Current Travel Warnings….are they useful?
Sure, the information about Kenya is valid:
The Department continues to recommend that private American citizens in Kenya evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing terrorist threats and increasing incidents of violent crime.
But is anyone travelling today, especially travelling on such a long flight, not paying attention to the news? Sure, Kenya may not be such an exotic destination to some, but if they’re familiar with the country — they’d be aware of the current situation.
Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan… none of these are surprises. Nor should most of the others be to someone who is paying any attention to world events. Now I know that the major news networks here in the US would like us to believe that the only thing of any importance is the presidential elections but I can’t imagine travellers unaware of what’s going on in their destinations.
On the other hand, I can’t help but think of when I read Bad Lands, where Tony Wheeler comments on the reality of the destinations vs. their perceived image. I think both stress the point that education about your intended destination is crucial.
ETA: Christopher Elliott has an interesting post guiding readers through the new page.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Ute // Jan 9, 2008 at 08:02
Never underestimate human stupidity!!
I remember, a couple of years ago, there was a severe avalanche disaster in Austria (where many Germans spend there winter holidays). All streets were closed, almost all cancelled their vacation, and one week later, the streets opened again, but there still was a certain avalanche risk (I mean, it’s always there!). Nevertheless, people drove like mad to Austria to have their vacation. Long traffic jams on the streets in that area. Then the next avalanche went down, and all people wanted to drive back as soon as possible. I saw the news on TV, and a reporter interviewed a family sitting in their car in the traffic jam. The mother yelled out of the open window. “It’s a scandal and outrageous, that they allowed us to come here!!!!”
What did I learn from that? Never expect other people thinking.
2 Cari // Jan 9, 2008 at 10:47
Yeah, there are avalanche issues here in Colorado as well and it seems as if one alert is clear, than people flock back. Hello, it’s still a snowy winter, did you expect the risk to magically go away?
BTW, did you get my e-mail re: the package?
3 Ute // Jan 10, 2008 at 07:30
No, I didn’t.