July 29--France: Travelers may experience delays at several border crossings leading into and out of the country. Migrant activity has recently increased, causing delays for those hoping to use the Eurotunnel for day trips. Farmers protesting prices on imported food have blocked roads crossing into Germany and Spain. At least six roads in the Strasbourg region along the German border have been targeted, along with the A64 highway into Spain. Protests are ongoing, and tourists should check Eurotunnel schedules and local news while planning land travel to and from the country.
Colombia: The U.S. State Department released a new Crime and Safety Report indicating that street crime remains the largest threat to tourists in cities around this country. Common street crimes include muggings, assaults, thefts, credit card fraud and burglaries. Some of the thefts are committed by criminals armed with guns or knives. Though petty thefts are also common in the tourist areas of Cartagena, including the historical center (El Centro, San Diego) and neighborhoods of Getsemani, Bocagrande, El Laguito and Castillogrande, they are rarely violent.
Indonesia: Visitors to the Thousand Islands, a string of more than 100 islands near Jakarta spanning the Java Sea to West Jakarta Bay, are being asked to dress appropriately to avoid offending the local people. Although the Thousand Islands' Tourism and Culture Agency says swimming attire is appropriate while on beaches and in the water, tourists should be mindful about covering up while on land.
Turkey: The U.S. Embassy in Ankara reported a threat of terrorist attacks in the southeast region of the country amid ongoing security concerns and the potential for spontaneous political demonstrations. Though the terrorist groups Kurdistan Workers' Party and Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front tend to target government officials and offices, tourists are urged to use caution and have security plans in place while traveling in the area.
United Kingdom: Tourists hoping to take a quaint rickshaw ride between destinations in London should confirm fees before climbing aboard. A group of tourists was recently charged about $290 to ride the mere 1,400 yards between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch. Officials condemned the fare as outrageous and a rip-off, and complained that the government hasn't done enough to regulate the rickshaw business. Rickshaw drivers reportedly prey on visitors with poor English, jacking up their rates with the assumption that their passengers will simply pay the fare.
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.
