Getting medical treatment while you’re abroad might not be the first thing on your mind. In fact, most of us only really step on a plane when we’re travelling for business, visiting family, or relaxing and unwinding during a holiday. However, the rise in medical tourism has led to more and more people indulging in a trip abroad for popular treatments such as plastic surgery and dental surgeries such as fillings or root canals. From the reduced costs to shorter waiting times, here’s what you need to know about medical tourism.

What Does Medical Tourism Offer?

Medical tourism may be a controversial topic, but over recent years, has developed a far better reputation in the healthcare industry. Travelling abroad for treatment can provide you with access to high-quality healthcare while overseas, and often at a far lower cost. This is beneficial for those looking to undergo a treatment such as plastic surgery as this can be expensive when seeking to have it in the UK.

Lower Costs

Perhaps the leading draw for medical tourism rests in the lower cost of a number of treatments when compared to the patient’s home country. It’s possible to find procedures and packages at accredited and trustworthy clinics that factor in travel costs as well as the procedure, ensuring you get the full treatment and aftercare you need, often for less than just the cost of the treatment at home. With popular treatments such as the cost of a hair transplant and a number of popular procedures being significantly cheaper, this is one of the biggest benefits to opting for medical tourism. Patients have reportedly made savings of anything between 15-75% when opting for medical tourism for their specific treatment.

Waiting Times

In the UK, the NHS, in particular, is notorious for long waiting times for elective surgeries. Any patient in need of treatment can wait upwards of 110 days (according to The Patient’s Association) which can be halved, if not eradicated completely when travelling abroad for the treatment. This is particularly beneficial for those that are looking for specific procedures, as medical professionals can also be found in a privately funded clinic.

A Holiday With Your Treatment

Another huge draw for medical tourism rests in the fact that most patients will factor a holiday in with their treatment to make the most of the travel expenses. If you’ve never been to the country before, you could opt to leave a little earlier than the arranged surgery date to explore the surrounding location or, in cases where recovery time is minimal, you could go on to explore this as you recover. With a number of destinations highly popular for those looking to undergo some form of plastic surgery or hair transplant the USA came out on top when looking at the results of the 2016 International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery press release, closely followed by Brazil, Japan and Italy. This is beneficial for those looking to undergo surgery whilst exploring the area, as medical facilities and accommodation are high quality to help you recover quickly with the best possible results.

Do Your Research

Previously, the thought of travelling abroad for an operation had less-than-ideal connotations. However, the perceived differences in quality of care are practically non-existent and in some cases, the complete opposite to what the stereotype suggests. Despite the high-quality care available abroad, however, you should still do your research before choosing a clinic to ensure you’re getting an accredited body that adheres to regulation and industry standards.

You should look into not only the company but the facility and the doctor you’ll be under. Investigate their qualifications, take a look at other patient reviews and make note of any warning signs you need to take into consideration or questions that you would want to ask before booking any appointments.

Travelling for treatment isn’t for everyone, but certainly opens up a world of opportunities for those who either can’t afford the procedure at home or who may find themselves waiting for surgery back at home. Whether you’re travelling for hip surgery, or you’re heading abroad for cosmetic surgery, different countries specialise in different medical areas. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, do your research, find the right clinic for you, and enjoy your medical tourism experience!

About author: Thomas Readley is an experienced and notable author, who loves taking on new challenges and writing across a huge range of topics – channelling his personal experience and expertise. When Troy isn’t tapping away at his keyboard, creating his latest masterpiece, he can be found exploring new countries and cultures or burying his head in a good book.

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In March 2013, the U.N. announced that an estimated 2.5 billion people don’t have access to working toilets, and pledged to halve this number by 2015.

However, for the 4.5 billion people who do have access, it’s a very different story. It’s been estimated that we spend over a year of our lives on the loo. With this in mind, we’ve investigated ten of the best loos with a view.

The London skyline, with its landmark structures and skyscrapers, is one of the most famous in the world. Iconic buildings like the Gherkin and Big Ben rise from the bustling streets, attracting tourists from around the globe. At 306 metres, architect Renzo Piano’s Shard is the tallest building of them all. The 68^th floor of this incredible structure boasts the most exhilarating toilet view in London. Visitors are treated to a breath-taking view of the sprawling metropolis, from a ceiling-to-floor window.

Here’s another loo with an impressive city view. Workers at the Commerzbank tower – the tallest building in Germany – can look out over the rooftops of Frankfurt in this lofty bathroom. The architect of the building clearly had a sense of humour, as the location of the toilet makes it look like users are urinating on the building of Dresdner bank, who were direct competitors when the Commerzbank tower was built. (Commerzbank has since acquired Dresdner, completing the transaction in 2009).

Chinese city Chongquing is home to ‘Foreigner Street’, a theme park devoted to international culture. The park features replica Egyptian pyramids, a smaller copy of Christ the Redeemer, and what is claimed to be the world’s largest public toilet. The sprawling bathroom contains 4 floors, and over 1000 toilets.  If they can take their eyes off the novelty-shaped urinals, the uppermost floor provides guests with a view over the park.

The NamibRand nature reserve is one of the biggest privately-owned nature reserves in Southern Africa. The park is home to a plethora of wildlife, including cheetahs, vultures and jackals. It’s also home to this unusual toilet, which looks out onto a vast, sandy plain.

Kenya’s Meru National Park was made famous by Born Free, the 1960 book and subsequent film about a couple’s efforts to release a lioness into the wild. A luxurious safari lodge, Elsa’s Kopje can be found within the park’s boundaries. Guests are invited to enjoy the facilities, including this incredible bathroom, which comes complete with stunning views over the African plains.

This photo was taken from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The first thing you notice is the stunning view. Look closely, and you’ll see the best loo-with-a-view in Africa – a long-drop toilet provided for visitors to Shira Camp. Situated on Kilimanjaro’s Shira Plateau, this toilet sits at a dizzying 3,847m above sea level.

Alcatraz was notoriously difficult to escape – authorities maintain that throughout the facility’s 29-year history, no prisoner ever successfully broke out. Part of the prison’s success was down to constant surveillance – carried out in part from lofty guard towers. One of the towers was equipped with a toilet, providing a 360° view of the surrounding San Francisco bay.

Going to the toilet on the slopes can often be a chilly and unpleasant experience. However, this stunning Alpine view, found in a mountainside bathroom in the Austrian SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser, makes up for the cold. The SkiWelt is Austria’s largest interconnected skiing region, with 279km of runs, 91 cable cars, and a series of breath-taking bathroom views.

Standard aeroplane toilets rarely feature windows. However, they’re slightly more common in business and first-class cabins. This luxurious loo, complete with faux-wood panelling and a porcelain sink, features on some Emirates flights. Not only does this toilet offer far more space than the cramped cubicle most flyers are used to, it also provides flyers with a sensational view of blue skies and drifting clouds.

Hikers are usually reduced to doing their business in the woods. However, park authorities at Montana’s Glacier National Park have thoughtfully provided this toilet for passing ramblers. With over 1,000,000 acres to explore, this loo-with-a-view could be hard to find. Those who are lucky enough to stumble upon it can use the facilities whilst gazing at the vast Agassiz Glacier.

 This article was written  by Ben Wosskow of LoveHomeSwap.com, a leading home swapping site boasting over 48,000 properties across over 150 countries.

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Make sure you have insurance in place

When planning your next Christmas holiday, chances are that insurance policies are the last thing you want to be worrying about. However, travelling without insurance is simply not worth the risk, especially if you travel with children. Also, extreme and unpredictable winter weather might mean that your fight is delayed or cancelled altogether. Minimize the risks of disruption by ensuring that you have travel and medical insurance in place, so that you can focus on enjoying your time away.

Book a package holiday

As a family, finding an affordable yet fun holiday option is surely one of your priorities. The best way to end your year is to have great package holidays with your family. Relaxing in a perfect destination with your loved ones is truly a great experience, which is why choosing the right accommodation package is essential. Remember that you can still personalise some aspects of a package holiday, so that your next Christmas trip is precisely what you and your family are after.

Book your family holiday online

Have you waited until the last minute to choose a destination for your next family winter break? If you have, don’t panic, as this could actually be a good thing. Many tour operators offer fantastic last-minute deals that can only be booked online. There are even specialist travel comparison sites where you can learn about the latest deals and read the reviews left by other families.

Consider a staycation

Staycations began to be popular as the income of families around the world was affected by the financial crisis. However, there are reasons other than just finances that make a staycation a great option this winter. In the first place, there is a lot less stress involved, both for you and for your children, as there are no language barriers or unfamiliar food and drinks. Moreover, staycations are a great opportunity to appreciate the diversity of your own country, especially if you arrange a home exchange with another family.

But what about destinations? You may be asking. Here are some interesting ideas for your next Christmas family holiday.

Enjoy the Winter Sun in Egypt

Egypt is a great medium-haul destination for families looking for a change of scenery. Flights take barely 5 hours to reach el Cairo, where you can book a package holiday that includes tours to the Pyramids and to the old town markets. And why not take the standards Nile river cruise further this Christmas and treat your family to a cruise that goes all the way to fascinating Luxor?

A waterway winter holiday in the UK

With more than 2,000 miles of waterways, the UK is the perfect place to take your family on a winter canal boat holiday. Picture yourself waking up in a cosy boat anchored at a picture-perfect marina, taking a day trip to a nearby Christmas market, or enjoying some mulled wine in the comfort of your own boat. Some recommendations include the Kennet and Avon Canal, the Norfolk Broads, and the Caledonian Canal.

A trip to Santa’s homeland

Since it’s Christmas time, why not put a smile on your kid’s faces by taking them to visit Santa in his own home? Lapland holidays are not only great for children, but also for adults, as you can relax in traditional Finnish saunas, watch the Northern Lights, and go on a fun snowmobile safari at night as a family.

The post Tips for Families Going on Christmas Vacations appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

The Beatles Story Liverpool

If you don’t mind walking, pack some comfortable shoes and head to The Beatles Story Liverpool. Perfect for new and old fans alike, this attraction takes you on a journey through the history of the most famous musical act in the world.

The Beatles Story will take you all the way past the time known as Beatlemania, starting in the 50’s when Paul McCartney first met John Lennon. Open 7 days a week, The Beatles Story was named the winner of the 2012 Liverpool Annual Tourism award.

Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum

2012 marked the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, so it’s a great time to visit the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum in Portsmouth. The museum is hosting a year-long series of exciting events, aside from the normal attractions. There are 3 recreated rooms in the museum – The dining room, parlour, and the bedroom where Dickens was born. There’s also an exhibition room that contains interesting and authentic memorabilia, including the couch where Charles Dickens died.

Spinnaker Tower

Elsewhere Portsmouth has seen some significant regeneration as of late and this has led to new attractions such as Spinnaker Tower. Spinnaker Tower is located on the harbour of Portsmouth and is over 170 metres high making it the tallest structure outside of London which can be accessed.

The tower is considered a design masterpiece and the observation platforms on the tower give you a panoramic view of the city with 23 miles of viewing distance available on a clear day! In addition to this the tower hosts an array of special events throughout the year such as craft fairs and comedy and music shows. If you want to access the viewing decks of Spinnaker Tower you will need to purchase a ticket which is currently £8.55, however you can print your voucher now whilst planning on your trip and get a 20% discount on the cost of the ticket, giving you more money to spend on afternoon tea in the Café in the Clouds!

The Victoria and Albert Museum

If you’re a museum fan one of the places you will consider a must visit is London, the museum capital of the United Kingdom with museums and art galleries covering a wide array of topics, from natural history to science, fashion and photography. The museums in London, such as The Victoria and Albert Museum not only have their permanent collections but they also host temporary exhibitions throughout the year and checking out the schedule of such events is recommended. These usually come with an additional entry fee and are always popular! Over the summer you will find a David Bowie exhibition which consists of thousands of David Bowie and music memorabilia, handwritten sheets of lyrics and instruments used by David Bowie! A must visit for all music fans heading to London between March and July 2013.

Isles of Scilly

If you’re looking for more of an outdoor adventure, look no further than the Isles of Scilly. There are awe-inspiring sights and activities on each one of the 5 islands that make up this marvellous place.

For a more relaxed time, there are beachfront cafes, arts & crafts, and one of the most gorgeous gardens in Europe – Tresco Abbey Garden. For a more active day, you’ll find plenty of fun sporting activities, such as horse riding, golf, and cycling. There truly is something for everyone on the Isles of Scilly. There are 3 beautiful beaches, Bar Point, Great Bay, and Pelistry that offer beautiful waters and soft white sand. Plenty of historical sights abound the Isles of Scilly, including St. Agnes Lighthouse, erected in 1860 by Trinity House. Aside from the aforementioned attractions, there are restaurants, museums, galleries, and animal park, and much, much more. A visit to the Isles of Scilly will guarantee a good time and great memories.

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ATOL was first introduced in 1973, but in recent years, there have been significant changes in the way that holidays are sold. Principally as a result of the Internet. As regulations were written prior to these develompents it has led to confusion for both consumers and the industry, as such changes were needed to bring ATOL into line with recent changes to holiday booking processes. As a result, changes were made to the ATOL scheme in April 2012

ATOL provides financial protection for consumers in the event of their ATOL holder going out of business, however, the number of holidaymakers that are ATOL protected has reduced considerably in the last few years due to changes in the ways holidays are sold. The ATOL reform is intended to ensure that more air holidays are financially protected.

A certificate will be provided at the time you book your holiday, this will detail whether your booking is a package, flight only, or flight plus. You will also see specific details about your booking on the certificate, for example the number of people travelling, flight details etc.

On the CCA website you can check an ATOL of a company against their database.

Wanderforth provided very nice infographics below to make it easer understand how it ATOL works:

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Auckland, New Zealand

Sydney, Australia

Taipei, Taiwan

Hong Kong

Singapoure

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Moscow, Russia

Berlin, Germany

London, UK

Toronto, Canada

Photo credit:  ekv8H, sydneynewyearseve.com, cfnews13.com, militaryphotos.net, channelnewsasia.com, cntraveler.com, emirates247.com, q8allinone.com, abc.net.au, thestar.com

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Be the star of the show

For a little of the unknown, immersive theatrical experiences are becoming the latest craze in London, taking bemused audience members on a whirlwind ride through their dreams, fears and fantasies in a short space of time.

The wacky You Me Bum Bum Train, an immersive theatrical experience created in 2004, is a unique experience, whereby audience members play centre stage in their own production, surrounded by hundreds of volunteers. Audience members are shuttled through a series of terrifying, uplifting or bizarre scenes where visitors play a number of different roles throughout the evening. Previous experiences including hosting a game show, robbing a bank full of terrified customers or giving motivational speeches to football players in a changing room.

Before you have time to become too engaged with the scene, you are hurried off to the next room for an alternative experience. Sounds like a blast.

Step into someone else’s shoes for a few days

London based onefinestayhas shown that ‘living like a local’ can be made simple, with their alternative service to traditional hotel accommodation. Dubbed the ‘unhotel’, onefinestay allows visitors to London and New York to stay in someone else’s home when they are out of town.

Guests stay in the property like they would in a boutique hotel, yet have all of the comforts of a home. Additional perks include fresh linens, fluffy towels, 24 hour guest services and an iPhone to use during your stay (which is preloaded with tips on the best places to go in the area).

Immerse yourself in food

A combination of food, theatrics and fun, Gingerline is at the forefront of creating ‘immersive dining experiences’ for ‘London’s food adventurers’ at various locations along East London’s overground line (which is orange, hence the name).

As a follow on to the pop-up dining experiences that are gaining momentum in the city, Gingerline diners are given directions 60 minutes before the event is due to start, adding an element of secrecy and excitement of the evening. Diners are treated to various different forms of entertainment throughout the evening from musicians to jugglers, which complement the theme and menu for the evening.

With a selection of unusual experiences like this available, it’s no wonder visitors to London are looking to venture off the beaten track for a real taste of what the city has to offer.

The post How to live like a local in London appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Thorough preparation can make the difference between an enjoyable voluntary experience and one plagued by discomfort and even illness. There’s a lot to remember before any trip abroad so it’s worth making a list so that nothing is forgotten. Here are 10 of the most important things to include.

Vaccinations

Those volunteering outside the UK may need to be vaccinated against diseases found in different countries. These will help prevent infection from serious diseases such as yellow fever, tick-borne encephalitis and cholera.

A GP can advise on which countries require which vaccinations – some of which must be paid for. Some vaccinations, such as that for yellow fever, are only available from designated centres. Contact the National Travel Health Network and Centre or ask a GP for further information.

Volunteers staying in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia are unlikely to need any vaccinations.

First aid kit

Just the basics will do – anti-histamines, plasters, hydration solution (such as Dioralyte), painkillers, insect repellent, antiseptic wipes, sunblock, a pair of scissors and a pair of tweezers. Take less or more of each depending on the country being visited.

For example, a trip to Paris is unlikely to cause more than one upset stomach, while significant amounts of time spent in India is likely to cause many.

Language

When visiting a foreign country, it always helps to be able to speak some of the language – whether you’re going on a volunteering programme with an organisation such as Projects Abroad or just travelling. Give yourself the best possible chance and start learning as soon as possible. Pack a phrasebook for use while away, but make use of internet sources while at home that provide audio examples of how to pronounce useful words and phrases correctly.

Bag

Don’t take an overly large bag as the temptation will always be to fill it. Packed bags can get heavy quickly – especially in hot countries. Take a rucksack rather than a suitcase as these are easier to carry.

Money

Change money beforehand rather than at the airport or in the country itself. Take a debit card or credit card for use in emergencies and a money belt to keep the main bulk of any cash out of sight.

Entertainment

Long waits in airports and train stations can be made to feel much shorter with a little entertainment. Pack a book to read and a small music-playing device. Books can be exchanged easily enough so take no more than two.

Footwear

Appropriate footwear is essential. Even if the country has a warm climate, don’t think you can get away with just packing flip flops. While not the most flattering of footwear, a good pair of walking boots will be suitable for volunteering on a huge variety of projects. If the placement is within a formal organisation, then smart shoes may be appropriate – check beforehand.

Eyewear

Those that wear glasses should take a spare pair. Contact lens wearers also need to take spares. Everyone should take a good pair of sunglasses that offer full protection against ultraviolet light – specifically lenses that block UVB and UVA rays.

Clothing

Think ‘light and loose’ when packing clothes. Cold nights can be combated by adding layers. Remember that long-sleeved tops and trousers are useful for warding off the advances of mosquitos.

Medication

If you currently take any medication, make sure you have enough to last for the entirety of the trip – and some to spare. If visiting a malarial country, make sure to get suitable anti-malarial medication from your doctor. These usually need to be taken one week before leaving and for one month after returning.

The three main types are Atovaquone plus proguanil (also known as Malarone), Doxycycline (also known as Vibramycin-D), and Mefloquine (also known as Lariam).

Samuel Tetley is a freelance writer and travel enthusiast. He has travelled to – and written about – countries in every continent. Since volunteering he has developed a taste for the varied and challenging work. His next trip will see him teaching English in Tanzania.

The post 10 things to remember before you go volunteering appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Any time on travels, there are always options for where to go, what airlines to fly and what cities and airports to fly into. There are many reasons as to why London is one of the best cities to fly into. Before you do, airport hotels are always worth considering when flying in and out of the capital, they can really make your journey less stressful.
Public transportation is another reason to pick London. Between the always there cabbies, the tube, trains, and buses, it is a simple matter to traverse the city without renting a car or partaking in the dangerous sport of hitch hiking. There are also shuttle services from to hotels or even to the public transportation hubs that are located within easy distance from the airport. The city is set up in such a way that between the Tube and walking, one can go just about anywhere.

Are you thinking of travelling over for the Olympics? Do! Don’t miss out on what is going to be an amazing atmosphere in an incredible place. The buzz has already started around London with the torch relay well underway. I for one, cannot wait until the Olympics get here, the infrastructure in place is remarkable and I know London will do the country proud. If your only thinking of coming over for a couple of days the airport hotels are a great choice, don’t have to drag the luggage too far and they have great links into the city, one of my personal favourites is the The Ramada Plaza at Gatwick with great links from the airport and a short train journey to the centre of the London. If you fancy staying a bit closer why not look for a bit of luxury and stay at the Crowne Plaza Heathrow jump on the tube and your in the centre of the action!
If variety is truly the spice of life, then add that to the reasons that you are going to fly into London. It is home to just about every variety of legal entertainment, restaurants and shopping imaginable. There are concerts of every genre from classical to indie to even the occasional folk. It isn’t surprising that it has been called the centre of the modern world by many. The performing arts are also widely represented in the city from Operas, to ballets, to any number of musicals or plays put on in the city. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy, it is simply a matter of finding your particular flavor.
There is also a rich history to the city that has been respectfully preserved and can still be visited. There are museums and galleries filled with artifacts and artistry. There are ancient buildings that have been conserved for future generations, not to mention the many parks and gardens that were designed centuries ago and still draw in quite a crowd.
The people are another reason to visit. Londoners are an interesting mix of urban, friendly, traditional and eclectic. Whether it’s a stranger in the street or your cabbie, they often have great recommendations and funny stories for you. The stereotype for Brits generally involves stiff upper lips and rudeness, but that is just a stereotype. Most travelers will find friendly faces and kind hearts.

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