July 22--Italy: As temperatures rise, tourists may be tempted to cool off in some of the many fountains around Rome, but officials have issued stern warnings against dipping into the historic and fragile landmarks. Tourists leaping into fountains like the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the Vittorio Emanuele will be fined heavily, up to several hundred dollars. Aside from facing heavy fines and potentially damaging the centuries-old fountains, visitors should refrain from splashing in fountains because it is disrespectful.
Costa Rica: The National Animal Health Service requests that tourists be selective when choosing horseback-riding activities and patronize only legally operating services. Many unlicensed tourist operators offering horseback rides along beaches and elsewhere may not be treating the animals properly or complying with the country's strict standards of care. To ensure the animals' safety and well-being, visitors should only solicit horseback rides from people and businesses with a certificate called a Certificado Veterinario de Operacion, or CVO.
Iceland: Because of excessive outdoor defecation by tourists, some locals in the Snaefellsnes peninsula region are hoping to impose tourist taxes or regulations on camping in the area. The country has been lenient about travelers camping without permits in most open spaces, but toilet paper and human waste left behind by campers are becoming major problems. Although some vehicle rental companies encourage renters to camp wherever they please, tourists should be courteous and find a location with proper plumbing during their journeys instead of leaving excrement for the locals to deal with.
Spain: Overcrowding has led officials in the Balearic Islands to consider a tourist tax for visitors and restrictions on all-inclusive tourist packages. Nearly 14 million tourists flock to Mallorca, Formentera, Menorca and Ibiza each year, causing overcrowding and a strain on attractions, particularly in the summer months.
Vietnam: More than 12,000 cases of dengue fever have been reported so far this year, with most cases in the southern region (Bien Hoa, Dong Nai and Binh Duong). At least 500 people were hospitalized with dengue in June. There are no vaccines to prevent the mosquito-borne virus, but tourists can avoid infection by protecting themselves against mosquito bites. Symptoms can include fever, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rash.
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.
