HealthAbroad.net -- An Information Portal on Low-Cost Medical Care Treatments and Destinations Worldwide

NEW DELHI (PRWEB) April 27, 2006

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry that exploits the price difference between the West and other parts of the world to provide high-quality yet cheap medical treatment to foreign patients. Still in its infancy, medical tourism is growing 30-40% per year and is expected to generate over 4 billion USD/ year by 2012 in Asia alone.

A new portal on medical tourism, HealthAbroad.net, has been launched with the aim of filling the breach between Western patients and healthcare service providers at the top medical tourism destinations across the world these include India, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand in Asia; Hungary and Lithuania in Eastern Europe; Costa Rica and Cuba in Latin America and South Africa. HealthAbroad.net steps into the existing information vacuum to cater not only to treatment-seekers but also to academics, researchers, media and industry watchers. The website provides a wealth of information on trends and developments in the medical tourism industry which makes it the first stop for anyone connected to or interested in this industry.

HealthAbroad.net provides the user with an extensive and unbiased database of information on hospitals and doctors. The sites features have been designed keeping in mind the needs of the end-user. For example, in addition to the database of hospitals and doctors, users are also provided detailed explanations of various surgical procedures, and reviews of past experiences with a particular hospital or doctor.

HealthAbroad.net is also unique because it is a participatory knowledge center. A special section on the website called Forums is specifically meant for users to share information and details of treatments and discuss and comment on the quality of their experiences. A first-of-its-kind Blog devoted to tracking trends and developments of this fast-evolving industry also adds to the knowledge-base of this industry.

About HealthAbroad.net

HealthAbroad.net was founded by a group of three individuals with diverse experience in internet business, media and research. In its start-up phase, HealthAbroad.net has benefited from the support of some prominent doctors and service providers of the medical tourism industry. Visit http://www.HealthAbroad.net for more information.

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HealthAbroad.net -- An Information Portal on Low-Cost Medical Care Treatments and Destinations Worldwide

HolidayIQ - Top Summer Destinations 2010

Bangalore, India (PRWEB) April 25, 2010

A summer vacation typically meant a few days in the sun soaked Goa, for the Western Indian of course. And for the South Indian, it was a trip to Ooty. Shimla was the place to be for those in the North. But not so any more.

Those places which one would generally not consider as a possible vacation destination a few years ago, for whatever reasons it may have been, are now getting mainstream. “A case in point,” says Hari Nair, founder of HolidayIQ “would be Digha in West Bengal or Dandeli in Karnataka. These places which attracted the odd traveller so far have caught the fancy of an increasing number of holiday goers. This could be simply because they are less explored and today’s traveller wants to explore new places. Brand building by tourism boards has also helped.”

HolidayIQ has been tracking destination popularity and traveller preferences over past several seasons. Going by the content that users visit on HolidayIQ, the discussions that they engage in on HolidayIQ’s Q&A Forum and more importantly based on the booking requests that users submit on HolidayIQ, the list of most popular travel destination this summer include Ganpatipule and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, Coorg in Karnataka, Kodaikanal and Ooty in Tamil Nadu, Munnar in Kerala, Ladakh in J&K, Gangtok in Sikkim, Manali in Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling in West Bengal.

Apart from this, there is an interesting list of destinations that are fast emerging as popular holiday destinations. While they are not as sought after as the ‘most popular destinations’, going by the trend, they will soon be among them. Such a list for this summer include Auli in Uttaranchal, Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Arakku-Valley in Andhra Pradesh, Digha in West Bengal, Tarkarli in Maharashtra and Dandeli in Karnataka.

According to HolidayIQ, such changes in travelling pattern can be explained. “There is generally more awareness among people about vacation destinations. Internet and more particularly travel sites like HolidayIQ play a key role in exposing holiday options and possibilities to the traveller” elaborates Hari. “Thanks to the ability of the average traveller to spend higher amounts and the need of today’s vacationer for varied options, many new destinations are getting popular. The younger generation wants adventure, they look for exotic places and are ready to travel longer distances.” That is why places as far as Ladakh and as remote as Gangtok too are on the tourist circuit these days.

HolidayIQ’s analysis has thrown up some surprises with respect to overseas destinations. More tourists seem to be opting for Australia and New Zealand as compared to the traditional vacation spots like UK and USA. Otherwise, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand continue to be among the most popular destinations, perhaps due to proximity and lower budgets. Again, places like Maldives and Mauritius are breaking into the popularity list.

HolidayIQ has a partnered with a carefully selected set of travel partners across the country in order to address the requests of its users. These partners are treated as “destination experts” and chosen for their in-depth understanding of specific destinations their ability to respond to the needs of the users. Post the holiday season HolidayIQ expects to publish its annual Holiday Intelligence Report, which provides useful insights into the travel trends in India in general and actionable information to the players in the travel industry.

Visit http://www.holidayiq.com for information on Destinations, Hotels, Resorts, Home-stays and other accommodation options in India.

To advertise with HolidayIQ, click here. http://www.holidayiq.com/advertise-with-us.php

About HolidayIQ.com

HolidayIQ.com is owned & operated by Leisure & Lifestyle Information Services Private Limited, based in Bangalore, India. Formerly called India Resorts Survey, HolidayIQ started operations in April 2004, focusing on creating India’s first travel community and getting the community to contribute feedback on tourism destinations and hotels across India.

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HolidayIQ - Top Summer Destinations 2010

Singapore (PRWEB) February 15, 2012 Agoda.com, a leading global hotel booking site and part of NASDAQ-listed Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN), today announced its Fresh Destinations 2012. Launched in 2011, agoda.com’s Fresh Destinations list aggregates traveler booking data and customer reviews and ratings to identify Asian cities that have showed a marked increase in popularity over a span of 12 months. This year, the list showcases deserted coastline, picturesque mountain provinces and unsung urban centers, each with its own distinct appeal. Offering unique glimpses at history, geology, tradition and culture, this year’s Fresh Destinations list provides all new travel inspiration for 2012. 1. Naha, Japan Naha is the capital city of the Okinawa Prefecture, an island chain comprising southernmost Japan. Just 2.5 hours from Tokyo by plane, Okinawa is the Hawaii of Japan, offering a warm tropical climate, white-sand beaches and plenty of diving, snorkeling and water sports. Okinawa’s heritage is that of the Ryukyu Kingdom, overtaken by Japan in the 1600s and its culture, its customs and its dialects are distinct from those of mainland Japan. Museums and peace parks observing WWII’s Battle of Okinawa add further depth. 2. Palawan, Philippines Palawan is a tropical island with national parkland, pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, rainforest and coral reefs, only an hour by plane from Manila. Several areas of Palawan and its waters are protected, and a burgeoning eco-tourism trade supports responsible travel to these regions. Reefs in the El Nido Marine Reserve are a particular attraction, showcasing rich biodiversity, while sunken wrecks around Coron add interest for divers. The forests of Palawan are similarly striking. 3. Pangkor Island/Pangkor Laut, Malaysia Pangkor is a small island on the north-west coast of Malaysia with beautiful beaches, Dutch colonial ruins, temples and fishing villages. It’s a relaxed alternative to Langkawi, and boasts stellar beaches and a healthy selection of accommodation. The island also has tracts of untouched rainforest, so visitors can glimpse local wildlife about their usual business macaques and hornbills in particular. Fresh seafood laska steamed fish, crayfish softshell crab etc is also a good reason to visit Pangkor. 4. Busan, South Korea Busan, on the south eastern coastline of South Korea, is a favorite domestic getaway spot for two things: seafood and sea. As the country’s largest sea port, it’s got all the cosmopolitan advantages of a sizeable coastal metropolis plus lengthy and very popular beaches. Haeundae, SongJong and Gwangalli are its most popular beaches, offering kilometers-long stretches of sand that in summer time become completely inundated with people. Hiking up and around Geumjeongsan is also a popular activity. 5. Khanom, Thailand Khanom is a small fishing village on the western edge of the Thai Gulf coast in the southern province of Nakhon Si Tammarat. It’s got long, deserted stretches of beach, forests and mangrove systems and sheer limestone mountains. The beaches here are clean, quiet and windswept, with shell-strewn yellow sand fringed by coconut groves. Khanom is a very peaceful, relaxing destination. It remains largely overlooked by travelers headed to nearby Samui and Phangan islands, which makes it perfect for those yearning real downtime. Visitors can kayak to nearby islands, explore caves, dive coral reefs, join fishing or dolphin-spotting tours and enjoy fresh seafood. 6. Mui Ne, Vietnam Mui Ne is a quiet fishing village a five-hour bus trip from Ho Chi Minh City, just north of the coastal town of Phan Thiet. Within its borders are several geological points of interest, including red dunes, white dunes and rock formations. The beach here fosters a healthy kite-surfing and windsurfing scene thanks to low rainfall and consistent winds. Mui Ne’s fishermen are unique for their round basket-shaped boats. 7. Tagaytay, Philippines A stunning high-altitude summer retreat, Tagaytay is a popular getaway for lowland dwellers escaping the tropical heat. It’s located on the highlands of Cavite province, just over an hour’s drive north of Manila. Complementing its fresh air and undulating terrain, Tagaytay offers up the otherworldly Taal Lake, a crater lake within the nearby Taal Caldera. For the intrepid, the lake and island can be explored by tricycle, boat and horseback. Tagaytay’s also got a smattering of historic buildings, flower farms, golf courses and waterfalls. 8. Hualien, Taiwan Hualien is a small city bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and Hehuanshan literally ‘Joy Mountain’ on the other. The climate is temperate, the air fresh and Hehuanshan’s cloud-veiled peaks beyond beautiful. With the tandem attractions of the ocean and the mountains, Hualien promises a full swag of travel experiences. In the winter, Hehuanshan becomes blanketed in snow, and year-round, the marble cliffs and steep canyons of Taroko Gorge make for compelling and challenging hiking. In summer, whale- and dolphin-watching tours draw tourists seaward. 9. Phetchabun, Thailand Phetchabun province is a region of forests, mountains, waterfalls, river valleys and unhurried villages, just a few hours’ drive north of Bangkok. Protected national parks are home to animals and birdlife, while Petchabun city offers traditional Thai attractions like temples, markets and street dining. The vast Nam Nao National Park offers trekking up various peaks and plateaus, with nature trails through pine forests and glades for the less energetic. Foodies can sample locally-grown tamarind and authentic khanom chin (a gravy noodle dish) or head to Si Thep historic park for a glimpse of the area’s ancient Khmer heritage. 10. Malang, Indonesia Malang is a large East Javan city with ancient Mataram and Dutch colonial heritage. Its cool climate, bougainvillea-dotted avenues and colorful landscapes have earned it comparisons to Europe, an image in dramatic contrast to the nearby volcanic mountain range of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. Picturesque and rich in history, Malang has colonial buildings, villages, golf, ancient temple ruins and Javanese relics. Malang is also a scenic stopover point for travelers on their way to ascend either Mount Semeru or Mount Bromo, conveniently positioned as it is between the two. For more information, please contact PR(at)agoda(dot)com. ### More Malaysia Heritage Tourism Press Releases Agoda.com Unveils Fresh Destinations 2012

Singapore (PRWEB) February 15, 2012

Agoda.com, a leading global hotel booking site and part of NASDAQ-listed Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN), today announced its Fresh Destinations 2012.

Launched in 2011, agoda.com’s Fresh Destinations list aggregates traveler booking data and customer reviews and ratings to identify Asian cities that have showed a marked increase in popularity over a span of 12 months.

This year, the list showcases deserted coastline, picturesque mountain provinces and unsung urban centers, each with its own distinct appeal. Offering unique glimpses at history, geology, tradition and culture, this year’s Fresh Destinations list provides all new travel inspiration for 2012.

1. Naha, Japan

Naha is the capital city of the Okinawa Prefecture, an island chain comprising southernmost Japan. Just 2.5 hours from Tokyo by plane, Okinawa is the Hawaii of Japan, offering a warm tropical climate, white-sand beaches and plenty of diving, snorkeling and water sports. Okinawa’s heritage is that of the Ryukyu Kingdom, overtaken by Japan in the 1600s and its culture, its customs and its dialects are distinct from those of mainland Japan. Museums and peace parks observing WWII’s Battle of Okinawa add further depth.

2. Palawan, Philippines

Palawan is a tropical island with national parkland, pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, rainforest and coral reefs, only an hour by plane from Manila. Several areas of Palawan and its waters are protected, and a burgeoning eco-tourism trade supports responsible travel to these regions. Reefs in the El Nido Marine Reserve are a particular attraction, showcasing rich biodiversity, while sunken wrecks around Coron add interest for divers. The forests of Palawan are similarly striking.

3. Pangkor Island/Pangkor Laut, Malaysia

Pangkor is a small island on the north-west coast of Malaysia with beautiful beaches, Dutch colonial ruins, temples and fishing villages. It’s a relaxed alternative to Langkawi, and boasts stellar beaches and a healthy selection of accommodation. The island also has tracts of untouched rainforest, so visitors can glimpse local wildlife about their usual business macaques and hornbills in particular. Fresh seafood laska steamed fish, crayfish softshell crab etc is also a good reason to visit Pangkor.

4. Busan, South Korea

Busan, on the south eastern coastline of South Korea, is a favorite domestic getaway spot for two things: seafood and sea. As the country’s largest sea port, it’s got all the cosmopolitan advantages of a sizeable coastal metropolis plus lengthy and very popular beaches. Haeundae, SongJong and Gwangalli are its most popular beaches, offering kilometers-long stretches of sand that in summer time become completely inundated with people. Hiking up and around Geumjeongsan is also a popular activity.

5. Khanom, Thailand

Khanom is a small fishing village on the western edge of the Thai Gulf coast in the southern province of Nakhon Si Tammarat. It’s got long, deserted stretches of beach, forests and mangrove systems and sheer limestone mountains. The beaches here are clean, quiet and windswept, with shell-strewn yellow sand fringed by coconut groves. Khanom is a very peaceful, relaxing destination. It remains largely overlooked by travelers headed to nearby Samui and Phangan islands, which makes it perfect for those yearning real downtime. Visitors can kayak to nearby islands, explore caves, dive coral reefs, join fishing or dolphin-spotting tours and enjoy fresh seafood.

6. Mui Ne, Vietnam

Mui Ne is a quiet fishing village a five-hour bus trip from Ho Chi Minh City, just north of the coastal town of Phan Thiet. Within its borders are several geological points of interest, including red dunes, white dunes and rock formations. The beach here fosters a healthy kite-surfing and windsurfing scene thanks to low rainfall and consistent winds. Mui Ne’s fishermen are unique for their round basket-shaped boats.

7. Tagaytay, Philippines

A stunning high-altitude summer retreat, Tagaytay is a popular getaway for lowland dwellers escaping the tropical heat. It’s located on the highlands of Cavite province, just over an hour’s drive north of Manila. Complementing its fresh air and undulating terrain, Tagaytay offers up the otherworldly Taal Lake, a crater lake within the nearby Taal Caldera. For the intrepid, the lake and island can be explored by tricycle, boat and horseback. Tagaytay’s also got a smattering of historic buildings, flower farms, golf courses and waterfalls.

8. Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien is a small city bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and Hehuanshan literally ‘Joy Mountain’ on the other. The climate is temperate, the air fresh and Hehuanshan’s cloud-veiled peaks beyond beautiful. With the tandem attractions of the ocean and the mountains, Hualien promises a full swag of travel experiences. In the winter, Hehuanshan becomes blanketed in snow, and year-round, the marble cliffs and steep canyons of Taroko Gorge make for compelling and challenging hiking. In summer, whale- and dolphin-watching tours draw tourists seaward.

9. Phetchabun, Thailand

Phetchabun province is a region of forests, mountains, waterfalls, river valleys and unhurried villages, just a few hours’ drive north of Bangkok. Protected national parks are home to animals and birdlife, while Petchabun city offers traditional Thai attractions like temples, markets and street dining. The vast Nam Nao National Park offers trekking up various peaks and plateaus, with nature trails through pine forests and glades for the less energetic. Foodies can sample locally-grown tamarind and authentic khanom chin (a gravy noodle dish) or head to Si Thep historic park for a glimpse of the area’s ancient Khmer heritage.

10. Malang, Indonesia

Malang is a large East Javan city with ancient Mataram and Dutch colonial heritage. Its cool climate, bougainvillea-dotted avenues and colorful landscapes have earned it comparisons to Europe, an image in dramatic contrast to the nearby volcanic mountain range of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. Picturesque and rich in history, Malang has colonial buildings, villages, golf, ancient temple ruins and Javanese relics. Malang is also a scenic stopover point for travelers on their way to ascend either Mount Semeru or Mount Bromo, conveniently positioned as it is between the two.

For more information, please contact PR(at)agoda(dot)com.

###

More Malaysia Heritage Tourism Press Releases

Agoda.com Unveils Fresh Destinations 2012

British Airways reveals the best 13 destinations for 2013

Crawley, West Sussex (PRWEB UK) 22 December 2012

From the far-flung to the unsung, British Airways has compiled its leading 13 destinations to go to in 2013. If 2012 was about East London, then 2013 is about the Far East, as holidaymakers seek the organic unspoilt beauty, charm and excellent value that Asia has to offer you.

In a current poll on the airline’s Facebook page, over two,660 users nominated the overseas destinations they most want to visit next year. New York topped the list (22 per cent), followed by Australia (eight per cent), Hong Kong (seven per cent), Rio de Janeiro (5 per cent) and Dubai (three per cent).

Compiled by a panel of professionals, and utilizing organization data, British Airways’ best 13 for 2013 characteristics new destinations and well-liked favourites.

The number one particular spot goes to Sri Lanka. The tropical island of Sri Lanka has noticed a current enhance to tourism, becoming the have to-pay a visit to location for intrepid travellers. Ash van Wensveen, British Airways’ location manager, mentioned: “There is a real buzz about Sri Lanka correct now. For a tiny island it offers a lot, from endless beaches, to elephant treks and several Unesco planet heritage websites to visit, it’s challenging to consider what Sri Lanka does not supply.” British Airways launches flights to Colombo in April.

Coming in second was Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as it gears up to the 2016 Games, the 2014 Brazil World Cup, and FIFA Confederations Cup next year. With its famous sun-kissed beaches to take pleasure in by day and entertaining parties at night, theres a lot to enjoy about one of the most vibrant cities in the world. British Airways gives flights to Rio de Janeiro from London Heathrow.

Hot on its tail is Seoul in South Korea. Mike Rock, British Airways commercial manager Seoul, mentioned: “There’s a lot happening in Korea appropriate now, business is thriving and its a tourist location on the up. The mega metropolis is residence to some 10 million individuals, and is attracting a fresh new audience.” British Airways lately launched new flights to Seoul from Heathrow, flying six times a week.

Croatia is an additional hot destination for 2013. The jewel of the Adriatic ocean, Dubrovnik continues to appeal to holidaymakers from far and wide, such as numerous high profile celebrities. For the a lot more adventurous, Vietnam has become 1 of the most talked about destinations in current years. Not mainstream sufficient to be a tourist trap, many compare it to Thailand twenty years ago producing now the perfect time to check out. British Airways operates flights to Hong Kong, with connecting flights to Ho Chi Minh City making use of OneWorld partner Cathy Pacific.

Holidays in Dominican Republic are emerging as a need to do, specially in Punta Cana on the south coast. Ash van Wensveen, British Airways’ location manager, stated: “Men and women are actually waking up to Punta Cana. There is a genuine buzz from holidaymakers creating word of mouth on its affordability, fabulous hotels and beaches that dip into the Caribbean Sea.”

Other destinations on British Airway’s hot list include Derry in Northern Ireland and Las Vegas even though Tbilisi in Georgia, San Diego in California, holidays in Cape Town, Alicante and Dubai make up the rest of the hot list.

Ends -

About British Airways:

British Airways plc offers a wide range of worldwide destinations, which includes household holidays in Florida and low-cost flights to London, as nicely as hotels, flights, vehicle rental with Avis and experiences. Customers can save time and funds with ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages, ATOL number is 5985. Passengers are offered added peace of thoughts to their vacation plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers’ expectations, each in terms of the worth for income and top quality of the service provided.

Press Make contact with:

Sophia Antoniades

Waterside

PO Box 365

Harmondsworth

Middlesex

UB7 0GB

02087385100

http://www.ba.com

British Airways reveals the best 13 destinations for 2013