Because the Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, has been the site of numerous armed robberies and thefts, in October the US Embassy told its officials and their families that they could visit the basilica only with organized tour groups that provide armed security.
The US Travel Insurance Association website trip.ustia.org (Travel Responsibly, Informed & Protected) offers articles, tips and links on various aspects of staying healthy, safe and secure while traveling. There are links to resources such as US embassies, the TSA and visa services as well as for currency exchange, weather and flight info.
Dear Globetrotter:
Welcome to the 418th issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine, the one you help write. The news writes this page, however, and this month it includes a number of warnings.
At first glance, it might appear that this month’s subject matter is off our usual topic. But you may find that it could well impact your travel plans.
My sister and I have traveled the world extensively for the past 25 years, including to several third-world countries, and have not personally encountered the same degree of crime as we did in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on a week’s visit starting July 3, 2009.
My sister had her wallet stolen in the Modena Café, which is situated behind the National Museum of Fine Arts. It was taken from a purse on a chair while we were taking a quick photo of a nearby wall decoration.
A friend and I really enjoyed ourselves during an 8-day stay in Santiago, Chile, Nov. 20-28, 2008. The country is very nice, traveling through the wineries was educational, and Valparaíso and Viña del Mar were really spectacular. But be aware that Santiago suffers from a serious petty theft problem.
As a US citizen originally from India and now a tour company owner, I am writing regarding the November ’08 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
I have concerns as to the value of the State Department warnings for travelers going to certain countries. My case in point is the warning on visiting Syria. Having completed my sixth trip to Syria in March ’08, I question their advice.
The wording of the warning seems to indicate that violence and danger are a constant in Syria. From my experience, nothing could be farther from the truth.
In traveling, I have found it useful to use a string of safety pins and diaper pins in my travel purse to keep track of small items like keys and nail clippers and for many emergency uses.
QUESTION: A friend and I were going to take a cruise together, but she recently became concerned about the safety of it after hearing news of the death of the newlywed man and with the young girl coming forward to say she was raped by a crew member several years ago. I disagree with her and told her I would probably go on my own if she backs down. Do you think I am being unwise? I always considered cruise ships a safe way to travel. Am I wrong? — Jennifer S., Akron, Ohio