Originally Posted by
nk15
I am looking for some ideas for long distance interesting MR destinations that one can do mini-vacation MRs (1-5 days), that generally meet the following criteria:
1. No vaccinations are needed, if staying only in the destination city (i.e., no visits to low sanitation suburban areas), with low risk exposure (avoiding street food, eating in high quality establishments, etc).
2. No risk from crazy scary exotic diseases (e.g., mosquito born hemorrhagic fevers, again, if staying in the city)
3. Do not have to tape mouth when in shower, when staying in 4-5 star major western hotel chains in the city (Hiltons, Marriotts, etc).
I take it as a given that all Europe and Australia are like that, but I would like suggestions for South America, Asia, and S. Africa.
I believe PEK, HKG, EZE, and TYO likely meet these criteria, and I am sure many more cities in these regions, and I would like additional suggestions. I understand this is somewhat subjective and perhaps a bit controversial topic, but I would like to hear some suggestions.
It's not a controversial topic, and I don't mean to sound insulting, but you sound like a bit of a hypochondriac. If you want to avoid crazy diseases, maybe skip west Africa right now, don't venture into any jungles and steer clear of mainland China outside of PEK/PVG.
I've been to multiple places and never had to tape my mouth shut in a shower. I realize that might've been tongue in closed mouth cheek, but come on.
If you're only going to stay in upmarket hotels and eat at the fanciest places, I'm glad you have that kinda cash, but it's also totally unnecessary.
I also noticed you mentioned nothing of security. Do you assume security/cleanliness are hand in hand? They can be but they don't have to be.
Feel free to go to HK, Seoul and Tokyo are incredibly clean, Sao Paolo was fine I had no vaccines or water problems, Rio was the same, Bogota, Cali, Medellin and Cartagena are all perfectly fine for someone of your...discerning taste?
There's far more places in the world that fit your criteria than don't.
Honestly from the sounds of it you're better off in Western Europe or America. Canada's water is fine btw.
Maybe it's just blind luck, but I've never had more than a minor case of the runs. I chalk that up to switching food sources by changing continents. On longer stays it always passes after the first few days. I don't really drink much tap water anywhere, but I've brushed my teeth and never once used a bottle of water, all through the countries/cities listed and many more.
My legitimate suggestion to you, is find a PRICE you like and you're interested in, THEN do a quick bit of research and decide if it's ok for you.