These days we are all wondering about passenger compensation and travellers’ rights. The federal government of Canada has laid out some new regulations, as of 15th July, 2019.  Are you wondering what to do when stuck on a plane, your flight is delayed or cancelled, or luggage is lost? You may have questions about transporting certain objects like musical instruments, assigning seats for children and more.

For additional information and details on travellers’ rights in Canada, click this link to a CBC news article outlining the new regulations.

In Europe, flight delays of 3 hours, cancellations, or being denied boarding due to overbooking more entitle a traveller to compensation.  This is called Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004. The EU has a website outlining more information and how to claim. Website click here.

For group tours or private tours, contact us by using the form at the side or email.

Corona Virus Info

For information regarding Covid 19 corona virus cancellations or disruptions to your travels, contact your airlines, tour companies, and insurance companies to see what steps you should take. Pay attention to your own Government’s travel warnings. If  they tell you it is time to go home, listen to them. You could be stuck in a country with closed borders and your own country is not responsible for you or your health in that case.  Take care of yourself and others.

This month we are featuring tours that include UNESCO World Heritage cities or sites to visit. We will start off with Scotland, recently voted the world’s most beautiful country.

Scotland and Norway Expedition Cruise – Discover UNESCO-protected wonders like the Standing Stones of Stennes and the mystical Ring of Brodgar, visit archaeological sites, witness the curious clash of cultures in the Shetland Islands, and marvel at the stunning forests and waterfalls that line the fjords. 14 days from $5699 CAD ($4572 US).

Travel Deals
Borneo – Trek Mt Kinabalu –  This tour includes some beautiful treks, and the sunrise from Mt Kinabalu’s summit might make you question every other sunrise you’ve witnessed before it. 5 days from $967 CAD ($776 US), was $1209 CAD ($970 US). Select departures Nov 7 – Feb 17. Book by Oct 25.

Colombia – Cartagena to Santa Marta. Get the best of beach relaxation and wilderness exploration. 8 days from $1583 CAD ($1270 US) for select departures Dec 2 – Feb 4.

Cuba Land and Water –  This unique combo adventure on land and water will take you places most people don’t know even exist. Meander through the lush, laid back communities of Cuba’s “Garden Province” and dive into local culture. 15 days from $2799 CAD ($2245 US), for select departures Dec 2 – Jan 20, book by Oct 25.

India by Rail – Take the train from Goa to Kochi via Karnataka and have the chance to see the breathtaking ruins of Hampi. 10 days from $1079 CAD ($866 US) for select departures Nov 18 – Jan 31, book by Oct 25

Madagascar – This adventure introduces you to Africa’s remote island paradise by way of Bekopaka’s famed Baobab Alley, the stunning weathered rock formations of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, a canoe ride to caves along the Manambolo River, and maybe even encounters with the odd lemur. 8 days from $1799 CAD ($1443 US) for select departures from Nov 24 – March 17. Book by Oct 25.

Peru Inca Empire – from ruins high in the Andes to wildlife deep in the Amazon. Inca Empire 10 day tour, was $2799 CAD($2245 US), save $400 + if booked by Oct 15. 10 – 15% off other tours as well.

Tanzania safari – Search for the “big five” in scenic Lake Manyara, the wildlife-teeming Ngorongoro Crater, and the plains of the Serengeti. This is a National Geographic Journey and from Dr Jane Goodall Collection. From $3959 CAD ($3176 US). Select departures Nov 27 – March 6. Book by Oct 25.

Zanzibar – Explore historical Stone Town, Prison Island, Maruhubi Palace, and Mangapwani village on this Zanzibar holiday. 4 days from $709 US, save $100 book by Oct 25.

Contact us for more details on these destinations or any other tours. Currency conversions are current as of today on Oanda.com.

A few facts about Victoria Falls, aka The Smoke That Thunders. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on The Zambezi River forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is classified as the largest waterfall in the world, based on the combined width, 1708 m, and height, 108 m.

It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.

Columns of spray can be seen from miles away, at the height of the rainy season. This is when more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a gorge over one hundred meters below. The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges.

The falls generate mists that can be spotted from 20 km away. The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the summer rains. During the rainy season, however, the spray plume can obscure the view of the falls themselves. By November, when the water is at low ebb, visitors may see the curtain split into many smaller channels of falling water.

The falls are massive and invite contemplation from many different viewpoints. Trails invite you to walk around the area and enjoy vistas. Certainly, unique views are also to be had from the Knife Edge Bridge and Victoria Falls Bridge. River-level views from below the falls are a good way to experience their power up-close. At certain times of the year the daring may even swim in pools on the very crest of the cataract. Swimming in the “Devil’s Pool” looks as if visitors are flirting with disaster, but is not as dangerous as it looks, thanks to an underwater lip. Located on the Zambian side of the falls, the pool is only accessible during the dry season from August to January.

Private tours that include visits to Victoria Falls:

See Southern Africa – Delve deep into the delights of Southern Africa, from Big Five safari to spectacular scenery, rich history, majestic waterfalls, gourmet food and wine and a classical rail journey on this See Southern Africa Tour.

Encompassing Zambia Safari – This luxurious Zambia safari will give you wilderness encounters in pristine national parks. Stand in awe of Africa’s largest waterfall, majestic Victoria Falls, and explore Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks by foot, boat, in jeeps, by day and night.

Wildlife Safari Zimbabwe – Feel the spray from The Smoke That Thunders, Victoria Falls, watch for the Big 5 on game drives, from hides, walking and boat safaris, and explore Lake Kariba on this encompassing Water and Wildlife Safari Zimbabwe.

You can also join a Group Tour.  Contact us for more information.

 

Consult with your local travel medicine authorities for travel medical advice and/or refer to World Health Organization or  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You may require immunizations, depending on your travel destination, the length of your stay, and whether or not your routine immunizations are up-to-date. Since it can take several weeks for an immunization to protect you against a disease, you should consult a travel health clinic or your family physician 6 to 8 weeks before your trip in order to allow enough time for the vaccines or immunizing agent to take effect.

Health and Prevention

Malaria
If you are traveling in endemic areas it is extremely important to avoid mosquito bites and to take tablets to prevent this disease. Symptoms range from fever, chills and sweating, headache, diarrhea and abdominal pains to a vague feeling of ill-health. Seek medical help immediately if malaria is suspected. Without treatment, malaria can rapidly become more serious and can be fatal.

If medical care is not available, malaria tablets can be used for treatment. You should seek medical advice, before you travel, on the right medication and dosage for you. If you do contract malaria, be sure to be re-tested for malaria once you return home as you can harbor malaria parasites in your body even if you are symptom free.

Travellers are advised to prevent mosquito bites at all times. The main messages are: wear light-coloured clothing; wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts; use mosquito repellents containing the compound DEET on exposed areas (prolonged overuse of DEET may be harmful, especially to children, but its use is considered preferable to being bitten by disease-transmitting mosquitoes); avoid perfumes and aftershave; use a mosquito net impregnated with mosquito repellent (permethrin) – it may be worth taking your own, and impregnating clothes with permethrin effectively deters mosquitoes and other insects.

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia)
Also known as bilharzia, this disease is carried in freshwater by tiny worms that enter through the skin and attach themselves to the intestines or bladder. The first symptom may be tingling and sometimes a light rash around the area where the worm entered. Weeks later, a high fever may develop. A general unwell feeling may be the first symptom, or there may be no symptoms. Once the disease is established, abdominal pain and blood in the urine are other signs. The infection often causes no symptoms until the disease is well established (several months to years after exposure), and damage to internal organs is irreversible. Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater where bilharzia is present. Even deep water can be infected. If you do get wet, dry off quickly and dry your clothes as well.

HIV/AIDS
HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) develops into AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which is a fatal disease. Any exposure to blood, blood products or body fluids may put the individual at risk. The disease is often transmitted through sexual contact or dirty needles – body piercing, acupuncture, tattooing and vaccinations can be potentially as dangerous as intravenous drug use. HIV and AIDS can also be spread via infected blood transfusions, but blood supplies in most reputable hospitals are now screened, so the risk from transfusions is low. If you do need an injection, ask to see the syringe unwrapped in front of you, or take a needle and syringe pack with you. Fear of HIV infection should not preclude treatment for any serious medical conditions. Most countries have organizations and services for HIV-positive folk and people with AIDS. For a list of organizations divided by country, plus descriptions of their services, see www.aidsmap.com.

Other diseases and Immunization
The actual immunizations you may require will vary according to your age, health, and any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as the nature of your travel, whether you will be staying in city hotels or travelling in remote rural areas. A travel health clinic or family physician should assess your individual circumstances and provide any vaccines that may be required for your trip. This is especially important if you plan to travel with infants or young children.

A list of diseases for which immunization may be required follows.

Diphtheria

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Measles

Meningococcal meningitis

Rabies

Rubella

Tetanus

Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection of the throat, nose and tonsils, resulting in lesions in the infected area. In severe cases, it can cause swelling and fluid build-up in the neck. Diphtheria can also infect the skin, causing lesions similar to impetigo. In Canada, a diphtheria booster shot is recommended every 10 years. All travellers should have up-to-date diphtheria shots prior to travel.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral disease affecting the liver. The symptoms include abrupt fever, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal discomfort, followed by jaundice (yellowing of skin colour). Hepatitis A varies in severity and duration of the illness. In rare cases it can cause fatal liver damage. Protection against Hepatitis A through immunization with Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers to developing countries, especially rural areas, or areas where the hygienic quality of food and water supply is likely to be poor, or areas where Hepatitis A is widespread. For infants < 1 year and in individuals for whom the vaccine is contraindicated, Immune Serum Globulin (ISG) may be used. ISG provides protection for 4-6 months. Those living for prolonged periods in developing countries may require a booster. A travel health clinic or family physician will recommend which immunization is appropriate for individual circumstances.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is also a viral disease affecting the liver. Usually more serious than Hepatitis A, its symptoms include gradual development of fever, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, joint pain, rash and frequently progresses to jaundice. Its severity also varies, but a greater percentage of cases will involve destruction of the liver cells resulting in liver failure and death. Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood and other body fluids. Any traveller who will be staying in an area with widespread Hepatitis B for longer than 6 months, or who is doing medical work, or who is likely to have contact with blood or sexual contact with residents of such areas, should be immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine.

Measles
Measles is an acute highly infectious disease caused by a virus. A fever usually develops before the symptoms which include inflammation of the tissue around the eyes, inflammation of the nasal tissues with severe runny nose, cough and red blotchy rash on the skin. Two doses of measles vaccine are recommended for all unimmunized travellers aged > 1 year who were born after 1970 and who are en route to a measles endemic area, unless there is serologic proof of immunity or physician documentation of prior measles.

Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is an acute bacterial infection resulting in the sudden development of fever, intense headache, nausea and often vomiting, stiff neck and a distinctive rash. Severe cases can result in delirium and coma and, if untreated, toxic shock and death. Meningococcal disease occurs seasonally in some regions of the world. In Sub-Sahara Africa, epidemics of meningococcal disease occur between December and June. Short-term travellers staying in city hotels with high standards, and little contact with the local population, are at minimal risk and should not need to be vaccinated for travel in Asia, Africa or Latin America.

Rabies
Rabies is an acute viral infection, causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord which is invariably fatal. Rabies occurs in many areas of the world. Travellers planning extended visits to countries where rabies control programs for domestic animals are inadequate, or who are planning to live in areas where rabies is widespread should consider pre-exposure immunization with rabies vaccine. A post-exposure vaccine exists for use following a bite by a rabid animal; however, it may not be easily available in all countries. Regardless of whether pre-exposure immunization has been given, any traveller bitten by a rabid animal should be given the post-exposure vaccine immediately.

Rubella
Rubella, also known as German measles, is usually a mild illness caused by a virus. Its symptoms include fever, headache, malaise, inflammation of the tissues around the eyes and a widespread rash. Rubella can cause serious birth defects in an unborn child should the mother be infected during pregnancy. All children and women of childbearing age who have never had rubella or have not been previously vaccinated, should be given a rubella vaccine prior to travel.

Tetanus
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by a toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria. This bacteria, found usually in the soil, infects an open wound or cut and begins to produce toxin. The toxin causes painful muscle contractions usually in the face and neck muscles. If untreated, the contractions can restrict breathing, causing death. In Canada, a tetanus booster shot is recommended every 10 years. All travellers should have up-to-date tetanus shots prior to travel.

Typhoid
Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterial infection. Its symptoms include a sustained fever, headache, malaise, loss of appetite, slowed heartbeat, enlarged spleen and rose spots developing on the trunk of the body. Typhoid is typically spread through water which has not been adequately treated to remove or kill the bacteria. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for any traveller who will have prolonged exposure to potentially contaminated water and food. Most urban tourist destinations provide water which is adequately treated; however, if you plan to travel in smaller cities and villages in developing countries, or rural areas off the usual tourist routes, you may need to be vaccinated against typhoid before you travel. A blood test is the most reliable test, but it will not show positive until a number of weeks after exposure.

Yellow Fever
You must produce proof of Yellow Fever immunization prior to entering most African countries. Yellow fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is an effective vaccine against yellow fever, so if you have been immunized, you can basically rule this disease out. Symptoms of yellow fever range from a mild fever which resolves over a few days to more serious forms with fever, headache, muscle pains, abdominal pain and vomiting. This can progress to bleeding, shock and liver and kidney failure. The liver failure causes jaundice, or yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes – hence the name. There’s no specific treatment but you should seek medical help urgently if you think you have yellow fever.

International Health Regulations, established by the World Health Organization, require that travellers to regions where yellow fever is found be vaccinated against yellow fever and given an International Certificate of Vaccination. A valid certificate issued within the past 10 years is required for entry into 21 countries in Central Africa and South America. In addition, 102 other countries require proof of vaccination from travellers who have passed through (non-direct flights) an area where yellow fever occurs. Travellers without proper vaccination and certificate can be seriously delayed, depending on the route and destination. Both the vaccine and certificate are only available at certain travel medicine clinics recognized by the Public Health Agency of Canada as yellow fever clinics. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/yf-fj/index-eng.php