March 30–Cuba: Travelers hoping to visit the previously forbidden island nation should be prepared for shortages of services. The sudden influx of tourists has already created a strain on retailers, hotels and restaurants, and in at least one place, Vinales, taxi drivers are offering stranded tourists sleeping accommodations in their back seats for $10 a night. Some restaurants take only advance bookings. Visitors should plan ahead and be aware of travel restrictions for U.S. citizens, which include prohibitions still in place against purely vacation activities.
Australia: Authorities are cracking down on tourists who ignore warning signs at Wedding Cake Rock in New South Wales by enforcing fines for anyone caught crossing the "Do Not Enter" line. Officers with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will hand out tickets for up to $225 to those who venture onto the tourist site, which has become fragile from so much human contact. According to a recent geotechnical study, the rocks are unstable and could collapse at any time. Tourists should follow safety warnings and avoid crossing any safety barriers.
Europe: The U.S. State Department released a travel alert for the continent March 22, after the terrorist attacks in Brussels. Authorities urge tourists to "exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation" and to be cautious at large events, particularly those with holiday or religious themes. Some reports say that the Brussels airport may not be fully reopened for several weeks. The alert states that terrorists may continue to target sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants and transportation. Travelers should have emergency plans and contacts in place while visiting.
Germany: Rail operator Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn (MRB) is introducing women-only carriages on its Leipzig-to-Chemnitz service in the coming weeks. The two designated carriages for single women and mothers with children will be near the train conductor and customer service station, adjacent to quiet zones on the trains. The decision was made to include women-only carriages to create security for women in general.
United Kingdom: Health officials announced that the annual spring flu is at its worst in five years, sending at least 320 people to hospitals during just a two-week period in mid-March, four times the usual number of cases. Health officials reported that people in the 15- to 44-age range are showing the highest infection rate, followed by children between 5 and 14. The virus continues to spread late in the season, and travelers may want to consider obtaining flu shots before visiting.
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.
