Dec. 30--Italy: The cities of Milan and Rome have reported high levels of air pollution in recent months, leading to automobile bans and free or reduced-fee public transit tickets in the last few days of 2015 in an effort to improve air quality. Lack of rain and heavily congested traffic are said to be the causes of this pollution. Tourists should be prepared for future traffic bans and substandard air quality while visiting Italy's major cities.
Canary Islands: A tourist was attacked by a shark while swimming about 60 feet off Arinaga Beach in Aguimes on the east coast of Gran Canaria. Although the victim's injuries weren't life-threatening, officials said warmer water temperatures -- the result of climate change -- likely led the silky shark to the area. Local authorities said an attack of this kind is extremely rare in the area, yet tourists should be aware of their surroundings and heed all beach warnings while swimming in the region.
France: Tourists traveling via Air France may experience disruptions in January, as two airline unions plan separate strikes in the coming weeks. The first, organized by ALTER -- the smaller of the two unions -- is planned for anytime between Jan. 10 and 13. The second strike, organized by the large UGICT-CGT union, is scheduled for Jan. 28.
India: Health officials in Chennai reported a sharp rise in cases of scrub typhus, a disease transmitted by mites. Most cases in the area are being reported in the city's outskirts; the infection is more common in areas of heavy vegetation. Symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever and can include fever, rash, head and body aches, and gastrointestinal upset. Scrub typhus can and should be treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, the infection can be fatal.
Sweden: Travelers should be aware that as the country propels steadily toward the future, some public sites such as museums and restaurants might stop taking cash for payments. Many businesses that no longer take cash argue that cards make for easier transactions, while other proponents of a cash-free nation believe that it is safer for consumers to travel without it. Tourists should check policies at tourist spots and be prepared to use credit cards if necessary. Keep in mind that cards without chips may not work everywhere.
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.
