Something to declare: Bratislava, from Birmingham; malaria; a good read en route to the airport; luxury in Hong Kong and Singapore

The column that gives the global picture

Destination of the week: Bratislava, from Birmingham

At last, the Slovak capital is set to get its link with Britain. The city is the last significant European capital without a direct flight from the UK. From the end of June, Air Slovakia will launch a service – but not from the usual gateway of one of the London airports.

The Slovakian airline has chosen Birmingham as its first destination in the UK.

The airline also intends to operate from Bratislava to Amritsar, offering a cut-price connection for the large Sikh population in the Midlands.

Call 00 421 2 4342 2744 for more information; as of yesterday, the airline's website, www.airslovakia.sk, offered no further clues about fares.

Warning of the week: malaria

Forget Sars: malaria is a much more significant threat to travellers. The World Health Organisation estimates that around 400m cases of malaria occur each year, and one million people die from the disease.

Following heavy rain and floods in eastern and southern Africa, the Kenyan government is warning of a possible malaria epidemic. "Some previously malaria-free, high-altitude areas are now affected," warns the travel medicine organisation, Masta (09068 224100, www.masta.org.uk). The Foreign Office says that malaria is widespread in Uganda, and warns: "Only limited medical facilities are available outside Kampala." The World Health Organisation has placed Zimbabwe and Mozambique on high alert for a possible malaria epidemic.

Masta also warns that health officials in the Brazilian city of Manaus have reported 16,000 cases of malaria in the first three months of 2003.

The potentially fatal disease is transmitted by mosquitoes that mainly bite between dusk and dawn. Masta says: "Travellers should seek up-to-date information from a travel health adviser when visiting a malarious region, and avoid mosquito bites and take the full course of any recommended anti-malarial medication."

News of the week: a good read en route to the airport

Starting on Monday, first-class passengers on the Gatwick Express from London Victoria, and Business Class travellers on the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street station in London, will receive complimentary copies of The Independent.

Bargain of the week: luxury in Hong Kong and Singapore

The Sars epidemic has forced some of the world's finest hotels to cut their rates dramatically to attract guests. In Hong Kong, the Mandarin Oriental 00 852 2522 0111; www.mandarin-oriental.com) is selling double rooms at almost 60 per cent off: £153 per night instead of £363. The Ritz Carlton (00 852 2877 6666; www.ritzcarlton.com) has cut 55 per cent – down to £132 per night, with a free room-service breakfast included.

In Singapore, Raffles(00 656 3371886; www.raffles.com) has halved its rate from £284 to £142. Singapore's Mandarin Oriental (00 656 3380066; www.mandarin-oriental.com) has double rooms for only £66 including breakfast.