Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
31 July 2012 12:07
Researchers have looked at how resistant different airports are to the spread of disease
Even though you might feel in perfect health before you set off on holiday, it is still wise to take out medical travel insurance as you never know what might happen while on your travels.
And it's not necessarily the exotic location you're travelling to where you might pick up an illness, the danger might be much closer to home. With lots of people in one place - many of whom have just arrived back from far-flung locations - the airport you're taking off from, for example, could be a prime spot for disease to spread.
A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Civil and Environmental Engineering department, published in the journal PLoS ONE, looked at the 40 largest US airports to find out which ones would be the most likely to spread infections if there was an outbreak in their respective cities.
Numerous factors were considered such as passengers' travel patterns, the airport's geographic location, interactions between airports and even passenger waiting times.
The results were surprising as an airport's susceptibility to spread of disease were not necessarily linked to its size or how many travellers passed through it. Although John F Kennedy International Airport in New York and Los Angeles International Airport were the two most vulnerable, far smaller Honolulu International Airport was third on the researchers' list.
Despite it carrying only 30% as much traffic as Kennedy, Honolulu was ranked so highly because of its position in the air transportation network: in the Pacific Ocean, with many connections to distant, large, and well-connected hubs.
17 July 2019
Want to experience a different side of Portugal? Check out one of these great destinations that lie a step or two away from the standard tourist trail...
[more...]
08 July 2019
Want to taste the real France? Experience the best French food and drink at one of these excellent foodie festivals. Perfect for food and wine lovers everywhere!
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.