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Bali is the world’s number one travel destination for 2017
Bali has been voted the most desirable place in the world to travel this year, according to a new poll by Trip Advisor According to Trip Advisor, Bali is the number one travel destination in the world for 2017. Over four million tourists visited the island in 2016. But what exactly makes Bali such a desirable destination for travellers? And how can you stay safe and make the most of your visit? It’s terrifically tropical Bali is located close to the equator, meaning you’re guaranteed a warm climate whenever you visit. There are essentially two seasons you’ll come across in Bali: Wet Season (November – March) and Dry Season (April – October). Dry Season sees the temperature at a balmy 30+ degrees every day, making for perfect summer weather. Even Wet Season only consists of an hour or two of rain a day and a slightly cooler breeze. It’s full of beautiful beaches Bali has an endless shoreline of idyllic white sand beaches, so all you need to do is take your pick. From beaches famous for their water sports like Padang Padang to popular tourist beaches in Legian and Kuta, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to stay at the beach until evening time when you’ll get to see a famous Bali sunset with your own eyes. It’s incredibly diverse Bali brings people and travellers from all over the world together in one beautifully diverse landscape. It blends the very best of both Eastern and Western culture into a perfect amalgamation, meaning you can sip fancy cocktails at one end of the street and indulge in local street food at the other end. It’s full of spirit and history Balinese ancient Hinduism is a huge part of life for many of the locals’ daily routines, so much so that Bali is known as the Island of the Gods. This spiritual culture focuses on balance and harmony, promoting a tranquil and peaceful way of life. This is reflected in the spiritualism and history present throughout the island in the form of landmarks. From temples to monuments, Bali has plenty of stories and wisdom to impart. It’s got plenty of adventure and attractions Colourful celebrations, ceremonies and festivals are a regular sight in Bali, and there are plenty of breath-taking landmarks like volcanoes, tropical forests and stunning waterfalls to set the scene. It’s also got plenty of nightlife and shopping districts too. It’s full of amazing accommodation Once upon a time Bali’s accommodation was only really suited to thrill seekers wishing to be at one with nature. Nowadays however, even the most luxury-loving traveller can find somewhere to suit them on the island. From five star hotels to private villas, there’s something for everyone. There are even recognized companies like the Grand Hyatt and the Four Seasons setting up shop (or hotel) on Bali. It’s surrounded by stunning islands Bali is just one of Indonesia’s staggering 18,000 islands. Many of Bali’s closest island neighbours are accessible via regular boat trips, allowing you to get a closer look at the surrounding land and ocean. Many of the islands are small, peaceful and perfectly preserved in their natural state. Lombok, an island to the east of Bali, is actually bigger than Bali but is practically untouched by modern society. Remember to stay safe abroad Travelling to Bali is an incredible, life-changing experience. Don’t let it get ruined by illness. Travelling to South East Asia requires more vaccinations than anywhere else in the world, including for serious conditions like Cholera, Diphtheria and Hepatitis. These conditions can often lead to long term discomfort and sickness, and can even be life threatening if not treated. Vaccinations for all of these conditions and more are available through Express Travel Clinic. For further information about staying safe and healthy abroad, contact Express Travel Clinic today on 0208 993 5889.
12. Sep 2017
True or false: the travel health edition
Staying safe abroad is absolutely vital, so make sure you have all the right information We all want to stay safe and healthy when travelling, but with so much information out there it can be difficult to know what’s true and what’s not. Being aware of the relevant risks and treatments is hugely important, so that’s why we’re here to do some myth-busting and confirm what’s true and what’s false in travel health. True or false? “It’s usually better to drink bottled water” True. In some parts of the world it is difficult to maintain a high level of water quality, putting you more at risk of serious conditions like typhoid fever. So if you’re travelling further afield, it’s usually best to stick to bottled water (just make sure the seal is intact). It may also be safer to use bottled water to brush your teeth in some areas of the world. Here’s another little important tip: make sure bottles of water are opened in your presence when you dine in a restaurant abroad. True or false? “Only dogs carry rabies” False. Any mammal can carry rabies on their saliva, meaning you can become infected through being bitten or scratched by an animal that has licked its paw. If you do get bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and water for several minutes. Then apply disinfectant and seek immediate medical treatment. True or false? “Malaria tablets cause worse symptoms than malaria itself” False. Malaria is a serious disease and in many cases can prove fatal. It takes just one bite to catch malaria, and it often leads to severe nausea and lethargy. While some people do experience side effects from malaria tablets, it is proven that this important medication saves lives around the world. In the majority of cases, the side effects of malaria tablets are either mild or non-existent. If you are concerned about taking malaria tablets it is important to seek advice from your pharmacist or travel clinician, rather than avoiding treatment altogether. Contact the Express Travel Clinic team on 0208 9935889. True or false? “Sleep is the best cure for jet lag” False. Jet lag isn’t caused by a simple lack of sleep, but rather through the disruption caused to an individual’s circadian rhythm (body clock) when crossing time zones. The best cure for jet lag is to try and adjust yourself to your new time zone as quickly as possible. If you arrive at your destination at 7am, it’s best to get outside in the natural light, indulge in some gentle exercise and try to stay awake until night falls in your new location. True or false? “You shouldn’t swim straight after eating” False. Multiple studies carried out on athletes have found no evidence that swimming after eating a meal causes stomach cramps, nausea or increases your risk of drowning. You might find it more comfortable to wait a while, but you’re not putting yourself at risk by swimming straight away. Studies have found, however, that drinking alcohol and then swimming does put you at higher risk of drowning. True or false? “Urine cures jellyfish stings” False. This is an old wives’ tale with absolutely no evidence behind it. Pouring bottled water or seawater over a sting is much more effective at easing the pain — and much more pleasant too! According to jellyfish expert Dr Peter Richardson, “peeing on a jellyfish sting” is not advisable and may even cause the sting to burn more. However, some jellyfish stings are alkaline and can be treated effectively with vinegar. True or false? “You’re more likely to catch a cold on a plane” True. People are up to 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than they are to catch one in their day to day lives, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research. This is because bacteria are often transported from one country to another via planes, and the overuse of antibiotics in some areas causes an increase in bacteria which are resistant to antibiotics. The close quarters and heavily-used door handles, plane seats and air circulatory systems also increase your chances of catching a cold. Don’t take any chances when it comes to staying safe and healthy abroad. For all the information you need on risks, prevention and treatment, contact Express Travel Clinic today.
29. Aug 2017