Author: Christa Danisewicz

A Look Back: Top Travel Headlines of 2012

From the sinking of the Costa Concordia, to the London Olympics and Hurricane Sandy, 2012 was certainly a big year for travel headlines. On Call International takes you around the world (don’t forget to pack your travel assistance membership card!) to sample some of the most interesting travel stories in the world this year: Italian… Read more »

Staying Healthy Before, During and After Your Winter Travels

A travel survey done earlier this year revealed that 63 percent of travelers reported they or a travel companion got sick while on vacation. Whether you’re traveling to a neighboring state or across the globe, feeling your best is an important part of having a great winter trip. Luckily, the medical experts here at On… Read more »

How NOT to Get the Flu While Traveling

The 2012-2013 flu season is officially here and is off to its earliest start in almost a decade. Health officials reported last week that the primary strain circulating tends to make people sicker than other types and is particularly hard on the elderly.  In fact, 2003 was one of the most lethal seasons in the… Read more »

Your Guide for Healthy Travel to Developing Countries

Recent studies suggest that more than 50 million people from industrialized nations travel to developing countries each year (Travel to Developing Countries, ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia). Whether it’s for leisure, or you’re traveling to these destinations for work or study, there are plenty of precautions you can take to protect your health and well-being while… Read more »

Recent Security Threats in Israel…and How On Call Can Help

The security situation in southern Israel and Gaza continues to be unstable following the airstrike on November 14, 2012 that killed Ahmed al-Jabari, the commander of Hamas’ military wing. While it’s strongly recommended that you avoid any travel to the Gaza Strip, if you’re currently traveling in this region, On Call International members can rest… Read more »

3 Ways Travelers Can Protect Themselves (and Others) from Polio

Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease caused by a virus that invades the brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis.  When you first hear the word “polio,” you probably don’t think of a global health emergency. The disease has been around for 5,000 years and has been on a steady decline since the… Read more »

Hurricane Sandy: Travel Safe Resources for After the Storm

Here at On Call International, we are thinking of everyone who was affected by Hurricane Sandy and we hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well. While the remnants of Sandy headed north through Canada with the last of its effects winding down along the Appalachian Mountains as of early this morning,… Read more »

Hurricane Sandy: Stay Safe Tips for Navigating the Storm

If you’re trying to get to or from the east coast this week, most likely your travel plans have been delayed due to Hurricane Sandy. Transportation systems are shut down and many of the nation’s major airlines have already canceled thousands of flights. Even the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq called off trading for… Read more »

How (and Why) to Get an International Driving Permit

Planning to drive on your next trip abroad? Don’t forget your International Driving Permit (IDP)! IDPs are valid in more than 150 countries and contain your name, photo and driver information translated into ten languages. Although many countries do not recognize US Driver’s Licenses, most countries accept an IDP. Even On Call International’s CEO, Mike… Read more »

How to Drive Safely While Traveling Abroad

According to the U.S. State Department, motor vehicle crashes — not terrorism, crime, infectious disease or plane travel — are the number one cause of death to healthy Americans traveling abroad. Often we’re out of our element when we’re far from home, sometimes causing us to forget common sense precautions that could save our lives…. Read more »