Latest Travel Blogs

Are you planning an exciting adventure abroad? Whether you’re embarking on a tropical vacation, a backpacking trip through Asia, or a Safari in Africa, ensuring you are up to date with your travel vaccinations is crucial for a safe and healthy journey.

This guide will address some common questions regarding travel vaccinations, including where to get them, which ones are free on the NHS, how to obtain them, and the ideal timeframe to schedule your vaccinations before your trip.

Cholera is a serious illness caused by a bacteria known as Vibrio cholerae. It is particularly risky in areas with poor water treatment, sanitation, and hygiene practices.

Even though cholera is not common in the UK, it can pose significant risks to travellers visiting affected regions. This article delves into the nature of cholera, the dangers it presents to UK travellers, and the measures that can be taken to prevent it.

The Zika virus is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that has received a lot of media attention in recent years due to its severe health implications, especially for pregnant women. It’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent it in order to have a safe and healthy experience

Embarking on a gap year adventure is an exciting milestone. Exploring new cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds, and experiencing the world beyond your comfort zone is invaluable. However, it’s crucial to prioritise your health while travelling. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you stay healthy and make the most of your gap year journey.

Imagine planning a dream holiday with your children, only for it to turn into a nightmare when a child falls seriously ill upon their return home. We often get asked if a child can take anti-malarial medication or if it’s safe for a child to visit a country with a high risk of malaria.

In 2020, there were 564 cases of malaria diagnosed in UK travellers upon their return from abroad, and 58 of those cases were children under the age of 10.¹  In the post below, we will discuss the risk of malaria to children and how to prevent your child from contracting the disease.

“The word devastating does not cover it” – these are words from a mother whose son contracted Japanese Encephalitis whilst travelling in SE Asia in 2015 ¹.

With the chance of contracting Japanese Encephalitis less than 1 in  1,000 000 ², it is seen as a rare disease among travellers and travel health professionals. Yet, it is still a risk to certain travellers and can potentially cause lasting, life-altering symptoms.

In 2014/2016, there were 3 confirmed cases of Japanese Encephalitis diagnosed in British Travellers. One was acquired in Thailand, one in China, and one in either Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia ¹.

The blog below will look at the disease, risks, and prevention for UK travellers.

Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to start the sacred journey to Umrah and Hajj. These pilgrimages in the holy city of Mecca are significant in the Islamic calendar, drawing vast crowds in close quarters. However, this immense gathering poses a heightened risk of infectious diseases, including meningitis.

In May 2024, 12 cases of meningococcal disease were reported from travellers who had performed Umrah while in KSA. Most of these infected cases had not been vaccinated against the Meningitis ACWY vaccine¹.

In this article, we will look into the necessity of meningitis vaccination for pilgrims.

It is National Volunteer Week in the UK this week (3 – 9^th June 2024). It is a week in which the UK celebrates volunteers and thanks them for their contribution.

So, what better time to look at the benefits of volunteering abroad? Many people thinking of a gap year often consider volunteering as part of their travels abroad, and we have detailed below the insights that these volunteers can experience.

Volunteering abroad involves working unpaid, often in developing countries in great need, with the simple goal of positively impacting the locals and environment of that country. It can be very diverse, and there is a volunteer program that would meet most people’s interests. Volunteering abroad immerses the volunteer in cultural exchange, personal growth, and meaningful contributions to communities in need.

Written By Amanda Howarth

New data published on 9th May 2024 from the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) shows cases of whooping cough continue to rise, with 1,319 confirmed cases in March. This brings the total of confirmed cases in 2024 to 2,793. Sadly, there have been 5 infant deaths in the first 3 months of 2024. Young infants are at the highest risk of severe complications and death from Whooping Cough.

Let’s delve into the article below where we will explore the signs and symptoms of Whooping Cough, a topic that demands our attention and understanding.

When fulfilling our Wanderlust and experiencing the opportunities to explore developing countries, water conservation should be on our minds. Many developing countries do not have access to clean water, and water scarcity is a pressing issue in many parts of the world. All Travellers should be responsible for minimising their water usage to respect local resources and communities.

Below are some ways we can all conserve water whilst travelling.