Jan. 07--Indonesia: Officials raised the alert level on Sulawesi after Soputan volcano erupted Tuesday. The eruption shot smoke more than a mile into the sky and prompted authorities to establish a safety zone, prohibiting tourists from coming within 2.5 miles of the volcano. The country's Center of Volcanology and Geology Disaster Mitigation recommended staying even farther away, at least 4 miles in the southwest and northwest regions of the volcano.
France: Two months after the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, the city continues to provide an increased number of security personnel, particularly at and around many of the city's most popular tourist sites, including the Louvre, where security guards patrol in groups of four. The number of tourists, however, has declined greatly along the Seine and at many popular restaurants and cafes. The French government will continue to provide heightened security measures throughout the country through Feb. 26.
Germany: Police in Munich closed metro stations Saturday after uncovering leads suggesting a planned terror attack in the city. A terror alert was issued again Tuesday, urging tourists and locals alike to avoid large crowds and the main train station, the Hauptbahnhof. Authorities recommended that travelers also avoid the Pasing train station and remain alert during this period of ongoing heightened security around the country.
Scotland: Officials issued 30 flood warnings in the Tayside, Angus and Dundee regions, as well as areas of Aberdeenshire, as rising rivers and high coastal waves continue to damage and close roads and bridges throughout the area. Other parts of Scotland, including Moray, Angus, Perthshire and Stirlingshire, have been warned about the possibility of continued flooding, and officials reported that rail service may be disrupted over the coming weeks as repairs are made to flood-damaged tracks.
Thailand: Two tourists -- one American, one Australian -- were arrested and fined for public nudity on the popular tourist island of Phuket after hanging topless out of a moving vehicle. The women were arrested after a video of the incident went viral online. Police traced the vehicle back to their vacation rental and took them into custody, where they were ordered to pay the $9 fine and released. Tourists should be aware and respectful of decency laws and other customs wherever they travel.
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.
