If you’ve taken that obligatory selfie at the Eiffel Tower, survived the Big Bus Tour of London, stayed a couple of nights in New Delhi and are now looking for holiday destinations that are a little different to head to this year, look no further. Based on the Lonely Planet’s recommendations, Clari Health has compiled a list of countries that you might want to keep in mind if you’re thinking of breaking the streak of routine and predictable holidays you’ve had so far!
To make your life a little easier, we’ve also included any travel health advice and vaccines that may be relevant to these destinations. Remember, safe travel is the best kind of travel, so before you go off to have the time of your life in a country that’s not your usual fare, take a little time to drop in to your local travel clinic and get yourself equipped with some travel health advice and perhaps even get vaccinated against diseases that may be common in your holiday destination country.
From Sri Lanka to Panama, here are some countries that are a little out of the way which will give you an experience that’s also a little out of the ordinary, with the addition of some travel health precautions that you may want to take before your trip!
1. Sri Lanka
Where it was largely eclipsed by its more mainstream and larger neighbour, India, for decades, Sri Lanka is finally getting its time in the spotlight, and quite rightly too, as one of the trending tourist spots of the year. You especially can’t miss heading to this country if you’re big on nature and would like to catch the most beautiful sunsets or walk with the elephants. The cake-topper is that you can take one of the most scenic train rides you have ever taken to get from one part of this lovely country to another.
If you’re an adventure junkie, fret not – hiking and surfing are just some of the activities that you can fit into your schedule to get your adrenaline flowing. The 10-hour flight is more than worth it in this case, because once you’ve been to Sri Lanka once, you’ll definitely want to come back!
Travel Health Tips: Tap water in Sri Lanka is not safe to drink so remember to choose water that is ideally bottled or if not, water that you know for a fact has been boiled and sterilised. If you’re at an eating establishment that doesn’t inspire much confidence and which you have no choice but to patronise, go for hot drinks that use boiled water, like tea or coffee.
In order to avoid getting diarrhoea from consuming contaminated food or drink, wash your hands with soap before touching food and bring along some alcohol gel in case you don’t get access to water at any point in time.
2. Germany
Castles and cathedrals and enchanted little towns – if you’re a Romantic at heart or a history buff, Germany might be a good option for a wholesome holiday with your loved ones! While Germany is often overlooked as a classic destination in favour of France and Spain, it has its own rustic charms. Their Schnitzels and Bratwursts may draw in the foodies and the unique and classic German beers may attract those looking for a chill holiday but Germany has far more to offer!
The Romantic Road, which covers many quaint and beautiful towns and villages in South Germany, will offer you the most pleasing crash course in German culture and history. And if you’re looking to appreciate some beautiful architecture, the myriad of castles and cathedrals in the country will not disappoint!
Travel Health Tips: Germany is generally a pretty safe place in terms of travel health. That being said, if you’re travelling to Oberpfalz in Furth or Mitelfranken or Calw in the Karlsruhe Region, you’re at risk of tick-borne encephalitis, especially if you’re going to be wandering around outdoors or trekking in the forests in the area.
To keep yourself safe, remember to get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine from us or your nearest travel clinic well ahead of your trip. Be cognizant of tick bites that you may have gotten and remove ticks from your skin as soon as possible! As a precaution, also avoid unpasteurized milk products.
3. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is one of those countries that will offer you the best sort of respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and the routine 9-5 that you have going on for most of your year. Scratch the skyscrapers and shopping malls in Paris and Tokyo, you’ll find the most glorious waterfalls and enchanting national parks in this part of Africa. Whether you’re going to Zimbabwe purely to relax and maybe hang out with a couple of giraffes in your free time or to get your fill of thrills by bungee jumping in Victoria falls, you’ll undoubtedly come back satisfied.
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are also a star attraction for those who enjoy history as this place was once famous for the Rozwi culture and one of the spots driven by the Swahili gold trade. And the wildlife safaris that’ll give you one of the closest encounters you’ve had with rhinos and lions will be worth every cent. All in all, a trip to this country will be one of the most fun learning journeys you’ve ever been on!
Travel Health Tips: There are a couple of vaccines that most of you may want to be protected by before you head to Zimbabwe. They include Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid. For travellers who may fall under specific categories or those looking to take extra precautions, the Cholera, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Tuberculosis vaccines are also recommended.
Since there is a high risk of malaria in many parts of the country, especially from November to June, your travel health professional is likely to recommend you some antimalarial medication and advice as well.
4. Panama
It’s a wonder that Panama hasn’t become a conventional tourist spot by now, considering the rustic charm that its cities have. You can be the first among your family and friends to have visited South America’s own version of the Suez Canal, the Panama Canal, and taken snaps of the most beautiful and history-rich churches. If you’re more of a city-explorer than a nature buff, you’ll enjoy Panama because it has just the right mix of metropolitan appeal and old colonial charm.
You can enjoy museum tours and café-hopping, appreciate street art, get a nice view of the beach and then just head the other way to experience a whole new and rustic side of Panama, where you’ll find the ruins of the old 17th century city. Moreover, if you’re a Spanish architecture buff, you’ll not want to miss Casco Viejo, which boasts beautiful 17th century style buildings that have been spruced up just enough to give your eyes a real treat.
Travel Health Tips: Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccines are recommended for the average traveller that’s heading to Panama so that you can have a fun trip without worrying about your health. Rabies and Tuberculosis vaccines are also recommended for those who want to avoid any sort of risk.
For those aged nine months and above, who are travelling to all mainland areas east of the area surrounding the Panama Canal, the Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended as well. There is a risk of Yellow Fever transmission in areas such as Emberá, Kuna Yala, Darién, Colón and other areas of Panama that are east of the Panama Canal.
5. Kyrgyzstan
Sure it might be quite a mouthful and perhaps harder to pronounce than most countries, but Kyrgyzstan, unlike the more conflict-ridden and war-torn “stans” is an idyllic and peaceful paradise. If you don’t want to miss out on lovely, long horse-rides across green terrain or enjoy wildlife at its most untouched and unspoiled, take a chance and head to this criminally underrated Asian country. Eagles, sheep, camels – these are just some of the animals that you’ll come across as you traipse across the miles of untouched terrain and enjoy the fresh, crisp air.
The Tuz Kol salt lake may also appeal to those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to travel to the Dead Sea as it gives you pretty much the same experience – forget your worries as you float, light as a feather! In between your adventuring, don’t forget to kick back and enjoy Kyrgyzstan’s national dish, Beshbarmak or Five Fingers, if you’re not averse to horse meat.
Maybe you might even be able to enjoy it in the company of the Kyrgyz people, who aren’t the boisterous and rowdy crowd that you may be used to back in the UK, but are instead quiet, hospitable and just lovely!
Travel Health Tips: Kyrgyzstan generally is free of risks from serious illnesses, but you might want to watch out for insect and tick bites as you’ll mostly be in the wilderness when you visit this country. Remember to equip yourself with anti-mosquito and bug patches, especially for when you’re camping in the outdoors.
If you’re heading to Kyrgyzstan between April and September, the cold weather might combine with other factors to increase the risk of influenza – so if you’ve got a weak respiratory system, you might want to talk to your travel health professional about getting a flu shot before you fly.
Tick a little something something off your bucket list this Summer and travel to some of these unconventional spots to have the time of your life! Plus, you’ll have bragging rights when you come back since you’ll likely be the only one in your office party who’s been to Panama or Kyrgyzstan.
Don’t forget to make an appointment with us ideally a few weeks or a month before you fly off to ensure that you have a safe trip!