Summer holidays are nearly here and many Canadians may be thinking about a family trip.
There are plenty of choices for travel as many airlines offer discounts and expand their flights.
But it is always a good idea to look at the latest travel advice and safety warnings before heading out on vacation.
The Government of Canada maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.
They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.
Here are some of the countries with updated advisories:
Risks: Threat of terrorism and petty crime.
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.
In Spain, attacks causing deaths and injuries have taken place. Further attacks in Spain cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends. There has been a significant increase in stolen passports in the Barcelona region during the last few years.
Risks: Threat of terrorism.
Reasons: In the United Kingdom, previous terrorist attacks have resulted in casualties. They have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions. These incidents have occurred mainly in the London area but have also happened elsewhere.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Cellphone theft is common in certain tourist areas of London. Vehicle theft and theft from parked vehicles also occurs, particularly in tourist areas and roadside rest areas.
Risks: Adverse and unpredictable weather conditions, as well as the lack of infrastructure and emergency services.
Reasons: Antarctica is subject to extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. These conditions put travellers at risk of frostbite and sun overexposure, which can result in dehydration and eye damage. Ensure that you have equipment and clothing that meet Antarctic standards.
Risks: Threat of terrorism and petty crime.
Reasons: The Dutch government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media. The current threat level for the Netherlands is level 4 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs, particularly in larger cities. Thieves often target tourists. Individuals posing as plain-clothes police officers have also approached foreigners to verify their documents or foreign currency with the intent to rob them. In a similar situation, politely decline to cooperate or offer to go to the nearest police station.
Risks: Fragile political and security situation.
Reasons: While Nepal continues its transition to a stable democracy, the political situation remains fragile and tensions can increase with little notice. Political protests are common in Nepal and sometimes result in violence. Transport and public services may be disrupted at short notice.
Petty theft is common, particularly near tourist sites, on buses and in hotel rooms.
Take particular care when walking around Kupandol, Sanepa and Thamel, popular tourist spots in Kathmandu, where pickpocketing is common.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead photo of Holland: Lubov Lisitsa
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