Many of us are nervous to travel because we are not sure if we could be exposed to COVID19, the new Corona virus at airprots, in aeroplamnes or tranis tstauons. Why can’t governments insist that all passengers traveling across international frontiers must be screened before boarding? If all passengers had to get a clean bill of health two days before flying, this would reduce fear and slow the spread of the disease from country to country. Medical staff wearing protective gear are testing thousands for Corona virus , at hospitals, clinics and “drive-through” virus test…
Good Bye Hong Kong Airlines. Facing curtains, they shaft their passengers
This post is both a farewell to Hong Kong Airlines personally and an acknowledgment that they are most certainly finally finished as an air carrier. I have used Hong Kong Airlines a few times now to zip around Asia and have loved them. As my reviews have previously noted, their service has been top notch. They also give/gave good points earning options for my Virgin Australia Velocity frequent flyer program. My enthusiasm for them has been tempered by my concern over their precarious financial situation and concerns that every flight with them might be my last! …
Premier Inn less helpful than North Korea in emergency situations
A UK couple were forced to cancel their North Korea trip after that isolated nation closed its borders to the virus. One would assume that getting the money back from the North Korean tour company, the Chinese airlines and hotels would be a nightmare. The Time of London reports that every penny of the £2,860 (approx $US3,700) they had given to the companies in China and North Korea was refunded -within days. They were reportedly delighted. Less delightful was their experienced with UK hotel operator Premier Inns. They had booked a non refundable night for…
CoronaVirus- Health Info Country by Country
The Coronavirus COVID-19 is here to stay for a while and so too are the rumours, myths and truths which seem to be spreading faster than the virus. One way to monitor the situation is to check with government websites and the WHO (World Health Organisation site). Click below on the country name to access information material published by that country’s health authority. This map shows where the cases are. Check out also my embassy information page and my page on What to do to prepare for a potential disaster while travelling. Also see my…
Do I wear a mask on the plane? Latest on staying healthy.
By now you will have seen the picture of the guy wearing a tent on his plane to protect himself from the corona-virus. Impractical, and uncomfortable but necessity is mother of invention! I cannot see them being sold by airlines as part of their onboard merchandise! As someone who lives in Asia and travels extensively, I am following the news of the current coronavirus now known as COVID-19 very closely. Here is as much info as possible to assist fellow travellers which does not include selling you a tent. What is COVID19 COVID 19…
Know Your Emergency Numbers – country by country comprehensive list
In this current situation with the Corona virus impacting people, do you know the emergency numbers of the country you are going to? In many parts of the world, people believe the emergency phone number is 911, the North American response number. It is not universal nor is 999, the UK number. 112 has become standard in many parts of the world but not everywhere. Also, in some countries, there is one number for all services: fire, police and ambulance. In other nations, the numbers are different for each service. I encourage people to know…
In the quest for Cheap Fares – Seven Common Mistakes
I love saving money on my airfares. I have scored some great deals such as Business Class seats that have saved me thousands for a few tweaks of date or destination airport. These are the seven biggest mistakes I find people make in saving money on travel: Unreliable Airlines: When things go wrong, how likely is the airline going to be to help you? Is the airline selling cheap fares because they are in financial trouble? Expensive Extras: Many customers though get “nickled and dimed”, saving money on a cheap fare, only to find they…
COVID19 Virus -alerts, symptoms, safety & information
I am glued to the WHO site reading the latest updates on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from the World Health Organisation. This new coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in November, 2019. It has resulted in more than a thousand confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City. Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations. China has locked down some 50 million people who are in areas affected by the virus, cancelling gatherings at temples during the New Year holiday, while the historic Forbidden City in…
Why I Travel- and the my Travel Manifesto
I feel like I have spent all my life traveling! My childhood was quote nomadic with my formal education taking place in Scotland, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. Today, I can recount that I have visited or lived in 78 countries. I can also claim to have been to 46 US states and three territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Guam), every Australian state and most British counties. Travel has brought me many memories, some very good friends on every continent and some defining life moments. How about you? We all travel for…
Get your Bucket List Checked off
Wherever I go I meet people who say “Australia {or Thailand or Fiji]. I wish I could go there” or “I want to go there” or “It is my dream“. Yet they never come. I have friends all over the world and they have never been to Australia! 🙁 One of my goals is to visit or live in 99 countries in my life. I am up to 78 with the addition of Russia and Estonia in 2019. If I add two more countries per year, then it will take me 10 more years to…
Recent Comments