Archive for February, 2012

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Planning Your Trip with Pinterest

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 by

Pinterest is the hottest new social network that is burning up the Interwebs. Over the last eight months, the number of people using the site has skyrocketed by more than 2700 percent. That’s 2700 percent. As with any new social network it’s hard to figure out just what you can do with it.  I can tell you that the handful of people who are following my pins are probably pretty disappointed so far.

Here’s Pinterest in a nutshell: It allows you to find images anywhere on the Internet and “pin” them to your Pinterest account – people use it to organize redecorating ideas, tantalize their friends with mouth-watering pictures of cupcakes and make destination wish lists.

You’re not necessarily going to get a great depth of information on Pinterest, but you are going to get ideas – it’s impossible to read an article about Pinterest without seeing the word “inspiration.” The incredibly visual aspect of Pinterest will get most people’s juices flowing.

Here are five ways you can use Pinterest to make your trip better – before, during and after your travels.

  1. Do your preliminary research. Pinterest is like an always-growing brochure of great destination locations. It’s a great way to gather some initial ideas about where you want to go, where you want to stay and what sites and activities you might be interested in while you’re there. For instance, I searched “Rome hotel” on Pinterest. As you’d expect, I got back gorgeous pictures of spectacular hotels, including the Cavalieri. I refined the search to the Cavalieri Hotel, got back more great photos and now I’m hooked – that’s where I want to stay. I can also pin those photos to a file on Rome vacation and invite my friends to offer their opinions.
  2. Crowdsource your vacation. If you’re headed to a place like Paris or Rome for the first time, there’s no way you’ll be able to see everything. Ask your followers for their recommendations and use them to shape your plans. Also, you’ll notice that as people contribute to your vacation board, some activities, events and sites will show up more frequently than others – these are probably your must-sees.
  3. Get your travel companions excited for the trip. You’re basically creating a guidebook for your trip that everyone in your traveling party can flip through whenever they want, collaborate with and use to help shape your vacation. Whether you’re traveling with children, family or adult friends, the combined visual and social nature of Pinterest will get them pumped up.
  4. Buy gear and supplies. Right now, you can do some shopping through Pinterest in the “Gifts” section. More is sure to come.
  5. Keep a travel diary. Some folks decide they want to blog about their travels – it’s a great way keep family and friends back home informed about your vacation. But it can quickly become tedious – both for the traveler and the folks back home. Pinning your vacation photos as you go is a quick and easy way to let people know what you’re doing without turning your trip into a writing marathon.  And of course, when you return home, Pinterest is a great way to share photos of your trip.

While Pinterest has been exploding in terms of the size of its audience, it’s still just getting started. What you’re able to do with now is certainly nothing compared to whatever you’ll be able to do with it a year from now. But for now, it can be a useful – and fun – tool for planning your travels.

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This Week In Travel And Health

Friday, February 24th, 2012 by

There have been moments over the last couple of years when we tiptoed right up to the edge of global hysteria over the so-called Avian or Bird Flu. The various strains of the virus – H1N1 two years ago, H5N1 now – are so powerful that there was concern that they could sweep through the population at an uncontrollable pace. Obviously, that has not happened, which is reason for optimism. And now, here’s another reason to think the virus might not live up to the hype. In a blog post at CNN, Stephanie Smith  writes that new data from the World Health Organization indicates the death rate of those infected with H5N1 isn’t nearly what was initially thought. WHO data suggests that when H5N1 jumps to humans, odds are that the person will die – of 586 people infected by H5N1 thus far, according to WHO data, 346 died. But hold on a second – researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine conducted a study of other studies, and it indicates that there have likely been millions of people infected with the Bird Flu, but the overwhelming majority of them have not experienced any flu-like symptoms. If that’s true, it appears H5N1 isn’t nearly as deadly as most of us have feared.

Now is the time to see what is very likely the most spectacular show in the universe – the aurora borealis. The “Northern Lights” are at their most vivid in 11 years and are a great event around which to build a getaway. At the Wall Street Journal, Kathleen Squires gives you four travel options for watching the light show in the sky in style.

This is almost certainly the future of air travel – the Washington Post’s Hayley Tsukayama reports on the airline KLM’s new offering that allows you to choose your seatmate by viewing their profile on social media. In other words, you can look at their Facebook page (if they allow access) and decide whether or not this is a person you want to spend three or four hours sitting next to.

This headline shocked me this week – Escape to Sudan; not so long ago, you would’ve expected to the headline to be Escape from Sudan. Stephen Kreider Yoder writes at the Wall Street Journal about backpacking through Sudan and the Middle East.

And, how about getting married at sea? Cunard Cruise Lines is rolling out a new program for couples thinking of having their wedding on a cruise ship.

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What To Do When Your Airline Goes Bankrupt

Friday, February 24th, 2012 by

Last week, we saw headlines of a traveler’s worst nightmare – Air Australia suddenly declared bankruptcy on Friday the 17th, immediately grounded its fleet and stranded thousands of travelers all around the Pacific.

In all, approximately 4,000 passengers were stranded in Hawaii, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia, and no flights are expected in the “short to medium term,” according to a spokesperson. Up to 100,000 tickets for future flights could end up being worthless. Some customers might get refunds, but here’s hoping that they bought trip cancellation insurance.

If you’re not one of the unfortunate Air Australia passengers who isn’t sure how they’re going to get home (although being stranded in Hawaii might not be all that bad), the bigger question is how often does this happen? Should frequent travelers busy themselves calculating the odds that their airline will suddenly go belly up?

Every now and then, an airline has a bad day and seems unprepared for the weather, inconveniencing passengers. But that usually only lasts a few hours, they eventually get where they’re going, and it isn’t a sign of impending doom.  Other times, a way home emerges – when Mexicana Airlines abruptly shut down two years ago, other airlines stepped in with additional flights to travelers get where they were going.

The reality is that it’s just about impossible to know just how serious an airline’s financial situation is – they all seem to be constantly juggling columns on their balance sheets. There was no public advance warning that Air Australia was in danger – according to one story from Down Under, the airline kept selling tickets even though it knew it was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.

So the odds are that there won’t be a warning – stuff happens, even when you’re halfway around the globe (or is that especially when you’re halfway around the globe?). The best approach is to expect the unexpected, buy the trip cancellation insurance, and don’t let the possibility of something you can’t control ruin your trip.

Photo by Sheba_Also.

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Will Spring Break In Mexico Be Safe?

Friday, February 24th, 2012 by

“Spring Break” and “caution” don’t go together too often, but this year, students who are headed to violence-scarred Mexico need to be paying attention to the news. As we’ve detailed here, drug violence continues to rage in multiple states across Mexico.

Over this past weekend, the violence was in the headlines again as 44 inmates were killed in an escape at a northern Mexican prison. Presumably, your Spring Break destination is not Apodaca prison, but Mexico might just be; more than 100,000 students head to Mexico each year for Spring Break. So, are they foolish for heading there this year? The answer is no – as long as they stay in the right geographic locations.

Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department expanded its previous travel warning for Mexico-bound tourists; the advisory warns Americans not to travel to 16 different Mexican states.  Many of the areas of northern Mexico that border the U.S. are considered to be too dangerous to travel to. But here’s a little bit of good news: There are no advisories in place for many of the most popular Spring Break destinations – Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and others. To help Spring Breakers to have a better idea of where the trouble spots are, Travel Weekly put together this map of the hot spots.

One popular travel destination that seems to be a little dicey is Acapulco. The State Department warned Americans not to travel more than two blocks inland from the boulevard that runs along the popular beaches. So, they aren’t saying don’t go… but they are saying don’t think you’re going to have free run of the city. And I’m saying, why don’t we pick another spot to vacation?

Spring Break is famously a time for shutting out the real world, forgetting all your cares and cutting loose. But for students headed to Mexico this coming March, they’re going to have sprinkle in an extra dose of responsibility with their partying.

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Seven Tips For Traveling With Fido

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 by

Last week, dog lovers spent a couple nights watching the Westminster Dog Show, watching as Malachy the Pekingese took home “Best in Show.”

It’s an example that Americans seem to be more attached to their pets than ever before. Certainly, the number of people traveling with their pets – even internationally – is on the rise. Many people feel as if their pet is a full-fledged family member, so bringing them along on jaunts around the globe only seems natural.

Which raises the question of how best to travel with your dog, cat, goldfish, or whatever pet is near and dear to your heart.

Apparently, the answer is not Pet Airways.

But here are some helpful tips to make sure your pet’s health and safety are taken care of – and that your stress levels don’t get too high:

  1. Before you make any decisions, run the idea by your veterinarian. He or she will have an idea whether your pet has a temperament suitable to travel, and whether they’re healthy enough.
  2. Make sure vaccines are up to date.
  3. Consider a microchip, or at least an ID collar and tag. It’s a big world out there, and if you’re halfway around the globe, it isn’t reasonable to expect Rover to find his way home.
  4. Don’t think you’re going to be doing this next week. There is a lot of planning – and paperwork – that needs to be done before you hop on the plane.  Many of the documents for international travel must be signed by a certified USDA veterinarian.
  5. Check with your airline ahead of time to see what regulations and fees they have.
  6. Call ahead to your hotel(s) to confirm that they’re pet-friendly. Assuming they are, find out what kind restrictions and fees they may have. Also, try to get a room on the ground floor so your pet can get outside quickly if need be.
  7. Pamper your pet. Bring along the bed or blankets they sleep on, and be sure to have plenty of high-value treats.

Remember – you’re not just trying to lower your stress level; you also need to minimize his or her stress.

After all, dogs are people too.

Photo by dichohecho.

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Bird Flu Research to be Shared

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 by

The World Health Organization announced on Friday that details of the recent genetic research that resulted in more contagious bird flu strains would be released to the general public over the next few months.  The decision, made by leading bird flu and public health experts who met in Geneva last week, was against the objections of the United States.  Opposition from US officials was based on the fear that releasing the information would do little to advance the cause of bird flu research, while giving ammunition to terrorists who could use it to promulgate a worldwide epidemic.

Indeed, although the bird flu in its current, genetically unaltered form does not spread easily from infected birds to humans, it remains one of the most deadly viruses on record.  Almost one half of those who get the infection will die.  The Geneva group cited free exchange of information as the reason for releasing the data, suggesting that holding such information back would set a dangerous precedent in the scientific community.

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This Week In Travel And Health

Friday, February 17th, 2012 by

I’m pretty sure that your bucket list – like mine – includes visiting Carnival in Rio at least once. Well, here’s your shot. It starts tomorrow (Saturday, the 18th) and continues through Fat Tuesday. You can party for 96 straight hours (if you’re tough enough), have the time of your life, eat chicken hearts and as much filet mignon as you want and enjoy the party of a lifetime. Of course, this is a blog about travel and health, so I feel obligated to encourage you to at least try to exercise some sense of moderation. Good luck.

The sports world has been dominated by “Linsanity” for the last two weeks. That’s the international phenomenon that is overnight superstar Jeremy Lin of the NBA’s New York Knicks. The Harvard-educated Taiwanese-American has dominated headlines for the last two weeks for his out-of-nowhere performance. And now travel agents in Taiwan have jumped on the bandwagon. CNN reports that Lion Tours is offering “Linsanity tours” to their customers in Taiwan – 10 or 11-day packages to visit the East Coast of the US, and tickets to a Knicks game in Madison Square Garden.

At the Wall Street Journal, renowned New York chef Michael White offers some tips about how best to deal with frequent trips to Asia.

At the New York Times, Jesse McKinley wonders whatever happened to flying first class?

As a follow up to our earlier post on making sure you get proper sleep when traveling the globe, read this older post at Health Conscious Travel on five foods to help you sleep.

And while most of America has enjoyed a very warm winter, And while most of America has enjoyed a very warm winter, you might feel like you need a shock of cold to make you feel like you’re moving through the normal cycle of the seasons. If you want to feel that old chill, Kathy Lally of the Washington Post suggests that you head to Moscow, Russia. After a balmy start to winter in Russia, things are back to frigid usual

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How Do You Sleep At Night?

Friday, February 17th, 2012 by

We love to travel, but travel is exhausting. The problem for many is that it’s just so difficult to sleep when they’re away from home. And that can make the thrill of visiting a new place a little less thrilling.

And, of course, when you’re crossing time zones, there’s the specter of jet lag.

The symptoms of being overtired on the road – body fatigue, headaches, inability to concentrate – are obvious. What might not be as obvious are strategies to get more rest while you’re traveling. Here are some ideas:

While on the plane:

  • Block out light. Use a sleep mask to block out light.
  • Reduce noise. Even if there isn’t a screaming baby sitting right behind you, there’s a lot of noise and conversation going on around you. Bring along earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
  • Get comfortable. To do this, you’ll likely need some sleep aids such as a neck pillow and a blanket to remind you of home.

In your hotel:

  • Ignore the time zone you’re visiting. Whenever possible, try to go to sleep at the same time that you would if you were at home – or at least as close to that time as possible.
  • Get some exercise. Even a quick 20 minute workout during the day will make it easier for you to fall asleep at bedtime. It’s important that you get your exercise at least five hours before lights out; otherwise, you’ll be all amped up have a hard time finding Never-Never Land.
  • Bring your own pillow. One of the best sleep aids is the pillow you’re must comfortable with. Bringing it with you is a signal to your brain that it’s allowed to relax.
  • Create a good sleeping environment. Close the curtains, turn off dripping faucets, set the thermostat, turn off your phone and use a machine that creates white noise to help drown out unfamiliar noises in the night.
  • Have a bedtime routine. A lot of travelers suggest a relaxing soak in the tub or even just listening to some soothing music.

Doctors and researchers always tell us that adults need seven to eight hours of solid sleep each night (not that I know anybody who gets that). It’s hard to do that when you’re filling your travel schedule with business meetings or a late night dinner on the local cuisine. But hopefully these ideas will help you get a little more rest and relaxation and make traveling something you’re enjoying, rather than simply enduring.

Photo by Fellowship of the Rich.

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The Franco Fen Phen

Friday, February 17th, 2012 by

Those of us who were practicing medicine back in the mid 1990’s recall the amazing “miracle pill”  Fen-Phen, a combination of two drugs called fenfluramine and phentermine, that resulted in rapid weight loss.  Its popularity was short lived, however, when it was discovered that the two medicines together could cause damage to heart valves and a serious lung condition called primary pulmonary hypertension.  The pills were pulled off the market by its manufacturer Wyeth Ayerst, eventually costing the pharmaceutical company over 21 billion dollars in legal settlements with those who claimed to have been damaged by Fen Phen.

In an odd case of “déjà-vu” French officials announced recently that Mediator, a drug licensed for use by diabetics that became widely used in France for over thirty years as a slimming aid, probably caused at least 1,300 deaths. The drug was originally developed to reduce lipids, but was found to be effective in helping diabetics maintain control of their blood sugar.  When it was also noted to suppress appetite, the drug ultimately gained approval in France to help diabetic patients who were obese lose weight.  Eventually, the drug became widely popular among non diabetic patients who just wanted to shed extra pounds.

In 2009, the drug was removed from the market by its French manufacturer Servier amidst allegations that were hauntingly similar to those against Fen Phen.  A number of users of Mediator had heart valve damage or developed primary pulmonary hypertension. 

The data, which was compiled by the French National Health System, was pulled primarily from the records of those who died from faulty heart valves among major users of the drug.  The statistics likely underestimate mortality rates, as they did not include users who may have died from primary pulmonary hypertension.

Mediator’s generic name is Benfluorex, and is an amphetamine derivative just like the two drugs that made up Fen-Phen. Despite the wide publicity surrounding the adverse effects of Fen-Phen, and suspicion for years that Mediator had identical problems, the medication was taken by over 5 million French between 1976 and 2009.  Investigations are underway and lawsuits have already been filed, citing negligence on the part of Servier and French regulatory agencies.

Travelers to other countries should be careful about taking drugs that have not been properly vetted.  Mediator was never approved for use in either the United States or the United Kingdom.

Photo by DES Diethylstilbestrol.

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The Best Places In The World To Get Married

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 by

With Valentine’s Day upon us, romance is in the air and for some that means talk of weddings. We can all agree that full-on wedding planning is one of the most stressful things you’ll ever go through. So with that in mind, here are the best places on Earth to get hitched – places so spectacular and so visitor-focused that the planning will actually add to your enjoyment of prepping for the Big Day.

Important caveat – the price of these locations might cause their own level of stress.

Parrot Cay Resort, Turks and Caicos
Parrot Cay is one of the Caribbean’s preeminent private islands. It features mile-long powdered white-sand beach – with understated style, cosseting service and smiling staff. Plus – we’re always looking out for your health – Parrot Cay has an award-winning holistic spa and offers very healthy cuisine. This is where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner married in 2005. If the paparazzi are chasing you, no worries – Parrot Cay has a no-fly zone so you don’t have to worry about photographers snapping pictures of your nuptials from the air.

Table Mountain, South Africa
Imagine exchanging your vows in the open air, as close to the bottom of the globe as you want to get. You’ll have the city of Cape Town and the ocean spread out before you with the spectacular landmarks of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head.

The Mount Nelson Hotel is the place to stay in Cape Town.

Castello Odescalchi, Italy
History, natural beauty and spectacular views and being easily accessible make the Castello Odescalchi a great spot for a day you’ll never forget. This is where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes tied the knot.

Imagine a wedding reception overlooking the Mediterranean as the sun sets.

Villa D’Este, Italy
On the shores of Lake Como, this luxury hotel was built as a residence for a Cardinal of the Catholic Church in the 1500s and converted to a hotel in the late 1800s. It’s known for its remarkable gardens – 25 acres of beautiful azaleas, camellias and roses.

Of course, Lake Como is where George Clooney hangs out, so that could be dangerous for some brides-to-be.

Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. In other words, perfect for your wedding. Take in the world famous arts and culture as you visit the city. Maybe you’ll even want to get married in the air – at the top of the famous Giant Ferris Wheel at Prater amusement park. The Ferris Wheel has 15 private, luxury cabins. The Art Nouveau cabin is the one you should ask for – it accommodates 12 – including the bride and groom, two witnesses and the registrar.

Langkawi, Malaysia
Vienna sound too formal? How about the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi, a group of 104 islands officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah.  

This exotic jungle location is close to phenomenal beaches. You can stay in a traditional Malay houe at this resort – they’ve been collected from around the country and rebuilt to form this small resort.

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