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Best of Vietnam

From the initial booking to the end of our tour On the Go reps have been really great with communication and assisted us with every query we had. Our tour guide Hung Do was really great and helped our group connect and bond. He always went above and beyond to make our trip fun, special and easy. We loved how everything ran smoothly and we didn't need to worry, plan or over think too much. There was a good balance of siteseeing and activities. Personally I would've loved more local food experiences included in the tour but understand that the your caters to less adventurous palettes.

Date of experience : June 23, 2023

Reply from On The Go Tours

Thank you so much for the wonderful review!

Jamal was an exceptional tour guide!

Jamal was an exceptional tour guide! He went out of his way to make my first time in Morocco a whole lot of fun! He is full of knowledge, gave great advice and genuinely cared about making sure everyone was having a great time. I arrived in Morocco a few days before the tour started, and he went out of his way to reach out and share some useful travel tips. Thanks Jamal for showing us around your beautiful country!

Date of experience : May 06, 2023

We are so pleased you enjoyed your time with Jamal who is a valued member of the team!

Totally Morocco Nov 23 - Perfectly organised

I did the Totally Morocco tour in Nov 2023 and there isn’t a single thing I could fault! Our tour guide was Jamal who took extremely good care of us and went above and beyond the call of duty to look after us! The entire trip was very well organised and went smoothly. Itinerary was packed yet we had a relaxed time and there is no way I could’ve done all the things we did by myself if I had planned it. Everyday all we needed to know was what time we’re meeting and the rest of the day was looked after. There were a few meals included and the choice of restaurants for those was excellent. The hotel options included luxury 5 star hotels or authentic Riads and Dars for a comfortable and complete Moroccan experience. Jamal was outstanding and I have been recommending the store to all my friends since I’ve been back.

Date of experience : November 27, 2023

Many thanks for the rave review and all the recommendations!

My experience with on the go tours was…amazing,adventurous, safe,comfortable

5th to 12th april My experience with on the go tours was amazing they are so friendly, organised, prompt,professional we went to rathambore by train ,Akash was just amazing only young but very professional and helpful knew his job very well. Can't forget manoj in the dinning side he made us feel at home .the best staff there very friendly approachable was home away from.home. we were bit sad to.leave.and trip to agra we went with driver param he become like our family member we were so comfortable with him. He really took good care for us. Very polite and professional. And caring Recommended for tour driver anytime And dont forget the taj mahal tour and agra. The guide was just amazing the history he told us was so mesmerising. I felt like I was there in that century loved it loved it Thanks to on the go tours to.make this a success thanks again

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you on holiday again soon!

ON THE GO TOURS NOT RESPONDING TO OUR REQUESTS

We have a credit of USD 880 being deposit paid to OnThe GoTours since we could not travel due to Covid ( being senior citizens). I have emails confirming they are holding our funds to that effect from them. I have now written three times to them to give us a Tour for China in October 2024 but to no avail. Kindly if they cannot offer us a tour for October 2024, they may as well refund our money. Our not being able to take the tour then was not noone's fault. There were restrictions for travel due to Covid.

Date of experience : October 31, 2023

We are sincerely sorry for our delayed response time which has resulted from the influx of enquiries about the current situation in Israel. Our Reservations Manager has confirmed that the team have been in touch to assist, and we appreciate your understanding in this regard.

Upper Egypt and Cairo Guides

Our upper Egypt tour guide, Dr. Mohamed Hosau, and our Cairo guide, Abdul, were excellent. Both were very helpful and knowledgeable which made our first visit to this country stress free and interesting.

Date of experience : September 25, 2023

Many thanks for the wonderful feedback!

Amazing Morocco

Our trip to Morocco was amazing! What an incredible country to visit! I especially loved the camel ride and camping in the Sahara, but would’ve liked a bit more free time/shopping time. Our guide Jamal was so knowledgeable and personable and incredibly caring & helpful when my daughter got sick. I really can’t thank him enough!

Vietnam and Cambodia

I really enjoyed the tour group and all of the guides. I think that changing the guides frequently is a little bit disadvantageous and perhaps you could look at having one guide go for most or all of the trip as it provides more consistency. I also wonder if, instead of going from Saigon through South Vietnam to Cantho overnight and back to Saigon ... if you go to Cantho and stay 2 nights then directly to Cambodia there would be less taxing and long bus trips and more time in South Vietnam. Otherwise a fabulous trip thank you!

Date of experience : January 09, 2023

Thank you so much for sending through your suggestions which will be passed to our Product Team for review.

Best of Morocco

Best of Morocco: What an incredible way to see the beauty of Morocco! This wouldn’t have been possible without our superb guide: Jamal. He was very friendly, helpful and informative. My only ‘negative’ feedback (if you can even call it that) is that the tipping culture in Morocco is big, which I didn’t really think to budget for…on top of the main tour price I probably spent an added £400 on tipping during the 13 days, you even have to tip each time you go to the loo whilst out and about, but this is to be expected in such a country. Not a bad word to say about the company, it was well organised and everything flowed beautifully. Thank you OTGT for a wonderful trip!

Date of experience : September 09, 2023

Many thanks for the feedback, and we hope to welcome you on holiday again soon!

13 day tour of Morocco - On the go Tours

I did the 13 day tour of Morocco with on the go Tours Feb 24. Tour guide Jamal was the best guide. He was not only our tour guide but our language teacher, history teacher and also a comedian. The tour group was the perfect size (9 in total ) and the vehicle and accommodation was comfortable. I would recommend this tour to anyone especially with Jamal.

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

We are so pleased you enjoyed your time with us in Morocco!

We have just returned from a 9 day tour…

We have just returned from a 9 day tour of Egypt and had the most amazing time. We had personal guides for the whole trip who were personable and knowledgeable and really helped us appreciate the sites. We felt very safe in Egypt and all the arrangements made by On the Go were excellent and worked well.

Date of experience : February 28, 2023

The Tour guide was a great communicator…

The Tour guide was a great communicator full of knowledge both historical and current. The tour guide was very friendly and easy to talk to and had a great sense of humour. The tour took in many sights and delightful experiences which made this trip one for the ages

Date of experience : October 18, 2023

Thank you kindly for the wonderful review!

Great Experience

Communication before the tour was just sufficient, excellent, organised and clear. As we arrived into Morocco everything was delivered smoothly and as promised/ advertised, including pick up, tour, hotel, meals. Our tour guide Omar was exceptional, one of a kind.

Date of experience : April 18, 2024

Thank you so much for the fantastic feedback!

Beautiful Country Amazing Tour Guide

Japan is a beautiful country with such a variety of experiences from ancient temples, shrines other amazing cultural sites to amazing modern technology etc. Our tour guide Natsu Sun was amazing. She went above and beyond our expectations. I've done a lot of travel over the years but never had a guide as amazing as her. The inclusions in the Cherry Blossom tour were amazing. Seeing the Maiko performance and all the other activities, it was well worth the cost of the tour. I loved the combination of public transport and coaches and the scheduled activities were the perfect amount. It was my dream trip to see the Cherry Blossoms and Natsu Sun's beautiful outlook on life made it all the better.

Date of experience : March 28, 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your wonderful review!

Amazing trip to Egypt

I had a great time on the On the Go tour of Egypt. A lot of that is due to our tour guide, Momo, who is very knowledgeable, willing to answer questions, but also good at making sure the tour was fun. We saw a lot of amazing sights in 10 days, the pyramids, sphnix, Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and more in 10 days and it never felt exhausting. I highly recommend this tour.

Date of experience : February 21, 2023

We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us!

Couldn't fault a thing, fantastic tour

We went on a 9 day 'totally Morocco' tour, and well, what can i say, the tour was amazing from start to finish, we saw so much, and learnt so much. Our driver Sulliman was always on time, and always smiling. The main tour guide Hitcham was simply brilliant, his knowledge was excellent, and he went out of his way to make sure that everone on the tour was OK and looked after, putting small extras in at every spare moment like traditional food and extra viewpoint stops. A special mention to the funniest guide we had in Marrakech, Mustapha, who had us in stitches throughout the walking tour. All the costs were clearly explained in the tour itinerary and the whole experience was worth every penny. I would recommend this tour to ANYONE who loves a bit of exploration and culture.

Date of experience : February 18, 2023

Many thanks for the rave review!

We had a wonderful tour of Morocco led…

We had a wonderful tour of Morocco led by our excellent guide Jamal and driver Hossain. I asked a million questions and Jamal always had the answers and was very kind and thoughtful about how each day was structured. The independent city guides were also very good and we enjoyed the variety of accommodation on offer. There were some long days of driving before and after the night in the desert (which were well worth it for the Sahara experience!) but we always felt safe with Hossain driving: very careful and smooth. Jamal gave lots of interesting information on all our journeys which helped to pass the time. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to explore Morocco.

Date of experience : January 07, 2023

Thank you so much for the fantastic review!

Highly recommended, we loved our holiday

Our family of four has recently been on the Classical Egypt and Nile tour. It was fabulous! On-the-Go Tours was friendly and efficient with bookings (including add-ons) beforehand. In Egypt, the whole tour was well organised with great attention to our enjoyment, safety and comfort. We were met at the airport and whisked through customs. Hotel check-ins and luggage transfers were smooth. The local tour guide was knowledgeable about the country's incredible history and helpful at all hours. He interpreted for us in pharmacies and souks, took us to backstreet restaurants offering local cuisine, and generally gave good recommendations. His network of contacts was amazing. A great overall experience.

Date of experience : December 17, 2022

Thank you kindly for the amazing review!

BEST EGYPT TOUR

BEST EGYPT TOUR! They're well organized and deliver great quality in terms of accommodations and guide. I was a bit worried since it was my first solo international trip and I was going to Egypt, but everything went so smooth. I was very impressed with the entire tour, from landing in to the airport to departure, absolutely no complaints

Date of experience : October 02, 2022

Many thanks for taking the time to post your comments!

Just got back from an incredible trip…

Just got back from an incredible trip to Morocco - New Year in Marocco. Jamal, our guide was the best I have ever experienced, he made the trip smooth, interesting and pulled together the group really quickly. No wonder he has been with you for 14 years, what a great experience, thank you!

Date of experience : December 23, 2022

Thank you so much for the amazing feedback!

On The Go Tours

Annapurna Panorama - 13 days

Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu, Pokhara

• Annapurna Region - Enjoy a six day trek through the beautiful Annapurna range to Ghorepani and Poon Hill
• Poon Hill - Watch the sunrise and marvel at the spectacular panoramic view of the High Himalayas
• Kathmandu - Rickshaw ride through the city, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa & Bodhnath Stupa
• Bhaktapur - Roam around Bhaktapur's beautiful Durbar Square and test your pottery making skills
• Patan - Explore historic Patan Durbar Square and watch a Singing Bowls performance

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

Jewels of Greece Express - 5 Days

Athens, Delphi

• Athens - Discover some of the world's most famous architecture, from the Panathenaic Stadium to the legendary Acropolis
• Delphi - Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims along the Sacred Way and admire the Temple of Apollo
• Meteora - Marvel at the magical and sacred cliff-top monasteries in one of the most beautiful regions of Greece
• Thermopylae - Visit the site where King Leonidas made his infamous final stand against the Persians in 480BC

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

Wonders of Ancient Greece - 7 Days

Athens, Delphi, Olympia

• Athens - Discover one of the world's oldest cities, from the ancient Acropolis to the modern Panathenaic Stadium
• Peloponnese - Cross the rocky peninsula at the heart of Greek history, home to Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the Corinth Canal
• Olympia - Learn about the site of the original Olympics, where the Statue of Zeus - an ancient Wonder of the World - once stood
• Delphi - Follow the Sacred Way in the footsteps of pilgrims who sought the oracle's advice at this holy sanctuary
• Meteora - Admire the stunning, UNESCO-listed rock formations and clifftop monasteries

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

Golden Triangle & Kerala - 15 days

Agra, Alleppey, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Munnar

• Agra – Enjoy a guided tour of impressive Agra Fort and the legendary Taj Mahal which is a lasting symbol of love
• Kerala Backwaters – Spend the night aboard our deluxe rice boat and explore the lush backwaters
• Delhi – Tour highlights of the city including Jama Masjid, the Rajpath and take a rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar
• Munnar – Stroll through a tea plantation on a guided walk and visit a local market
• Kumarakom – Relax or explore the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary as we enjoy time at leisure

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

Totally Jordan - 8 Days

Amman, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Galilee, Jerash, Madaba, Petra, Shobak, Umm Qais, Wadi Rum

• Two nights in Petra - Discover the fabled UNESCO-listed Nabataean City that was all but lost to the modern world until its rediscovery in 1812
• Wadi Rum - Admire the vast red desert landscape with rolling dunes and dramatic rock formations
• Umm Qais - Visit a Roman Decapolis city, once a cultural centre, home to poets and great philosophers
• Shobak Crusader Castle - Take in this magnificent castle, perched dramatically on a hill top
• Wadi Mujib - Trek the Siq Trail of Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve

Highlights of Bhutan & Nepal - 15 Days

Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu, Paro, Pokhara, Punakha, Thimphu

• Paro - Enjoy a guided tour of the city, including the National Museum and Rinphung Dzong
• Thimphu - Explore Bhutan’s capital city on a full day sightseeing tour, including the Memorial Chorten, National Library, Drubthob Nunnery, Folk Heritage Museum and Takin Preserve
• Dochula Pass - See an incredible panorama of Himalayan peaks
• Punakha Valley - Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, hike up to Chimi Lhakhand Temple and camp beside the scenic Mo Chu River
• Visit the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang - where we explore the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan

Geminids Meteor Shower - 15 Days

Ait Benhaddou, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Erg Chebbi, Essaouira, Fes, Marrakech, Midelt

• Marrakech - Head out to explore the medina and Djemaa el Fna independently, or join an optional guided tour of the city
• Geminids Meteor Shower - Watch the annual spectacle from the darkness of the Sahara and see hundreds of meteors streaking across the sky
• Casablanca - Visit the film made famous by the Humphrey Bogart film 'Casablanca' and opt to visit the famous Hassan II Mosque
• Rabat - Take in the sights of Morocco's imperial capital on a tour, including the Chellah necropolis and Royal Palace
• Chefchaouen - Enjoy a guided tour of the enthralling Blue City, nestled in the picturesque Rif Mountains

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

Sailing Split - 8 days

Dubrovnik, Split

• Split – Roam the medieval streets that lie within the walls of this ancient city
• Dubrovnik – Discover a stunning city and the spectacular setting for 'Game of Thrones'
• Korcula – Uncover this charming island your way and see the sights of Marco Polo's birthplace
• Mljet Island – Explore the unforgettable natural beauty that lies within the national parks
• Pakleni Islands – Swim in crystal clear waters and relax on the pristine beaches - a perfect place to relax

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing

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Similar top rated trips

On the go tours reviews & ratings, brendan at the end of the phone line.

I rang on the go tours yesterday and was extremely impressed by Brendan. He was professional, knowledgeable, caring and personable! I would highly recommend to ring ...

Alex Johnson

Best Tour Ever!

On the Go Tours has provided my mom and I with an outstanding experience from start to finish. The real star of the show though was our tour guide, Omar! Omar impres...

Lisa Wilton

Omar made our Magical Morocco tour magical!!

We just finished the Magical Morocco 13 day tour with our fabulous guide Omar. Omar was fabulous, we arrived a day before the tour and Omar contacted us to make sur...

Guide Omar is knowledgeable, personable and another Moroccan treasure!

A varied, interesting and well organised taste of this extraordinarily beautiful country. The Berber people are kind, generous and generally seem to have a great sen...

Excellent guide who was fun

Excellent guide who was fun, happy and went out of his way with litt...

See all On The Go Tours reviews

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Passage to India - 10 days

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Personalized
• Christmas & New Year

Traveled in March 2018

Places You’ll See

• Delve into culture with a visit to rural Karauli
• Search for majestic tigers in Ranthambore National Park
• Explore the sleepy lakeside town of Pushkar
• Watch the sunset on a relaxing cruise of Lake Pichola
• Introduction
• Day 1 Delhi
• Day 2 Old & New Delhi
• Day 3 Taj Mahal
• Day 4 Karauli or Dholpur
• Day 5 Jaipur
• Day 6 Jaipur sightseeing
• Day 7 Explore Udaipur
• Day 8 Boat ride on Lake Pichola
• Day 9 Flight to Delhi
• Day 10 Delhi

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Adventure Type

• Group of 24 travelers max.
• Fast booking confirmation
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Travel with like-minded people
• Choose your preferred dates and duration
• Upgrade your accommodation
• Customize the itineraries

Customer Photos

Operated by

On The Go Tours

Number of tours

5 to 99 years old

Response time

Response rate

On The Go offer tours to a variety of destinations worldwide, while specialising in travel for those who are wanting to have fun, yet still have a cultural experience. The experienced team at On The Go provide carefully planned tours, as well as personalised tailor-made holidays! For those...

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A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.6
• Itinerary Excellent 5.0
• Guide Excellent 4.7
• Transport Excellent 4.6
• Accommodation Excellent 4.2
• Food Excellent 4.6
• Tour Operator On The Go Tours 4.6

Dates & Availability

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To protect your payment, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025

Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 2 Nov, 2024 Monday 11 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,632 €1,469 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 9 Nov, 2024 Monday 18 Nov, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,632 €1,469 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 16 Nov, 2024 Monday 25 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,632 €1,469 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 23 Nov, 2024 Monday 2 Dec, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,632 €1,469 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

What our customers ask about this tour

The hotels listed below are ones which On The Go frequently use on this tour. Please note that On The Go reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary. Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, Delhi Hotel Jivitesh, Delhi Vivanta by Taj Dwarka, Delhi Seven Hills Tower, Agra Bhanwar Vilas Palace, Karauli Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur Ranthambore Heritage Haveli , Ranthambore National Park Pushkar Resort, Pushkar Karni Bhawan, Jodhpur Hotel Hilltop Palace, Udaipur Hopefully, this list will give you a better idea of what kind of accommodation you can expect while on tour.

Good to Know

• Currency ₹ Indian Rupee India

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for India. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for India. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for India. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 29th October 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 29th October 2024, a minimum payment of €450 is required to confirm your booking with On The Go Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and On The Go Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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5 worst tourist traps in Thailand: What to know before you go

TRAVEL TRENDS , THAILAND Created : Aug 26, 2024, 00:00 IST

Thailand, famed for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals, is a dream destination for many travellers. However, like any popular tourist spot, it has its share of tourist traps—places that, while iconic, might not always offer the authentic experience visitors seek. Here are five well-known tourist traps in Thailand and other tips.

Floating markets of Bangkok

The image of colourful boats filled with fresh produce, souvenirs, and street food is quintessentially Thai, but the reality of Bangkok’s floating markets can be disappointing for some. Markets like Damnoen Saduak are often crowded with tourists, and prices are typically inflated. While the experience is visually appealing, the authenticity is sometimes overshadowed by commercialisation. For a more genuine experience, consider visiting less touristy markets like Taling Chan or Amphawa, where you can still enjoy the charm without the overwhelming crowds.

Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan

The Full Moon Party is legendary, attracting thousands of party-goers to Koh Phangan every month. While it promises a night of wild fun, it’s also notorious for excessive drinking, drug use, and an over-commercialised atmosphere. The beaches are often left littered, and safety can be a concern. If you’re looking to enjoy Thailand’s beach parties without the chaos, consider attending the Half Moon or Black Moon parties, which are smaller and more manageable.

Tiger Temple and animal attractions

Tourists flock to places like the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi, drawn by the opportunity to get up close with tigers and other exotic animals. However, these attractions have faced criticism for unethical practices, including drugging animals to make them docile. Animal welfare concerns are significant, and visitors are encouraged to avoid such attractions. Instead, visit ethical sanctuaries like the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, where animals are treated with respect and care.

Patong Beach, Phuket

Phuket’s Patong Beach is famous for its nightlife, with its bustling streets lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. However, it’s also one of Thailand’s most crowded and overdeveloped areas, often leaving visitors feeling overwhelmed by the chaos. Prices here are significantly higher than in other parts of Thailand, and the beach can be crowded and noisy. For a more peaceful beach experience, consider visiting Kata or Karon beaches, which offer the beauty of Phuket without the intensity.

Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Wat Pho in Bangkok is home to the famous Reclining Buddha, a must-see for many visitors. While the temple is undoubtedly stunning, it’s often packed with tourists, making it difficult to fully appreciate its beauty. The crowds can detract from the spiritual atmosphere, and vendors selling trinkets nearby add to the commercialised feel. To enjoy Bangkok’s temples without the hustle, visit lesser-known sites like Wat Arun or Wat Saket, which offer equally impressive architecture with fewer crowds.

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Thailand, famed for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals, is a dream destination for many travellers. However, like any popular tourist spot, it has its share of tourist trap...

What Travelers Need to Know About the Mpox Vaccine

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) declared on August 14, 2024, that the recent upsurge in mpox cases constitutes “a public health emergency of international concern," the organization's highest alert level. The next day, Sweden confirmed the first case of the new strain, mpox Clade 1, to be diagnosed outside Africa .

As of August 21, 2024, there have been more than 17,000 suspected cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) reported in Africa since the beginning of the year—a significant increase in the total suspected cases in 2023. The current consensus states that the rise in cases is due to the new mpox Clade 1 strain. Mpox Clade 2 was the milder variant behind 2022's global outbreak of less severe infections. More than 99.9% of those infected with mpox Clade 2 survive. Compared to Clade 2, Clade 1 typically causes a higher percentage of people with mpox to get severely sick—it can also cause fatalities—per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); some outbreaks of Clade 1 were reported to have killed up to 10% of people who got sick.

The latest global health emergency declaration is the result of an IHR Emergency Committee decision, which met to review data presented by experts from WHO and affected countries. There are concerns that the disease could spread further across Africa and across continents, however, Mpox is “not the ‘new COVID,'” a top WHO official  said on August 20. At the time of publication, no cases of Clade 1 mpox have been reported in the United States.

Following WHO's announcement, there have been instances of mpox misinformation and disinformation going viral on social media, as USA Today reported Tuesday. Platforms such as X , Meta , and TikTok have pages outlining their policies on combatting the spread of misinformation and misleading content, but the most reliable sources for information concerning mpox remain the official channels of public health organizations such as the WHO and the CDC.

Do I need the mpox vaccine to travel?

As of August 21, 2024, there is no official call for general travelers to be vaccinated against mpox ahead of their trips.

However, the CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice on August 7, 2024, regarding travel to DRC and neighboring countries. The notice advises travelers to “practice enhanced precautions,” which includes vaccinating with both doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine at least 28 days apart as soon as possible if you visit DRC or its neighboring countries (Burundi, Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda). While there is currently no official recommendation for how far in advance travelers should receive the second dose prior to their trip, the CDC notes that “it takes two weeks after the second dose to be the most protected.” Research on how long protection lasts is ongoing, with studies being conducted on data from the most recent outbreak. All of the CDC's advisories on travel to those countries can be found on their respective Travel Health Notice pages , and updates on the effectiveness of the JYNNEOS vaccine can be found on their mpox vaccination recommendations page .

In 2022, the United States launched its Mpox Vaccine Equity Pilot Program (MVEPP) in response to the Clade 2 outbreak. The CDC, which administered the program, offered the JYNNEOS vaccine as, "free and available to everyone, regardless of immigration status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.” MVEPP rolled out in two phases: the first involved outreach in public events attended largely by gay, bisexual, and other MSM (men who have sex with men) populations such as Pride festivals, and its second phase was mpox vaccination proposals designed by health departments to mitigate medical racial prejudices.

The current CDC guidance recommends vaccinations for those who are gay, bisexual, MSM, transgender, gender non-binary, or gender-diverse AND in the last six months have had, or expect to have:

• One or more sexually transmitted infections
• More than one sexual partner, or anonymous sexual or intimate contact
• Sex at a commercial sex venue
• Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring

Additionally, the vaccine is recommended for those who have had sexual or intimate contact with a person who is at risk of mpox as described above, those who have had sexual or intimate contact with someone who may have mpox, and those with occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses (e.g. healthcare, laboratory, and wildlife professionals) regardless of sexual or gender identity. For the most up-to-date information on the CDC's vaccination recommendations, visit their page , and the US Government's official health recommendations for travelers can be found on their Travelers' Health page on mpox .

A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK. Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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EF/GoAhead Tours

Review Highlights

“ Just returned from a fantastic trip to Iceland with EF Go Ahead tours . ” in 3 reviews

“ We had a wonderful trip with EF to Australia , New Zealand, and Fiji. ” in 2 reviews

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2 Education Cir

Cambridge, MA 02141

East Cambridge

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For the money spent, it was mostly a let down. I did Rome, Florence and Venice. We actually ended up leaving a day early and had to pay for the flight change to do so. I have celiac disease and was told I would be accommodated 100% and I ended up starving most of the trip. All 3 of the only dinners provided, it was a total surprise to them that I needed gluten free, so each time, I got an undercooked bowl of red pasta made last minute. None of the hotel breakfasts knew about me or labeled anything. I think this should have been handled ahead of time by the tour guide (who was barely present nor informative). His lack of....everything really set the tone for many people on the tour. The itineraries for the days they actually took you somewhere was maybe 2-3 hours. Everything else you had to pay extra foror you were completely on your own. The hotels (besides maybe Florence) were booked so far from anything you had to pay for an uber. Most people save for years for something like this and I couldn't wait to get home. :(

Have not gone on the tour yet. This review is about their customer service. I booked a tour to Germany for September with an extension to Vienna. I booked my airfare on my own after making the reservation. I recently received an email canceling the extension due to low participation. I called and requested that since I already have my airfare, that the company get me to Vienna. They declined but offered to pay for an excursion. I usually travel with Gate 1/Discovery Tours and when they had to make a change to my reservation, they made paid for my hotel since I had to arrive early. This is my first time using this company and probably be my last time.

I don't know for sure because they're not upfront with their processes, but they seem to contract most functions out to local guides with no incentive to help you. Customer service will tell you they have no specific information about your tour and cannot help you, but they will read you a patronizing appeasement script and admonish you for not being happy with their paltry product. You get essential information about airport transfers and hotels at the last minute, further limiting your recourse. The hotels are far from anywhere you'd want to be, so you spend the money you save with them by taking taxis and Uber or time with long, complex commutes. Included dinners are not generous. You can get lucky with a nice tour guide, but there's still not much they can do if you have a problem. I should have booked a more expensive tour because I paid the difference making up for everything lacking with GoAhead.

Be careful when booking, especially if you are a senior citizen. Don't go by the itinerary description. Call first. Better yet, use a different company. We lost $1800 ($900 booking fee and $900 insurance) even though we canceled 92 days out. Itinerary description never mentioned walking, standing, or climbing stairs. My husband is 73 and uses a walker. Obviously, we had to cancel. The insurance claim was denied because it was not a reason on their list. So, we couldn't go on vacation and lost $1800. Nice thing to do to senior citizens.

I made a reservation last Thursday (11/16/2023) for a trip to Iceland from 12/02/2023-12/07/2023 and then I was told that I can't have my refund back. This entire situation has been a massive chaos. When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning. I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund. I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information.

I have yet to leave on this trip to New England, but thus far the customer service has been DISMAL at best. They have every device to discourage you from talking to an actual person. Additionally, be warned: there is a lot of FALSE ADVERTISING. Website indicates first two nights a hotel in Burlington, walking distance to many things, or close to public transportation. So, we booked a pre-stay for two nights in Burlington, Before we booked the extra nights, I was told by rep the hotel would be 'Delta Marriott in Burlington'. When the actual hotels were sent, I see we are at Hampton Inn in Colchester. Well this hotel is in the middle of nowhere, not walkable to anything, 30 minutes drive to Burlington. Their front desk informed me we 'really will need a car to go anywhere' (except Starbucks and Costco across the street). I have been on the line now 43 minutes as I type this to 'tour support' line. The rep when she finally came on tells me there is NO REFUND for the pre-stay hotel payment. It is 'close to public transportation.' Turns out she is referring to the Colchester bus station -- 13 minutes away!! Clearly, reputation and customer service are not important to this company. I will never book with them again.

Poor costumer service. They just want your money. I booked a single room and they told me they can not find a room for me since I booked late. How come they did not tell me this when I booked? I am travelling with my family and they were confirmed. There is a likelihood that I would not travel with them I find it so ridiculous that no one tells you anything.

Tour of Australia, June 2024 started off well enough in Sydney. Enjoyed the "Vivid" festival. After the transition to Port Douglas, the hotel that EF Go Ahead tours decided to put the group in, did not have an elevator or porter service. Then after dragging luggage up two flights of steps, down a long narrow walkway that all of the lights were burnout, found the air conditioning and TV not working. When I expressed my displeasure to the EF Go Ahead tour guide, his response was to let EF Go Ahead tours know. I complained to the hotel front desk that night and the manager moved my room in the morning. I received an email from the tour company reminding me to be nice and not yell at anyone. The tour company obviously did not care about the customer being taken care of.

This review is for the tour of London and Paris. This was my third tour with GoAhead in the past 10 years. My first two tours in 2011 and 2015 were both very good, but this one was a disappointment with a dramatic decline in customer service and quality. That pains me to say, but it's true. This was essentially a bargain basement tour with terrible customer service and a bad Tour Director, Reuben, who made the tour very stressful and unpleasant. He was unavailable to us, ignored messages, and made us feel like we were bothering him. The whole tour group was constantly talking about how Rueben the tour guide was ignoring them and acting put out, like he didn't want to be bothered with the group. The wait time to talk to anyone at GoAhead on the phone was consistently 45 min to an hour minimum leading up to the tour and after. That's ridiculous. For my past 2 tours I received a quality travel bag in the mail from GoAhead. This time, GoAhead mailed the travelers a cookbook. Like that will come in handy whilst on tour. It was an obvious attempt at some promotional collaboration that didn't serve the needs of its customers at all. The London portion coincided with the death of Queen Elizabeth. It was understandable that there might be some adjustments made, but we were told in the hotel lobby that our bus had been "cancelled" and we would be traveling on foot. This was a problem, because we paid for coach travel throughout our tour. GoAhead sent us travelers an email on 9/15 that said "London is experiencing severe road closures, which do not permit buses to operate in the city." This statement was untrue. There were plenty of buses operating in the city, and numerous buses were outside of our London hotel every day transporting people from other tour groups. We took photos and video of these buses with time stamps. I understand that transportation is more complicated with activities around Queen Elizabeth, but to tell us that buses are "not permitted" to operate in the city is just false. For the excursions, there was never enough time to enjoy. It was rush-rush-rush, never allowing an appropriate amount of time to see the site, with no consideration to factor in time for restrooms or gift shops. Reuben was a downgrade from previous tour directors. It is the Tour Director's job to be available and hold our hands through the travel. Reuben left my husband and me at a London tube station after we couldn't get on due to overcrowding at rush hour. When we caught up later, he had the nerve to snip at us for not getting on fast enough. I'm a former New Yorker and know how to deal with rush hour subway crowding. There was NO ROOM to possibly get on. Then, when the group had just arrived in Paris, he took us on the Metro and then abandoned us all at an unfamiliar location in the Latin Quarter, saying that he would "challenge us" to see if we could all find our way back without him. Wow. Travel was chaotic and disorganized in his hands. The Paris hotel location at Place de Republique was shabby and filled with a constant stream of loud motorcycles at all hours and loud skateboarders, making sleep a challenge. I was also disturbed that GoAhead made a point to say that all of us travelers absolutely MUST have COVID testing just before travel, and that the Tour Director would be checking these test results as soon as we arrived. Reuben never once mentioned this testing, and certainly never came around to check our test results. I feel really lied to about this. When I contacted GoAhead with the documented issues we experienced and the demonstrable lies we were told on the tour, the representative acted all concerned and told us we were surely owed a partial refund. I asked for a $400 per person partial refund ($800 total), which is peanuts compared to the total cost. Of course, GoAhead later came back and said NO. No refund of any kind would be given. So that ended our relationship with GoAhead after 3 tours for use over the last 10 years. They didn't care at all about losing our future business. So, BEWARE. This company is not what it once was. It's a great shame. We will not be traveling with them again. There are a lot of other choices out there, and they don't care about making things right -- just getting your money and nickel and diming you to death. You've been warned.

We booked a trip and took the more expensive cancel anytime insurance. After 2 months of trying to get someone on the customer service line, I finally spoke to someone who gave me incorrect information. I was eventually connected to a supervisor who told me that cancel anytime meant, I could cancel, but there was no refund only a future trip credit. If you are brave enough to book with them-read all the fine print. I will never deal with them again

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IndiGo Goes Upscale: What Its New Business Class Reveals About India’s Premium Shift 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

August 21st, 2024 at 3:26 AM EDT

IndiGo got big as a budget airline. But Indians are increasingly willing to spend on luxury and the airline is going where the money is.

Peden Doma Bhutia

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, will be introducing a business class on the high-demand Delhi-Mumbai route. This is a strategic move by the airline to meet the growing demand for luxury and premium travel.

This new top-tier cabin, set to debut in mid-November, marks a significant shift for the airline, traditionally known for its budget offerings.

Euromonitor International also projects India’s luxury market to reach INR 822 billion ($9.8 billion) by 2027, up from INR 536 billion ($6.4 billion) in 2022. Rising disposable income and a growing middle class eager to enjoy high-end experiences, including premium air travel, are the main drivers of this market expansion.

“ IndiGo is embarking on a new path of its incredible growth story by introducing a tailor-made business product on the nation’s busiest routes,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo.

Well-Timed Launch

The timing of this launch could not be better. “Rising disposable income and aspirations among flyers in our country have created a critical mass of travelers willing to pay a premium for priority services, comfortable reclining seats, and gourmet meals,” according to Aloke Bajpai, chairman and group CEO of ixigo. Bajpai also noted this trend in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where consumers are increasingly opting for higher-value products and services.

IndiGo’s decision also aligns with broader trends in India’s travel and tourism sector. A report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts that India will become the world’s fastest-growing major economy in travel and tourism, with an annual growth rate of 7.5% between 2021 and 2031. According to the report, luxury travel will be a key contributor to this growth.

Indiver Rastogi, president and group head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India), and SOTC Travel, noted the under-supply in India’s domestic skies for premium front cabin services like business class.

Rise in Premium Travel Among Corporates

“Most corporates structure their policies primarily on economy, they focus on premium economy/business for senior management. Our expectation is that this will open up with stabilization in premium cabin pricing,” Rastogi said.

“IndiGo’s business class launch could not have been better timed as it leverages this change of focus to comfort and convenience,” according to Rastogi. He added that IndiGo’s Blue Chip frequent flier program is likely to further fuel demand and create loyalty among business travelers.

The rise in premium travel demand is also clearly evident in the corporate sector. Sunny Sodhi, managing director of FCM Travel India, further noted, “Corporate travel continues to be a critical facet for businesses as they look to survive, thrive, and grow at home and abroad. There’s no question businesses see travel as a non-discretionary spend.” As India is set to become the seventh-largest business travel market in the world, IndiGo is responding to this growing demand by introducing a business class.

A Fundamental Shift, Not Just a Passing Trend

Talking about the significant shift in the preferences of Indian consumers toward premium offerings, Manju Sharma, managing director of Jaypee Hotels & Resorts, said: “We believe this preference for premium offerings is not just a passing trend but a fundamental shift in the Indian market.”

Rising disposable income in India is also driving a shift towards immersive and luxury travel, said Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip. “As the premium segment expands, more players are offering unique luxury experiences at affordable prices, thanks to innovative business models and increased competition,” he noted.

Pittie further expects affordable luxury travel services to grow in India, offering a broader range of high-end experiences for travelers seeking luxury without the hefty price tag.

The Rising Middle Class of India Is Shaping Its Travel Industry

Skift india report.

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

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Tags: asia monthly , corporate travel , easemytrip , fcm , india , indigo airlines , ixigo , loyalty , luxury travel , thomas cook , wttc

Photo credit: IndiGo business class seats. IndiGo

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How Did Mpox Become a Global Emergency? What’s Next?

The virus is evolving, and the newest version spreads more often through heterosexual populations. Sweden reported the first case outside Africa.

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By Apoorva Mandavilli

Apoorva Mandavilli covered the 2022 mpox outbreak and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Faced once again with a rapidly spreading epidemic of mpox, the World Health Organization on Wednesday declared a global health emergency. The last time the W.H.O. made that call was in 2022, when the disease was still called monkeypox.

Ultimately the outbreak affected nearly 100,000 people worldwide, primarily gay and bisexual men, including more than 32,000 in the United States.

The W.H.O.’s decision this time was prompted by an escalating crisis of mpox concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It recently spread to a dozen other African countries. If it is not contained, the virus again may rampage all over the world, experts warned.

On Thursday, Sweden reported the first case of a deadlier form of mpox outside Africa , in a person who had traveled to the continent. “Occasional imported cases like the current one may continue to occur,” the country’s public health agency warned.

“There’s a need for concerted effort by all stakeholders, not only in Africa, but everywhere else,” Dr. Dimie Ogoina, a Nigerian scientist and chair of the W.H.O.’s mpox emergency committee, said on Wednesday.

Congo alone has reported 15,600 mpox cases and 537 deaths, most of them among children under 15, indicating that the nature of the disease and its mode of spread may have changed.

Here’s what to know.

Is this the virus we saw in 2022?

This is a different version of the mpox virus.

Mpox is a close relative of the smallpox virus. There are two main types: Clade I, the version that is dominant in Congo, and Clade II, a form of which caused the 2022 global outbreak. (A clade is a genetically and clinically distinct group of viruses.)

Clade I mpox is generally thought to cause more severe illness and to have a much higher mortality rate, which is one reason the W.H.O. is sounding the alarm now. Officials hope to contain this outbreak before it spreads to other continents.

The infection may resemble an ordinary respiratory illness at first but later blooms into a raised rash in the mouth, hands, feet or genitals. The virus spreads mainly through close contact — directly with the skin or fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated bed linens and other items.

Scientists learned during the 2022 outbreak that mpox can spread even in the absence of symptoms. And the rash may be mistaken for other diseases such as measles or chickenpox, particularly in young children.

Who is getting infected this time?

In the 2022 outbreak, mpox spread globally mainly among gay and bisexual men. Behavioral changes in that community helped to contain the virus, and vaccination at the time, or now, will help protect them.

Until recently, most cases in Congo resulted from consumption of contaminated meat or close contact with infected animals and people. But last year, scientists discovered a new subtype of mpox, Clade Ib, which appears to spread from person to person primarily through heterosexual transmission .

Most cases have been observed in prostitutes, truckers and other transient workers.

“Sex is probably the primary driver, and then the secondary driver is close contact and households,” said Dr. Jay Varma, the chief medical officer at SIGA Technologies, which manufactures tecovirimat, a drug used to treat mpox infection.

As with many other infections, most people with healthy immune systems are unlikely to become severely ill with mpox. Those who have weakened immune systems, including those living with H.I.V., are at highest risk of severe illness and death .

Older adults, who are typically more susceptible to infections, may be at least somewhat protected by their childhood vaccinations for smallpox, which ended in the United States in 1972.

Most of the deaths in Congo have been in children under 15, perhaps because their health may already be compromised by poor medical care, malnutrition and the many other pathogens they face.

Has the outbreak spread to the United States or Europe?

Many countries worldwide, including the United States, have continued to see patients with Clade IIb mpox, the version that caused the 2022 outbreak.

So far this year, there have been about 1,657 cases of mpox in the United States, more than double the number at this time last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Just one case of the more severe Clade I infection has been reported in Europe — in Sweden, in a person who had traveled to Africa. Other so-called “imported” cases seem likely. But experts tend to worry more about community transmission.

“I don’t think the risk right now for Americans is high at all, but what this is telling us is that we have to be vigilant,” said Dr. Trish Perl, an infectious disease physician at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

But previous epidemics, including of mpox, illustrate that an uncontrolled outbreak anywhere in the world may eventually turn up everywhere, Dr. Varma said. Since December, the C.D.C. has twice warned clinicians and the general public to remain alert for signs of mpox.

“I really think it’s only a matter of time before North America, Europe, etc., start to see cases,” he said, referring to the deadlier viral subtype. “Unless we invest in disease control everywhere, we’re going to remain always at risk.”

Will the vaccine still protect against mpox?

Two doses of the mpox vaccine Jynneos should protect against all versions of the virus, experts said.

Jynneos, made by Bavarian Nordic, was used in 2022 in the United States and Europe. The vaccine, initially developed against smallpox, should protect against mpox and all other members of that virus family, said Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases physician at Emory University in Atlanta.

Several studies have shown that antibodies prompted by the Jynneos vaccine wane and may be undetectable within a year. But other research has found that two doses effectively prevent severe illness , Dr. Titanji said.

In the United States, however, fewer than one in four people for whom vaccination was recommended got two doses.

“People were less interested in coming back and getting that second dose, or even starting the course of their vaccination,” Dr. Titanji said. “Maybe we will see an increase in uptick in vaccination, and this will serve as a reminder for people to come in and get vaccinated.”

In 2022, the federal government provided the shots at no cost. Jynneos is now commercially available, and some insurance companies may cover the cost.

For some patients, the shots may prove too expensive , Dr. Perl said. If mpox cases were to escalate, the U.S. government may again make the shots available free of charge, according to a federal official with knowledge of the situation.

Is the U.S. prepared for another bout with mpox?

Yes and no.

Scientists learned a lot about the virus in 2022 and have identified vaccines and treatments. But they do not fully understand how the deadlier virus is spreading in Africa, especially among children, or who is most at risk.

“This is very, very crucial when you think about designing a response strategy,” Dr. Titanji said.

There are few resources allocated to fighting sexually transmitted infections in the United States, said David Harvey, the executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors.

Officials have not solved the problems that hobbled the response in 2022, including poor uptake of the vaccine and “a shockingly underfunded S.T.I. public health system,” Mr. Harvey said.

“Today, we worry about an mpox outbreak,” he added. “We’re already dealing with syphilis, and tomorrow there will be another outbreak of an S.T.I.”

An earlier version of this article misstated the number of U.S. mpox cases so far in 2024. It is 1,657, not 740.

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Apoorva Mandavilli is a reporter focused on science and global health. She was a part of the team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the pandemic. More about Apoorva Mandavilli