How to have a safe vacation

TRAVEL AMID H1N1

Holidaymakers can still enjoy themselves if they take safety precautions

EVELINE GAN, eveline@mediacorp.com.sg

YOU'VE been planning your family vacation for months. You may have even elbowed your way through the massive crowds to get the best deals at the last travel fair, or bought new suitcases for your family trip.

With influenza A (H1N1) showing no signs of letting up, should you or should you not forgo your pre-planned overseas vacation this June holidays?

As at May 29, 53 countries reported over 15,000 confirmed cases of the infection. The virus has also reached our shores: Yesterday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that there were seven cases.

Although MOH has not recommended any travel restrictions, it advises Singaporeans to avoid non-essential travel to "affected areas". Affected areas — namely Mexico, the United States and Canada — are where there is a high degree of community spread of H1N1.

CHOOSE YOUR HOLIDAY DESTINATION PRUDENTLY

Given the unpredictability of the current H1N1 situation, Dr Robert Allen, International SOS' regional medical director of North Asia, said choosing locations that have very little or no impact from H1N1 would seem wise. International SOS is a medical and emergency services provider.

Added Dr Allen: "In addition, holidays that allow for some social distancing and in areas where access to medical care is not difficult may be prudent."

According to Dr Chng Shih Kiat, deputy medical director of Raffles Medical Group, holidaymakers should take extra care when travelling to countries in the Southern Hemisphere — such as Australia and New Zealand — this June holidays.

Even though they do not fall under the list of "affected areas", countries in the Southern Hemisphere will be experiencing winter, a season which may see a surge of influenza activity, Dr Chng explained.

For families who are going ahead with their vacation plans, commonsense safety precautions should be taken prior to and during the trip.

GET TRAVEL ADVICE FROM YOUR DOCTOR

See a doctor and update your shots and medication at least two weeks prior to departure, according to a spokesperson from National University Hospital's Wellness Centre.

"Remember that underlying health conditions increase the risk of influenza infection," warned Dr Allen. Prior to departure, consult your doctor if you suffer from any chronic diseases. These include asthma, any cardiovascular disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system caused by medication or HIV.

Dr Chng advised families who are travelling to countries in the Southern Hemisphere to consider getting their influenza shots.

"Influenza vaccination is advisable for everyone, except babies under six months, pregnant women in their first trimester and those with a history of egg allergy or allergy to previous influenza vaccination," he said.

But be sure to get your flu shot at least one week prior to your trip. "This will allow the body to react to the vaccine and produce enough immunity against the virus," explained Dr Chng.

According to the spokesperson from NUH's Wellness Centre, Hep B and A, typhoid, polio, and tetanus vaccinations are generally advised for those travelling to most countries.

There are also countries which require specific vaccinations.

For instance, meningococcal vaccination is mandatory for pilgrims on the Hajj to Mecca, and recommended for those spending a month or more in Saudi Arabia.

Japanese B and Yellow Fever vaccinations, which require a doctor's consultation prior to vaccination, are recommended for those going to the rural areas of Thailand, Africa and India.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

While packing for your trip, squeeze in a travel medical kit.

Your kit should include bandages, plasters, cotton buds, gloves, alcohol swabs, sterile gauze, safety pins, small forceps for picking out foreign objects from wounds, scissors, and antiseptic wash and cream.

In view of the recent flu epidemic, travellers are advised to bring along surgical masks or N95 masks in case of an outbreak, and thermometers. Hand sanitisers and antiseptic wipes are also handy — they allow for frequent cleaning of hands when handwashing is not convenient.

When choosing sanitisers, opt for those which have a high concentration of alcohol(which means at least 70 per cent), said Dr Allen.

Dr Allen also recommended packing an ample quantity of your prescription medication, along with a doctor's letter, as well as over-the-counter medication for common ailments.

WHILE HOLIDAYING ...

Limit spending time in crowded areas where influenza is easily spread, said Dr Allen.

This is advice that Charles Wee, 47, intends to stick to during his family vacation with his large extended family to Kota Kinabalu this weekend.

"We'll be hanging out mostly by the beach and resort area, and avoiding confined areas. So, I'm not too worried about H1N1. I'll also be bringing lots of Vitamin C supplements to keep my family's immune system up," he said.

While having fun, keeping healthy during your holiday is also important. This includes loading up on Vitamin C-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids each day.

"Excessive alcohol and smoking should be avoided as they may reduce your body's immunity," said Dr Chng.

Bookmark these websites

Get the latest updates on H1N1 and its geographical spread before you make your travel decision.

www.moh.gov.sg

http://www.internationalsos.com/pandemicpreparedness/

wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx

You can get pre-travel counselling at these places. Or you may want to check with your GP.

National University Hospital - Call the Wellness Centre at 6772 4462 or email wellness@nuh.com.sg.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital - call the Travellers' Health & Vaccination Clinic at 6357 2222 or email HEC@ttsh.com.sg

Changi General Hospital - call the Medical Centre for International Travellers at 6850 3685/ 6850 3333.

Raffles Medical Clinics - call the hotline at 6311 1111.

From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 02-Jun-2009

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Kakadu for kids

Turn the June holidays into an Outback adventure, discover the wild side of Australia's Northern Territory

Mark Malby, traveller@newstoday.com.sg

With school holidays fast approaching, many parents may be scratching their heads right now, wondering where to go. Depending on the size and age of your posse, there will be the usual destinations: The grandparents in Malacca, kid-friendly resorts in Bintan or Phuket, and for the more flush, perhaps Disneyland in Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Anaheim. It's the "safe" and mostly familiar destinations that grab the lion's share, but if you're up for something more offbeat, step off the well-worn track.

Australia's Tropical North

A Jabiru stork at sunset

What's a family vacation without a little adventure, and Australia's northern Outback offers it in droves. From man-eating crocodiles to 20,000 year old rock art to termite mounds 6m tall, the vast green stretches of Kakadu are the extreme opposite of any theme park.

As the gateway to this wilderness, Darwin itself is a surprisingly family-friendly place. No rough-housing frontier town is this — but a pleasant, mid-sized Australian city with an easy charm and a surprising array of attractions. Even within the city limits, you'll still come across exotica such as chortling cockatoos, night-time possums, and — in the wet season — the odd crocodile in a swimming pool.

One must-see, especially for the kids, is Aquascene, where once a day masses of hungry fish ride in from sea on the incoming tide. Spectators toss bread and wade into the churning waters for a spectacle that's part Underwater World and part feeding frenzy. Nearby Doctor's Gully also offers a primeval forest home to a squawking colony of fruit bats.

For a more intense feeding experience, catch the live crocodile shows at Crocodylus Park. "Salties", as they're fondly called, are among the world's most ferocious predators — a fact that's sure not to be lost on the kids. At the Darwin Museum, they can gawk over the stuffed remains of 'Sweetheart' (a 5.4 m crocodile), who gained fame during life by trying to eat the motors off local fishing boats.

In addition to wildlife, beaches, lawn bowling, and sailing, Darwin boasts a lively arts scene. There are local theatre productions, and the memorable Darwin Deckchair Cinema offers a chance to watch movies under the stars. With the kids asleep, mum and dad can even slip off to the MGM Grand Casino, or one of the many local pubs and clubs.

Kakadu National Park

Join an adventure tour in Kakadu and try to spot a kookabura.

No trip to Darwin is complete without a visit to Kakadu National Park. With young kids, a day-trip might suffice. But the best way to explore the park's highlights is over a few leisurely days, either staying at park lodges or — for the more intrepid — camping.

Wilderness camping is not for the uninitiated, however. One excellent option is a guided camping tour through one of the 'adventure companies' based in Darwin. Not only will you see the best of Kakadu at economical prices, it will give your children the chance to wake up in a tent, swim in waterfalls, tend campfires and sample some exotic local fare. Kangaroo, crocodile, or camel steaks, anyone?

Slipping south of Darwin, one of the first features you'll notice are nature's highrises — the giant Cathedral termite mounds which can soar three times human height. This is just the beginning of Kakadu's striking landscapes, which range from the tablelands of Nawurlandja Lookout to the 200m waterfall of Jim Jim Falls.

Even in the dry season, there's plenty of water around — and the rivers and billabongs make focal points for the park's wildlife. Birds abound — so bring some binoculars and an Aussie bird book, and compete with your children on who can sight the most. It's also worth visiting the Aboriginal rock paintings at Nourlangie, which are far older than the pyramids.

The advantage of staying in the park is that you get to see Kakadu at all times of day. A sunset Yellow Water Walk, for instance offers some spectacular wildlife views — including the strangely prehistoric Jabiru stork. If it's crocodiles you're looking for, then try an afternoon's boating on the Adelaide River. You're almost guaranteed to see a few of the deceptively sluggish reptiles on the shore. Remember not to let your kids trail their hands in the water!

With wildlife and adventures, chances are, a trip to Darwin and Kakadu will linger in your children's memories more than another beach vacation or meeting Mickey Mouse.

From TODAY, Traveller – Thursday, 28-May-2009

OK, ok, below articles does include some of the dangers in the wild of Australia. They are included, and they serve their purpose to warn anybody who dares venture in to the unknown. So parents, never lose sight of your kids. And kids, never go astray, and just stay by your parents' side. Don't play with the unknown of the wild...

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