Summer Travel Warnings: What Canadians Need to Know Before Jetting Off
Ah, summer! The season of sun, sand, and… travel advisories? Yes, fellow Canadians, before you pack your bags and don your flip-flops, it’s time to get the lowdown on the latest travel warnings. Here’s an irreverent yet informative guide to help you navigate the potential pitfalls of your summer vacation plans.
(Personally, I’m shocked “The United States of America wasn’t numero uno)
Sweden: From ABBA to Alarming Alerts
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Sweden, the land of IKEA and ABBA, has seen a spike in tensions due to repeated disrespectful acts towards the Qur’an. The Swedish Security Service has upped the national terrorist threat level, so expect more police patrols and tighter security. Keep your wits about you, especially in crowded areas.
🇸🇪 SWEDEN. Peaceful "immigrants" from Third world countries demonstrate love and tolerance to Malmö infidels. While they kick and throw stuff at police cars, the police wisely stays away and watch. #stopmassmigration #stopillegalimmigration #stopjihad #stopsharia #defendeurope pic.twitter.com/m78v6csRVa
— Patriot 🦇 (@HomelandEurope) June 8, 2024
Spain: Sun, Sangria, and Sneaky Thieves
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Spain’s major cities are a pickpocket’s paradise, especially during holidays and festivals. Thieves might pose as police officers or use distraction techniques. Always ask for an official badge and keep your belongings close. Enjoy the tapas, but don’t let your guard down!
#WATCH : Live footage of how pickpockets operate in the metro of Barcelona, Spain: Every day hundreds of robberies are committed in the metro of the Catalan capital
🇪🇦 #Spain #Barcelona #pickpocket #crime #robbery #spainNews #BarcelonaNews #LatestNews #BREAKING_NEWS pic.twitter.com/uTpMlyXn8P— upuknews (@upuknews1) October 7, 2023
India: Curry, Chaos, and Caution
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution with regional advisories
Why: Anti-Canada sentiment in Delhi and surrounding areas means potential protests and safety concerns. Avoid large crowds, keep a low profile, and only share travel details with trusted individuals. The situation near the Pakistan border is also volatile, so steer clear unless you fancy a close encounter with landmines.
In these videos, Arya foreshadows that Canadian diplomatic missions in India will not be safe if they don’t take India’s demands seriously, that mobs of up to 50,000 Hindu extremists will attack the British High Commission in Delhi and that authorities won’t be able to stop them. pic.twitter.com/UQFgG3mvC5
— Anti Sikh Hate Crime Watch (@AntiSikhWatch) July 14, 2023
Haiti: Paradise Lost
Risk Level: Avoid all travel
Why: Haiti is currently a no-go zone due to gang violence, kidnappings, and civil unrest. The airport is closed, and a curfew is in place. If you’re already there, consider leaving through any available commercial means. If you’re thinking of going to Haiti, don’t.
“The gangs have formed themselves into these unions of power & they’re trying to intimidate any foreign outside influence”, tells me renowned photographer @gcwingman who has come face-to-face with #Haiti’s most notorious gang leader. pic.twitter.com/lDZpGQEDa5
— Isa Soares (@IsaCNN) March 7, 2024
Morocco: Magic Carpets and Mounting Tensions
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Protests related to the situation in Israel and Palestine have become common in Moroccan cities. Increased security measures are in place, so stay alert and avoid demonstrations. The border with Algeria is strictly enforced, so no adventurous crossings, please.
dragging the soldier doll in the protest is so 😭
This is in another city in Morocco, Tangier https://t.co/46dzE3av2H pic.twitter.com/9ls555rZa4
— cheri⁷ 🔻 (@jinsjiddies) June 8, 2024
Dominican Republic: Beaches and Bag-Snatchers
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: The border with Haiti is closed, and crime rates are high in urban areas. Petty theft is rampant, so keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying affluence. Violent crimes, including assaults and armed robberies, have also been reported. Stick to well-lit areas and use authorized taxis.
Jamaica: Reggae and Risk
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Violent crime, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay, is a significant concern. Gang activity and the availability of firearms exacerbate the situation. Maintain high personal security awareness, avoid traveling at night, and follow local authority guidance.
United Arab Emirates: Luxury and Low-Level Threats
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: The UAE faces an ongoing threat of terrorism, with possible targets including tourist areas. Enhanced security measures are in place, so stay vigilant, especially during public events. Petty crimes like pickpocketing are also a concern, so keep your belongings secure.
Denmark: Hygge and Heightened Alerts
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Public desecration of the Qur’an has led to threats of retaliatory violence, raising the threat level. Gang-related violence is also an issue in certain neighborhoods of Copenhagen. Stay alert, especially in tourist spots and public transport areas.
At a pro-Palestine protest in Copenhagen, Denmark, radical Muslims march carrying the black flag of Islam popular with jihadists while chanting the Islamic creed. pic.twitter.com/w5vBrEqvW6
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) December 2, 2023
South Africa: Safari and Surges
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of cautionWhy: Frequent power shortages, known as load shedding, can cause blackouts, increasing the risk of crime. Keep an emergency kit handy, stay informed about blackout schedules, and be prepared for unexpected outages.
Costa Rica: Pura Vida and Petty Crime
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Keep your belongings secure, avoid showing signs of affluence, and be aware of your surroundings. Entry requirements have also been updated, so make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
Panama: Canal and Caution
Risk Level: Take normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
Why: High crime areas in Panama City and Colón require extra caution. Avoid travel to the southern areas of Darién Province and the Mosquito Gulf due to violent crime and illegal activities. Stick to safer areas and follow local advice.
France: Romance and Rallies
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Major public events, including the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings and the Olympic Games, will see increased security and large crowds. Avoid unauthorized demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.
Mexico: Tacos and Turmoil
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: The upcoming general elections could lead to demonstrations and travel disruptions. Avoid areas with large gatherings, follow local authority instructions, and stay informed. Certain states, like Guerrero, are particularly dangerous due to violence and organized crime.
I always wanted to go to Mexico but never will. Two Australian brothers and an American murdered while visiting Mexico. According to the report, the area they visited is one of Mexico's most violent places, "where local drug gangs fight turf wars".https://t.co/HVAgQRl2h5
— Jai'me Jan (@jaimelondonboy) May 6, 2024
Cuba: Classic Cars and Critical Shortages
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel, make travel challenging. Bring essential supplies with you and be prepared for disruptions in public transportation and water supply.
St. Lucia: Serenity and Scarcity
Risk Level: Take normal security precautions
Why: A nationwide water shortage means water can only be used for consumption and personal hygiene. Plan accordingly and keep an adequate supply of water on hand.
Traveling is all about adventure and new experiences, but staying safe should always be a priority. Keep these travel advisories in mind, stay informed, and enjoy your summer travels responsibly. Bon voyage, fellow Canadians!
Dean Blundell
Dean Blundell is a Canadian radio personality. Best known as a longtime morning host on CFNY-FM (The Edge) in Toronto, Ontario. In 2015 he was named the new morning host on sports radio station CJCL (Sportsnet 590 The Fan). Dean started his career in radio in 2001 and for nearly 20 years been entertaining the radio audience. Dean’s newest venture is the launch of his site and podcast which is gaining tremendous momentum across North America.
