General Travel News
Thousands Of Egyptians Cancel Pilgrimage Over Swine Flu Fears
Thousands of Egyptians cancelled plans to travel to Saudi Arabia for their small pilgrimage following an announcement by the Egyptian Minister of Health, who said he was considering a three week due to the H1/N1 swine flu outbreak. Vice President for the Chamber of Commerce Nasser Turki said bookings have fallen 60% for the Umrah to Makkah pilgrimage.
The World Health Organization has warned there could be more outbreaks if the H1/N1 virus enters Africa, which has fewer resources. So far there have been only seven reported outbreaks of the virus in the Middle East. The H1/N1 virus was contracted by Israelis who had just returned from Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak. Mass pilgrimage to Makkah has previously resulted in deaths from infectious disease.
More General Travel News
Latest Travel News
Featured Sights To See
The Sistine Chapel
Rome, Italy
The Sistine Chapel was built within the Vatican during the time of Pope Sixtus IV.Work began on the chapel in 1477 and finished in 1480. The first mass in the chapel was celebrated on Aug 9, 1483. The Sistine Chapel is a rectangular brick building with six arched windows on each of the two main walls and a barrel vaulted ceiling. It is drab and dull from the outside but once you step into th...
Palace of Nymphenburg
Munich, Germany
This was the Wittlesbachs summer residence. Elector Ferdinand Maria commissioned the building of the Palace in 1664. Its center is a small Italianate palace which the Electress Adelaide dedicated to the goddess Flora and her nymphs – which is where the palace’s name comes from. Timings: Oct-Mar daily 10.00 – 16.00 Apr-Sept daily 9.00 – 18.00 Admission: €5 for adults, ...
Roman Arch
Damascus, Syria
The Roman Arch is located amidst the Christian quarters. This originally consisted of three arches of which only one remains at the entrance of the Christian quarters. Numerous Christian sects now reside here. Timings: Daily, throughout the day Admission: Free Address; Christian quarters, Old City Tel: none ...
Vondelpark
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Located near the Museum Quarter, Vondelpark is one of the largest parks in Amsterdam, very popular with locals and tourists alike. The open air theatre at the park has theatrical performances five days week. During June, July and August, one can enjoy concerts and musical performances at the open air theatre....