01 Oct
Australia, Cosmetic Holidays, Medical Tourism, The state of international travel right now

Confirmed: Australia’s international border will reopen from mid-November

These changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving the nation’s shores.

Morrison also said the government is working towards completely quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand when it is safe to do so.

It will also become easier to enter Australia with the plan abolishing international arrival caps on returning vaccinated Australians.

Citizens and permanent residents fully immunised with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be required to undergo seven days’ home quarantine.

Others will be required to enter 14 days of managed isolation.

After more than 18 months of being shuttered, PM Scott Morrison has confirmed today that Australia’s border will officially reopen to inbound and outbound international travel from mid-November in states that have hit vaccination targets.


You heard it here. It’s finally happening.

Australia’s tough outbound border restrictions will be scrapped when states and territories are expected to hit 80 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday revealed the path back to international travel with the new system expected to start in November.

“There are no surprises here, this is what we set out to do,” said Morrison.

“Australia will be ready for take-off very soon.”

Restrictions on people leaving the country will be scrapped at 80 per cent coverage – expected in early November in some jurisdictions.

Current overseas travel restrictions will be removed and Australians will be able to travel subject to any other travel advice and limits, as long as they are fully vaccinated and those countries’ border settings allow.

These changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving the nation’s shores.

Morrison also said the government is working towards completely quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand when it is safe to do so.

It will also become easier to enter Australia with the plan abolishing international arrival caps on returning vaccinated Australians.

Citizens and permanent residents fully immunised with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be required to undergo seven days’ home quarantine.

Others will be required to enter 14 days of managed isolation.

Home quarantine face recognition

People who cannot be vaccinated including those under 12 or with a medical condition will be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel.

States and territories will begin this program at different times given varying vaccination rates.

Australian travellers will be able to access an internationally recognised proof of vaccination document (Vaccine passport) in the coming weeks to prove their status.

The TGA will also recognise China’s Sinovac and Covishield produced in India as authorised vaccines to enter Australia, meaning Chinese and Indian students, tourists and business travellers can return.

More than 45,000 people are stuck overseas waiting to come home with the NSW government indicating it wants to welcome thousands into the country when borders reopen.

“It’s time to give Australians their lives back,” Mr Morrison said.

More to come.

Article published by https://karryon.com.au/.

30 Sep
Cosmetic Holidays, Cosmetic surgery for Men, New destinations, The state of international travel right now, Travel, Turkey

TURKEY – THE RISING STAR OF MEDICAL TOURISM

Turkey is one of the top destinations for medical tourism. Home to ancient and scenic natural wonders and famous for its healthcare infrastructure. Being close to Western Europe, Turkey has been medical tourism hotspot for many Europeans seeking affordable cosmetic surgery. Hair transplaint’s have continuously gaining popularity. 

There are many reasons why Turkey has become the rising star of medical tourism. The travelling distances to Turkey from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa, makes it possible for people to cut costs. But it isn’t just about that. Despite the lower costs, the quality of procedures offered is world-class. 

Famous Kaputaş beach,Antalya Turkey an hour from Istanbul.

Affordable Treatment Packages

The medical tourism industry recieved $1.5 billion from medical tourism in 2018, Turkey received around 700,000 medical tourists, according to the Turkish Health Minister. And it has been growing every year since, with the huge influx of medical tourists is that many people in their home countries are unable to afford the treatment. That is why they consider going to other countries to get the same procedure done.

The quality of the procedure offered isn’t sacrificed because of the lower cost. The cost is low because of the Turkish economy itself. The exchange rate and low cost of living make many things seem very cheap to foreigners. 

Moreover, the minimum wage is lower in Turkey, which results in cheaper labour costs. This means that surgery in Turkey will cost less than it will, say, in Western Europe. Moreover, having cosmetic surgery or a hair transplant is not available on National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. 

No Long Wait Lists

Once you book a treatment package in Turkey, you can get the procedure done in a matter of a day(s). However, in the UK, waitlists can be so long that you might have to wait for almost 2 years to get some procedures done. So, if you want to get treatment without further delays, you can get it in Turkey. 

Many people also find the aspect of including the procedure in their vacation time quite appealing. Turkey is a popular tourist destination, which is why many people can relax after or before getting their treatment. If you’re also avoiding unnecessary questions about the surgery by your colleagues, it’s a good idea to get the treatment and recover for a while in Turkey.

13 Jul
Medical Tourism, Mexico, New destinations, Plastic Surgery

NipTuck Holiday in Cancun? Yes please!

Mexico has experienced a huge boom in recent years, to the point where Cancun it has become one of the destinations for plastic surgery in the world! With Mexico’s outstanding reputation for plastic surgery clinics and renowned surgeons, the plastic surgery sector in Cancun is considered by many to be one of the foremost destinations for plastic surgery globally, Cancun is visited by countless people seeking to advance their physical appearance with surgical or non-surgical procedures!

The main reasons to consider Cancun when you are looking for the best option for plastic surgery are undoubtedly its professional excellence, the exquisite Latin sense of aesthetics of its surgeons. And of course as the incredible cost savings. So whether you want to look a bit younger or just trying to find a better price, finding a plastic surgeon in Mexico – Cancun might be your best bet. 

Cancun is the best place to go for plastic surgery. The main reasons are its professional excellence, the Latin sense of aesthetics of surgeons, and cost savings. Medical students have to study Medicine for eight years. After that, they are expected to serve one year of compulsory work either in rural areas or government organization. This is reflected in their range of world-class hospitals.

Cancun is a substantial medical tourism hub today. People travel from all over the world for plastic surgery, dental surgeries, and many more types of surgeries. The number of holiday-makers has increased because of this new development worldwide. Even popular tourist destinations, such as Cancun, have begun offering affordable plastic surgery vacation packages.

The Cancun area provides you with all of the benefits of plastic surgery and more. there, many take the opportunity to revive their bodies and rejuvenate themselves. Cancun is a year-round destination where you can enjoy any with over a hundred activities that it has to offer, including horseback riding, tennis, swimming in the ocean, snorkelling and scuba diving you can enjoy before surgery or your partner or enjoy! It offers a spa and non-toxic environment so you can relax during your recovery as well.

The plastic surgery procedures in Mexico are much less expensive than in countries such as the US, Australia, and the UK, offering hospital infrastructure of the same level, and surgeons with the same or greater expertise. Thus, extraordinary results are achieved at only a fraction of what it would cost in those countries.

In Australia of course we are familiar with medical tourism, we have seen this in the last 15 years in Thailand and Malaysia. In this regards Australia and Asia have been ahead of the US for once. At the beginning of this boom in medical tourism in Mexico, many doctors offering their services in Mexico attended training courses and lectures in Europe or the United States. Over the years, these global events have been carried out more frequently in Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Mexico, since the innovation in surgical techniques within these countries has become highly competitive.

And popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, have begun offering affordable plastic surgery vacation packages! Some of the benefits of having plastic surgery in places like Cancun are a shorter wait time, the ability to enjoy your recovery in an exceptional setting and the tourist attractions, cost, and discretion that allows you the possibility of enjoying a trip while returning home with a spectacular body.

Medical Tourism

Cancun, Mexico is a tourist destination without equal; there is nothing that compares to the beauty of its landscapes, balmy climates throughout its territory, the warmth and hospitality of its people, it’s history and its archaeology. It’s pretty special.

Combining a tourist visit with plastic surgery at a lower price has transformed Cancun into one of the favorite cities of more and more international patients. Consequently, the variety of destinations and plastic surgery alternatives means that no one is left without satisfying even the highest demands.

Why Choose Cancun?

Cancun is the favorite destination for travelers from all over the world due to the unique beauty of its beaches and the diversity of its nature, reefs, and cenotes. In addition, its ruins and archaeological sites offer tourists a further attraction.

The rapid growth of the city has been accompanied by the establishment of world-class clinics and hospitals, to the point that, since 2010, it has reached a level that allows it to compete with the main cities of medical tourism internationally as destinations such as Thailand, Seoul, Rio de Janeiro and Istanbul.

It is in this city where some of the top hospitals have positioned itself as a pioneers in the field of plastic surgery together with plastic surgeons with more than 25 years of experience!

Aesthetic procedures in Cancun can include both plastic surgeries and non-surgical treatments. Our surgery plans are designed for people who not only want to improve their appearance but also for those who require plastic and reconstructive surgeries due to accidents, genetic defects, and other injuries.

Liposuction starts from $1,850 US ….. or something more advanced, abdominal etching prices start from $2,500 US.

By placing yourself in the hands of our medical team, you can achieve your dreams with affordable and quality packages, coupled with care and service that reflect years of experience. Also, you can always accompany your plastic surgery with a nice vacation and time to rest and relax.

Buttock implants prices start at $4,950 US.

 

03 Jul
Australia, The state of international travel right now

Australia’s New Four-step Plan Out of The Pandemic! Vaccinated travellers ‘could’ quarantine at home!

Fresh out of quarantine and perhaps with the international ridicule as Australia’s PM returns from the G7 as the rest of the world reopens! 12 months on as the pandemic rages, Australia has no plan or strategy out of this pandemic and surrounded by world leaders at the G7 obviously felt some heat!!!!!… finally in a national cabinet meeting, Australian PM Scott Morrison has laid out an initial four-phase pathway for returning the country to post-covid normality or “complete back to normal,” as he put it.

 

 

While there were still no tangible dates or timeframes set, there is at least some publicly communicated plan now underway from the federal government and national cabinet to work towards a return to normality in a post-covid world. It is a start!!!

We can assume we don’t have all the details and there is more to come, well we hope! Sooooo many unanswered questions about what it means for the travel industry, but here’s what we know so far based on the PM’s announcement today!

The national plan will be made up of four phases, with the pathway to be finalised in the next few weeks – hopefully with some actual timeframes.

 

 

The first phase (Currently)

The first phase is the one we are in. Vaccinate, prepare and pilot. We continue to suppress the virus. That involves the implementation of the national vaccination plan to offer every Australian an opportunity to be vaccinated with the necessary doses of the relevant vaccine as soon as possible.

Lockdowns in the current phase to be only used as a last resort.

International arrivals will be cut in half under a plan agreed to by the National Cabinet with the aim of preventing the delta strain from leaking into the community.

The weekly arrival intake figure will reduce from 6,370 to 3,185.

However, the commonwealth said it would increase the number of repatriation flights to make up for the shortfall. Mr Morrison emphasised that although arrival caps will be cut, repatriation flights would continue with the shortfall to be made up into Darwin.

“The Commonwealth will facilitate increased commercial flights, those are the facilitated commercial flights we have been running, to increase international repatriations during this period of reduced caps – commercial caps at the major airports and they will be channelled into Darwin for quarantine at the national resilience facility at Howard Springs.

 

 

Vaccinated travellers ‘could’ quarantine at home!

 

THIS!!! This is what I want to know more about personally! When? Who? When does this start? I want more info NOW!!!!

Basically it’s a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to quarantine is a way to make this happen — including home quarantine for vaccinated returnees- The Conversation goes into more detail in their publication June 16, 2021…

 

Mr Morrison also said a trial would be held for ‘alternative quarantine’ options for returned travellers who have been vaccinated. He went on….“Over the course of the current phase that we are in, we will trial and pilot with individual jurisdictions, the introduction of alternative quarantine options, including home quarantine for returning vaccinated travellers. The work that we have already done and Professor Kelly may want to add to this, shows that a vaccinated person doing quarantine for seven days is stronger than an unvaccinated person doing quarantine for 14 days.

“There is clear medical evidence to suggest that vaccination means that shorter periods of quarantine is possible without any compromise of the health and safety standards that is currently delivered by a 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated persons. Getting vaccinated actually clearly helps and the medical evidence backs that up, particularly for quarantine.”

 

The second phase: Post-vaccination

Mr Morrison says the next phase of the pathway will be the post-vaccination stage. Though there was no target number for what the vaccination rate will need to be to begin this phase.

 

“The post-vaccination phase will be entered once we reach a threshold of vaccination to be determined by the modelling process we’re currently engaged in. This will be a scientific number. It won’t be a political number, it won’t be an arbitrary number, it will be a number that we can have confidence in.

“Our measures, I stress, may include – these are still to be determined – we agreed today that we could say measures may include the following, once we reach that: To ease restrictions on vaccinated residents, such as lockdowns and border controls. Lockdowns would only occur in extreme circumstances to prevent escalating hospitalisation and fatality.

“To restore inbound passenger caps at that time to previous levels for unvaccinated returning travellers and then even larger caps for those who are vaccinated.

“We would be allowing a capped entry of student and economic visa holders, subject to quarantine arrangements and availability, that we will then introduce those new quarantine arrangements for vaccinated residents, based on the trials undertaken in the current stage and then we would either be implementing the vaccine booster program at that time or preparing it, depending on the timeframe of hitting that first mark on vaccination.”

 

The third phase: Establish travel bubbles to Singapore, The Pacific and more?

“The third phase is called the consolidation phase. That is to manage COVID-19 consistent with public health management of other infectious diseases. What does that mean? It is likely we may be in that position in phase two but in phase three, that basically means that the hospitalisation and fatality rates that you would see from COVID-19 would be like the flu,”

 

“Arguably, even better. We are seeing evidence of that in other jurisdictions that have higher levels of vaccination. When it is like the flu, we should treat it like the flu and that means no lockdowns, these are the measures that may include no lockdowns, the vaccine booster program underway, exempting vaccinated residents from all domestic restrictions, abolishing caps on returning vaccinated travellers.

“Allowing further increased capped entry of student economic and humanitarian visa holders, very high caps we are talking about at that point. Lifting all restrictions on out-bound travel for vaccinated persons and extending the travel bubble for unrestricted travel to countries such as Singapore, the Pacific and potentially other candidates by the time we reach that stage.

 

 

 

The fourth phase: Normality, aka the promised land

The PM says the fourth phase is “complete back to normal”.

 

“Measures may include allowing uncapped inbound arrivals for all vaccinated persons without quarantine and allowing uncapped arrivals of non-vaccinated travel subject to pre-flight and on arrival testing.

 

You may still have, at that point, unvaccinated people coming to Australia at that final phase if they’re picked up on testing; there would be pre-and post-flight testing.”

“On the latter timeframe, well, as I said, we believe we’ll be in a position by the end of the year to have offered everyone a vaccine who seeks to have one. If Australians respond to that, then I believe that we would be in a position to meet a particular target.”

At the time of writing, ie July 2, 2021, all of the above has literally just been announced. Let’s stay tuned and we will keep you updated with some further details and further clarification around actual timings in the coming days and weeks.

Fingers crossed it is in the next 6 months as that means January 2022!!!!! BEST. NEWS. EVVVVEEEERRRRRRR✈️😁😁😁❤️🌎🏖

 

28 Jun
Medical Tourism, Mexico, Phuket, Plastic Surgery, Thailand, The state of international travel right now, Turkey

Interested in a Brazilian Buttock Lift?

With Phuket back in reopening in a few days and back in the game, it’s time to start talking about plastic surgery again in Phuket and we couldn’t be more excited! But Phuket as you have seen is emerging different than how we remember it with it’s new facelift! And instead of everything boobs like it was a decade ago we are talking about butts! BBLs to be exact. I mean 10 years the BBL just wasn’t a thing!!!!

Continue reading to find out how much Brazilian buttocks lift costs and options where you can get it, and what result you will receive in Thailand, Mexico and Turkey…

Phuket has had a facelift and instead of the change from the obsession of everything boobs a decade ago we are talking about butts! BBLs to be exact. I mean ten years the BBL just wasn’t a thing!!!! Either using implants or harvesting fat from other parts of the body and adds it to the buttock in order to give the body a more hourglass shape.

Have you done your research here in Australia and checked out the prices? If you wonder about the cost of Brazilian butt lift and want to save money, we have better options overseas with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons that are far more experienced and highly trained than they are in Australia! Here you will find a combination of experienced doctors and affordable prices. Continue reading to find out how much Brazilian buttocks lift costs and options where you can get it, and what result you will receive.……

 

This material has information purposes only and aims to tell about the most cost-effective skilled inpatient care. Please understand though as per normal this is basic information with starting basic with starting prices, and every Plastic Surgeon will require you to complete your medical forms so we have your individual medical history and submit photos so he can assess if you are a good candidate for this procedure and give recommendations on the best surgery to achieve the best results and confirm the price. The choice is yours.

All prices, saving rates, and other cost information given below have 3 independent sources and more information can be found about the procedure on our website.

 

  1. Our partnered hospital teams, representatives, who are responsible for price relevance and other info on the clinic
  2. Our partnered Plastic& Reconstructive Surgeons and medical teams

 

Why do people choose Mexico for the Brazilian butt lift?

Mexico is among the top most popular countries for plastic surgery in the world. According to ISAPS statistics, over 1 million plastic surgeries are performed here annually. This amount of procedures would be enough to make over a big city like Barcelona.

 

So, people choose this country for the BBL due to the following reasons:

 

  • Low price. The cost of Brazilian butt lift in Mexico is about 2 times lower than in the USA. The price starts from $4,500 in Mexico and about $8,000 in the USA. Such a low cost is explained by general price policy within the country and high competition between the local plastic surgery clinics.
  • Experienced doctors. A lot of highly-professional doctors work in Mexico. They have decades of experience, practice in the leading world’s clinics, and are members of the international organizations to interchange the experience and find out about new techniques in plastic surgery.
  • Convenient location. It takes about 2 hours to get to Mexico by plane from the USA. So, American patients often choose Mexico for plastic surgery due to low prices and favorable location.

If you have any questions on receiving Brazilian butt lift in Mexico, submit a request to get consultation. This option is free.

Book an online consultation

 

Costs of BBL in different countries

Here are the starting prices of BBL and are general prices are not taking into account individual needs to the client. The final cost is estimated by Plastic Surgeon are client has submitted their medical forms and photos for their assessment.

 

 

Country Cost
Turkey $5,000 USD
Mexico $4,500 USD
Australia $12,000 AUD ($9,000 USD)
Thailand $5,600 USD
USA $8,000 USD
South Korea $8,600 USD
*Prices are approximate and may change according to the clinic’s internal price policy and exchange rates. ** Note that the final cost is estimated by treating physician.

 

How to choose the clinic for Brazilian butt lift?

The success of the Brazilian butt lift directly depends on the clinic where you are going to have the procedure. NipTuck Holidays have have very select criteria to ensure the highest standards in each country, all covered with international insurance and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons with years of experience. They also include:

 

  • The clinic’s brand reputation. Better to choose the clinic for Brazilian butt popular with international patients and that has got international accreditations.
  • Patient reviews. Search for the reviews on a clinic to learn more about the experience of real people. The feedback will help you to understand the level of service and plastic surgeries success rate.
  • Doctor’s experience who will perform the procedure and a doctor’s professionalism is much more essential thing. Check out a doctor’s CV, his/her experience and education.
  • Social media.
  • Recommendations of past clients, good results,
  • Before and after photos. One more point that will help you to make the right decision is to see the result of BBL procedures performed in a clinic.
  • We will provide you with all info confidentially based upon your assessment including prices, doctors, portfolio and before & after photos.

 

Is it safe to get BBL in Mexico?

Any change of your appearance or body with plastic surgery requires responsibility from you. Our network of hospitals and plastic surgeons are carefully selected comply with the highest level of medical services according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery In Mexico, our plastic surgery services that work under international treatment protocols and serve medical tourists from over the globe comply to these guidelines.

 

And like anything else when deciding on having a Brazilian butt in Mexico, you should find as much info as possible on it — reviews, before and after photos of customers, doctor’s CV, awards. If you have any difficulties BBL in Mexico or would like to compare options in other destinations like Thailand or Turkey we will answer all questions. This option is free.

 

Turkey? Why you should get Brazilian butt lift in Turkey

Brazilian Butt Lift which over the recent years has become incredibly in demand in Europe and America is one of the most popular treatments performed in Turkey. The procedure attracts the attention of many young people, especially from England. Whether you are getting buttock implants or injecting the fat extracted with liposuction into the buttock area by the BBL Turkey doctors. As a result, the fat from different parts of the body such as abdomen, waist, and back area is transferred into buttocks or hips to achieve an uplift effect.

 

With its high standards, innovative technologies, and experienced doctors, Turkey ranks very high in the cosmetic surgery sector. Due to this, Turkey has become a popular destination for Brazilian butt lift operations. Every day, dozens of people come to our country to have a Brazilian buttock lift in Istanbul. Thanks to experienced doctors, international patients achieve amazing results and return to their country 100% satisfied.

Turkey is one of the safest and most reliable destinations for Brazilian butt lift operations as it offers a winning combination of high-quality services and reasonable prices to people from foreign countries looking to get the procedure abroad. International patients who have to pay up to five times more for the same operation in their home countries gladly take advantage of low prices on Brazilian buttock lift in Istanbul.

 

We offer special service packages to foreign patients who decided to undergo a Brazilian butt lift in Turkey. These include a discount on Turkish Airlines flights with all bookings, four or five-star hotel accommodation, airport and local transfer in VIP cars, English speaking host, etc.

All you need to do is: to send your pictures for assessment (buttock area and area for liposuction) to us and complete the medical forms.
Get your customized treatment plan and package offer and took your ticket with our discount and fly! Inquire now for a free consultation

 

Buttock Implants in Thailand?

After getting your quote and determining your suitability for this procedure, upon arrival in Thailand during your initial visit to your consultation with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery, our surgeon will evaluate the shape of your buttocks as well as the shape you want to achieve. He will then recommend the best  shape of the implants  in Thailand that will enable you to get the result that you want.

There are different options for you to choose from when undergoing butt augmentation in Thailand by silicone implant, for instance, for the shape, we have the round and the oval; for texture, we have cohesive silicone and solid silicone; and for surface, we have the smooth and textured. The size of the implant will also be discussed during this visit.

Upon deciding on the implant you want to use, the incision site will then be discussed. There are 2 possible sites that we offer; one is the vertical incision down the center of the sacrum or a horizontal incision along the folds of your buttocks. Most of our patients choose the incision on the sacrum (tailbone area) for more inconspicuous scarring.

Placement will also be another factor because  implants can be placed either on top, or underneath the muscle. In our surgeon’s experience with this procedure however, we found out that intramuscular (underneath the muscle) placement is still more superior in terms of long term result for Butt Augmentation in Thailand as it is less prone to migration and sagging and it gives a more natural result.  One factor we always have to consider however is the condition of your butt whether you have enough fat and a lot of other factors. Your surgeon will go through the pro’s and con’s of each of your options and recommend whichever will work best for you.

 

There are cases when your surgeon will recommend Vaser liposuction around the area surrounding the buttocks and/or the removal of excess fat and skin for those patients with sagginess on the lower part of the buttocks to compliment the implant that will be used for your butt augmentation in Thailand. Sometimes, our surgeon may also recommend fat injection (Butt Augmentation by Fat Transfer in Thailand ) in cases where an implant may not be enough to achieve the result that you want.

The final decision will always be yours but out surgeon will certainly give you all the information you need regarding the surgery before we confirm your procedure.

Click here to get your free quote and assessment!

 

What happens during a buttock augmentation?

Buttock Augmentation in Thailand will be done under GA or sedation; this will also be discussed during your consultation. The surgery proper will take about 1-2 hours, though it will take longer if liposuction or fat transfer should also be done in one procedure.

You will be placed in prone position (lying on your stomach) the entire time of the surgery. Depending on the choices you’ve made during your consultation, the surgery may vary in technique but the common thing is, before closing, our surgeon will make sure your buttocks look as symmetrical as possible, and the incisions, as inconspicuous as possible.

 

 

How long is the recovery in Thailand?

Generally depending on your surgeons recommendations and the technique, you be required to sleep on your stomach anywhere from a week to 3 weeks.  Ambulation is encouraged as tolerated, and sitting though not prohibited, is discouraged for at least 2 weeks. If sitting cannot be avoided, post-operative patients are encouraged to just sit for a few minutes at a time.

No garments will be necessary with our new technique for butt augmentation in Thailand, therefore, you will not feel restricted after surgery. Normally, the implant will settle in 2-3 months so we make sure that patients understands that during the first few weeks, their buttocks will be swollen and they may not be able to appreciate the result of the surgery.

 

27 Jun
CLIENTS, Phuket, Testimonials, The state of international travel right now

Thailand’s Cosmetic Holiday Appeal Sun, Sand and Surf …Tits, Tucks or Teeth?

Hey there. I’m Kelly Jacobs; I’m a Kiwi originally although I’ve spent considerably more time in Australia than Enzud, and I consider myself more of a Kwozi now. I’m closer to 50 than 40 and I’ve have lived in Brisbane since 1996. I recently graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Arts and am still figuring out what to do with it. I’m also one of the numerous people in Australia (both male and female) who have elected to undergo a combined cosmetic surgery/holiday experience abroad.

I travelled to Thailand in 2012 and again in 2016 to get some dental work done at Bangkok Hospital in Phuket. Like most of my life trajectory, my path toward booking a cosmetic-tourism holiday was rather arbitrary. It wasn’t until my late thirties that I decided I didn’t like my teeth. My Mum had always told me I had lovely teeth (bless her), but my two front teeth were by then noticeably chipped and my teeth as a whole no longer exhibited the pearly white sheen of my youth – too much coffee, chocolate and coke maybe?

But what bugged me the most was my two crooked, bottom-front teeth. They had never bothered me before, but now I found myself constantly probing the offending incisors with my tongue, front and back … frowningly pondering their incongruence. What could be done? I ventured into the Google maze but was discouraged by the costs associated with cosmetic dentistry domestically. I remembered a girl on my Facebook, Claire Licciardo, ran a cosmetic surgery/holiday venture. Disgruntlement with my gnarly gnashers aside, I also needed a holiday. Three months later and I was touching down at Phuket’s international airport courtesy of a cosmetic-holiday package booked through Claire. My decision to venture abroad to undergo a cosmetic procedure was by no means anomalous. A large international study, the Sun, Sea, Sand, Silicone Project, estimated that Australians spend $300m a year on cosmetic surgery tourism, with an estimated 15,000 Australians heading offshore each year to go under the knife.

Even if I had been aware of the reassuring statistical commonality at the time, I would still have had some niggling reservations relative to Claire’s assurances regarding the quality of the Thai dental work on account of my inherent (albeit waning) cynicism. I told myself I was just being paranoid …. I was.

Surgery

On both excursions to Phuket I was treated by Bangkok Hospital’s Dr Supachai Kerdsap. During my first trip, I had veneers placed over my two top central incisors (two front teeth) as well as having my two bottom central incisors removed and replaced by a three-tooth bridge. In order to complement the structural work, I also underwent the Brite Smile teeth-whitening procedure.  When I returned in 2016, I had two more veneers placed over the tooth on either side of each top central incisor.

The procedures required only a general anesthetic and I can honestly say it was pain free unless you count the mildly uncomfortable sensation of the general anesthetic being injected into my gums. I despise needles and the thought of the cold steel cruelly lancing my gum’s tender tissue struggled mightily to hijack my consciousness … but I was worrying for nothing. It wasn’t that bad. Here is my experience on YouTube!

The experience of having two of my bottom teeth removed under anesthetic was quaintly surreal while the adhesion of the bridge to the sides of my bottom lateral incisors and the whitening process was completely drama free. The veneers were such a non-event discomfort wise, on both trips, I can’t recall much about either procedure. The only moderate pain (and moderate is pushing it) I endured worth mentioning occurred post-op and was related to the teeth removal, but the Endone I was provided took care of that.

The cumulative cost for the veneers, extraction, bridge and whitening I underwent in 2012 amounted to $3062 (AUD). By comparison, pricing for cosmetic-dental procedures in Australia was (and is) markedly higher. The average cost of a single porcelain veneer in Australia in 2012 was $1087 (AUD) according to the Australian Dental Association (ADA). The obvious question raised by the difference in pricing relative to Australia is whether the quality of the surgery decreases relative to the cost? The answer to this reasonable enquiry is a resounding no.

Any stigma attached to the Thailand cosmetic surgery industry has long since disappeared, buried under the avalanche of satisfied tourists departing Thailand after undergoing a cosmetic procedure; consequently, Thailand’s reputation for quality is now firmly established and easily verifiable by the amount of JCI accredited hospitals operating within the country.   

JCI accreditation is the benchmark standard for quality healthcare globally and for facilities to be awarded accreditation, they must prove they can consistently meet or exceed the required level of care. JCI accreditation benefits patients holistically because accredited facilities are highly regarded by other providers, businesses, government ministries, and insurance companies. Thailand’s reputation notwithstanding, it has been my experiences on a personal level have assured me more than any other factor that the work I had done was legit.

I don’t smile as much as I should, haha, but I’m often complimented on my teeth when I do, and my dental work has been remarked on favourably by Ozzie dentists performing my annual checkup. The most impressive litmus test, though, occurred over two years after my first visit to Phuket.

I was working security in licensed venues at the time and one evening, the weekend before Christmas 2014, I was punched forcibly in the mouth, the blow directly impacting the bridge. The next morning my bottom lip had inflated to twice its usual proportions but the bridge was as resiliently attached as ever … and still is to this day.

Thailand’s cosmetic holiday’s industry is currently traversing the same covid tightrope as the rest of the globe. The future bodes well though. Thailand’s covid-recovery plan includes reopening Phuket July 1 with Phuket Sandbox, so depending on when Australian borders reopen sometime in mid 2022 NipTuck are already taking bookings. If you’re interested in upgrading your ivories or undergoing an alternate augmentation or reduction then I recommend you consider Thailand as an option.

Nip Tuck Holidays offers comprehensive cosmetic dental options including some ongoing promotions to consider through Smile, Sea Smile and the MALO clinic in Bangkok if you’re champing at the bit to ameliorate your cosmetic holiday itch … and they are not going anywhere if you’re in no hurry ! The other factor just as appealing about a Thai cosmetic holiday package is the holiday itself. Thailand is a happening and adaptable holiday destination. Whether you want to party nonstop or enjoy a relaxed family-friendly environment … Thailand can accommodate you.

Holiday

On both trips to Phuket I stayed in Patong Beach – at the Marriot in 2012 and the Patong, Sun, Sea Sand in 2016. I couldn’t fault either establishment. Both were complete with clean, well-kept rooms with modern amenities and efficient, friendly staff.

Cosmetic surgery & holiday packages include great deals on accommodation through hotel/resort affiliations that can be tailored to your budget and preferences. Options abound relative to location if one would prefer a less hectic base than Patong. NipTuck Holidays partnership with the DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort and the Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort offer amazing prices with discounts 20% less than the price online and booking.com, starting at just $50 per night! You will opportunity to benefit from the accommodation packages offered for both luxury resorts in Phuket right in the heart of Patong.

Wherever you chose to stay in Phuket, the hospitality factor will shine through as the concept of hospitality and Thailand seems intrinsically permeating. My first day staying at Patong Beach affirmed without a doubt that Thailand was indeed aptly titled the land of smiles.

My curiosity inspired wanderings along the beach and random tangential excursions down beckoning side streets resulted in numerous encounters with the locals, who inevitably tried to relieve me of some of my recently-transferred baht by way of their enthusiastic sales pitch. I was always greeted with the proverbial Thai smile, which usually remained in place whether I made a purchase or not. I was also immediately struck by the level of care shown to the stray dogs and cats. They were generally clean and obviously well fed judging from their usually prosperous profiles. I have a soft spot for animals, and witnessing the encompassing Thai kindness and respect extended to also include Phuket’s four-legged residents was heartwarming.

Speaking of well-fed, I did develop a weakness for the pancakes complete with sliced banana and Nutella so commonly peddled throughout Patong. Any criticism directed at me for a lack of adventurous spirit relative to sampling traditional Thai food is unjustified, haha. I devoured more than my fair share of tasty Thai cuisine from the roadside vendors or the street and hotel restaurants. Thai is my favourite dish, so I took to the task with relish although I did draw the line at the crispy, crackly crickets proffered by one elderly street vendor. Her crinkly, wholesome visage and ardent assurances proved unequal to overcoming my inherent squeamishness. Her persistence paid dividends elsewhere though. The crispy, crackly description provided referring to the sound emanating from the masticating jaws of the doughty German tourist who proved far braver than I when it came to accepting that opportunity to broaden his culinary horizons.

I participated in numerous touristy activities during my time in Phuket including hiking, elephant treks, white-water rafting, attending Mua Thai events and visiting sites of interest such as the Big Buddha. I also spent numerous memorable evenings partying with the locals and my fellow tourists while checking out the Patong nightlife.

Phuket Town on the Eastern side of the island offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in a more traditional Thai environment. If you appreciate architecture then I recommend taking the time to wander the streets of Phuket Town and peruse the homes constructed in the early 1900s displaying the hybrid Sino-Portuguese  structuring popular at the time. Phuket’s variety/predictability dynamic is its salient quality. From the chaotically-stimulating environment of Bangla Road to the traditionally refined atmosphere of Phuket Town, the Island’s vibe remained constant; I was always made to feel welcome and appreciated.

Verdict

Phuket remains one of my favourite holiday destinations. The Island’s populace emanates efficiency and warmth on every level from the hotel staff to the street vendors and the myriad of activities available to experience relative to the minimal costs involved certainly won me over. I’m eagerly anticipating my next Thailand adventure. Maybe I will try somewhere different this time round. Koh Samui? Chiang Mai? Bangkok?  Momentum for the resumption of international travel is gathering as the measures implemented to tackle the covid crisis take effect. Thailand’s tourism industry is confident Thailand’s borders will be reopen on July 1 in Phuket. If you are considering cosmetic surgery and really need a holiday, then Nip Tuck Holidays website is a great place to start your enquiries.

Thailand awaits ….

 

26 Jun
The state of international travel right now

Empty beaches, chained doors: Surreal scenes in Phuket as it reopens Phuket Sandbox – “Better Phuket”

On any given day during high season, this popular Thai beach town would be filled with tourists from all around the world. Jet skis, longtails and speed boats roared through its bright blue waters. Some pulled parasails, their colourful puffs of nylon kites moving through the skies, keeping harnessed bodies afloat. Massive cruise ships could sometimes be seen anchored offshore.

 

The party lights, for the first time in a decade, had been turned off.

 

 

In the evenings, the streets adjacent to Patong’s beach were packed with travellers till long after the sun slipped into the Andaman Sea horizon admiring the famous Phuket sunset. The air typically filled with the shouts of taxi drivers, massage staff and restaurant workers, all in pursuit of the next customer.

Now, it’s a Phuket that is hard to recognise. The majority of businesses are shut, some with “For Rent” signs. Door handles are wrapped in chains and padlocks, while closed hotels have put up rope fences blocking the driveways to their entrances.Even American chain outlets like McDonald’s, Burger King and Starbucks are shut.

The pandemic continues to impact all over the world, and Phuket is no different. But on the bright side, we’re now seeing another beautiful side of this wonderful island – not its attractions or natural wonders, nor entertainment and nightlife, but its kind-hearted people and frontline medical professionals that continue helping others in need during these unprecedented times.

 

 

 

Patong Beach, Phuket is getting ready for reopening on July 1st in Patong Phuket and with a facelift! No more electric cables on the beach front and road resurfacing in progress! Patong Beach is almost unrecognisable!!!!!

 

 

Earlier this year for the first time in decades, a large leatherback turtle came ashore at Kata Beach in Phuket to lay eggs yesterday in January. A total of 29 baby leatherback turtles broke through the sand and made their way into the sea at our favourite Kata Beach.The nest site has been sealed off for protection and a thermometer installed to monitor the temperature in the nest.

Karon Deputy Mayor Itthiporn Sangkaew, himself a native of Kata-Karon area, was overly happy about the turtle as were the locals!   “As far as I can remember the last time turtles laid eggs at a beach in Kata-Karon was decades ago. Certainly not in the past 20 years,” he said.

Marine life experts from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported that the first turtles surfaced at about 10pm last evening and began making their way to the water’s edge with 80 eggs in total in the nest.In addition to the 29 that made it into the sea last night, five were taken into care as they were too weak to make the life-starting journey across the sand.

 

 

During the lockdown and in anticipation of Phuket’s reopening on July 1, there have been beach cleanups all over the island . Hotels have continually joined the local community and municipality to keep kata Beach clean with regular beach cleansing during closures.

Director SIS, Mat Christie Hindmarch said his  team joining many hotels for our regular beach clean.The SIS Kata – A Dynamic Young and Trendy Resort Situated about 300 Metres up On the Hillside A Few Moments Away Of The Award-Winning Gold Sands Of Kata Beach.

“Hotels have continually joined the local community and municipality to keep kata Beach clean with regular beach cleansing during closures.”

 

 

 

The once popular beaches of Kata and Karon have been hit the hardest are most definitely Patong, Karon and Kata beaches, according to Anthony Lark, president of the Phuket Hotels Association.

“These three enclaves were 95% reliant on international tourism. And it dried up.”For the few who decided to stick it out, life has been incredibly difficult.” It’s very bad for us, he said.

Not many people come. We have only Thai people but not so many. In one day, only one or two tables. Normally we are full downstairs and upstairs.”He says staff are only getting paid half of their regular salaries until international tourists return.

For the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, founded in 2016, closing shop till the tourists return isn’t an option. Whether visitors come or not, the facility’s 12 retired working elephants, which live in the sanctuary’s 30 acres of jungle, need to be fed.”It costs approximately between 20,000 and 30,000 Thai baht a month to feed one elephant,” says general manager Vincent Gerards.

 

With a dozen animals on hand, that’s about $7,500-8,000 each month. Prior to the pandemic, most of that money came from the many visitors that would pay to experience the sanctuary and observe the elephants for a full day.”Around 85% of the population of Phuket relies on tourism in some form or another, whether they’re working in hotels or taxi drivers, fisherman — it’s all connected and we’re very dependent on international tourists,” says Gerards.”

So Covid obviously had a huge impact when we talk about elephant tourism in particular. More than 150 elephants living in Phuket have left the island since the beginning of Covid-19 because the camps had to temporarily or permanently close, and those elephants were then moved back to their owners who often live in other provinces.”

Phuket SandBox Reopening July 1

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the approved plan will take effect on July 1.”Phuket will be the first destination to lift quarantine requirements for vaccinated foreign tourists under the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ program,” says a TAT statement. “However, they will be restricted to travel activities within designated areas in Phuket for seven days and will then be allowed to visit other Thai destinations.”The plan is reliant on efforts to vaccinate 70% of the island’s residents, with officials requesting more than 930,000 doses. According to a report in Phuket News, more than 70,000 Phuket residents have received their first dose of the vaccine.

 

There is much optimism that international tourists will begin returning with measures for entering Phuket officially released today June 25, 2021. This is the glimmer of hope and a shining light at the end of our very dark, long tunnel.

 

 

For now, Phuket relies on domestic tourists

In the meantime, domestic tourism is keeping some businesses afloat — but just barely. “It has literally been the oxygen that has enabled almost all of the tourism-related businesses on Phuket to continue to breathe and survive.” says Lark, who points to the Bangkok residents that have been flying down on the weekends and government holidays.”But it’s unsustainable. Phuket’s tourism can’t survive at 6% to 8% occupancy. These hotels were designed to run at 30% to 40% occupancy to break even. So it’s helped stem the tide of outgoing grief, but it’s by no means sustainable, sadly.”

It has been a tough time, as Phuket does need international tourists.  Everyone has been doing their bit and very  creative to try to make the most of the situation that we are in at the moment and somehow managed to find a way. But we need to open up now we are supporting the local community, and we were working closely with local government and central government to get ready, in order to re-open Phuket, and to re-open Thailand, and to be ready to welcome international visitors.

Ekkapan, a street food vendor at Patong Beach, specializes in dishes from Thailand’s northeast Isaan region. He says the demographics of his customer base have shifted but — in spite of being in an area so reliant on international tourists — profits haven’t dipped. “Before Covid my customers were 80% foreign tourists,” he tells CNN. “But now we are serving mostly Thai people. Same money but we have to work harder. Foreigners liked to order grilled dishes, which were easy to make. Thais prefer things like som tom (papaya salad) and larb (a spicy minced meat dish) which take longer.”

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary has also had to adapt its programs to cater to the domestic market — shortening the time length of its programs and lowering prices while also creating remote online opportunities to connect with their many followers from abroad. It’s helping to put food in the elephants’ mouths, but what they really need is for international tourists to come back as soon as possible.

With the pandemic tossing out an endless supply of curveballs over the last year, a lot can happen between now and July, it’s great to finally see that light at the end of the tunnel and to have a pretty clear plan of what’s going to happen. We’re ready to welcome tourists again!

Orginal story published by CNN 

NipTuck are offering rates at our partnered hotels 20% lower than available on other platforms such as direct and booking.com. We offer the Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, starting from just $50US per room at DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort.

 

 

 
 

 

20 Jun
Mexico, New destinations, The state of international travel right now

Mexico predicted to be big winners post-pandemic! #Revengetravelboom🛩🇲🇽

As we pass the one-year anniversary of travel shutting down after the coronavirus was declared a pandemic, most of the countries in the world are reopening and people are getting back to what they love- travelling! But, where to first?

As it stands, some international travel destinations still have their borders closed, but there is strong optimism that things will soon return to some level of normalcy. Travel advisors predicting North America, including Mexico is going to be the big winner of post-pandemic travel.

When the CDC announced that testing would be required to re-enter the US in January, the resorts in Mexico very quickly arranged on-site complimentary testing, so that we had an immediate solution for our clients which ultimately prevented a lot of cancellations.” Terri Jobe, the owner of Blue Water Travel, agreed.

“They’re doing such a great job with the COVID-19 protocols and providing safe options for our clients,” Kim Goldstein, president of Journeys Inc., told Travel Market Report. “They reopened quickly and showed the world that they had the right measures in place to keep our clients safe.

I know the trend says that most will want to do domestic trips, but I have not seen that in my bookings. Mexico, and mainly Cancun, is about 90% of my 2021 bookings,” she said. Alot of clients agree with the travel forums and facebook forums lit 🔥

“For me, Mexico is definitely the winner for post-pandemic travel.“

 

In the more immediate future, Mexico allows Lori Wilson’s, a travel advisor with JCo Travel, clients to avoid jumping over lots of COVID-protocol hurdles. Other Caribbean locales like Jamaica “will see a massive influx of tourists once the pandemic restrictions are reduced,” said Kerri Brewster, owner of Escapes Unlimited & Bride Tribe Travel.

 Revenge Travel!

“There is a pent-up demand for travel, especially beach vacations for couples or families. I think we will see a lot more Caribbean travel coming now restrictions are lifted.” “Jamaica is ready for the rebound! They’ve had some different protocols and seen a reduction in travel but we think 2021 will be the year of Jamaica,” said Travis Paquin, co-owner of 417 Travel.

Further down the pike, “late summer and fall/winter Central America is going to be busier than ever, much of the Mexico/Caribbean space will be gone and the next closest experience and competitive price will be the Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama destinations,” Tom Karnes, president and owner of La Macchia Travel Agency, told TMR.

Other advisors believe there will be a huge demand for Europe, like Lia Vincent, owner of Vincent Vacations & All Inclusive Weddings, who said: “People are itching to go back.” “People who never wanted to go before want to go even more now since they were told they can’t go. Americans are funny that way.  We all wanted to go to Cuba because we were told no.

 Come to Cancun x2

Mexico is already officially welcoming back international travellers with a promotion called “destination reactivation” hoping to incentivize tourists to visit from 15th June!The campaign is offered by the Hotel Associations of Cancun, Puerto Morelos & Isla Mujeres, and over hotels, resorts and business from Cancun to Cozumel in the Mexican Caribbean. #Mexico The #Come2MexicanCaribbean campaign will be promoted across various destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, ranging from Cancun to Cozumel with hotels offering two free nights for every two nights paid for by guests.

According to the Cancun Hotel Association (AHCP), the objective is to accelerate the economic and tourist recovery on the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean.

#VenACANCUNX2 is a formal campaign promoted by the AHCP and we see it feasible that with the material that is ready we can launch a unique campaign coordinating the private initiative and the state and municipal governments, ”said Carlos Gosselin, member of the AHCP.

Through a statement, AHCP shared the strategy that includes offers such as:

✔︎Two free nights for every two paid nights

✔︎Refund of the plane ticket to travel with a companion

✔︎Social media contests to earn a lifetime travel certificate to Cancun

As part of the ‘Come to Cancun 2 × 1’ project, ‘pay 1 and get 2 packages’ will be promoted on many beaches of Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and Cancun itself.A competition on social media is also reportedly underway which will allow entrants the chance to earn a lifetime travel certificate. Other perks on offer are two free days of car rentals for every two days paid for, free stays for up to two children when two adults book, as well as 20% off at participating theme parks, golf courses, and spas.

Congreso Medical Tourism Medico Mexico 2021

Of course this is perfect timing for the upcoming Congress for the 11th Medical Tourism Congress now confirmed for October 7 & 8 this year after ongoing delays due to covid. We are so excited to attend as the only Australian cosmetic surgery agency representing Australian and New Zealand clients.

Held in Chihuahua, Mexico this beautiful destination rises in the ranks as one of the most affordable, safe and practical destinations for international patients from all around the world. While Mexico City and Monterrey are popular holiday destinations, there are so many beautiful destinations in Mexico have so much to offer with double board-certified surgeons, world-class hospitals, and amazing hotels and resorts.

Mexico is open now it’s perfect for US clients, the Mexican Pacific is a favourite destination for medical travellers and welcomes patients from around the world.

The Year of The Mexican

What a year 2021 has been for Mexico! !!!!

✳️Canelo becomes unified super middleweight world champion after beating trash-talking Billy Joe Saunders

✳️Andrea Meza is crowned 2021 Miss Universe

✳️Ever Lopez, wore the flag, didn’t apologize, got his diploma

✳️Brandon Moreno, first Mexican national to win a UFC championship

✳️Karina Rodriguez, first Mexican to win MMA Invictus championship

✳️Checo Pérez, Formula 1 winner in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

✳️Pato O’Ward, winner of the Detroit Grand Prix and soon to be IndyCar Champion

#mexico #medicaltourismmexico #lakechapal

Who is coming?

15 Jun
Our luxury hotels, Phuket

Vaccinated? Phuket wants to welcome you next month.

So holiday-starved Aussies could enjoy lavish trips to the Thai island by July 1 with no quarantine – but there’s a catch!

Although currently experiencing its highest rate of infections and deaths due to COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic, Thailand is still going ahead with its plans to reopen on July 1. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed that from next month, the country will allow quarantine-free entry to vaccinated tourists from “low-risk” countries who enter Thailand via the island of Phuket.

While more details still need to be confirmed, including what countries are deemed “low risk”, for now the TAT says arrivals must be fully vaccinated or have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and must have tested negative not more than 72 hours before arrival.

Upon arriving in Phuket, visitors must stay in a hotel approved by the country’s Safety & Health Administration for the first 14 nights. While on Phuket, visitors are not required to quarantine and are free to leave their accommodation and travel around the island with few, if any, restrictions, visiting beaches, restaurants and entertainment venues as per normal. Visitors will be required to register at a government website and use an app that tracks their movements. After 14 nights on Phuket, visitors are free to leave the island to travel to other points in Thailand.

This news was first announced on the first travel industry event by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Sydney #AmazingThailand called the ‘Product Update’ Event May 20, 2021 #Restore #Refresh #Renew . It was hosted by the Ambassador of Thailand to Australia , Consulate General, TAT Director. It gave industry professionals the Roadmaps to Recovery, The Latest Developments in this Recovery and It’s when we first heard the term “Sandbox” or Phuketsandbox .

#AmazingThailand Product Update 2021

There have been many changes since then but basically a set of stringent set of health and safety guidelines have been established to enhance tourism health and hygiene standards. These are known as the ‘Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration’, with the purpose is to restore, refresh and renew tourism in its recovery post-covid when international travel resumes.

It’s good news for international travellers hoping to resume their Thailand holiday plans.   The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirms that Phuket will be the first destination to welcome visitors back. Visa rules and test required to board flights to Phuket remain the same, but for the first time vaccinated travellers can visit the island without a 14-day quarantine.

If you have been following the Thai news and travel it’s been in the news every day since with regular updates and some confusion about what this means and if indeed it’s going to still open. We have been sharing on our social media please follow to keep updated! Also TAT provides lots of information on their Facebook . For diehard Thailand lovers a private a I recommend a private Facebook group Phuket Sandbox – “Better Phuket” By I Asia Thailand

As I mentioned there have been changes and updates and some confusion, with speculation that Phuket will delay this reopening. The latest information however is a press release yesterday by Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha that has confirmed that Phuket will indeed reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine requirements from 1 July, 2021, under the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ project.

Whats the G-O for Aussies?

But unfortunately for Australians, special exemptions are still needed to fly overseas since the international borders closed and will be until probably mid 2020 . Australians must apply for special exemptions to be allowed to leave the country.! But the rest of the world has reopened so if you are vaccinated, Phuket welcomes you!

NipTuck Holidays enjoy strong partnerships a selection of international hotels and resorts that are absolutely dying to welcome back Aussies! So much so they have offered us unbeatable discounts for travellers From July 1 to the October period!
Doubletree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort is a luxury resort inn the heart of Patong Beach. Step into tranquillity when you check in to DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort. Set in the heart of Patong, directly opposite the white sandy beach and turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.

DoubleTree
DoubleTree
DoubleTree

Our other partner is Phuket’s newest hotel the FourPoints by Sheraton Phuket This brand new beachfront, luxury resort two outdoor pools, five fantastic restaurants & bars and the latest facilities for the ultimate.

We are offering special discount promotional rates at the moment wanting cheap holidays in Phuket at luxury standards with special privileges and bonus inclusions! While we can’t travel from Australia just yet we are doing our bit encourage travel to Phuket for those can from the UK, US and Europe and other parts of Asia.

Upon vaccination and depending on where you live hopefully this initiative will revive travel to the resort island in Thailand, which is hoping to revive its dire tourist economy. In preparation for tourists, many of Phuket’s pandemic restrictions have been lifted, and the island’s tourist-oriented businesses have been allowed to operate more or less normally.

FourPoints by Sheraton
FourPoints by Sheraton

We miss Phuket and can’t wait to go back! 🌴❤️🇹🇭

 

15 Jun
The state of international travel right now

The world is re-opening- what about Australia?🇦🇺

Australia is sticking to plans to re-open mid-2022 , despite the world reopening?!🤯

In March 2020, Australia closed its borders to non-nationals and non-residents and has since been allowing only limited international arrivals, mainly citizens returning from abroad.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said all the way through we will be guided by the medical and economic advice. This comes as Melbourne will take its first small steps out of lockdown this coming Friday, again.

The Morrison government has long been heavily criticised and exposed for Australia’s failings when it comes it administering the slow rollout COVID-19 vaccine.

It’s ridiculous this is still happening with Australia’s as the world reopens, especially with Australia’s swift contact tracing and public health compliance has ranked its control measures among the world’s most effective with total infections total about 29,700 and very low deaths at just 910.

This is really hard to swallow this government knows what it is doing.

Our World In Data revealed just how far behind the nation is with its rollout as countries like the US, UK, Canada and Spain continue to forge ahead, which makes it even more difficult as our Instagram and Facebook is lit with pics of holidays and vacations of back to normal summer holidays right now.Aruba vacay  Travel is Life FB Group

Just 3.1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Australia so far, well behind the 274 million doses in the US, 183 million in India and 57 million in the UK.

 

So when? How to reopen Australia?

Frustrated by the lack of strategy from the federal government about how and when border restrictions could be eased, the president of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Omar Khorshid, has said the government could open earlier if it made vaccines mandatory for anyone wanting to travel.

He said its possible if they  begin work on a strategy now based on independent medical advice that prioritised the safety of the community over any other factor. A strategy taking into account factors such as the local rate of vaccinations and the capacity of the Australian health system to keep up with ongoing growth in demand for services, particularly in our public hospitals.

It would obviously include vaccinations for people wanting to travel overseas and quarantine at home rather than the current hotel quarantine and a  traffic light system to define high-risk countries should be part of a plan to reopen Australia to the rest of the world while ensuring that there is sufficient surge capacity available to deal with future community outbreaks.

 

Dr Khorshid said the key component of the strategy would be mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for outbound and inbound travellers, with only limited exemptions for defined medical reasons. Dedicated quarantine facilities for those travelling to and from countries deemed as high risk and rapid screening tests at Australian airports and ports.

The adoption of a traffic light or  system with set criteria for the easing of borders with low risk countries, containment strategies and data transparency.

This would include risk mitigation measures should be attached to the traffic light system, including border closures with very high-risk countries and regions, requirements for onshore and offshore testing, and mandatory time in home or designated quarantine.

Currently, vaccination levels in Australia are too low to consider opening the borders, but this could not continue indefinitely initially. He also proposed targeting travel with low-risk destinations and  proposing a public campaign and discussion around reopening to reduce people’s fear and further public education and promotion of vaccination.

 

 

     

What does this mean? Miss out on travel, but miss out on COVID

Is it likely that the Government and Prime Minister Scott Morrison and take this common sense advice ? Probably not so bad news for those us us who like to travel or who work in the travel and tourism industry Australians can expect to miss out on travel bubbles, suffer sporadic lockdowns and face continuous economic hits, as our vaccine rollout falls behind the rest of the world.

We’re currently sitting in 90th place in the global vaccination race – a ranking that’s only going to slip further. So for the anti-vaxxer’s in Australia I would love to hear what they suggest to reopen the country and what strategy they suggest as vaccination is the only one that has any success with Israel leads the pack in terms of doses per population, with the United Arab Emirates coming second, followed by Chile, the UK, Bahrain and the US.

In Australia our current position means we’re staying on home soil for a time further, until we have an alternative strategy, which is meant to be the vaccine, it also means we can expect more lockdowns without a state set for reopening.😓

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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