Give a little (security) whistle

Following the murder of a Swedish tourist in Phuket, Thailand's Ministry of Tourism has announced new safety measures to keep tourists safe when they visit the island. According to an article in the International Herald Tribune, female tourists will be given safety whistles to wear around their necks. The whistles reportedly will be shaped like the traditional symbol to designate women: a circle and cross.

Increased security presence and safety manuals for tourists are also part of the plan. However, don’t expect to see the whistles and manuals just yet… The new plan will take a little while to implement. In the meantime, investigation into Hanna Charlotta Backlund’s daytime attack continues.

Car accidents leading cause of death abroad

Many U.S. citizens don’t know it, but the U.S. Department of State is required by law to publish statistics on how its citizens die abroad from non-natural causes. Here’s how the numbers rounded out for June 2004 – July 2007:

• A total of 2312 U.S. citizens died from non-natural causes.
• Of that number, 747 people (roughly one third of the total) were killed in a vehicle accident. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
• Homicide (435 cases) and drowning (303) round out the top three.
• On the regional level, more than half of the deaths occurred in the Americas, with Mexico leading the total for countries at 635.
• The least number of deaths occurred in Africa.

Should travelers worry? No - The statistics represent a very small percentage of people who lived and traveled abroad during this period. U.S. citizens made roughly 37 million international abroad by air in 2007 alone, according to ITA sources.

For more information, check out Death of U.S. Citizens Abroad and Statistical Summary from the U.S. Department of State website.

Not "in love" with Valentine's Day

Hearts, chocolates, cards and flowers have already made their way into stores, but not everyone is happy about the impending arrival of Valentine's... However, this unofficial holiday poses greater risks that not selecting the right gift. For example:

• In India many Hindu and Muslim extremist groups usually protest the holiday which they believe corrupts moral values. Burning cards and holding rallies are not the only issues – in the past, some groups have even threatened to harm couples who are caught holding hands or engaging in other public displays of affection.
• In the Philippines, this year marks the third anniversary of the Valentine’s Day bombings in the cities of Makati, General Santos and Davao which killed six people and wounded ninety others. Last year, officials tightened security in Manila and other major cities to prevent further attacks on the anniversary.
• In Lebanon, there is a risk of civil unrest on this day because it is the anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination in 2005.

Elsewhere in the world, Valentine’s Day can be the prompt for a variety of threats and hoaxes. On the homefront, many tech companies are already warning about computer viruses and worms in Valentine's emails.

What can you do about the risks if you're travelling abroad? Keep your ears open for any news about security concerns, and expect increased security measures in some areas. Be aware of the local laws and culture and act accordingly. When in doubt, celebrate the holiday in private.

Two essential ski vacation tips

The cold temperatures and abundant snowfalls are a perfect combination for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding. If your outdoor adventure takes you across the border, here are two things to watch out for:

1. Make sure you’re covered. Many travel insurance policies don’t cover high-risk activities like skiing or snowboarding. Check out the fine print in your policy before you buy. Already insured? Look for an upgrade to make sure you are protected in case of an accident.

2. Keep your wits about you. Even if you know your limit, you should be aware that the effects of alcohol are more potent at higher altitudes. Your insurance policy likely won’t cover you if an accident happens while you have been drinking. A good rule of thumb: potentially dangerous activities and alcohol shouldn’t be mixed.

For other ski vacation advice, see the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Advice to Skiers and Snowboarders Planning a Winter Break.

Why do Brits need help abroad?

What are three common reasons need help abroad – and what can you can do to avoid the same problems?

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice includes in its summary how many of its nationals visit a country, and for what reasons they may seek consular help. Here are the top three issues that come up most often, and what you can do to avoid them:

Lost or stolen passports: Easily the most common issue, and often tied to petty crime such as pick pocketing. Take extra care to safeguard your documents like using a hotel safe, and keep a photocopy handy to help obtain a replacement if needed.

Arrest or detention: Most often people are arrested for drug offenses or alcohol related incidents such as drunk driving and vandalism. Sidestep this problem by following local laws and customs and drinking responsibly.

Hospitalization or Death: Don’t panic: The advice is careful to note that most deaths are from natural causes. Accidents and health emergencies can happen abroad as well as at home. If the worst happens, travel insurance – including health coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation – can cover the substantial costs. Your embassy can help with the rest.

The FCO’s advice usually notes that “most visits are trouble-free”. Considering the large number of travellers who visit a country each year, the number of people requiring help is quite small by comparison. Keep a copy of your embassy’s contact information (including emergency phone number) with you so you’ll always know where to find help.

Where can you find information about terrorist activity?

With the threat of terrorism prevalent in governmental advice and new attacks constantly hitting the media, it can be difficult to understand the complicated conflicts occurring in some countries.

The Memorial Institute for the Prevent of Terrorism (MIPT) maintains an online resource called the Terrorism Knowledge Base (TKB). This site provides data about terrorist groups and incidents. The information includes the history, ideology, locations and tactics of various groups around the world.

The site is well worth a look for everyone concerned about terrorist activity in the countries to which they are traveling.

Don’t drink and trek

Trekking through the mountains can have serious risks. According to multiple government advice sources, those who plan to travel in high-altitude areas should take precautions against acute mountain sickness. The cause? Going too high too fast and not allowing the body to adjust to lowering levels of oxygen in the air. Alcohol can also exacerbate the condition, and in rare cases cause fatality.

Government advice for countries such as Peru, Nepal and even Andorra recommends that travelers should be physically fit, in good health and equipped with proper gear. They should also be aware of the risks, plan an itinerary that allows for acclimatization and follow professional advice. Traveling with an experienced guide is also recommended.

While government advice does not go into detail, there are many good online sources, such as the UK-based Travel Doctor website, that provide more information.