There are so many reasons why people want to travel to different places. They may be going there for a quick holiday getaway, visiting some magnificent churches, or for a romantic honeymoon. However, in the last few decades, there’s another reason why people now want to go places: to get healed, and it’s called medical tourism.
Medical tourism has been creating quite a buzz for people who want to have a budget operation while getting some of the best doctors in the industry. At first it was all about cosmetic surgery, but people started to come in for more reasons. Now it has become a billion dollar industry, and countries are competing in price to attract customers worldwide.
Medical tourism became possible because of the rising cost of hospitalization in the US and UK. In some countries, the services for the same procedure are way cheaper compared to their US or UK counterparts. Plus, with most of the flight tickets getting cheaper because of competition, medical tourism has now become a reality. If American or European people use this option, they can save as much as 50% on their medical bills. That’s the lowest that they can save. There are even procedures that will cost only 10% of the original price. That doesn’t include the airfare, but compared to what you will get in the US, the services are superb and you get to have the best doctors the hospital has to offer.
This industry is currently very hot and most of the competing countries are in Asia and South America. The costs of living in these countries are lower and that includes the cost of medical attention.
The number one reason for medical tourism is still cosmetic surgery. However, there are certain conditions right now that are offered by these countries. From knee surgery to heart-valve replacement, these countries are offering there services at a very low price. Aside from giving the best medical service available in their country, the accommodation is even better. There are hospital rooms offered in Thailand that look more like a bedroom suite. Their only difference is that instead of being taken care of by hotel attendants, medical attendants will be there to help you. India, Singapore and the Philippines are also following suit. Their governments have been very aggressive in advertising the abilities of their doctors, and the accommodation of their hospitals to attract clients.
However, one of the concerns for the patients is the post operation check up. It’s not that you come here and live permanently because they had a surgery. You have to go back sometimes, and you can’t just go back to the country again for a post operation check up. That’s where accreditations start to come in. You need to go to hospitals that are internationally recognized for medical tourism. These companies are usually ISO certified, and can handle the concerns in a very satisfactory manner. You can also request your medical records so that you can give them to your doctor.
So if you want to have an a cheaper operation and be in a place close to beaches, consider medical tourism to save money and have a grand time!
Related Web Directory Categories:
If you are looking for a great Asian destination, you should be planning to go to Singapore as we speak. One of the best southeast Asian countries, Singapore is one strong “tiger” economy as they show some of the best sights and wonders the world has to offer. If you love shopping, you should be in this country as well. Home to one of the biggest and most diverse malls in Asia, you can’t go wrong with anything that you fancy here.
Sentosa Island – definitely a must visit resort island in Singapore. Even the government is encouraging their visitors to visit this island where you can experience practically everything about the waters. You can go for a swim in one of the man made beaches, watch pink (yes pink) dolphins entertain the crowd, and of course eye witness the underwater world. You will be underwater protected by glass and above is a rich collection of marine life. The island also features Asia’s tallest observatory tower, the sky tower.
Asian Civilization Museum – As the name will tell you, it doesn’t only tell about Singapore but also of the whole of Asia. One of the national museums of Singapore and certainly one of the most extensive in Asia, the museum features a collection of artifacts that are, as of this writing, more than 13,000 pieces and still growing.
Singapore Zoo – probably one of the best in the world in terms of the views it can offer for its visitors. The zoo is one of the rare zoos that doesn’t use cages in any of its animals. You can practically come in face to face with some of the world’s gentle creatures in an open space. Moats are the only thing that separates you from the animals. If there are ferocious animals, such as jaguars, they are still placed in glassed enclosures that are very spacious; you’ll think they have the forest of their own.
Night Safari – now this experience is once in a lifetime if you’ll visit this country only once. The night safari is not just any night zoos that you will see in other countries. The night safaris house more than 1,000 nocturnal species. You will experience the actual night jungle with lights that are not really obvious but just enough to let you see the animals that only crawls through the night.
Shopping – Remember that we said something about shopping? We’re not kidding. Singapore is regarded as the center for shopping in Asia. They house the best shopping malls and they do withhold anything on discounts. If you are traveling for the summer, be sure to go there from May to July as you will see most of these malls drop their prices from 50% to 80%. Consumer electronics, toys, books, shoes and apparel are on its best with the lowest prices.
Last but definitely not the least are the local market. We dare you to go there and try out their local cuisine which is definitely a must for every tourist in Singapore.
For a great summer vacation with your family, visit Singapore and you’ll have something to talk about for ages.
Related Web Directory Categories:
When you’re planning to go to Niagara Falls, here are the things that you should do: No exceptions. You can’t really say you’ve been to this great falls by the border when you haven’t tried them out. Head there for the summer and experience the beauty of Niagara Falls with your family.
Maid of the Mist – The name refers to a boat ride tour that will take you to the falls literally. Ride in a double decked boat with suits that will protect you from the rushing waters as you get really close to the falls that you can feel the rumble of the waters as it hits the ground. Whether you’re in Canada or in the USA, the boat docks in both countries so it’s quite impossible to miss them.
Journey Behind the Falls – this is perfect for those who find themselves unsatisfied with a simple boat tour. A tour that will last no less than 30 minutes, you will even hear the stronger roar of 65 kilometers per hour and 2,800 cubic meters of water rushing to the ground. If you think you can go to this place for the winter, you should. Even though its really cold out here, the view is even better compared to the summer and spring days.
Niagara Falls Aviary – This one’s great for the kids. One of the world’s best and definitely the largest, the Niagara Falls Aviary houses more than 400 species of birds all of them free flying. Aside from birds, get a close encounter of some exotic animals under the watch of trained professionals to keep you safe when you interact with these animals.
Butterfly Conservatory – If can’t get enough of our flying friends, head on to this conservatory part of the Botanical Gardens. The botanical gardens are great in itself but butterfly conservatory will let you experience the simulated woods where the butterflies can roam free and live safely. Even the climate is controlled in this part of the garden.
Marineland – This is the third park that you should visit but you’ll never get bored with another great experience with the marine animals this time. Get close to the dolphins and experience feeding them. You can also watch a number of shows that feature not only dolphins but other giants of the seas as well. Killer and Beluga whales are only some of the water giants you’ll see perform in this great part.
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort – The numbers will tell it all: 368 rooms, 1,500 Seat Theater, 150 gaming tables are only some of the facilities that you can experience in this 2.5 million square meters of facility. One of the best in the world, not only will you get to have the best facilities a hotel can give, but you’ll be given a great view of the falls from your very own room.
These are only some but definitely the things that you should do when you visit Niagara Falls in any season. Make sure to bring the family along and have something to talk and remember for many months.
Related Internet directory Categories:
When you look at the title, you might think of something like this, “this is another cell phone, PDA and laptop article.” But no, you’re definitely wrong about this. We’re talking about travel essentials that you can carry with yourself, not just to listen to music, take pictures or to check your daily travel blog online. Read on and you will be surprised the things that can be bought online that will help you when you travel.
Voice Tag for Your Bag – Now here’s an original though: writing where you’re from and where you are going is great. But have you ever thought of leaving your voice as a tag? Lost and Found Sound luggage tag is a great travel gadget that will be more than a note on top of your luggage. This device will let you leave a voice message of up to 20 seconds. 20 seconds is just enough to let someone know where you are and where you’ll be at the appointed time. This is also a visible and user friendly gadget so that everyone that can see and figure out how it works in no time at all.
Traveling Weighing Scale – This might come across as odd to you, but you need to have a weighing scale that you should bring with you. With the strict rules with baggage in the airlines right now, you should be as frugal in the way that you pack things. This nifty gadget named Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale is a very small weighing scale. All you need to do is to strap the luggage on the belt of the scale and the weight will immediately be shown. You just need to call your airline to make sure you have covered all the required baggage and even plan to pay the excess baggage that you might bring with you.
Charge Them Up! – The Solio Portable Hybrid Power Charger can charge anything – PDA, Cameras or even your Mobile Videogame Console. This is not like your regular charger that you just whip out and plug it in a power outlet. This thing is solar powered. All you need to do is open its wings and a solar panel will go out to this computer mouse-like gadget. Wherever you are, you can definitely charge the battery of your gadgets. The only downside of the gadget is that you need to buy the connecting docks separately. But with all the convenience and the mobility it can give, who cares?
Disinfection Light - If you’re traveling to another country such as Paris, you didn’t come here for the germs right? That’s why the Zadro Nano was invented. This Gadget has a powerful ultraviolet light that zaps 99% of the germs! Now this gadget really cleanses all the things that you touch.
These are only some of the things that you can bring when you travel. Even though there are other things that you can buy, these things can really come in handy whenever you travel especially to another country. It can give you savings, preparation and safety plus these gadgets are small, it will not really take up much of a space.
No, we’re not talking about astrology to have a better home. Rather, we’re going to look at the benefits and the pitfalls of the Star Rating of the hotels around the world.
The hotels around the world are classified with the number of stars. Most of the hotels are rated from one star to five stars based on their ability to give the customer the best accommodations as possible. The more stars means the better accommodation.
In fact, there’s no clear definition on why a hotel will be rank with such a star, it’s just common knowledge that simple motels and drive-through accommodations are just one star. They may have air conditioners or heating systems but that’s just all. Expect a small television and your bathroom that’s really small. The prices as of this writing don’t reach $50 per night. Two and three stars go a little better with other accommodations such as a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi in each room and a room service that’s almost available 24 hours. For four star and five star hotels, think of the hotels located in the strip of Las Vegas. Most of the time, the best a hotel can have is on a four or five star hotels. Not only your room will be full of amenities, you’ll also get personalized services where almost all the things that you need will be given anytime. Aside from the accommodation that you’ll experience, the room will also give you one of the best views the hotel can offer.
However, don’t just jump in to the conclusion that the hotel is perfect for you since they have the number of stars stuck to their name. Before you go ahead and book the hotel that you really like, research a little bit. Famous hotels will have an honest view from the people that have been there. Feedback from the people that have stayed there is the most reliable since they paid huge sums of money and don’t want the business to continue its bad ways. The best place to know the feedbacks are through online travel reservations. The hotels will have their own rating, and there are other people who will be placing their feedback whether the hotel is up to what they expect or not.
The reason that some of the hotels that will have a specific star is because they are a member of the chains of hotels. This could be very automatic and if you’re booking with a hotel that’s a member of the chain, be sure to get some feedback of some of the guests that have stayed there.
Some of the hotels will have mixed feedbacks. There will be groups that love the hotel and others doesn’t really give their two thumbs up. Read through them and take note on the things that they like. A famous hotel will have their own identity and you should look into it based on the things that you would prefer.
So don’t only use the stars as gauge to have a better accommodation, use the feedbacks, and research to know more about the hotel.
Renting a car is more economical compared to purchasing plane tickets, especially when you are traveling with your family or a group of friends. Instead of buying separate tickets, you’ll just have to rent one car and everyone will be there. Major car rental companies operate their own website where you can conveniently reserve the car that you need in a certain airport or pick-up place. However, before you go and make that reservation, here are some things that you need to consider before confirming the reservation online.
First you need to know that the car you reserved online is not guaranteed until you pick it up. I’m not saying that there won’t be a car. You will still have your car, but it might be a different make and model than what you originally had. What will be taken into account though is the capacity of your car. Your SUV will be different, but you will still have the same capacity for you and your friends. The trick is to book locally. If your reservation will not be picked up at an airport in another state and you’re dealing locally, you can always ask for a favor to make that reserved for you. Of course, it still will not be guaranteed but you will have the upper hand since you called in to ask for assistance.
Next is to make sure all the things that you need in your car are there. Whether a baby rack, a ski rack or a GPRS, make sure you have them by calling at least 24 hours before you pick up your car. It’s best that you call the national toll free and the local number to make sure you have them. You don’t want to find yourself without the things that you need so make sure you have them even before you pick them up.
Lastly, you need to make sure you know how much you’re going to pay. Each car rental company has different sets of additional payments so you may need to look closer. Most fees would be state taxes, gas and other additional payments you may need to pay before you pick up your car. An exception is the additional payment you must make once you return the car. Make sure you have the car returned on time or else you’ll wish you just flew by plane instead of embarking on a road trip. There would be additional fees if you requested additional things to be placed on the car: GPRS, Satellite Radio and racks are the common add-ons that you can request for a certain fee.
If you are using the car, and you picked it up at the airport because you flew in, make sure to return them at least TWO hours before your scheduled flight. With all the security that you have to go through right now, you’ll just miss your flight if you get in the airport with your car in less than an hour.
So do your homework and ask questions before you complete the reservation. You may not need to pay anything upon reservation, but you will be strapped in cash if you don’t take a look at the hidden fees.
Comments