweater or jacket
depending on the time of year. For trips into the jungle, you
should wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes in order to
fend off mosquitoes and other insect bites. Sturdy shoes should
always be worn if you plan on going to see any archeological
sights to keep you sure footed and able to explore.

Beaches and Beach Clubs in Playa del Carmen and The
Rivera Maya

Nuddy Beach Club and Bar: Located both in
Playa del Carmen and in Tulum, Nuddy beach, pronounced nudie,
is the quintessential beach club with lounger beds, bathing
beauties, trendy tunes, and buckets of beers. Located just
south of Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen, and about a
mile south of the ruins in Tulum, it is a great place to
people watch and enjoy everything the Mayan Rivera has to
offer.

Mamitas Beach: Located in Playa del Carmen,
Mamitas Beach and Beach Club has been around for years, but
after being severely damaged by Hurricane Wilma, it has
received a major facelift, and it is a favorite beach spot
for both locals and visitors. It has beautiful covered beach
beds, beach volleyball, excellent beach access, great tunes,
and a restaurant and bar on site. It is also the annual host
for the fashion show produced by Fashion TV. The best way to
get to Mamitas is by the access road on Avenue First South
between 28th and 30th Streets.

Tukan Beach: Tukan Beach and Beach Club is
located directly between Mamitas and Nuddy Beach.
Recently it also had a major face lift similar to Mamitas.
Actually Tukan and Mamitas kind of just meld together to
create the ultimate beach experience. Beautiful beaches,
beautiful people, yummy food, water sports, and premiere
lounging spots, you will not be disappointed.

Coco Beach: Considered as the northern beach this
is a bit of a jaunt from Playa Mamitas and Playa Tukan, Coco
Beach is considered to be more laid back and less trendy then
its sister beaches to the south. But keep in mind that it is
getting developed and there is a beach club in the works for
the upcoming season.

Xpu-ha Beach: Located just south of Puerto Aventuras
you can access this amazing stretch of beach by a sign that
reads "La Playa" on your left hand side. If you miss the turn
you can go a bit further south and there is a very small access
road just north of the Copacabana Resort. This stretch of
beach is a true slice of heaven with palm trees sprinkled
along the shoreline, excellent snorkeling, and various cafes
and bars that you can grab a bite to eat or a cold beer.
Although there are a few resorts that have access to this
beach that have yet to take over completely and you can
definitely while away an afternoon relaxing, and enjoying
this quiet and tranquil Caribbean beach.

Tulum Beach and Playa Paraiso: Just to the
south of the Tulum ruins there is an incredible stretch of
beach even less populated then Xpu Ha. There are small palapa
style hotelitos and cabanas along this beach that you can
stay in that are relatively inexpensive. At the same time
there are also trendy and chic beach resorts such as Mezzanine
that will pamper you silly. Tulum is a very popular spot for
kite boarding so you are likely to see the skyline peppered
with colorful kites on a windy day. Overall this is one of
our favorite beach spots that is in our area.

Topless beaches in Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya:
Although it is actually illegal to sunbathe nude or
topless on Mexico beaches, in Playa del Carmen and the Rivera
Maya, it is tolerated. Due to the major European influences in
the area most beaches you will see topless sun worshippers
trying to get as much sun on their bare bodies. There are
also clothing optional resorts and spas that cater to couples
who want to vacation in the buff. Some remote area beaches
you can strip down and bare it all. Keep in mind that Mexican
Nationals are a conservative bunch so respect the locals, and
if you are in a remote area keep a beach wrap close by. In
addition women should always practice caution and safely if
sunbathing nude or topless in a tucked away location or low
traffic area.

Enjoy your stay in target="_blank">Playa del Carmen!

About the author:
Sara Moen is a travel journalist and the editor of href="http://www.playamayanews.com"> Playa Maya News located
in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Lethal Communicable Tropical Diseases And Viruses

Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can do worse
than ruin your holiday they can ruin your life, so you need to
read this article to be up to speed on lethal communicable
tropical diseases and viruses before you travel.

Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can be
protected against, by taking one or two simple precautions,
before, and during your holidays. Many holidaymakers become
obsessed with an irrational fear of being bitten by a malaria
mosquito, or being felled by a tummy bug, and so fail to enjoy
their holiday.

Whilst Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can
kill, there are sensible precautions that can be taken after
identifying and assessing the real risk factors.

There are three main sources of Lethal communicable tropical
diseases and viruses

INSECT BORNE TROPICAL DISEASES LACK OF SANITATION CAUSES
TROPICAL DISEASES HUMAN CONTACT AND TROPICAL DISEASES

In each case concerning Lethal communicable tropical diseases
and viruses the most important fact we need to remember is:

Protection.

There is an old proverb which says that if something can be
measured it can be done, and if it can be done it can be
improved!!

The same holds good for tropical diseases.

If lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses are known
about, you can protect yourself from it, if you can protect
yourself from it, and you don't, you'll probably catch it!!

The most important precautions against lethal communicable
tropical diseases and viruses are:

1. Thorough personal hygiene prevents tropical diseases from
striking

2. Appropriate clothing and footwear prevents malaria type
tropical diseases

3. Vaccinations and a holiday medical kit are also important in
the prevention of tropical diseases.

4. Sensible behaviour, there is no protection from lethal
communicable tropical diseases and viruses without that!!

Let us deal in turn with the most well known potentially lethal
communicable tropical diseases and viruses

1. Malaria

Malaria is one of the tropical diseases that is widespread in
tropical regions.

Infection occurs after a bite from an infected anopheles
mosquito.

Protection: preventative medication (malaria prophylaxis).

The type of prophylaxis prescribed will depend upon your
ultimate travel destination and any stopovers.

Further precautions are the wearing of clothing that covers the
arms and legs and the use of insect repellents and mosquito nets.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is caught from the bite of an infected mosquito.

It is a disease of the blood.

The mosquitoes do not buzz, and often have a painless bite.

The disease results in fever and flu like symptoms.

Bite prevention is the first line of protection.

If you were born in a malaria zone but have lived away, remember
that natural immunity to tropical diseases such as malaria is
lost quickly and you should consider antimalarials before
returning.

Anti-malarial tablets are safe for most people - see your Doctor
or Pharmacist at least 2 weeks before you go away to discuss
your needs.

Tablets should be started one week before you reach a malarial
zone to make sure they are suitable for you.

Most cases of malaria are contracted because people stop tablets
on return home - they should also be taken while you are away
and continued for 4 weeks after leaving a malarial zone.

Take tablets at the same time each day or week to make it a
habit, take them after food and with plenty of water.

If you are planning to get pregnant - inform your Doctor before
you go away.

Any flu like symptoms should be mentioned to your Doctor for up
to a year after returning from a malarial zone.

NO MALARIA MEDICATION WILL BE 100% EFFECTIVE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO
PREVENT BEING BITTEN!

It is imperative that children receive all the vaccinations
recommended, to avoid any chance of them succumbing to tropical
diseases.

However, it is not advisable to take infants and small children
on holiday to malaria areas.

2. Hepatitis A

This is Infectious jaundice, and it is important that you
understand the causes:

Increased risk in areas with poor sanitation, which means most
of the third world, makes this one of the commonest tropical
diseases.

Infection occurs through contact with contaminated faeces, water
(including ice cubes) and food.

Protection:

Vaccination

Preliminary vaccinations with an interval of 2-4 weeks provide
immunity for approx.1 year; a booster after 6-12 months then
provides immunity for several years.

Administration of immunoglobulin shortly before travel.

3. Yellow fever:

This disease is prevalent in some regions of Africa and South
America, and vaccination is required for entry to these
countries. Don't forget to check if you are making stopovers en
route: many countries require visitors to be vaccinated if they
have previously visited a country where yellow fever is
prevalent.

4. Polio

Polio occurs worldwide, though incidence is greater in countries
with a generally low standard of health where a comprehensive
vaccination programme has not been implemented.

Infection occurs through contact with a carrier of the virus,
primarily through contact with faeces, though sometimes via
contaminated food and drinking water.

Protection:

Vaccination or booster (in oral form or by injection).

5. Diphtheria

Occurs worldwide, primarily during the colder months in
temperate zones.

Recent increased incidence in the CIS countries.

Spread by airborne infection.

Protection:

Vaccination or booster, usually in combination with tetanus
vaccine.

6. Meningococcal meningitis:

This disease can, and does, occur anywhere in the world. Recent
epidemics in numerous African regions and lately also in Nepal
and India.

Protection

Vaccination: particularly recommended for long-stay visitors to
epidemic areas.

7. Typhoid, Paratyphoid:

Common infections in many hot countries, makes it one of the
higher risk tropical diseases.

Infection via contaminated food and water.

Protection

Careful hygiene and vaccination by mouth or injection.

8. Cholera

Infection from low standards of hygiene where cholera is endemic.

Protection

Vaccination against cholera is not obligatory for international
travel.

The vaccine does not protect against infection, though it can
prevent outbreak of the disease in individual cases.

A cholera vaccination can be advisable for individuals
travelling to areas with low standards of hygiene where cholera
is endemic.

If in doubt, consult your doctor.

9. Tetanus

"Lockjaw".

Widespread internationally.

Infection occurs via contaminated wounds.

Protection:

Vaccination (booster every 10 years), usually in combination
with diphtheria.

We have now dealt with the first two parts of the causes of
lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses, and as a
reminder they are listed below

INSECT BORNE TROPICAL DISEASES

LACK OF SANITATION CAUSES MANY TROPICAL DISEASES

I have deliberately left to the last, the details on the
prevention of lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses
from HUMAN CONTACT.

Strictly speaking this can't be described as one of the tropical
diseases, but AIDS is endemic in many tropical regions, and so
we will include it in our list of tropical diseases.

These are of course in the main, the sexually transmitted
diseases, which can have quite horrendous consequences for the
careless holidaymaker, not only now but for the rest of their
lives For some, relaxing and having fun on holiday involves
casual sexual encounters.

Surveys show that many people have sex with previously unknown
foreign partners while abroad resulting in sexually transmitted
disease on return home.

Abstinence or sex with a trustworthy, lifelong partner is THE
ONLY way of preventing sexually transmitted disease.

Extra strong condoms should always be used when having casual
sex, they should be bought at home, before travelling, as in
many countries local condoms can be destroyed by heat and are
often of a poorer quality.

Couples who do not have any sexually transmitted diseases and no
other sexual partners can not contract sexually transmitted
diseases while on holiday.

If you have any unusual rash, discharge or soreness on return
from your time abroad you should stop having sex and see your
Doctor or local GUM clinic Nurse immediately.

Protection against AIDS, hepatitis B and other sexually
transmitted diseases.

Today AIDS and hepatitis B, along with the "classics" gonorrhoea
and syphilis, are the most dangerous sexually transmitted
diseases.

The only sexually transmitted disease that is preventable by
vaccination is Hepatitis B - see your Doctor or Nurse 3-6 months
before you intend to travel for advice.

80% of AIDS cases reported in the UK in 1993 were contracted
while abroad.

AIDS is an as yet incurable disease triggered by the HIV virus.

General weakness and, later, complete collapse of the body's
immune system follow infection.

AIDS is spread primarily through unprotected sexual intercourse
with an infected person.

The disease usually does not break out until many years after
the initial infection.

It is impossible to tell by looking at a person whether they are
carrying the virus.

People with HIV can pass it on to others even if they do not
feel ill themselves, and they might not even be aware that they
have the virus.

The only way of telling whether someone is HIV positive is by
means of a blood test. The test is only reliable if carried out
three months or more after infection, as it does not indicate
the presence of the virus itself, but the body's reaction to it
(antibodies).

The main way in which AIDS is spread is via unprotected sexual
intercourse. Infection can occur during a single sexual
encounter with an infected partner.

A risk of HIV infection exists from all forms of unprotected
sexual contact in which infected semen; blood or vaginal
secretions can come into contact with the partner's mucous
membranes.

However, you cannot catch HIV from kissing, stroking, or massage.

The only way of protecting yourself from infection with HIV,
hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases is by always
using a suitable condom - and using it correctly - during sexual
intercourse.

If you don't want to rule out a sexual adventure while on
holiday, make sure that you take enough condoms away with you.
The condoms available at your holiday destination, if any, may
be of bad quality and therefore unsafe.

You should also bear in mind that the percentage of HIV positive
men and women in the population can be very high indeed,
particularly in tourist centres in Africa, Asia and America.

In some of these areas as many as three quarters of both male
and female prostitutes are already infected with HIV.

AIDS and hepatitis B can also be spread through the use of
shared or dirty needles and syringes. If you need regular
injections for health reasons, make sure you take an adequate
supply of sterile syringes on holiday with you.

HIV cannot be passed on by normal everyday contact with infected
persons, so there is no need to worry about using cutlery, bed
linen, beds, bathrooms and WCs, swimming pools etc. during your
holiday.

To summarise this article on THE PREVENTION of lethal
communicable tropical diseases and viruses BE SENSIBLE,
UNDERSTAND THAT TROPICAL DISEASES AWAIT THE UNWARY, SO BE AWARE,
VIGILANT, TAKE PRECAUTIONS.

IF YOU CAN'T BE GOOD BE CAREFUL!!

About the author:
Ian Smith goes to the tropics frequently and takes sensible
precautions, find out what they are here.href="http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Travel-Adv
ice/">Travel advice about Lethal Communicable tropical diseases
and viruses