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.

New laws "in the bag" - a new take on an old trick

You've heard the popular travel tip: carry your purse or other valuables in a plastic grocery store bag to conceal them and "look like a local". However, is this trick still feasable with today's environmentally-conscious goals?

Consider: many countries are already starting to ban plastic bags to reduce waste, avoid litter problems and help the environment. For example, China has already banned plastic bags, and Australia recently announced it will follow suit. Cities across Canada and the U.S. have new rules in place.

Paper and clothe bags are expected to become the norm, though many places will simply start charging for plastic rather than banning them. Many countries such as Ireland, Kenya and Tanzania have leveled fees to discourage use. Baskets and tote bags are becoming the norm where bans or fees are in place.

Still want to look like a local? The solution is quite simple: purchase a cloth tote bag. The cloth conceals valuables better than plastic (who can tell if you are carrying your purse, books or a bag of vegetables?) and the bag can be used at home as well as throughout your trip.

For more information on bans across the world, check out this article from Yahoo! News.

Four years prison for a cigarette butt?

Possession of illegal drugs can land you in serious trouble anywhere in the world... But do you know what is legal or not? Some countries such as the United Arab Emirates have particularly strict rules, and tourists are ending up in prison as a result.

A recent press release from legal charity Fair Trails International warns travellers “to ensure they are completely free of any substances prohibited by that country” [the UAE]. The warning comes following the conviction of a British citizen after a cigarette stub containing trace amounts of cannabis was found in the tread of his shoe. Other citizens have been arrested and charged for carrying painkillers, cold medication and other over the counter medications containing codeine. One man was even arrested for having three poppy seeds from a bagel on this clothing.

The release warns that even a trace amount could result in a four-year prison sentence. To help travellers avoid future problems, the charity has published a List of Controlled Pharmaceutical Substances in UAE. Travellers are advised to avoid taking any medications with them unless absolutely necessary.

Want to know more about traveling with medication? Check out AST’s article Taking medication on holiday.

Update: According to media reports February 25-26, the British citizen mentioned above was released after receiving a full pardon.

Got an ETA for Australia:

Do you need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) when you travel to Australia?

Yes, according to government travel advice. A visa or ETA is required for all visits to Australia.
However, the ETA is replacing the visa for most tourists or business people making a short-term
visit. The good news: The ETA is easier to obtain than a visa and will cover trips up to 90 days.

Where can you get one?

• Your travel agent
• Your embassy
• Online from the Australian Electronic Travel Authority

Check your government’s travel advice for other relevant information for Australia.

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.