FLAG CARRIERS

AIR TANZANIA

     is the national airline of Tanzania. Its main base is Julius Nyerere International Airport Dar es Salaam.

     Air Tanzania Corporation was established on 10 March 1977 after the breakup of East African Airways, which had previously served the region. Flights were started from Dar-es-Salaam using Boeing 737-200s and Fokker F27s. A Twin Otter was used for regional services and flights from Kilimanjaro were started. In the mid-1990s, the airline leased and Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 767 but this aircraft was too large and the airline disposed of it. Regional services were reduced in this period and the Twin Otter was also disposed of.

     In December 2008, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, withdrew the Air Operator Certificate for Air Tanzania for reasons accruing to mainly unsatisfactory safety and operational manuals. In the same month, Air Tanzania decided to voluntarily resign from IATA membership in order to preserve its status while preparing for the IOSA audit which is a prerequisite for all member airlines. The company was granted the Air Operator Cerificate by TCAA two weeks later and is now in an a process to return to IATA membership which has taken long because of preparations for the audit.
     As of 18 March 2011, Air Tanzania CTL has effectively been grounded after its sole remaining operational aircraft, a Bombardier Q300 was sent for extensive maintenance to South Africa. Destination previously served by Air Tanzanina are expected to be taken over by Precision Air and Fly 540

COSTA RICA

     has no flag carrier

NORHTER MARIANA ISLANDS

      has no flag carrier

TAIWAN FLAG CARRIERS

CHINA AIRLINES

     is the flag carrier of the Republic of China (commonly known as Taiwan). The airline is not directly state-owned but is 54% owned by China Aviation Development Foundation which is owned by the Republic of China. Unlike other state-owned companies in the Republic of China, the chairperson of China Airlines does not report to the Legislative Yuan.
     The airline, with headquarters in and flight operations from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Dayuan Township, Taoyuan County, flies to destinations in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceanian. The airline started scheduled chartered flights between Taiwan and mainland China on July 2008. most flights serving this market are concetrated at Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing. China Airlines has operated the Hong Kong route since 1967, which is the airline's most profitable market.  The airline's main competitor is EVA Air.

EVA AIR

     is an airline based at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, Taiwan, operating passenger and dedicated cargo services to over 40 international destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. EVA air is largely privately owned and flies a fully international route network. It is the second largest Taiwanese airline, next in size to its main rival China Airlines. EVA Air is headquartered in Lujhu, Taoyuan County.

POLISH FLAG CARRIER

LOT Polish Airlines

     is the flag carrier of Poland. Based in Warsaw, LOT was established in 1929, making it one of the world's oldest airlines still in operation. Using a fleet of 55 aircraft, LOT operates a complex network to 60 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia. Most of the destinations are served from its hub, Warsaw Chopin Airport. 1989 marked the beginning of the airline's quick development. LOT started retiring their old Soviet aircraft, and began their fleet renewal. With the arrival of the first Boeing 767-200ER, LOT ceased to serve their inter-continental destinations to Chicago, Newark and New York City with the LLyushin II -62M aircraft. These three main routes have been one of the most popular flights that LOT operates, especially during the summer season when many Poles seek to come back to their homeland for vacation. The airline has a large short-haul service,with recently added destinations like Kaliningrad and Tbilisi, operating 20 E-Jet 170/175, and a recent order conversion to the E-195, will enable LOT to serve more destinations or more widely their current.

    

Alex's Essay

                                   Costa Rica

 

Factfile:

Location - Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.
Climate - tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands.
Background - Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
 Country Name -

Population - 4,075,026 Religion - Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2% Languages - Spanish (official), English Capital - San Jose Government Type - Democratic Republic Environment - deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution Airlines - Iberia via Madrid Flight time from UK - 13 1/2 hours via Madrid Visa requirements - None required for UK passport holders

conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica
conventional short form: Costa Rica
local long form: Republica de Costa Rica
local short form: Costa Rica

Area -

51,100 sq km

People -

96% Spanish descent, 2% African descent, 1% indigenous, 1% Chinese

Independence - 15th September 1821 (from Spain) they also celebrate their independence day on this day every year too.

Exports -

coffee, bananas, sugar, pineapples; textiles, electronic components, medical equipment

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America that has unlimited tourist potential and is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations. One of Costa Rica’s main sources of income is tourism. Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country, and it has not had an army since the year 1949. Although the country is small and it covers less than 1% of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish with the second official language being English. The official religion is Catholic but with freedom is given to religious choice. The official currency is the Colon.

  The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hardworking people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

  In general, the climate in Costa Rica is very pleasant not only during the dry season, which extends from December to April but also during the rainy season, which runs from May to November. During the rainy season rain can be expected in the afternoons, on the other hand the mornings are usually sunny.

Top Attractions:

·         Corcovado National Park – Where you can hike in the tropical rainforest

·         Cerro Chirripó – Discover some of Costa Rica’s history in a day.

·         Spirogyra Butterfly Garden – Over 30 different species of butterflies flutter around you.

·         El Pueblo – Costa Rica’s best nightlife spot which is made to look like an old Spanish village.

·         Pueblo Antiguo (Parque Nacional de Diversiones) – Costa Rica’s amusements and Theme Parks.

·         Plaza de la cultura – Downtown, which hosts performances, celebrations and demonstrations.

Restaurants:  

·         Restaurant L’ancura – Offers a great range of Italian food for a reasonable price.

·         Restaurant Meridiano al Este Steak House – An amazing range of steaks, burgers and grilled food.

·         Soho Bar & Grill – Gorgeous grilled/barbequed food.

    Beaches:

·         Nicoya Peninsula – Golden sands go on for miles.

·         Manuel Antonio – One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and voted one of the best in the world.

·         Playa Domincal – One of the best beaches for surfing.

·         Jaco – Well recognised by surfers.

  Nightlife:

·          Marlintini’s restaurant and bar – Features the freshest seafood in town and the best cocktails.

·         Castro’s – Top club playing the latest songs.

·         Utopia – Open until the sun comes so you can dance your night away.

·         Jazz Café – Want a more relaxing night? Jazz Café is the place to be.

·         El Observatorio – One of the best pubs to be seen in.

·         Casinos – Short of money and fancy your luck? Why not head down to one of the many casino’s in Costa Rica and try your luck at many games including, Baccarats, Texas Hold ‘Em and Bingo.   

Did you know?

• Costa Rica was one of the first countries in the world to make education free and required for all children.
• Costa Rica has more than 1,250 types of butterflies. That's about 10% of all known butterfly species. Farms in Costa Rica breed the insects and sell them to zoos.
• Many butterflies have markings on their wings to protect them from hungry animals.

 

Eliska's essey

TAIWAN

 

Twenty-two million people live on the island of Taiwan, a stone's throw from mainland China.  At 8 on a March morning, it feels like most of them are with me on the Taipei subway train between Yuan Shan and Taipei City Hall.   Despite this, the Taiwanese bow courteously, help complete strangers on and off with bags, and young and old look very much at peace with their lives, demure and sprightly with marble-white skin and the ladies carrying pink or white umbrellas to protect against the sun.  I can't imagine encountering these bon viands on the London Underground or Paris Metro.

Taipei, capital of Taiwan, is home to the world's tallest building (509 metres), the Taipei 101 (entrance: NT$350), served by the world's fastest elevator – travelling at an ear-popping 35 mph, taking only 48 seconds to reach the top.  The view is of high-rises, the chocolate-coloured Keelung River, the palatial Grand Hotel and misty jungles. 

 

Xiamen district is full of designer clothing shops and swanky shopping malls thronged with youths with dyed black and purple hair and pierced lips.  One minute away is an alley packed with meats, root vegetables, herbs that look like human hair, tiny white edible golf balls sweets, a greasy pharmacy window selling remedies such as 'stomach cleanser' and 'purple throat scoured', and battered mopeds, with whole families riding one Vespa, the child at the back holding a cage of chickens, the rider dodging the racks on wheels stacked with pink candy.

At the town of Puzih, the grey-stoned Peitian Temple is fascinating for its interior.  Built in 1687, a disciple was carrying a stone effigy of a God called Mazu, but it became too heavy and was dropped at the current site of the temple.  Beneath the cherry blossom, locals throw ritual money into a furnace and there are prayer tiles. The temple interior is an acrid, topsy-turvy Dom of walls with motifs of snakes and mythical creatures, vermillion and gold, lit by bare red bulbs, with locals chanting before an altar, figurines and flowers and fat Buddha’s, Chinese lanterns donated by the Qing emperor, huge dolls with streamers in their hair and a room with three bowls of marshmallows in water and gold tortoises.  There is a Healing Tree, where you rub a diseased part of your body and will be cured, and I find 20 glass pillars with 300 small triangular glass drawers and inside each drawer, a yellow bulb and a piece of card with someone's name on it. 

An hour away, at the small town of Yanshuei, I witness more bonkers fun: the Beehive Rockets Festival. This eccentric annual festival is an audience-participation fireworks event beginning on the 15th day of the first lunar month and attracts 50,000 visitors.

A procession carrying religious effigies makes its way through the streets followed by a number of “beehives” – cages housing dozens of racks of firecrackers, facing outwards – and visitors, protected by motorcycle helmets, scarves, gloves and anything else they can find to cover every inch of skin - then crowd around as the firecrackers are lit. 

Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second city, in the south, and a 2-day tour reveals a Confucian temple, replete with urinals-with-a-view.  The most interesting spot is the Tiger and Dragon Pagoda: the dragon's throat is the entrance and the lion's mouth is the exit. Entering a dragon's throat and coming out a lion's mouth symbolises turning bad luck to good fortune. Inside, paintings depict China's 24 most obedient sons as well as scenes of heaven and hell to inspire people to do good deeds during their lifetime, and to provide threatening examples of retribution for wrongdoing. In the guts of the dragon, there is a sacred shrine with a statue of a princess and water gushes from the wall. People pray here, burn incense, fill a cup of water, wave it above the incense, drink it, and take a laminated card from the shrine with a picture of a God. 

I visit the National Science and Technology Museum where I go moon-walking and stand inside a house which simulates an earthquake of 7.3 on the Richter scale (Taiwan's last earthquake). I learn that Taiwan only came into existence in 1949, but has one of the world's most successful economies (producing more than a quarter of the world's desktop computers).   

That evening, I'm tempted by one of Kaohsiung's alternative restaurants, The Herb Teacher (at No 3 Minchung Road, tell 07963 9576). Very rustic with lime-green sofas and lamps made of glass beads, the menu starts with a hotpot which I cook, containing sweet potato and ice cream, and I throw in pungent herbs, mushrooms, meats, vegetables and fruits.  A raw egg, with a purple yolk is placed on the table. 

Taiwan might not be everyone's idea of a holiday, but the bustling cities contrast perfectly with the ethereal beauty of Sun Moon Lake. 

I was told that the best beaches – and hot weather year round - were in the Kenting National Park, or on the virginal eastern coast, but I didn't have the time to go.

But I've already booked my air ticket in August and will head down to the glorious beaches of Kenting, for sun, sea, sand and a dose of quirkiness.

 

FACT FILE

Full Name: Republic of China

Location: The island of Taiwan is found 100 miles across the Taiwan straits from mainland China and is, practically speaking, an independent island which China regards as part of its territory that must be re-united with the mainland.

Getting there: EVA Air www.evaair.com flies to Taipei via Bangkok

Major languages: Mandarin Chinese (official), Min Nan Chinese (Taiwanese)

Capital city: Taipei

More Information: www.taiwan.net.tw; www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8

Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christian

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$)

Electricity: 110V 60HzHz

Country Dialling Code: +886

Best time to go: Autumn months (October/November) when the weather is mild and cool 19°C (66°F). In the South January/February are great as it is still warm enough 24°C (75°F to get a tan. Summer months are hot 33°C (91°F), sticky and prone to rain.

Visa: Citizens from some western European countries, the UK, Australasia, Canada and the USA can stay in Taiwan for 30 days without a visa. Everyone else needs a visa. Single entry visas are easy to get, but if you want a multiple entry visa, get it before you go. Because the Republic of China (Taiwan) is not recognised by most countries, you'll have to get your visa from a Taiwanese 'pseudo embassy'. Many countries do not allow even the word 'Taiwan' in the name of Taiwan's overseas legations.

Find out if you need a visa: www.thevisacompany.com
The Visa Company are offering The Travel Magazine readers 10% discount on the arrangement fee.



SOUVENIERS

Postcard from Poland:

SOUVENIER

Postcard from Tanzania:

SOUVENIER FROM TANZANIA

 

Postcard from Taiwan:

SOUVENIER FROM TAIWAN

Postcard from Costa Rica:

SOUVENIER FROM COSTA RICA

Postcard from Nothern Marianna Islands:

SOUVENIER FROM NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

FLIGHT DETAILS AND ACCOMODATION

FLIGHT FROM UK TO POLAND

ACCOMODATION IN POLAND

FLIGHT FROM POLAND TO TANZANIA

ACCOMODATION IN TANZANIA

FLIGHT FROM TANZANIA TO TAIWAN

ACCOMODATION IN TAIWAN

FLIGHT FROM TAIWAN TO COSTA RICA

ACCOMODATION IN COSTA RICA

FLIGHT FROM COSTA RICA TO NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS



ACCOMODATION IN MARIANA ISLANDS

RISK ASSESMENT

Staying Safe on Your Gap Year

Gap year safety is understandably a topic of much concern. There are many things that can happen when you travel if you’re not careful, and the situation becomes much more difficult to handle when you’re not at home.
Many people actually take more risks when they travel than they do at home, where it’s generally safer and the consequences aren’t as dire.
While part of the risk is travelling to more dangerous places, another part is being a western traveller to the developing world. Often you’re just as likely to run into trouble at home, but at least at home you know how to handle it and have a support system.
Most people don’t ever get robbed when they travel, and tourist attacks are rare (though they get a lot of publicity). Still, it’s a fear that grips us all, especially when your gap year is your first big adventure. Read on for a few tips to make sure you stay safe on your gap year.

• Know before you go
  I can’t say it enough. Knowing the customs will save you from misinterpretations and negative attention, and if you know the dangerous places in an area then you can avoid them.
• Follow the cultural norms
  For example, wearing revealing clothing (even though it’s really hot near the Equator) is usually not a good idea. Besides being offensive, showing that much skin is bound to give you unwanted attention.
• Be on guard
  Always be aware of where you are and what is going on around you. Don’t get too worked up about it, but don’t be too careless either.
• Walk with purposeOne of the simplest tricks to avoiding trouble is to look confident and pretend like you know where you’re going. You might be lost and scared, but no one else has to know that you’re vulnerable.
• Use the buddy system
  Especially in dangerous areas, especially at night, and especially if you’re a woman.
• Always watch your stuff
  Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, even if you have to take your backpack with you to the toilets. When you’re in crowded areas, swing your bag around your front and keep a firm grip on it.
• Lock upIf you’re staying in a hostel, make sure you keep your backpack in a locker and don’t leave your valuables lying around. Give your passport and other valuables to the front desk to put in the safe.
• Don’t advertise your valuables
  Walking around in one of the world’s poorest countries listening to your iPod and flaunting your expensive digital camera only makes you a target for crime. Be subtle, or consider leaving your gadgets at home.
• Avoid walking at nightIf you’re out at night, try to take a taxi or public transport home, and try to stay with a friend. If you must walk, keep to well lit and fairly busy streets.
• Keep in touchLet your friends and family know where you are. Give them a copy of your itinerary and keep them up to date. Also call or write home frequently just to let them know that you’re ok.
• Emergency contacts
  Give your family whatever contact information you can and also keep a list of your emergency contacts and important information. This should include things like your insurance information, your embassy and the phone number for your bank or credit card company.
• Separate your moneyDon’t carry more than you need to at any given time, and keep the rest locked up at home or in the hostel safe. You only need to take one credit card with you at a time, and hardly every day. When you do have to take everything at once, spread your money out among several pockets so that if someone steals it, you don’t lose everything and you can still get home. 
• Know the lingo
  Knowing the local language is always helpful, but for your safety, key words like help and thief will be very useful in an emergency.
• Make copies
  Make copies of all your important documents (passport, visa, insurance...) and keep them separated from the original. Also leave a copy of your passport at home, just in case.
• Don’t drink too much
  Being intoxicated makes you vulnerable and less able to protect yourself. You’ll be an easier target for robbery, sexual assault or just getting lost or losing your stuff. Excessive drinking in a foreign country is never a good idea- often you don’t know where you are, how to communicate or what’s socially acceptable.
• Be careful who you trust
  A really unfortunate fact of travel (and life) is that you can’t trust everyone you meet. Even if you meet someone that seems like the nicest person in the world, still exercise caution before leaving them to guard your valuables.
• Use common senseDon’t go home with strangers, don’t get in the car with a drunk driver… You know the risks- just because you’re not at home doesn’t mean you should abandon your common sense. In fact, you should be more careful when you’re abroad.
• Gap year safety courses
  If you want to get even more prepared for your gap year, or just calm your nerves (or your parents’), there are numerous courses to prepare you for your travels. Gap year safety courses can be done in as little as a day, or even online, and teach you everything you need to know about health and safety in all aspects of your gap year.

Don’t get too worried about running into trouble on your gap year. Most people never have any problems when they travel. But being prepared and taking small precautions will help you to prevent any mishaps.

VACCINATION

VACCINATION

Get the right travel vaccinations and follow the advice below to reduce your risk of common infectious diseases.  

• Water and food safety 
• Insect bites 
• Travellers' diarrhoea 
• Malaria 
• Dengue 
• HIV and STIs 
• Hepatitis A 
• Hepatitis B 
• Typhoid 
• Yellow fever 
• Rabies
• Meningitis 

Watch a video about staying healthy abroad

Travel health experts advise preparing for a trip four to six weeks before you travel, especially if you need vaccinations.
“Vaccination is just one element of protecting yourself from infectious disease,” says Professor David Hill, National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) director.
UK residents visiting their country of origin should also be vaccinated as any immunity they may have built up previously in their native country will have reduced over time.

Water and food safety

Many infectious diseases are transmitted through contaminated food and water, and insect bites.
You can reduce your risk of these diseases by following some basic guidelines:

• Don't drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth in countries with poor sanitation. Use filtered or bottled water instead.
• Don't put ice in drinks. Bottled fizzy drinks with an intact seal are usually safe, and so are boiled water and hot drinks made with boiled water.
• Don't eat salads, uncooked fruits and vegetables unless you've washed and peeled them yourself.
• Don't eat food that has been kept at room temperature in warm environments, or that has been exposed to flies.
• Don't consume unpasteurised milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products, or raw or undercooked seafood.

“You should only eat freshly prepared food that is thoroughly cooked and served piping hot,” says Professor Hill.

Avoiding insect bites

• Try not to go to areas that are highly infested with biting insects. 
• Malaria mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn, so being indoors during these hours can reduce the number of bites.
• Research shows that products containing the chemical DEET are the most effective insect repellents and are safe when used correctly.
• Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so wear loose-fitting long trousers and long sleeves in the evenings in malaria hotspots.
• Sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten at night. Carry a small sewing kit so you can repair any holes that develop. 
• Travellers' diarrhoea (TD)
  Travellers' diarrhoea is the most common illness in people travelling from the UK to developing countries. TD is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Foods most likely to cause TD are those that have not been thoroughly heated or that have been left out at room temperature.

You can reduce your risk of TD by following good food and water hygiene practices. If you develop TD, drink regularly to avoid dehydration. In most cases, TD will only last a few days but you may want to pack medications. 

Malaria
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is common in tropical countries. It is spread by night-biting female mosquitoes carrying a parasite called plasmodium. About 1,750 people a year return to the UK with malaria. Most of them catch it because they didn’t take any tablets or didn’t take the right ones for the areas they visited.

See your GP or go to a travel clinic for specific advice and the correct tablets for the country you're visiting before you travel. Avoiding mosquito bites will also reduce your risk.

Dengue
Dengue is a virus that is spread by an infected Aedes mosquito, which usually bites during the day. Dengue is a risk in areas such as Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and South America. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and, in some cases, a rash. The illness usually lasts a few days and serious complications are uncommon. There is no specific anti-viral treatment. Symptoms such as fever and headache can be treated individually.

HIV and STIs 
Unsafe sexual behaviour can expose travellers to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or syphilis. Drinking too much alcohol may decrease your inhibitions and make you more likely to have unsafe sex. 

Avoid sex with a new or unknown partner, and always use condoms. The condoms you can buy in developing countries may not be reliable, so buy them in the UK and take them with you.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus. It is caught through food or water that has been contaminated by human faeces. Foods that grow close to the ground, such as strawberries and lettuce, are particularly risky. Crustaceans that feed on the seabed, such as oysters and clams, are also a risk.

Infected people can pass on the virus if they don’t follow proper hygiene practises. Early symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and fever, followed by the onset of jaundice. Highly effective hepatitis A vaccines are available and should be considered by most travellers.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by one of the most common viruses worldwide. It is a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Symptoms include flu-like complaints, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pains and jaundice.

The virus is spread through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, contaminated needles (including tattoo needles) and poorly sterilised medical and dental equipment. High-risk regions include sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. A vaccine is available for those at risk of hepatitis B.

Typhoid
Typhoid is a potentially fatal disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. Typhoid is acquired through contaminated food or water in areas with poor sanitation. The Indian sub-continent has the highest incidence of typhoid.

Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea. Vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting high-risk areas.

Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by infected mosquitoes in tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Early symptoms include aching, fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, this can lead to organ failure and death. The disease is preventable by vaccination and is rare in travellers. Some countries require you to be vaccinated against yellow fever as a condition for entry.

Rabies
Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. When it reaches the brain, it causes swelling, inflammation and death. The virus is found in the saliva of infected animals, including dogs and bats, and is passed to humans by bites or scratches.

Africa, Asia and South America are rabies risk areas. Vaccination is advised before you travel to high-risk areas. If you get a bite or scratch from a potentially infected animal, wash the wound with soap and water and seek urgent medical care.

Meningitis
Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, which is caused by different types of germs. Early symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, just like many mild illnesses. The germs, which are present in the nose and throat, can be passed from person to person by close and regular contact through coughing, sneezing and kissing.

Meningitis risk areas include sub-Saharan Africa, where there are annual outbreaks. Vaccines are available to travellers visiting high-risk zones, although the risk of meningitis for tourists is low. Vaccination against meningitis is a requirement for pilgrims attending the Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

Vaccination we paid for: