Best Of
Re: Immunizations
Here is a link to Fit for Travel. It is a very user friendly site and explains everything about yellow fever with PDF downloads etc. Far superior to the CDC website.
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home
British
Re: Immunizations
I got my yellow fever shot at Costco. It was $182 for members. Not sure the cost for non-members. My physician sent over the "prescription" for it. If you can't get a prescription for it, then it's $40 for their doctor to prescribe it.
Carlen
Re: Binoculars for B. Z and SA
We have always able to get close to animals most of the time in K and T. I’m sure SeaLord would agree
British
Re: Blue Danube, Prague practical tips
In 2018 we did Blue Danube eastbound. We went two days early and used PragueWalker for two outside tours. We had Tereza for both as well- she was fantastic. That allowed us to see everything on Tauck's options list at that time- some with Tauck and some with PragueWalker. That included visiting both Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov. We had seen Salzburg on prior tours but wanted to see it again, so we went there with Tauck a few days later. We arranged with PragueWalker to take us for a full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov so saw them both! We were able to spend more time in Cesky Krumlov than Tauck normally does according to a TD friend. In fact, we arrived there just as a Tauck bus from the westbound Blue Danube did. They were gone well before we had to head back to Prague. We saw some of the countryside and had some great discussions with Tereza during the approx 2 hour van ride.
If your haven't heard of PragueWalker in posts here, you might have seen them in Rick Steves videos about Prague and the Czech Republic- he has a number of them you can watch for free on his website.
AlanS
Re: Immunizations
@MotherOfPoodles - We went to Costco. They have a travel immunization program - https://www.costco.com/full-service-travel-medicine-consultation-program*,-by-safegard.product.100123081.html
You fill out an online form and it's reviewed by a doctor. We’re in an older group and the recommendation was that we not get the Yellow Fever vaccine. They provided us with a very good waiver letter and a yellow booklet filled out with waiver. Absolutely no problems in any country. They claim they've never had a waiver refused.
We used the same waiver in every country. I don't see why you would need a new one every time if the reason for not getting the vaccine is your age. That's not going to change.
It’s $40 per person, and I highly recommend them.
Re: Immunizations
Costco as far as I know is not a designated Site for Yellow fever vaccines.
Mike, have you ever been asked to show your waiver?
British
Re: Immunizations
@British - Yes, Costco can give yellow fever vaccinations. At least here, in southern California.
[Added note: If you go to the link I provided above, you'll see - third bullet down - that they provide Yellow Fever vaccinations. It "says "Yellow fever vaccine is NOW AVAILABLE" so I assume that's for all their pharmacies.]
[Yes, we had to show our waiver. But South Africa did not ask for it.]
Re: Immunizations
Thank you MotherofPoodles. My argument has always been that if people intend to go to other exotic places, they should consider the vaccine. We have certainly been to several counties we though would never have been on our radar that require it. As I understand it, the waiver has to be a new one every time you travel to a different location that requires proof. Of course you may never be asked to show the certificate or letter but it certainly reduces worry. Think you had an excellent nurse to advise you.
British
Re: Onboard daily dress
It was colder where I live than when we went to Antarctica. The sun is out and it is chilly or cold. The ship is kept warm-ish. It can get windy. No need to dress up whatsoever at all, even for dinner. You’re going to Antarctica!
Re: Blue Danube, Prague practical tips
I went on the Blue Danube cruise (in October 2023). We added several days before the TAUCK trip in Prague as well as extra days in Budapest.
As per Alan’s suggestions, I used praguewalkers for 2 private tours: Cesky Krumlov (all day) as well as a Jewish heritage tour of old town Prague (5 hrs). Tauck had an option of the Jewish heritage but praguewalkers was more detailed and extensive. On the morning of TAUCK’s Heritage tour, we selected a different option (the architecture of Old Town). It was excellent.
During our added time in Prague we pre-booked various tours. All were excellent.
A food walking tour (Tastesofprague.com)
Electric trike tour of Prague (so much fun)
Classical music concert at the Spanish Synagogue
Museum of Communism (around the corner from the hotel) was very enlightening
Finally, on the route from the hotel to Old Town, there is a fantastic shop that sells Chimney Cakes. A must-eat!! We have them in other cities but the one in Prague was far and away the best!
This was a very special trip with much to see and do!!
