General Travel News

Health Ministry Increases Swine Flu Screening

Following the discovery of the country’s first case of swine flu last week, the Health Ministry has escalated swine flu screening at all of the Kingdom’s entry points.  Orderly screening procedures were observed at the South Terminal of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport on Saturday.

A Saudi official said “Things are under control” and they are focusing their screening procedures on countries on the watch list – the United States, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and Japan.  A screening official explained their procedure is to use the thermal screen to observe passengers body temperature as they enter.  If a passenger has a body temperature of 30 Celsius (100.4 F) or higher they are stopped for further checkups at the airport’s health center
 

More General Travel News
Art Jameel - Poetry to Politics on display in Dubai through Jan 7 2024
Visit Vaud in Switzerland this summer
Abu Dhabi Festival Co-production of The Flying Dutchman opens at the Metropolitan Opera in New York
Latest Travel News
Visit Vaud in Switzerland this summer...
Abu Dhabi Festival Co-production of The ...
Saudi Arabian Airlines wins best stand d...
Featured Sights To See
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

London, United Kingdom

What would become Hyde Park was purchased by Henry VIII in 1536 from Westminster Abbey (who had held the land since before the Norman Conquest).  It was initially used as a private hunting ground until James I opened it up to British nobility.  In 1637, Charles I opened it up to everybody, making it the first public park in London.  The most prominent feature is the Serpentine, a cu...

Eastern Desert Castles

Eastern Desert Castles

Amman, Jordan

The desert between Amman and Azraq is littered with the remains of old castles.  Most were retreats for kings and nobles, others were defensive fortifications.  They are an important part of Jordan's heritage and definitely worth a visit.  Tour groups regularly go to each site.  You also may want to rent a car or hire a taxi for the day if you want more freedom to explore. ...

Mosteriro dos Jeronimos

Mosteriro dos Jeronimos

Lisbon, Portugal

Built to herald the success of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India in 1498, this monastery is a beautiful structure, definitely wrought for ‘the glory of God’. This place was first occupied by monks under the Order of St Jerome; on dissolving in 1833, the building was used as a school and orphanage until 1940. Once you enter the church, after marvelling at the intricate stonework, yo...

Grafton Street

Grafton Street

Dublin, Ireland

Grafton Street is one of two pedestrian shopping avenues in central Dublin (along with Henry Street).  It runs from the northwest corner of Saint Stephen's Green to the west side of Trinity College.  Though Henry Street receives more visitors, Grafton Street has more upscale retailers.  This is one of the most expensive commercial streets in the world. Street performers, called...