Feb. 25--Spain: Tourists hoping to visit the country's sunny beaches this spring and fall should plan far in advance, as terror attacks in Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia have caused thousands to divert their travel here and to neighboring Portugal. The expected influx of visitors has also created an increased demand for hotel rooms, and many rates have risen significantly. Holiday goers should expect to see crowded tourist sites throughout the Western Mediterranean this year.
Burma/Myanmar: As of March 1, tourists will no longer be allowed to climb the historic temples of Bagan. Officials said the Buddhist temples, which are nearly 1,000 years old, have been damaged from the thousands of tourists who climb the popular pagodas to view the sunrise or sunset each year. Tourist operators hope that temples in good shape may be reopened in the future, but beginning March 1, scaling the pagodas will be strictly prohibited.
Easter Island: Health officials declared a dengue alert for the island, also known as Isla de Pascua, earlier in February. The alert notes that the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the infection are not found on mainland Chile. Although the number of people infected remains very low, it is wise for tourists to take added precautions against mosquito bites by using repellent, covering the skin with long sleeves and pants when possible and sleeping under mosquito nets if screen windows are not available. There is no vaccine for dengue and symptoms can include fever, body aches and chills, loss of appetite, joint pain and rash.
Iceland: National tourist organizations are asking tourists to better inform themselves before visiting the island nation. To assist with this process, at least one agency (Promote Iceland) will soon offer tutorials with advice on things like packing, driving, etiquette and more. International visitors have recently found themselves in dangerous situations while ignoring warning signs at various nature sites; the online "academy" may help travelers prevent injury to themselves and the country's fragile ecosystem.
India: A recent rise in selfie-related tourist deaths has prompted authorities in the southwestern state of Karnataka to contemplate deploying security patrols to protect tourists from themselves. The proposed security personnel would be on alert to warn tourists of potential dangers along canals and elsewhere. Additional police will likely be posted on public holidays and weekends, when popular sites are busiest.
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.
