June 28, 2007

Insure a good trip to Belarus

Insurance can keep you out of trouble in the event of an accident, but not having it can even keep you out of some countries.

For Belarus, insurance is more than a failsafe – it’s a necessity if you want to get into the country. The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns its citizens that medical insurance is compulsory for a trip to Belarus. Health insurance must be purchased from a Belarus insurance company or a company accredited in Belarus. A list of companies is available from Belarus Embassies and insurance can even be purchased when obtaining a visa.

The advice also notes that if you plan to drive in Belarus you are required to have third-party car insurance (which can only be purchased when you arrive).

June 25, 2007

Beware: Thieves could make you pay

Did you know you may have to pay if your car is stolen in Bulgaria?

According to a recent advice update from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, victims of car theft may be subject to fines and taxes. Technically, a car registered outside of the EU is considered to be “temporarily imported.” If the car is stolen while in Bulgaria, the owner must pay import duty and all related taxes.

Check out the advice for Bulgaria for more policies about driving.

June 23, 2007

Sing for Spain… But first you need the words

Why is Spain looking for lyrics for 2008?

The Spanish Olympic Committee is looking to give their athletes something to sing about at the 2008 games. According to a recent report on NRP, officials want lyrics for Spain’s more than 300-year-old national anthem so athletes can sing along at award ceremonies.

Currently, “La Marcha Real” (translation: “the Royal March”) is one of the few national anthems to have no official lyrics.

June 21, 2007

Are there really 1000 islands?

Just how many islands are there in the Thousand Islands region, and what counts as an island?

The Thousand Islands region (along the St. Lawrence Seaway between Ontario, Canada and New York State, US) actually has 1,864 islands, according to various tourism websites. In order to be part of the official count, an island must remain above water all year round and has to support two trees or shrubs.

Most islands are actually large enough to support private cottages and residences, and both Canada and the US have national or state parks open to tourists.

June 16, 2007

A typhoon by any other name…

What’s the difference between a hurricane, typhoon and a cyclonic storm?

It depends on where you are. All three terms refer to the same phenomenon: a tropical cyclone. If you’re referring to a cyclone in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, you’re talking about a “typhoon”. “Hurricanes” occur in the North Atlantic Ocean and in some parts of the Northeast Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. Gonu is a recent example of a “Severe Cyclonic Storm” which is rare in the North Indian Ocean.

Elsewhere you’ll want to watch out for “severe tropical cyclones” (Southwest Pacific Ocean and South East Indian Ocean) and “tropical cyclones” (South West Indian Ocean).

If you’re following the progression of a cyclone, you’ll also want to know that a system first gets its proper name (e.g. Wilma, John, etc.) once it reaches the “tropical storm” level.

Source: Hurricane Research Division Frequently Asked Questions.

Declare your cash in the EU

Planning to travel through the EU? According to recent UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice updates, new regulations for declaring cash came into effect on June 15, 2007. Anyone entering or leaving the EU must now declare the money they carry when the amount exceeds 10 000 euros. This amount includes all cash, cheques, traveller’s cheques and money orders.

The exception to the rules? You will not need to declare your cash if you are:
  • travelling within the EU.
  • travelling via the EU to a non-EU country (when the original journey started outside of the EU).

June 14, 2007

The naked truth about local dress

Not only do rules for acceptable dress vary from country to country, they can also vary within a country depending on the city and circumstance. For example, major cities in Muslim countries tolerate Western dress styles, while surrounding areas tend to be stricter. Many countries in Europe favour conservative dress for women.

Pre-trip research and cultural awareness are key, but when in doubt, watch the locals for cues on how to dress and try to blend in.

This habit could have saved an American tourist a lot of trouble when it comes to local practices. According to an article in the Mail and Guardian, a visitor to Berlin shocked locals by not wearing anything at all. The man mistakenly thought this practice was acceptable in Germany, where nude sun bathing in public parks is permitted. His error cost him a sizable fine and resulted in an investigation for indecent behaviour.

June 10, 2007

Special status for Easter Islands

New changes to “Rapa Nui” could make a difference to tourists.

According to an article from MercoPress, constitution reform this week will grant Easter Island (also known by its Polynesian name of Rapa Nui) and the Juan Fernández archipelago new status as “special territories.” The territories will still be associated with their administrative body in Chile, but will be able to establish their own laws and government positions (and potentially new public holidays).

Easter Island is home to the famous Moai statues, and is currently part of the administrative region Valparaiso in Chile.

June 7, 2007

Ski the slopes… of an active volcano?

Could New Zealand’s largest ski area blow its top?

Whakapapa and Turoa, New Zealand’s largest ski fields, are located on active volcano Mt. Ruapehu. During the ski season from late June to mid November skiers of all levels visit the slopes and nearby resorts to take advantage of the scenic views and vertical drop of up to 722 metres. Visitors can even ski around the famous Crater Lake.

But is it safe? As with any other sport or travel, preparation is essential. The Mt. Ruapehu Safety Services Team publishes a website with useful mountain safety advice. In addition to the usual concerns that all slopes face, such as avalanches and weather, there is a section on volcanic hazards. An early warning system and designated safe areas are in place to protect visitors in the event of an eruption or lahar (volcanic mudflow). According to an article on NEWS.com.au, visitors kept on skiing during a 1995 eruption, and no one has died in modern times.

More information about Mt. Ruapehu, including lift prices and accommodations, can be found at mtruapehu.com.

June 6, 2007

Staying in the (electronic) loop

How many travellers take their work along on vacation? The answer may surprise you.

A recent poll conducted by Associated Press-Ipsos shows that the office is harder to leave behind than you think. According to the poll, nearly 20% of travellers do work on their vacations, and as many as 35% check their messages. One in five people bring their laptops, but double that number check their email while away.

Not surprisingly, men between the ages of 40 and 50 were the worst offenders when it came to working on holiday. Men are also less likely than women to read a book (by about 20%) but somewhat more likely to read a newspaper.

Read the article on CNN Travel for full details.
How many travellers take their work along on vacation? The answer may surprise you.

A recent poll conducted by Associated Press-Ipsos shows that the office is harder to leave behind than you think. According to the poll, nearly 20% of travellers do work on their vacations, and as many as 35% check their messages. One in five people bring their laptops, but double that number check their email while away.

Not surprisingly, men between the ages of 40 and 50 were the worst offenders when it came to working on holiday. Men are also less likely than women to read a book (by about 20%) but somewhat more likely to read a newspaper.

Read the article on CNN Travel for full details.

June 4, 2007

America’s worst drivers

Which cities top the list for bad driving habits?

The U.S. government travel advice isn’t shy about warning against bad driving practices in other countries, but how do their own citizens shape up? A recent survey conducted by Prince Market Research investigated road rage and rude drivers for major cities across the country.

The worst place to drive: Miami, Florida. New York City, Boston, Los Angeles and capital city Washington D.C. round out the top-five. In contrast, drivers in Portland, Oregon are the most courteous.

Want to see the top ten? Visit ABC.com.