Ireland’s leading travel health group, Tropical Medical Bureau (TMB), have revealed the most popular long-haul destinations for 2022, and South America is reigning supreme. In fact, six out of the top ten top destinations are in South America.
- Brazil
- Thailand
- Peru
- Columbia
- Mexico
- Ecuador
- Costa Rica
- Tanzania
- Argentina
- Bolivia
In contrast to TMB’s list of top-ranking long-haul destinations in 2019, which was dominated by Southeast Asian destinations, with Vietnam ranking first, followed by Thailand, India, and Cambodia, South American and Central American countries take the lead for 2022. In comparison to many other long-haul destinations, these places now have some of the most lenient entrance restrictions and COVID-19 rules.
Since the reopening of Australia was announced, TMB has also reported an increase in group bookings to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Other popular destinations include Costa Rica in Central America and Tanzania in Africa.
TMB has reported a mix of age groups visiting their clinics in preparation for their travels, including students and honeymooners, with most planning to travel from March onwards.
While proof of a COVID-19 vaccination is now a requirement for entry to most countries, there are several other vaccines that persons must receive before travelling to certain destinations. TMB provides a comprehensive pre-departure vaccination and travel health advice programme, including Yellow Fever Vaccination and a full range of COVID-19 testing services for travel. Post-exposure medical and laboratory screening services are also available.
Vaccinations for Central and South America
If you wish to enter certain countries in South America, the Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly recommended. There are also other vaccinations which should be strongly considered for your personal health when travelling to Central and South America…
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
For those travelling for an extended period or to more rural areas of Central or South America cover against Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningococcal Meningitis is also recommended.
Vaccinations for Southeast Asia
There are no required vaccinations for entry into Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong from Western Europe. Nevertheless, there are a few vaccinations that are recommended for Southeast Asia.
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
For those travelling for an extended period or to more rural areas of Southeast Asia cover against Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningococcal Meningitis is also recommended.
Vaccinations for Tanzania
All travellers visiting Tanzania should receive the following vaccines up to prior to travel…
- Poliomyelitis
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
Those travelling to Tanzania may also be recommended vaccines against Yellow Fever, Cholera, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningococcal Meningitis.
Generally, vaccines should be considered for all travellers going to areas outside of Western Europe, North America and Australia and New Zealand. You can find a full list of destinations and vaccines required at https://www.tmb.ie/destinations
Travel vaccines should be started at least 4 weeks before the journey if possible. Those planning to live abroad for long periods, or those undertaking extensive trekking holidays, will need to start their vaccine courses up to 6 months before they leave.
ENDS
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About TMB Group
The TMB Group (encompassing Nomad Travel in the UK) is the leading travel medicine clinic group in Ireland, specialists in providing the best information and medical care available for the international traveller. Collectively, the TMB Group sees approximately 60,000 patients on an annual basis, ranging from the private holidaymaker to employees of commercial companies, and overseas volunteers to NGO’s and Government departments, all of whom benefit from the expertise of our highly experienced clinic staff.
Since it was founded in 1988, TMB has undergone major growth and expansion to currently encompass 27 clinics, 20 clinics in Ireland (four base clinics and 16 associate clinics). In 2016, TMB acquired Nomad Travel Clinics in the UK. Nomad Travel Clinics has 30 years experience in travel health, pharmacy & retail, throughout 7 clinics across the UK.
What distinguishes TMB is our vast experience and expertise, as well as our superb patient aftercare. All our patients have a detailed consultation with one of our specialised healthcare staff. This covers everything from food and water risks, mosquito avoidance, malaria and thrombosis, as well as risks associated with altitude exposure, and also Zika and COVID-19 risks, which may be associated with your trip. Following a detailed consultation, we then decide on which travel vaccines and malaria tablets are appropriate. Our specialised travel medicine software is constantly being updated with travel news, so if anything is happening in your destination that you need to be aware of, we’ll make sure you are.