A day of silence for Nyepi, also known as Balinese New Year, will be observed from starting at 6:00 am March 7 and lasting until 6:00 am March 8. Does this observance affect foreign visitors? Yes.
How will this affect your plans? Check out the latest advice from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:
“All people in Bali must remain indoors and silent during this period. The use of electricity is not permitted. Foreigners on the island should remain in their hotel rooms and seek the advice of hotel management. Anyone who chooses not to comply with these regulations risks being stopped by local security personnel and forcibly returned to their homes or hotels.
“In Bali, all seaports and the airport will be closed for this 24-hour period. Only transit, overfly, technical landing and emergency landing flights are allowed, but these flights will not be allowed to take any passengers with last destination in Bali or departure from Bali. Canadians should be aware of this and plan accordingly. Travellers should also note that outside of resort hotels, all stores and restaurants will be closed and all activities postponed.”
For more advice, see AllSafeTravels' Indonesia Travel Advisory page.
Showing posts with label travel safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel safety. Show all posts
February 29, 2008
January 25, 2008
An expert's advice on flight safety
What can you do to improve your safety when flying? Listen and pay attention to instructions, according to expert George Bibel. Citing the surprising statistic that passengers are more likely to survive an accident (five times more likely, in fact) than die, Bibel warns travellers to follow the instructions of flight attendants for their own safety. Even something as simple as fastening your seat belt can prevent serious injury during turbulence.
In addition to citing examples of crashes where passengers and crew were successfully evacuated, Bibel also discusses some interesting points about the structure and design of airplanes. For instance, did you know that Federal Aviation Association regulations require that a plane can be evacuated within 90 seconds -- even with unprepared passengers and half the exits blocked?
Want to see more? Read the full article: “Fasten your seatbelt. Yes, YOU” from the International Herald Tribune.
In addition to citing examples of crashes where passengers and crew were successfully evacuated, Bibel also discusses some interesting points about the structure and design of airplanes. For instance, did you know that Federal Aviation Association regulations require that a plane can be evacuated within 90 seconds -- even with unprepared passengers and half the exits blocked?
Want to see more? Read the full article: “Fasten your seatbelt. Yes, YOU” from the International Herald Tribune.
January 24, 2008
Mexico City's new "Women only" bus service
Concerned about safety on public transit? Look for the pink signs.
While a fact of life for the locals, Mexico City’s overcrowded transit system is the subject of warnings in travel advice. The crowded, chaotic buses are the perfect cover for pick pocketing and theft, and travellers are often warned against taking public transit during rush hour for this reason.
However, the women of Mexico City have a different concern: the groping, assault and verbal abuse they face on a daily basis. According to a recent article on Reuters, the transit authority has received numerous complaints and is now trying a new option: Women only buses. Identified by their pink signs, these buses run on the regular routes but only accept female passengers.
Currently, the buses only run on two of the city’s busiest routes, but look for a wider expansion of the program by April. The metro system also has reserved cars for women and children.
While a fact of life for the locals, Mexico City’s overcrowded transit system is the subject of warnings in travel advice. The crowded, chaotic buses are the perfect cover for pick pocketing and theft, and travellers are often warned against taking public transit during rush hour for this reason.
However, the women of Mexico City have a different concern: the groping, assault and verbal abuse they face on a daily basis. According to a recent article on Reuters, the transit authority has received numerous complaints and is now trying a new option: Women only buses. Identified by their pink signs, these buses run on the regular routes but only accept female passengers.
Currently, the buses only run on two of the city’s busiest routes, but look for a wider expansion of the program by April. The metro system also has reserved cars for women and children.
January 8, 2008
Foreign hikers require new card in Nepal
With its cultural history and natural beauty, Nepal is a favourite destination for hikers. The Government of Nepal and related organizations are now taking steps to help locate and contact hikers in the event of the emergency. (Don't worry -- it's free).
Check out the latest update from the U.S. State Department travel advice:
“The Government of Nepal has authorized the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to implement a new system for foreign hikers called the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). Beginning January 1, 2008, foreign visitors on hiking trips in Nepal , including those not with organized hiking groups, need to have a valid TIMS card issued by TAAN, its member agencies, or NTB. In the case of an emergency, the new system will help authorities ascertain the whereabouts of trekkers. TIMS cards are available free of charge through authorized trekking companies, the TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the NT office.”
The moves comes as Nepal enjoys a new all-time high for tourist arrivals in 2007.For more information, news and advice please see our Nepal Travel Advisory page.
Check out the latest update from the U.S. State Department travel advice:
“The Government of Nepal has authorized the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to implement a new system for foreign hikers called the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). Beginning January 1, 2008, foreign visitors on hiking trips in Nepal , including those not with organized hiking groups, need to have a valid TIMS card issued by TAAN, its member agencies, or NTB. In the case of an emergency, the new system will help authorities ascertain the whereabouts of trekkers. TIMS cards are available free of charge through authorized trekking companies, the TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the NT office.”
The moves comes as Nepal enjoys a new all-time high for tourist arrivals in 2007.For more information, news and advice please see our Nepal Travel Advisory page.
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.
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.
February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's? Not in India
Hearts, chocolates, Valentine's cards and flowers have made their way into stores, but not everyone is happy that this unofficial holiday has made inroads in India. According to various news sources, many Hindu and Muslim extremist or separatist groups protest the holiday which they believe corrupts moral values. As an article from azcentral.com notes, some leaders believe the holiday is a conspiracy and a dangerous importation of American values.
Burning cards and holding rallies are not the only ways these groups protest. Some groups have even threatened to harm couples who are caught holding hands or engaging in other public displays of affection.
Burning cards and holding rallies are not the only ways these groups protest. Some groups have even threatened to harm couples who are caught holding hands or engaging in other public displays of affection.
December 21, 2006
Samoa still safe for travelers
With a variety of news sources recently predicting a slump in Fiji tourism due to the coup, Samoa is careful to distinguish itself from neighboring nations when it comes to safety and security.
According to a recent article in the New Zealand Herald, the Samoan Tourism Authority (STA) has launched a new campaign to promote itself as a safe and stable tourist destination, especially in the wake of the coup in neighboring Fiji. The STA’s website describes the country as a safe travel destination because of low crime rates and freedom from terrorist threats.
Critics of the plan argue that argue that Samoa may be taking advantage of the situation in Fiji, but the STA maintains that the campaign is to make sure people don’t “lump” all Pacific nations together.
Our advice? Educate yourself. Consult government travel advice to discover new travel destinations and find out what issues are present in a given country.
According to a recent article in the New Zealand Herald, the Samoan Tourism Authority (STA) has launched a new campaign to promote itself as a safe and stable tourist destination, especially in the wake of the coup in neighboring Fiji. The STA’s website describes the country as a safe travel destination because of low crime rates and freedom from terrorist threats.
Critics of the plan argue that argue that Samoa may be taking advantage of the situation in Fiji, but the STA maintains that the campaign is to make sure people don’t “lump” all Pacific nations together.
Our advice? Educate yourself. Consult government travel advice to discover new travel destinations and find out what issues are present in a given country.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
