World Travellers

Darlene Berkel our expert of the day, writes:

India has a lot to offer as a tourist destination. There are some wonderful Hindu temples, the Taj Mahal, and some great scenery too. The culture of India is a rich and fascinating one, and thousands of tourists come to learn more about the country each year.

However, like almost every part of the world, India is not without its problems. There is crime, disease, and even simple environmental hazards that could ruin a holiday for an unwary traveler. The following tips should help you stay safe and avoid illness or injury during your holiday.

Get Your Jabs!

There are lots of serious diseases in India that are less common in other parts of the world - including meningitis, dengue fever, dysentery, chorea, hepatitis, malaria, and typhoid. If you are visiting from the UK, Canada, or the United States you will not need a vaccination certificate to enter the country, but visitors from other parts of the world will need to show one. No matter where you are traveling from, it is wise to consult your doctor before you go and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations ‘ these are serious illnesses, and it is not worth taking any risks.

Jim Johnson our expert of the day, writes:

Just traveling anywhere presents a certain amount of challenges to make sure that all goes well, but international travel introduces even more variables into the mix that require advance planning to successfully navigate. Of course, traveling in other countries can constitute some of the most memorable times of our life so the rewards are often worth the extra work needed in preparation. Here are some international travel tips that can help you have the best family vacations:
* Find out as much as you can about what paperwork will be required of you to enter and leave the country where you are going. What passports and/or visas will be needed? Will you be required to have a copy of your birth certificate?
* Find out if any vaccinations will be needed before you travel to that country. Also if you use medications, are they considered legal there?
* If a foreign language is used, try to get at least somewhat familiar with the basics of the local language just in case it may come in handy.