March 03--Vietnam: The deaths of three British tourists have prompted authorities to temporarily close Datanla Falls in Da Lat while an investigation is conducted. Safety equipment is also being inspected. The three young tourists died Feb. 26 when they slipped and fell into the waterfalls at the popular tourist destination, an accident that tour guides say could have been prevented if the three had stayed out of a restricted area.
Brazil: Travelers hoping to attend the 2016 Summer Olympics in August may want to get a jump on health and safety planning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio and flu. Travelers also may want to bring along anti-malarial and anti-diarrhea medication and mosquito repellants. Tourists should be careful to consume only clean or filtered water, including ice, to avoid mild to moderate digestive issues.
North Africa: The U.S. State Department released a travel notice Feb. 24 recommending that women traveling in the region be aware of issues they may encounter that may not affect men in the same way, including expectations imposed by religious or cultural customs. Women should acquaint themselves with local customs, including appropriate attire, before visiting the region.
Thailand: Police forces announced plans to tighten security on the eastern island of Koh Kut after four tourists were brutally attacked -- two of the victims were raped -- Feb. 27. Five suspects were detained after the attack, which left the victims hospitalized with cuts and broken bones. Tourist safety has become a growing concern around the country, particularly after the murder of a British couple on the southern island of Koh Tao in 2014.
Tibet: Authorities in China have closed off access to the region for international travelers through the end of March. Such a closure has been enforced annually since the 2008 protests in Lhasa, which commemorated the March 1959 uprising against China. During other times of the year, all foreign tourists need permits to enter the area, which may be denied if there is political unrest in the region.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, www.travel.state.gov.
Larry Habegger and Dani Burlison are freelance reporters.
