Don't Cancel, But Watch the News for Swine Flu Updates

President Barack Obama said on Monday that the government was taking precautions to protect us against a global health pandemic, but that the swine flu hitting headlines for the past two days is "not a cause for alarm." While this statement at the National Academy of Sciences was the first time President Obama addressed swine flu, which occurred in Mexico last week, we should watch for its effect abroad as well as right here at home. 

With this kind of health concern present, you might feel uncomfortable planning a vacation or getting ready to jet off on a pre-booked jaunt. The United States government plans to issue a travel warning to Mexico, advising travelers to avoid "nonessential" trips, and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City announced that nonemergency and visa services would be suspended this week. In other words, it sounds like a good time to book a trip somewhere secluded or farther away, and to bone up on proper travel health practices.

If you are planning on going away this summer and you're looking for a spot that won't cause worry, we recommend a luxury hotel somewhere exciting, exotic, and unusual--why not Dubai? You'll have a great change of scenery and culture, and the Middle East has luxury hotels from both recognizable companies like the Park Hyatt (which also has an Exclusive Perk System in place) or The Ritz Carlton. For a taste of the fast-paced Dubai lifestyle, you can also try something like the Burj Al Arab, a towering spot located in front the Arabian Gulf that offers a free complimentary breakfast, a complimentary upgrade upon check-in, one Swedish massage for two, and welcome amenities and drinks with their Exclusive Perks program.

Sometimes the best way to stop worrying is to get informed and then get away from it all. Doesn't that sound like something you'd like to do right now?