All about travel bugs

In July 2000, a 41 year-old Taiwanese patient was released from an eight-meter long tapeworm just from his intestine. This tremendous job was performed by Dr. Chung Wen Cheng, an expert of parasitology at Taipei Medical University Hospital. The Thai patient got the tapeworm from one of his trips to Malaysiasix years earlier; most possibly it was the result of consuming meat undercooked.

‘The man had the complaint of abdominal pain, itching and nausea’, said Dr. Cheng. The man was even hungry all the time but his abdomen was really full and seemed to be much bigger ‘. The patient took laxative concoction of atatrine and soda and just after two hours the unwanted giant wriggled off from the intestine. Now-a-day travelers have to stay in a variety of places where these huge bugs are abundant. So is it not better being alert of them than bringing them to our home straightway? Here is a gallery of these parasites:

Malaria: China, India, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines,Pakistan, South Korea, Vietnam &Thailand.

In more than hundred countries approximately one million deaths are caused per year are due to malaria, the most dangerous of all parasitic diseases. And it is simple to be the victim. Only one bite from an infected mosquito may pass the disease into the bloodstream. Just within four weeks serious bouts of chills and fever and muscle aches will come on surface. A more virulent form of the same diseases ‘cerebral malaria’ may be fatal if you’re away from a clinic. If not properly treated, malaria can be your life time partner.

The symptoms may be visible on a semi-annual basis. However, the prescribed drugs can alleviate these symptoms. Bur ‘prevention is better than cure’ is the better option. Drugs like Chloroquin, Mefloquin, and Doxycycline are highly effective against strains. If you’re reluctant to take these drugs then you’re to follow these simple steps: use strong insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Most important of all you need to relax and sleep under ‘mosquito net’.

Leishmaniasis: India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

You’re hiking through the forest and suddenly feel sand fly nibbling your ankles. The job is done. It means it has brought Leishmaniasis (locally known as black fever) with devastating consequences. The fever arrives in two variations: one which attacks the internal organs and the other which attacks the skin. The internal form is so severer that causes fever, weight loss and enlarged liver. If not treated, Leishmaniasis can be serious.

Travelers have to be careful of the insect as there is no vaccine available. These stupid sand flies are silent. So, it’s wise avoiding activities in outdoor at high-risk areas from nightfall to dawn.

Schistosomiasis: China, Laos, Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia.

Suppose you’re diving in a fresh water pool of Philippines. There’s chance that a wily parasite larva approaches and gets inserted through your exposed skin.

Left untreated, this parasite is able enough to permanently collapse the liver, kidneys as well as bladder and intestines. So to avoid the risk don’t bathe in suspect freshwater pools, streams or lakes.

Lympahatic Filariasis: Southern Asia

Another type of mosquito is active there which can cause a threw-like filarial worm. It passes from person to person just through the bite. While inside the host the worm runs in the lymph vessels and tissues. When it matures, it causes a marked swelling of limbs of the body. People getting infected with this parasite have to undergo a year-long course of medicine as it kills the worm. Once again the traveler should search for the proper treatment.

But the better and the best option is to be careful and ‘not to get bitten’.

Fiji Islands Entry Requirements

Located in the Southern part of the gigantic Pacific Ocean towards the east of Australian territory, the islands of Fiji are really exotic

. The country is blessed with a tropical climate and magnificent natural beauty along with all other amazing things to see and to do. Apart than this, mention should be made to the residents of Fiji who are always at your help. So, to fulfill your dream vacation, Fiji can be your big choice. Before you plan to travel to Fiji, you should check the most important thing: the visa matters.

Fiji Visa Information:

It is imperative to have your visa first before planning a trip to the Fiji Islands. According to the Fiji Immigration regulation, a visitor can be allowed two types of Visa: the Single-entry tourist visa and the Multiple-entry tourist visa. Usually Fiji visa is valid till three months of your stay in the beginning. It may be extended by applying to the Immigration Department of Fiji located in Suva.

Visa rules are not similar for all the countries. As per the Visa regulations in Fiji some Nationals require valid passports. They will be approved a special visitor's permit to stay for a period of four months in Fiji. This duration can be prolonged to six months on formal request. Some of the countries under the visa exemption regulation are Australia, Austria, Arge

ntina, Denmark, Brazil, Canada, The Federal Republic of Germany, France, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Holy Sea (Vatican), Hungary, India, Mexico, Kenya Jamaica, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Africa, South Korea, Spain, Philippines, Pakistan, Tanzania, Thailand, United States of America, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and a few others.

You will not require a visa if you are in transit for a short halt of less than three hours provide you have a confirm ticket to next destination and you are within the international transit area.

Application for Fiji Visa:

In accordance with the Fiji Immigration Regulation you can apply for a Fiji Visa to the Consular section of High Commission or the Fiji Embassy in your home country. To lodge a visa application you will need a confirmed return air ticket, proof of sufficient fund, clean police record, hotel reservation and a medical certificate. You need to submit the filled in application form along with three passport sized photographs. The visa fee payment while applying can be made by either draft or by cash. You need to wait for one week after application to get your visa done.

Things to Note

People who have been expelled from other country or countries will not be entertained visas or entry permits for Fiji Islands.

Fiji Tourist Information

Fiji is a pictorial island nation and one of the best tourist destinations. The country consists of more than 300 islands. Nadi International Airport (NAN) is one of the busiest airports in this region. With its extraordinary oceanic beauty it is one of the most romantic tourist destinations. It presents some of the most beautiful images of the sunset from the exotic beaches. Inside there are grand mountains and tropical forests with an absence of wildlife.

Fijian Climate

Fiji Climate is diverse depending on the regions. From December to April it is considered as the wet season. The usual temperature is hot and humid. The country faces heavy rainfall, tough winds, and sometimes cyclones during this time. It is the best time of the year to experience the charm of green tropical forests. From May to November the climate is usually moderate. So, visitors visit Fiji mostly during the period.

Fijian Currency

Fijian Dollar and cent comprise the monetary system of Fiji Islands. Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted. There are plenty of banks in Fiji. (1 USD=1.67 FJD) Western Union and Money gram operate their services in all the towns in Fiji.

Fiji – Health

Fiji does not have any health problem like malaria or yellow fever. But there is sometimes an outbreak of dengue fever. Tourists are strongly advised to take appropriate sun protection and to pursue the proper Fiji Health and Safety measures. There are several well equipped Fiji Hospitals where visitors may contact in case of emergencies.

Flights to Fiji

Most of the incoming tourists enter the country through Nadi International airport. A number of business travelers visit the country frequently. International airlines like Air New Zealand, Qantas, Fiji Air, Korean Air and Air Pacific have their regular flights to Fiji. There are direct flights from Auckland, Honolulu, Sydney, Los Angeles, London, Vancouver, Seoul and Tokyo.Domestic airlines fly to and from about 17 destinations spread all across the country. Helicopters as well as sea planes are also available for transportation.

Car rental

Tourists in Fiji may use a valid driving license issued in their home country in order to rent a car. Minimum age for driving a car is 21 years. Carpenter’s Rental is a famous car hire company in Fiji. The tourists can also rent a car from Nadi Airport as well as from Suva. The roads in Fiji are usually not wide.

Some useful web sites regarding tourism in Fiji Islands:

Air Pacific - FJ, Fiji's international airline

Air Fiji, Fiji's domestic / interisland airline

Sunflower Air, Fiji's other domestic airline

official Fiji Islands Visitor's Bureau

Fiji Tourist Information

Travelonline's guide to Fiji accommodation

Pacific Islands Travel

Fiji map.

Pacific Island Travel

Nai'a

Garden Island Resort

Fiji Visitors Bureau – www.bulafiji.com

Life in Fiji Islands: Romantic as well as Idealistic

Two seasons: “How many seasons are there in your Fiji Islands?” a visitor asked a local Fijian. “Not many but only two- summer and winter”, was the reply, “but they don’t arrive in a specific time. It rains, the winter comes; it doesn’t rain, the summer comes.” Another Fijian’s answer was, “We’ve just day and night; we’ve warm & cold days and nights; they come without notice”. Actually Fiji has one of the most wonderful climates of the world. It rains almost everyday and the roads grow cleaner. The trees are always green. The buds and flowers get a renewed life everyday. Dust is almost absent because rain and

ocean air blow them out. Therefore, houses don’t need air conditioner or heater. Just an electric fan is enough to keep a room comfortable. There are plenty of hills from where you can view the marvelous beauty of mighty Pacific.

Rental houses: If you wish to live in Fiji Islands, Viti Levu-one of the major islands

is the best option. You may reside in Suva, the capital or in other town like Namaka, Nausori, Ba, Rakhi Rakhi or in Nadi. All the towns have their semi-rural areas with good residential facilities. The rent of an apartment is 300 FJD a month. Many of the houses are made of woods. There are not big villages but wherever there is one, this is very beautiful with a plenty of trees, water supply and with a social brotherhood.

Land and Roads: As there is plenty of rain everyday, the land is very fertile, so fertile that the plants grow quicker than in any other country. If you rent a house, you m

ay plant some flower plants or vegetable plants in the yard and they will grow in a week. The grass grows so quickly that the grass cutters are always busy to pluck them around the country. In Fiji there is a good road network. All the towns and villages are within the road network. The roads are not bigger but they are clean and have up and down with a little curve. There are forests with no wild animals. If you drive through a village area, you’ll find village folk sitting by the roadside with the plenty of ripe mangoes in basket for sale. You can satisfy yourself with the fresh mangoes. You can also buy vegetables from the roadside vendors in the villages.

Business Opportunity: Fiji doesn’t have any good and big factory and company. Therefore, they have to depend upon the imported marcendise from abroad. If you’re a businessman and would like to make import or export busin

ess with Fiji, hurry up. A hub of Chinese, Indian, Australian people are doing very good business in Fiji. For setting up a business establishment in Fiji Islands, you may contact FTIB, Suva. www.ftib.com.fj

Everyday a lot of foreign tourists are entering the country. So, setting up a resort in in any island is a very good idea. You may also make a share business with a local Fijian people. For, legal consultation you may contact: Sunita Sami, chief consultant, Pooz Travels. www.pooztravels.com.fj There is high speed internet connection in Fiji.

Foods: Fiji grows almost all kinds of vegetables. ‘Taro’ and ‘Dalo’ are the typical foods. Butcher’s shop is everywhere. Indian and Pakistani rice is available in supermarket. It’s better to cook food in the house for family than to dine in the restaurants. For, in restaurants the cost is much higher. Coconut is found in plenty everywhere. For only 1 FJD you may buy six coconuts in a village market.

School and College: There is a good number of schools and colleges. There are some universities. English is the language of instruction in almost all institutions. There are also some boarding schools with good hostel facilities. USP (University of South Pacific) has its big campus in Suva. www.usp.com.edu Hundreds of foreign students are pursuing their higher studies in USP. For admission, any overseas student needs to check Fiji High Commission for necessary visa requirements before arriving in Fiji Islands.

Transportation: Fiji has 333 islands both small and big. To go to other islands the visitor may travel by boat, ferry or airplane. To travel inside Viti Levu, buses, taxis, motor bikes are available. From all towns there are regular bus services to Suva, the capital. For overseas travel, Fiji has plenty of tour operators. Many airlines like, Korean Air, Fiji Airlines, Australian Air, New Zealand Air operate their services in Fiji. Nadi and Nausori are the international airports in Fiji. Nausori is for small aircrafts whereas Nadi for bigger ones. Many cruise ships operate their services with Suva. There’s a regular ship service from Australia and New Zealand.

Recreation: A few small parks are there in Fiji. But the best option for recreation is walking by the sea beach. It is very luxurious and comfortable to have a sunbath by the Pacific shore. You’ve the option to ride a speed boat. Really it’s fantastic to swim in the ocean water. During sunrise and sunset, Pacific looks exquisitely beautiful. How fantastic it looks when high waves break against the sea shore with buzzing sound. The only cinema hall is ‘six cinemas’ in Suva. For tourist information you may visit the tourism office in Victoria Street, Suva. They supply booklets with sufficient information.

Social Customs and Security: Crime rate is very low inside Fiji. But after nightfall a foreigner should avoid walking through dark places in villages with valuables. There is a few record of hijacking. Fijian people are very happy in their social life. Wherever they meet other they simply say ‘Bula’ means ‘hello, how are you?’ They never miss a smile while meeting other people. After evening, villagers love meeting in village gathering for gossiping and story telling. They sit for a couple of hours and enjoy. They make their typical juice made of some sort of powder. They put the brown powder in a big bowl, add water and make a liquid. The host and guests sit on the floor upon a mat around his bowl. The host takes a bowl made of coconut shell. Then the host makes two claps and hands over one bowl (coconut bowl) of juice to the guest. Before receiving he bowl, the guest makes two claps. After giving the juice to the guest, the host again makes two claps. The same continues till the emptying of the juice. Most interesting thing is that in some villages, it is customary to clap three times during the drinking session whereas in other villages they clap two times. People enjoy much during Eid, Puja and Christmas. They wear black dress if some one expires and join the funeral.

Fiji Islands: an Introduction

On a chilly morning we departed from Beijing and flew to Incheon, a South Korean airport in Seoul. We transferred to our boarding gate no. 19 and were waiting to board a Korean airplane bound for Nadi, Fiji Islands. Some crispy haired people we met at the boarding gate and upon a courtesy conversation we realized them to be Fijian people. Well, we spared no moments to collect the basic information about our destination from the Fijian people. We left Incheon at 19 hours, Korean local time. We flew through the giant Pacific Ocean and after a long 10 hours 40 minutes flight we were near our airport. It was morning at 8:20 Fiji local time and our aircraft was preparing for landing. The whole island was visible through the windows.

We could see the blue water below. Within a minute we touched the Fiji land. We looked around and were satisfied with the bewitching beauty of the South Pacific country-The Fiji Islands. We proceeded to immigration. We became surprised for some Fijian young people with Fijian dress were found singing welcome notes to the tourists. Their musical instruments were locally made we never saw before. With an excellent mind we finished the immigration formality and went down to pass the green channel. We came out and met Mr. Ravu, our Fijian sponsor waiting with his car to greet and receive us. We started for Suva, h capital city, 167 km from Nadi, the only international airport. “Viti Levu” and “Vanua Levu” the two main islands have constituted the territory of Fiji.

Apart from these two islands Fiji has 332 smaller islands. Most of them are so small that there are just one or two houses whereas some others have no houses at all. Some families have their single house in a single island with a beautiful watery surrounding. Interesting thing is that Fijian prison is located in an island.

Anyway, Viti Levu is more important than Vanua Levu because, almost all of the offices, business centers, schools, colleges are in Vitu Levu. Suva, the capital is located on a hilly place facing the Pacific to the south. From the balcony of a hotel a traveler can view the tremendous beauty of the mighty Pacific with her big ships, fishing boats and Yachats. People from all over the world flock in Fiji but most of them are from Australia and New Zealand. Upon arrival, a tourist has the option to extend his or her tourist visa from consular section of the Immigration Office, located in the Governments Building in Suva. Actually most of the Nationals of the world need visa to enter the country. Fiji visas are on arrival in the international airport. Normally the visa is issued for ten days which is extension able. The requirements for a tourist visa are valid passport, return ticket, sufficient fund, sponsorship or hotel reservation and a medical certificate. The official language of Fiji is English but there is another language called Fijian. While marketing or traveling you’re bound to catch the words “Bula” (hello), “Vinaka” (thanks). Local people are very hospitable and smiling. They love to greet a stranger with the word “Bula”. For food culture, Fiji is a nice place. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian you’ve no troubles. If you’re cooking at your rental apartment you’ll find all kinds of vegetables and sea foods and fishes in the local markets. Markets of Fiji open early in the morning and close early by 6 pm. Almost all the hotels have cooking facilities at a nominal cost. For entertainment TV channels are mainly from India. The cinema halls run the Hindi films. For communication the telephone operator is Vodafone. The ISD dialing code is +679. There is a plenty of telephone booths in town as well as I rural areas. Traveler’s native driving license is valid to drive in Fiji. Fiji has one of the best climates of the world. It rains almost everyday. The atmosphere is excellently clear because, there is no garbage on the way. Fiji currency is Fijian Dollar (FJD). 1 USD= 1.67 FJD (approximately). In this island country a foreign traveler can taste the sea food with plenty of coconuts. MacDonald, KFC and The Republic of Cappuccino have their business outlets in Suva. So, traveling Fiji is absolutely a wise option because the smiling Fijian people are always ready to embrace the foreign tourists with their typical Fijian word “Bula”.