Mexico: Both the U.S. and Canadian embassies warned tourists in or around Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara about increased drug and gang violence in these regions. Several attacks, including shootouts and killings, have occurred in these popular tourist areas. Though tourists generally aren’t targets, officials warn about being very vigilant while at gas stations, banks and other buildings, which have been targets of fires in Jalisco and Colima states as police battle drug traffickers. Also, citing a high rate of kidnappings, the U.S. State Department warned against nonessential travel to the state of Tamaulipas, across the Texas border, saying no highways there are safe.
Costa Rica: A ship containing 200 tons of toxic ammonium nitrate, typically used as fertilizer, sank in the Gulf of Nicoya May 3, prompting officials to declare 60 miles of coastline around Puntarenas off limits for fishing for at least 72 hours. Although crews are cleaning the contaminated waters, which lead to the Pacific Ocean, and the beaches have been deemed safe, tourists should follow local developments before swimming in the gulf.
Germany: Rail strikes continue to disrupt travel across the country as union workers push for increased wages. Though roughly 65 percent of trains have been stopped or rescheduled, Deutsche Bahn announced it will run one-third of its long-distance services and 15 percent to 60 percent of local trains. Travelers should stay up to date with current schedules, but that can be complicated because strikes come with little warning.
Israel: Local officials are considering implementing a new tourist fee for those visiting Bethlehem and Ramallah. So far, visiting the popular sites has been free, but officials hope that charging for entry would increase services, including availability of maps, signs, wireless Internet and more. Tourists should be prepared to pay about a dollar.
India: Tourists in Himachal Pradesh soon will have 100 tourist police officers to assist them during travels in the region. The new program will be implemented in June, with officers posted at 23 heavily trafficked tourist spots, including Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Dalhousie, Narkanda, Chail, Kasauli and Kufri and spiritual sites such as Jwalaji, Chamunda Devi, Shri Naina Devi, Deot Sidh, Chintpurni and Bajreshwari Devi. The police will offer information, security and safety for travelers in the region.
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Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, http://www.travel.state.gov.
Habegger and Burlison are freelance reporters.