Here at Healthy Travel Blog, you may have noticed that we’re big proponents of having health insurance coverage when you travel internationally. But it’s not just a gentle suggestion. More and more, travel health insurance is a requirement when you travel. The London Telegraph’s Peter Pallot reports on the number of countries that won’t let you through customs if you don’t have proper insurance.

Okay, so let’s say you get through customs. Now it’s time to make your way to the apartment you booked through Airbnb, the service that pairs travelers with residents who rent out their homes. But if you’re in New York City, you’ll soon be headed elsewhere; NPR’s Bill Chappell reports that Airbnb stays have been declared illegal in the City That Never Sleeps.

As we dive into Memorial Day weekend here in the States, it’s time to look ahead to the summer travel season, which promises to be the busiest in at least five years. That’s great for the travel industry and a very good sign that travel-minded people are in a position to explore the world. Of course, it also means long airport security lines and the frustration that often comes with big crowds. The Wall Street Journal’s Scott McCartney offers a summer travel survival guide to help travelers avoid and/or overcome travel frustration.

Something that can lead to frustration – and, by the way, be pretty unhealthy for you – is checking in to your no-smoking hotel room and being greeted by the stench of stale smoke. The New York Times’ Nikolas Bakalar reports on a new study that shows that no-smoking rooms aren’t really free of smoking pollutants.

Earlier this week, Monica Montesa offered you 7 ways to travel sustainably.  Conde Nast Traveler apparently is on the same wavelength as Monica – this week Dorinda Elliot writes about how destinations are being rated for their sustainability efforts.

At Gadling, Sean McLachlan reports on a new website launched by the European Environmental Agency that details the cleanest (and dirtiest) beaches in Europe.

Headed to China? Be careful about what you eat. Reuters’ David Stanway and Niu Shuping report on the discovery of dangerous levels of cadmium in rice in the southern China city of Guangzhou. And at CNN, Lucretia Seu offers a guide to a healthy trip to Beijing.

So look up above – overwhelmingly this week, the media’s been filled with plenty of reasons not to travel. But of course, the reasons to travel far outweight whatever inconveniences there may be along the way. At the New York Times, Christopher Solomon makes a case for getting away from it all – far, far away. But that’s nothing – as you know, space travel is coming. For real. New York magazine’s Dan Lee reports on passenger travel into space, something you’ll be able to do later this year.

Of course, it’s a touch pricey.

We travel because we love to explore the world. And, sometimes, when we stop and think about it, we realize it would be a tragedy if future generations didn’t get to enjoy it. That’s why a lot of travelers are embracing the concept of sustainable travel.

Sustainable Travel International defines “Sustainable Travel” as an initiative to protect local communities across the globe, on all economic, socio-cultural, and environmental levels. It’s up to us to make sure we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint with every step we take during our travels around the world, but also ensure that we preserve those very towns, cities, and countries we visit.

If you’re wondering what it takes to travel sustainably, check out these easy-to-follow tips below:

1.  Book Your Trip with a Sustainable Mind

The go-green movement has been growing rapidly the last few years, and you’ll find that many companies now advertise their compliance with environment-friendly operation standards. Look for sleeping accommodations, tours, and other businesses that are sustainable. If it’s not listed on their website, call and ask.

2.  Consider Your Mode of Transportation

Take advantage of public transportation and travel by bus and rail. Walk or rent a bicycle to get around town, which is a healthy way to get around for both yourself and Mother Nature. If you choose to rent a car, go for a hybrid. Also, try to avoid traveling by plane whenever possible to further reduce your carbon footprint.

3.  Go Local

“Buy local and eat local” is the way of life for a sustainable traveler. Why? You’ll support small companies and the local people by doing so. Also, purchase fair-trade items whenever you’re souvenir shopping, which means that the products you’re buying have been made with the environment and laborers in mind.

4.  Respect and Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Research the culture of your destination before you get there. Learn local taboos, body language, and appropriate dress code, and follow the local customs in order to better assimilate into the community. It also helps to learn a few basic phrases if you’re in a non-English speaking country, so be sure to bring a translation dictionary, or download a handy-dandy app as well.

5.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Whether you practice this in your home or not, be sure to use water and electricity sparingly, especially if you’re in a part of the world that has very limited resources. Bring a reusable water bottle so you can fill it with tap water or filtered water, as long as it’s safe to do so. And before you throw anything away, check to see if you can use it for any other purpose. It might also be helpful to do some research on your travel destination to see what their current environmental issues are, so you’re prepared in advance.

6.       Contribute to the Community

Yes, there are ways you can help the local people and environment in addition to giving them money. Set aside time during your trip to volunteer at an organization that accepts volunteers. We recommend calling in advance.

7.       Go on a Sustainable Trip

Make sustainability the focus of your trip. Help build a school in Guatemala, donate time at an orphanage in Africa, or help work on a farm in India. From AgriTourism to GeoTourism to VolunTourism, there are plenty of different world-changing trips you can join.  

Do you travel sustainably?

Photo by Phil Dowsing Creative.

Business travel can put a lot of strain on your body and can often leave you suffering from jet lag, lack of sleep, unhealthy meals, too much coffee, and the stress of a marathon of meetings. All these factors can seriously damage your health and decrease your productivity.

It comes as no surprise than most business people come back fully wrecked from their business trips, and that is not due to nights out and partying. Traveling on business is a serious thing and in order to get  through it with your health relatively intact, you need to learn to look after yourself.

Below are some ideas to keep in mind when traveling on business. They will help you to relax, revitalize and stay healthy during and after your trip.

Meals

Have at least one hot meal a day. And, most importantly, don’t rush through it. You may have a busy schedule but if possible, try to organize your day so that you can take a break during the day to grab something to eat.   A hot meal will give you the much needed energy to get through the day.

Limit Your Coffee Intake

Fact: business and coffee go well together. However, that fifth cup is probably causing you more damage than anything else. Learn to say no to coffee and choose pure water instead. It will help you concentrate and relax.

Use Breaks to Unwind, Not Check Emails

As tempting as it might be to catch up with what’s been going on in the office, try to use some breaks to relax and regain focus instead of checking email and stressing yourself out even more. In spite of what you might think, any problems back at the office can wait a bit. Your body on the other hand might need some rest now.

Read a Book Before Going to Bed

If you are not going out in the evening with your partners or hosts, use this time to get a good night sleep. In order to make the most of it, instead of falling asleep staring at your phone or tablet’s screen, read a printed book. Being exposed to too much light from a screen might prevent you from drifting off to sleep easily. A book will allow your mind and eyes to relax and help you sleep more soundly.

Book a Hotel with Fitness Facility

If possible, book a hotel with a gym or a swimming pool and take advantage of those services while staying there.

Exercise in Your Room

If booking a hotel with a gym or a pool is not possible, then turn your room into a small fitness facility. You actually don’t need any equipment to do this. All you need to do is perform a few basic exercises. Here are few suggestions:

- Balance on one leg for 10 seconds with your body straight. Don’t close your eyes. Do the same on the other leg.

- Stand with your feet slightly apart. Stretch and reach out with your arms to the ceiling. Remember to take a deep breath before you stretch and exhale while you are reaching up.

- Do some squats. Just remember to squat only as far as you feel comfortable to go, don’t push yourself too much and remember to keep your back straight.

Following at least some of these suggestions will help make your business trip a successful one!

Guest Author: Thomas Bruhl
Thomas is a veteran business traveler having been responsible for web development teams based in two countries. Today he is more settled, working for  Staycity Edinburgh, yet he can still feel the strain of business travel on his health.

Photo by EdKohler.

Most avid travelers have the packing thing down pat. Heading out for a weeklong ski trip

But what happens if you’re going from the frigid Swiss Alps straight to the sunny beaches off the coast of Greece all in one trip?

Naturally, there’s that brief moment of panic: Sweaters, shorts, jeans, shoes for every occasion—how can it possibly all fit?!

Thankfully, you can be prepared for any type of weather Mother Nature throws your way without having to spend an arm and a leg on additional baggage fees. Here are our packing tips and tricks:

Tip #1: Layer-Up!

If you’re traveling from the tropics to the tundra over the course of two weeks, layers will be vital to getting the most of your clothes—not to mention the most space out of your suitcase. Tank tops and t-shirts are the perfect essentials for both men and women, since they’re perfect for layering and therefore great for any climate. Of course you’ll need to bring your essentials, such as a bathing suit, thermal clothes, and pants, but don’t overdo it. Also, leave the big bulky sleeping bag-jacket at home and invest in a waterproof coat with a detachable fleece. *Note to the ladies: You also have the added benefit of transforming summer shorts into winter-ware with a pair of tights or leggings, so keep this in mind!

Tip #2: Less is More

If you’re thinking the recommendation above will leave you with limited outfit options, it probably will, depending on the length of your trip. Accept the fact that you’ll have to wear the same thing more than once. In the bigger scheme of things, this isn’t as horrible as getting frostbite on your feet because you couldn’t fit those fuzzy warm socks in with the rest of your wardrobe. Some hotels offer washer/dryer units, and depending on where you go, you’ll most likely have the option of purchasing additional clothes.

Tip #3: Leave the Shoes

As much as you’d like to bring a pair of shoes for every occasion, stick to the basics. You’ll need a pair of tennis shoes, simple dress shoes or sandals, and boots (which are perfect for staying warm and walking in any environment).             

Tip #4: Pack Smart

Warm clothes can get rather bulky, which is why we recommend skipping those oversized cable knit sweaters and stick to light layers instead. But even if you follow that advice, you may find that there’s still not enough room in your suitcase. In that case, take advantage of some packing tips, such as rolling your clothes to create more space (which works great and doesn’t wrinkle your clothes!), or investing in some really cool vacuum-seal bags.  

Any tips you’d like to share?

Photo by WordShore.

There were plenty of shenanigans in cockpits this week. It all sounds kind of cute and playful, until you realize that, as a traveler, you’re putting your life in the hands of these folks and they’re not always operating in the most professional manner. Let’s start with the most stupid of the incidents – The Aviation Herald’s Simon Hradecky reports that Brazilian authorities are investigating an incident in which a Brazilian pop star was allowed sit in the captain’s seat while the plane was in flight. “La

Meanwhile, an Air India pilot was locked out of the cockpit after he went to the restroom and the door jammed. Really? USA Today reports that the co-pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing so the problem could be fixed.

Here’s some good news coming from that room at the front of the plane – pilots are now texting while flying. What?!!? You say. Don’t worry – this is not like an automobile driver texting; this is a good thing. The Wall Street Journal’s Scott McCartney reports that airlines are embracing more instantaneous forms of communication with air traffic control.

We’ve told you about the latest strain of Avian Flu over the last few weeks, and now the Associated Press is reporting there’s another threat of a respiratory epidemic, this one in Europe. The coronavirus related to SARS has spread to France. The World Health Organization is advising health officials around the world to be on their toes.

The U.S. Travel Association reports that travel in the States is worth $2 trillion to the U.S. economy. That’s a lot.

When retirees move away to spend their golden years in a foreign country, a significant consideration is the healthcare system in their destination country (or at least it should be). Expat Health’s Bill Cariker takes a look at some top expat destinations that offer healthcare for as little as $30 a month!

At Vagabondish, Amanda Kendle offers five really simple ways to stay healthy as you travel the world. She does not mention eating insects, but the folks at CNN do. They have details of a new United Nations report that suggests that eating insects might just solve a lot of the world’s food and health challenges.

For people looking for a great hiking challenge, here’s great news. Gadling’s Kraig Becker reports on a new 350-mile hiking trail that will open next year in Africa, and allow hikers to walk from south Sudan to western Uganda.

And, finally, we told you recently about the world’s top spiritual travel destinations, obviously including the Vatican. While you’re there waiting for your audience with the Pope, you might want to pick up this cool souvenir – a pinup calendar of priests.

Anyone whose bucket list includes scaling the world’s highest mountains but is too cautious to take on the treacherous beast that is Mt. Everest, this list is for you.

So if you’re feeling like you need to cross another item off that bucket list this year, check out some of these incredible climbs around the world.

Jebel Toubkal, Morocco
Surprisingly, the highest mountain in North Africa is not too difficult a climb for our fit travelers. You’ll need two days to walk to the summit, which is at 4167m above sea level. But if that sounds like a long journey, don’t worry— there’s a refuge halfway through the climb. And for travelers who plan on bringing plenty of healthy snacks, mules are available for renting and carrying your extra supplies. A local guide is also available to bring you to the top without a problem. The only somewhat-difficult part of the journey? The mountain’s famous scree slopes, which are made up of tiny rocks that can be challenging to walk on. But with some swift and careful steps, you should get past them without a problem.

Mount Khuiten, Mongolia
Straddling the edges of Russia, China, and Mongolia, Mt. Khuiten is the perfect destination for any type of climber. Depending on your climbing comfort level, you can choose one of two ways to experience the mountain: climb the Khuiten Peak, which is the highest climb in Mongolia at 4375m, or tour the remote region at the bottom of the mountain. Either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy the beautiful green steppes, the rolling Altai Mountains, and the friendliness of local nomads.

Mount Sinai, Egypt
At 2285m, Mount Sinai is a stunning climb with vast views of barren lands, jagged mountains, and deep valleys— oh yeah, and it’s also the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments according to the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths. If you decide not to take a camel ride to the peak, you can still reach the top by foot in only two and a half hours. And if you get there at the right time in the evening, you can take part in a dawn vigil at the top of this sacred mountain.

Mount Olympus, Greece
Another sacred mountain that’s considered to be the home of the Olympian gods stands at 2918m above sea level. It’s only a two-day climb to the highest peak, Mytikas, and there are numerous trails that you can take to the top. Around 10,000 people make the climb each year.

Table Mountain, South Africa
Located in Cape Town along the coast of South Africa, Table Mountain is one of the most popular sights and tourist attractions in the country. And yes, it is flat on the top, just like a table. Although you can take one of three hundred walking paths to the top, the Platteklip Gorge route is known for being one of the most manageable, and should only take about three hours. And after you get to the top and snap a few pictures, feel free to refuel at the conveniently located café before your trek down. Or if you’re exhausted, you can always take a cable car back to the bottom.

Do you agree with this list? Anything you’d like to add? Let us know! 

We’re all about anything that makes travel a little more convenient and a little less stressful, and this week there were several good articles that help to make travel a little less arduous. Let’s start with the New York Times’ Seth Kugel who writes about five specific travel challenges, and the websites that solve them. Wi-Fi at your fingertips can help to make your trip much simpler – whether it enables you to stay in touch with the office or check in with loved ones back home. At least in concept. But of course, Wi-Fi in airports and hotels can be spotty, expensive and not fully secure. USA Today’s Charisse Jones takes a look at your options for online access while traveling.

If you start off your trip eating crap on the airport concourse, you’ll pay the price – you’ll have less energy and jet lag will likely hit you much harder. But of course, the sugary salty options you find on the concourse typically fail to qualify as “healthy.” So what to do? At Self magazine, JD Rinne offers some healthy airport snack options.

There’s been a lot of coverage of the H7N9 bird flu in Asia. It seems that most people are not taking it overly seriously. But writer David Quammen has an OPED in this morning’s New York Times warning that whether or not this flu strain turns into a global pandemic, you can be sure that we’ll be facing a pandemic soon enough.

Travelers fortunate enough to have visited Bali consider it to be a jewel, a peek at what paradise must be like. But all that tourism is having a negative impact – as one tourism official said “We are loving Bali to death.” The Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Bachelard reports on the emerging environmental crisis in Bali.

How about some adventure travel? In the Himalayas, two octogenarians have started to climb Mt. Everest, the world’s tallest peak. At the India Times, Manesh Shrestha reports on the remarkable race to the top of the world.

Maybe for the next trick these two mountain climbers will try skydiving. At Vagabondish, Turner Wright takes a look at the seven most awesome places in the world to go skydiving.

Last week, we told you about the progress Richard Branson’s SpaceShipTwo is making. This week, the BBC’s Husna Haq reports that yes, we human beings really would like to travel in space.

Finally, we don’t write a lot about medical tourism but this story is just too important to ignore; at Gadling, Renna Ganga reports that there’s been a wave of travelers to Turkey who have found it to be a mecca for moustache transplants. And thank goodness for that.

As you already know, there is an app for everything these days. From apps that allow you to purchase movie tickets directly from your phone to being able to “zombify” pictures of you and your friends, you can do just about anything with that little hand-held device. And when it comes to travel, you can find a ton of apps designed to make your trip, and your life, a little bit easier.

Of course (blatant sales pitch coming), every trip should start with downloading the mPassport app from the App Store or Google Play, which helps you navigate the healthcare system in cities around the world. Here’s our list of the most popular travel apps of this year (so far):

WhatsApp – The smart phone era has forever added a second meaning to international travel: ridiculously expensive roaming charges and fees. Whether you’re studying abroad or going on a much-needed extended vacation, the fear of not being able to communicate with your friends and family back home without purchasing another cell phone plan can be overwhelming. Thanks to the messaging app, WhatsApp, you can communicate with anyone in the world without paying for SMS (text message) fees. All you need to worry about is your friend having the app as well. Best of all, it’s free!

Google Translate – In addition to all of the other incredible ways Google has made our lives better, they’ve also created the Google Translate app that allows you to translate text and speech between more than seventy languages. Not sure if that street sign is the right one you’re looking or? Just type it into the app.  Having trouble spelling an unidentifiable word your waiter keeps repeating? Have him say it in the “Voice Input” section and your handy-dandy app will translate for you. Google Translate also provides you with access to dictionaries in many different languages, and even features a “Conversation Mode” that allows you to have a conversation with someone in a different language.

Free WiFi Finder - Not having free WiFi connection anywhere in the world can be a nuisance. This Apple-and-Android-friendly mobile app searches for any Internet hotspots wherever you might be now, or going to in the future. From searching the area in your current location to another spot around the world, WiFi Finder will hook you up with a Starbucks, a library, a local Internet café, etc. And the best part? It works offline, which makes it truly convenient.

TripAdvisor – An oldie but a goodie, and there have been a number of updates this year.  The TripAdvisor app is a big help in planning your vacation. From checking your flight status to finding reviewer-approved restaurants at your destination, you can plan and manage your itinerary right on your phone. And if your flight gets canceled or you need to make an unexpected trip home, you can also book your flight right from your phone.

Fuel Monitor – How much will you spend on gas on your road trip? By plugging in details about your car, such as manufacturer, model, and year, as well as cost for gas, Fuel Monitor utilizes GPS navigation to calculate and keep track of how much you’re spending on gas, which can also be a great convenience for those splitting the bill!

Before you go on your next trip, be sure to download these practical travel apps—and tell us some of your favorites below!

A centuries-old golden temple. Prehistoric enormous stones atop vast grassland.  An ancient holy city for three different religions. All around the world, you can find a multitude of popular pilgrimage sites for the pious or intrigued traveler. And even though some of these destination spots may only appeal to people of the same faith, anyone can appreciate the cultural significance and beauty of the various temples and structures. No matter what you believe in, these sites have been known to elicit some level of spiritual experience, or at least respectful awe.

So whether you’re looking for a little spiritual rejuvenation, or just want to see pilgrimage sites of a different time period or religion, here are some of the best spiritual destinations around the globe:

Machu Picchu (Cusco, Peru)

Located on a mountaintop in Cusco, Peru, Machu Picchu is believed to be have been a popular pilgrimage site for local Incans, and is today visited by up to one million people a year. The incredibly unique stone facades that make up the several hundred buildings in the site, along with the terraces they’re built upon, have earned its place as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. From the ancient site to the breathtaking mountains surrounding it, Machu Picchu is a must-see for any traveler seeking to discover this serene citadel.

Vatican City (Rome, Italy)

Up to five million people a year visit the center of the Catholic world, and this year the election of Pope Francis could drive that number even higher. The Vatican is filled with monuments erected in honor of various saints, and is also believed to be the exact spot where Saint Peter took his last breath. Participate in Mass celebrated by the Pope himself and tour the Sistine Chapel, which is both revered for being the home of the head of the Church, and for Michelangelo’s famous artwork.

Jerusalem (Israel)

This centuries-old city is one of the most spiritually significant places in the world for three different faiths: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Around two million travelers visit Jerusalem each year, whether they’re pilgrimaging to the Western Wall, which is a place of prayer in the Jewish religion, visiting the site of Golgotha where Jesus was crucified, or admiring the beauty of the famous Muslim shrine, Dome of the Rock. Travelers can further explore the city’s history during tours of local museums, tombs of ancient kings, and archeological sites.

Stonehenge (Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England)

This prehistoric site contains enormous stone monuments from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, and has puzzled archeologists ever since it’s discovery. And even though the iconic Stonehenge pictures only showcase a selection of stones, there were actually 200 other lesser-known structures set up during that same time period as well. During the summer solstice, thousands of people travel to Stonehenge to watch the sunrise atop the rocks.

Golden Temple (Amritsar, India)

Even though the Golden Temple is the spiritual center for the Sikh religion, anyone of any belief system is invited to the popular pilgrimage site to pray, find spiritual comfort, or simply learn more about the temple’s history. Whether people are enticed by the golden façade or simply enjoy being welcomed with open arms, around 50,000 visitors stop by the temple every day. Although there aren’t formal tours around the majestic golden religious site, it is said that you can talk to locals who will be more than happy to show you around, answer your questions or tell you all that there is to know about the temple.

Ulpotha (Sri Lanka)

This one’s for the all of the spa-lovers and meditative yoga gurus out there. For thousands of years, pious pilgrims traveled to Ulpotha. Today, it’s considered one of the best and most beautiful spas in the world. The retreat is an incredible getaway for anyone looking for a little R&R and soul-cleansing, but it is only open during certain times of the year. The retreat is also a non-profit, whose funds go to locals who maintain an organic farm nearby.  

Easter Island (Chile)

This remote island is famous for being sprinkled with enormous big-headed, tribal-like volcanic stone statues, known as Moai. Like Stonehenge, there’s little knowledge as to why the Moai were placed all over the island. But if you ask the locals, they’ll likely tell you they represent deceased ancestors, and they’re treated with the utmost respect. As a result, the Moai are totally hands-off, but they are incredible to look at.

On just about any flight you’ve ever taken, the scene on the jetway as you and your fellow passengers deplane is a familiar one – everyone doing a Frankenstein-esque walk as they try to shake off the stiffness of several hours jammed into their airplane seat. For most travelers, it’s just the price of air travel, an unavoidable aspect of the exp

If yoga doesn’t completely alleviate the pain of planes, The Telegraph’s Suzi Dixon has some inexpensive remedies that can help you avoid sickness and stress while traveling.

The Avian Flu epidemic in China continues to percolate. Reuters’ Kate Kelland reports that this week, scientists at the World Health Organization held a news conference at which they called H7N9 flu a serious threat to world health. Keep paying attention to this. So far, this strain of the flu has killed 24 people and infected 125.

World Malaria Day is just past. At Expat Health, Bryony Ashcroft reports on the fight to control malaria around the world.

We told you a while back about Europe’s apparent proclivity for eating horsemeat. Well, if you head to China, the New York Times’ Chris Buckley wants to be sure you’re aware that some diners are passing off rat meat as lamb.

Are the days of businesspeople lugging laptops disappearing? Not exactly. But USA Today’s Barbara DeLollis reports that a new study shows that business travelers are increasingly leaving the big laptop at home and bringing a more mobile tablet. That’s causing hotel executives some concern, because rather than equipping hotel rooms with ports for laptops, they’re getting more requests for WiFi – something they aren’t prepared to offer.

Love to travel but scared to be 30,000 feet in the air? CNN’s Katia Hetter offers five facts that should calm your fear of flying.

And if you are afraid to fly, you probably don’t want to even read about Richard Branson’s spaceship. Yes, spaceship. The BBC’s Jonathan Amos reports that Branson’s company Virgin Galactic just tested “SpaceShipTwo,” which was dropped from a carrier aircraft and attained several seconds of supersonic powered flight. Interested in being on the first commercial space flight? Tickets are going fast… even though they cost about $200-thousand.

And at Gadling, Chris Owen reports that a Scottish airliner almost flew into a “UFO.” Maybe it was Branson’s spaceship?