Cambodia appeals over ‘imminent war’ on Thai border

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Title – Cambodia appeals over ‘imminent war’ on Thai border
Source – The Daily Telegraph
Date – 23rd July 2008

I’m not sure anyone really believes there is an ‘imminent war’ brewing between Thailand and Cambodia, but certainly this situation can not be ignored and it is worth keeping half an eye on.

It is the ability to read behind the headlines that provides us with the information to travel more safely and to make sound judgements on the countries and the regions of those countries we should visit. For now the area round the Preah Vihear temple should be out of bounds to travellers (effectively it is, as governments from both sides have restricted movement). But in Thailand it is the southern border region with Malaysia is substantially more dangerous at this time, yet it doesn’t hit the headlines quite like this.

So what is behind the headlines? Well the most simplistic explanation is an unfortunate coincidence of political manoeuvring taking place on both sides for wholly different reasons. Which side of the border this temple lies on has been in dispute for decades, but the people who live in the region on both sides have lived in relative harmony for almost as long, only ever disturbed by decisions made in far away capitol. Tourists rarely visit region and certainly not in the numbers seen elsewhere in these much visited countries.

But there is nothing like a symbol of national pride to galvanise public opinion when your political candidate or party needs a boost; not just in Asia but all over the world. In Cambodia the troop build up happened to coincide with an election and national pride in a country whose modern history is so tragic, is a very powerful tool; sending in troops to protect a 900 year old temple you have claimed as your own sends a strong message. In Thailand it was actually the opposite; the foreign minister cooperated with UNESCO to give the temple national heritage recognition, which was seen by political rivals as ceding ownership to the Cambodians. This was too easy a target for political opponents in a country still in some political turmoil following a bloodless coup in 2005; the sign of conceding without a fight too much for politicians to take and leading to the resignation of the foreign minister and assertion through the deployment of troops to their claim on the temple.

The outcome is troop movements from both sides towards a potential flash point. There is no political will to actually fight, but the concern is always that one little thing can set things off. History is littered with conflicts that started ‘by mistake’; politicians find it much easier to step-up than to back-down. What happens if patrolling soldiers surprise each other and shots are exchanged or worse someone is killed? When in an area still littered with landmines someone puts the wrong foot forward? Wherever there is a build up of troops from different countries there is the potential for rapid escalation.

For this reason it is really very important that travel planning includes keeping up-to-date not just with the news from the different destinations you visit, but what is behind the news; Thailand does not need to be avoided as a destination, but you need to know which parts of Thailand to avoid. Similar troop build ups happened on the Venezuelan, Colombian and Ecuadorian borders earlier this year and Africa is full of similar situations that have turned out very badly indeed. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop examines the flashpoints in the world and at your specific destinations. We provide you with the tools and the appreciation of how and why you should maintain an interest in the political situation at your destination(s).

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

US imposes another obstacle on Britons crossing the Atlantic

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Title – US imposes another obstacle on Britons crossing the Atlantic
Source – The Independent
Date – 12th July 2008

I have commented on this story before in this Blog, but as the start date approaches we are keen to help publicise this change and encourage people to use the new system as soon as possible after the 1st August start date. That way more people become familiar with the idea of preregistering their details before they set off for the States.

We could add to the argument about how this new layer of bureaucracy is yet more of an imposition on traveller to the USA, one that we in the UK don’t demand from traveller from the USA; but that is for different people on a different blog to discuss.

As travel safety specialists and facilitators of travel advice our role in this case is simply to advise people on the changes to the system, so they are not caught out on their day of travel. This is also the responsibility of your travel agency or airline, but undoubtedly there will be times when the message does not get across. This is especially a concern for regular travellers to the USA who will be very familiar with the simple visa-waiver programme that allowed you to fill out a customs and entry card on your flight.

There are some advantages to this new system; you will no longer have to scramble for a pen half way through a flight when the person next to you is asleep and blocking your access to the overhead locker. More importantly we are told that an approved application will remain valid for two years, so regular visitors or anyone entering the country more than once in that period will not have to fill in the form each time they travel to the USA. There is the danger that from January 2011 some people will be caught out by forgetting to renew their registration once the initial 2 year period is over; but that is a warning or reminder for another day… or another year.

Just remember, you have to fill the form in at least three days before you travel, we strongly recommend you fill it in as soon as you buy your ticket. This will ensure it is not forgotten in the excitement leading up to your trip and in the scramble to get packed and sort out all those other last minute details.

Our Safe Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop provides candidates with travel and personal safety advice as well as all the information they will require to prepare and execute their trip successfully. This includes examining the documentation and visa requirements for the destination(s) they plan to visit.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

Cave warning on Uganda bat virus

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Title – Cave warning on Uganda bat virus
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 12th July 2008

Many people will not have heard of the ‘Marburg Virus’ and there is no particular reason they would have done.

Marburg is a very rare disease, even most travel clinics will look blankly at you if you ask after it, but then there really is no reason to ask; there is after all no known cure, no vaccine and this is the first case of a tourist being infected. However mention the closely related Ebola virus and it does invoke fear in people being known as a highly contagious disease with a very high mortality rate.

Travellers should not be worried, this is an isolated case and Marburg is not a disease encountered by travellers generally. For now simply follow the WHO’s recommendation and avoid caves in Uganda that are inhabited by bats; this seems to have been the most likely cause of the infection.

The difficulty with tropical diseases in general and with very rare diseases such as Marburg in particular, is in the diagnosis. Diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting could represent almost anything from food poisoning to Rabies and it is not until some of the truly unpleasant and later symptoms are displayed that the full extent of the more serious illnesses present themselves. The important thing to remember when you have been travelling and return home is that if you feel ill in anyway and have to visit your doctor, always inform them where you have just (anytime in the last year) visited. Some diseases have long incubation periods and your travels may seem like a lifetime ago by the time you visit your doctor, yet your travel could still be where you contracted your illness.

During our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop we examine the diseases that may affect your travels, how to recognise the symptoms and most importantly how to protect yourself from them in the first place. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or travel clinic with regard to the vaccinations and prophylactics you may require, however rarely will your doctor be able to spend as much time as they would like with you, to examine all the best ways of avoiding infection in the first place. During our workshop, we consider all the equipment required for your travel, how your behaviour (the activities you take part in) can expose you to insect bites that carry some of the most virulent diseases and what protection you should build into your travel plans to protect yourself and reduce the exposure to the various diseases out there awaiting your arrival.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

Briton faces jail for sex on Dubai beach

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Title – Briton faces jail for sex on Dubai beach
Source – The Independent
Date – 10th July 2008

Just a month ago we were warning that a number of people visiting UAE were unwittingly finding themselves facing stiff sentences for drugs offences; in one case simply because poppy seeds were found on their shirt after eating a roll for breakfast in the UK before travelling.

Here we are again with two Britons facing very serious charges and potentially long gaol terms for an offence which in the UK carries less severe punishment or a slap on the wrist and a healthy dose of embarrassment. In Dubai any sense of embarrassment has no doubt been forgotten with the threat of three years inside a Dubai gaol, loss of employment, deportation and an expansive legal battle, not to mention the effects on family and friends.

But the fact is they were not in the UK, they were in Dubai and they probably should have known better and informed themselves better; if nothing else they should have had more respect for their hosts. I’m not condoning the very stiff sentences some countries dish out for these offences, it is difficult for me to agree with them because of the culture I come from. However when I travel, I take time to learn about the culture of the country I am visiting and I appreciate that I should show respect to my hosts, because as a guest I am privileged to be there and I do not take the approach that the country is lucky to have me there.

Many countries have laws that we find at best ‘odd’ and worst ‘ridiculous’, but as I always tell people ‘if you don’t agree with the law in another country, don’t visit!’

UAE is not alone in having strict decency laws, the list of offences includes; sex outside of marriage; cohabitation; adultery; homosexual behaviour. In Laos for example it is illegal for a foreigner to have a sexual relationship with a Laos national. In other countries any sign of affection in public is considered illegal and activities such as holding hands and kissing in public can land you in hot water.

The key is to ‘know before you go’. That’s where we come in. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety and Awareness workshop provides candidates with the information they require to travel more safely. We teach conflict resolutions kills and personal safety techniques, but also examine aspect of Cultural Awareness that will affect you at your destination(s), reducing the instance of Culture Shock. We also examine the practical aspects of travel such as Travel Equipment, Visas, Travel Health, Travel Safety and Transport Options.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

Streets calm in riot-hit Mongolia

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Title – Streets calm in riot-hit Mongolia
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 3rd July 2008

Attend one of our workshops and ask us about Mongolia as a destination and you will be told what an amazing country it is and how for those people willing to endure a little hardship it is a destination almost unlike any other. Still today I can be heard regularly singing the praises of Mongolia and the people I met there, on our website you’ll note the number of images from Mongolia and I maintain my connection to the country through the excellent work of the Christina Nobel Children’s Foundation whose website (www.cncf.org) we always urge people to visit.

If I had to summarise the risks in visiting Mongolia they would generally be environmental. Conditions can be harsh at any time of year and in winter especially temperatures plummet, whenever you travel you have to have the right equipment. Infrastructure is poor or non-existent, medical facilities outside of Ulaan Baatar are minimal, roads outside the capital don’t really exist and you can find yourself a long way away from help. Rabies is not uncommon and even Bubonic (‘Black’) Plague is still endemic in the local marmot population, although you would have to be very unlucky, naïve or stupid to catch it. There is a not insignificant problem of alcoholism and drunk Mongolians are certainly worth avoiding, but this should not take away from the fact the Mongolian people are some of the most hospitable you will find anywhere in the world and are some of the most resourceful; they can make fire in the middle of the worst rain storm and fix any vehicle with no more than a spanner, hammer and a welding torch.

What I would not generally warn people of in Mongolia is a danger of civil unrest, it is just not something that you associate with that country. But unfortunately nowhere is completely immune from the odd riot, just some destinations are more prone to it than others. The riots in Mongolia lasted only a few days and were linked to the elections taking place there, a common reason for civil unrest in much of the world. The Mongolians soon got back to their normal routines; in a country where every day life is harsh and survival is often people’s sole goal, there is only so much time people can take away from scraping a living together. This poverty in a country that is just starting to reveal it potential mineral wealth, was part of the reason for the rioting in the first place.

Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop examines your destination(s) and what you can expect when you get there, the cultural differences you will experience and the steps you can take to reduce the risks you will face. Sometimes however no amount of preparation can warn you of impending civil unrest, but keeping informed of the political situation at your destination should certainly form part of your preparation. Elections are often a time of tension and certainly at many destinations additional care should be taken round election times and political ‘rallies’ are always best avoided.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

Travellers warned over insurance

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Title – Travellers warned over insurance
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 29th June 2008

It is very easy to say always check the small print of your travel insurance, but in reality how many of us really do. Think about it have you ever actually read a 64 page policy cover to cover? Have you even ever checked your car or home insurance policy from cover to cover? Many people skirt over it, most simply read the ‘highlights’ presented by the company themselves in their booklets and trust them to point out the key exclusions and try and travel within these guidelines.

Knowing this you would think that insurance companies would make every effort to cover these points in their booklets and ‘key facts’ pages. Any company that has any understanding of Gap Years must accept that the temptation for ‘Gappers’ to use scooters, mopeds and even motorbikes as forms of transport in some countries can be overwhelming and sometimes not just the cheapest but often the only means of transport. Not only do they rent these, but often motorbike-taxis are a standard form of public transport.

I am not about to defend the insurance companies or those people that choose to hire motorbikes and mopeds in countries where they are not qualified, experienced enough or legally allowed to use them. But we also have to face reality as do the insurance companies, either accept it will happen and cover it or make it very clear it is not covered and warn people of the dangers.

James’s story is sadly far from unique and motorcycle accidents are one of the common causes of injury and death of gap year students. What seems like a fun, cheap, harmless and convenient means of transport can quickly turn to tragedy on the often ‘crazy’ roads of the countries ‘Gappers’ visit. The state of the roads, condition of the motorcycles they rent and the aggressive driving of other vehicles all play their part, add to this the invincibility that some people feel when travelling that leads them to think that alcohol or drugs will not impede them either.

But what about the motorbike-taxi, are you insured using these? Go to Cambodia for example and you will find them the cheapest and most common form of transport when visiting the great temples of Siem Reip, would you be insured when using them? Do the drivers have to hold a UK driving licence or will a local licence do? Must you have checked their drivers licence before you jump on the back? You may be waiting a long time to find one who has his licence on him and is willing to show you…

Many travellers have been injured on motorcycles some seriously as in James’s case; others were less fortunate; some get off lightly and survive with grazes; in countries like Cambodia a frightening number of people receive serious burns on their right legs from being a passenger on the back of a motorcycle and coming into contact with the exhaust pipe, these easily turn septic in the heat and humidity and can put an end to your trip.

Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety and Awareness workshop helps prepare anyone planning to travel to understand the dangers they will face and how to mitigate them. We always advise candidates against the use of motorcycles where they are not qualified or experienced enough to use them (This includes in the Cook Islands where you can obtain a motorcycle licence by sitting a test and paying a fee in a single day; the test is often ignored, but the fee is always strictly observed…). We make candidates aware of the consequences of having an accident if their insurance cover is insufficient and how it could result in them or a family member spending their life savings to repatriate them. At the very least we recommend that suitable safety equipment is used.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

Plane Survival Lottery

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Title – Plane Survival Lottery
Source – Daily Mail
Date – 27th June 2008

I’m not convinced that articles like this one are going to particularly encourage those people who already have a fear of flying. But then how many people can really say they have never considered the prospect of a plane they are flying in crashing?

The facts however are still very clear, flying is a very safe means of transport; certainly you are at far greater risk of serious injury or death during your drive to the airport, than you are once you have boarded your plane.

It is strange that it takes a University study to prove what must be one of the most logical conclusions to make; the nearer you are to an emergency exit the greater the chance of escape in the case of an accident… how was that study ever going to show any other conclusion? Think about it logically; if the person sitting next to the emergency exit does not survive how does anyone else get out anyway? It does seem to be a bit of a waste of time, but at least we now have the statistics to prove it…

Certainly the fear of flying is not something to be taken lightly, it is a terrible burden for those affected and restricts their ability to travel dramatically. If it helps them to sit near the exit then they are welcome to that seat as far as I am concerned, will I be rushing to get as close to the exit seat as possible next time I fly Easy Jet? Not really, I have always been the guy who waits until the rush is almost over before boarding anyway and that is unlikely to change. Before you ask, no I don’t have a death-wish and no I’m not careless with my own safety. I just know that there are many more important things to worry about when it comes to flying.

I could tell you my trick; count the seats between me and the nearest exit in front of me and behind me, so that when the cabin fills with smoke I can feel my way along to the nearest exit and not rely on the unconvincing floor lights that may or may not work after an accident. How useful is this trick? Far from full-proof, but who knows when it might prove useful…

However far far more important than these tricks or which seat I choose, is who I fly with. Going back to my earlier example, the reason I wouldn’t rush for an exit seat with Easy Jet is because they have an excellent safety record, to date they have never had a crash resulting in any fatality; I’m not saying it will never happen, but the chances are slight, less for example than being struck by lightning in the UK and yet I don’t run for a bunker in an electrical storm.

At Beyond The Blue our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop concentrates on what really matters. Every little thing that can reduce the risks is important but so is perspective. It is more important to consider the airline you intend to fly with then the seat you intend to sit in. During our workshop we examine your Transport Options and how you can risk assess your plans prior to booking to reduce the risk you face on any form of transport from flights to boat rides and rickshaws to horseback.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

Hundreds are lost after ferry capsizes in typhoon

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Title – Hundreds are lost after ferry capsizes in typhoon
Source – The Times
Date – 23rd June 2008

Ferry travel remains the most popular form of transport for local people around the 7107 islands of the Philippines. The ferry service networks are extensive and as the cost of oil continues to rise and with it the cost of flying, ferries are set to become even more popular and therefore busier.

It would be easy to simply write that ferries in the Philippines should be avoided at all costs; ferry disasters are a regular occurrence in the Philippines and few would bet against further disasters in the future. The factors vary; poor maintenance; over-capacity; old vessels; terrorism; and as in this case the weather, especially the typhoon season. But it would be irresponsible also not to mention that the situation has certainly got better in the past decade and although the catalogue of disasters seems not to be greatly diminished since the world’s worst peace-time maritime disaster took place in the Philippines in 1987 with the loss of the Dona Paz sank with the loss of more than 4300 lives (1988 - 250-300 died when the Dona Marilyn sank; 1994 – 140 died when the Cebu city ferry was hit by a freighter; 1998 – 150-200 died when the Princess of the Orient ferry sank; 2004 – 116 died when the Superferry 14 caught fire, Abu Sayyaf claimed they had planted a bomb) it has to be put in some kind of context. Firstly the vast number of people using the ferry service every year and the vast number of ferries in service; secondly the common assumptions we make that all ferries are overcrowded certainly does not seem to be the case on this occasion, where although the numbers are disputed even the higher number of 845 is well below the official capacity of the MV Princess which was 1992.

The Philippines suffers almost every year from typhoons and extreme weather systems and although normally confined to June to November, they can strike at other times of year as well. In May 2006 while travelling through the Philippines, I found myself on Malpascua Island as the weather closed in. Due to a complete lack of information available on an island where electricity is only available sporadically, I had no idea that the rain that was slowly getting heavier was actually the start of a typhoon. With the rain ruining the visibility, the diving for Thresher sharks was no longer possible, I decided to go back to the ‘mainland’ of Cebu. What I didn’t know was that this Typhoon was catching us up. We were not on a ferry, but a small local boat. The 45 minute trip across the sea was the most terrifying boat trip of my life. 20 minutes in it was clear that this was more than heavy rain, turning back was not an option and going forward was just terrifying. It really was all hands on deck; tie down everything that moves, that might be washed away, more importantly that might fly around and hit one of the 5 crew or 4 passengers or worse knock them overboard. The most important thing, we all donned our lifejackets. The worst sign in such circumstances and the one that confirms exactly how serious and precarious the situation is, is when the Philippine crew don their life jackets. These guys are the ultimate seafarers, fearless, jovial and at one with the open ocean. I have never held on to anything in my life so tightly as the rail of that boat. Even the coastguard chastising us when we arrived in Cebu was a joyous experience, I would happily have spent time in a Philippine gaol had they decided to follow through with their threats against the crew for setting off in those conditions, because the sense of relief was so significant. If ever proof was needed as to how lucky we were, then the devastation, the downed trees, missing roves, floods and strewn debris all around us the following day confirmed it.

Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop provides you with the vital information you need when you are travelling. Through our Destination Advice we examine not only the political, criminal and health risks of your destination(s), but also the environmental risks and weather patterns. Avoiding typhoon, rainy and monsoon seasons as well as the extreme hot and cold seasons can make or break your trip. We also look at dynamic risk assessment and Transport Options while you are travelling. Understanding what to look out for and most importantly knowing and having the courage to change your plans when you see a perceived risk no matter what others tell you, will help to keep you safe on your travels.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

UK says UAE terror risk is ‘high’

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Title – UK says UAE terror risk is ‘high’
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 16th June 2008

Maintaining regular and up-to-date information on your destinations is an essential part of travel planning. Situations change from one day to the next; sometimes these changes should lead to changes in your travel plans and sometimes they should just make you more aware when you arrive.

That the Foreign Office have publicised this update in advice for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) so widely should certainly make travellers take it seriously as this is not common practice and certainly not for a country that has so far avoided any serious terrorist related attack and become a major tourist destination for travellers from the UK.

For the risk from terrorism to be moved to ‘High’ generally reflects the fact that there is a ‘known’ threat suggested by intelligence information. With the amount of business and the number of tourists travelling to UAE, you can be sure that the Foreign Office does not take the subject of souring the relationship with the kingdom lightly.

The FCO website should be the first stop for any travel planning; the second should be Beyond The Blue. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop will provide you with a wealth of information on planning your travels and on travelling safely. We will help you to make your decisions based on sound judgement following your own research and direct you in the most effective ways to plan your trip and revise it as you go along.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.

Living among the remnants of war

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Title – Living among the remnants of war
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 13th June 2008

Mention the Laos war and most people will look at you blankly, mention just the word Vietnam and people will list film after film and song after song at you; many will even now give you their opinion on the conflict there and the US involvement in that country. That makes the following statement so unbelievable:

‘Laos is the most bombed country on earth. The US dropped 2.4 million tonnes of bombs on it during the Vietnam war – more than the allies dropped on Germany and Japan combined in World War II’

In this relatively ‘small’ country with no significant infrastructure and covered in jungle they ‘inadvertently’ got involved in a war and yet never received the focus given to their neighbour whose name will be a by-word for a war for many years to come. The Laotians have been paying the price ever since, as unexploded munitions still litter the country and regularly result in serious injury and death to the Laotians.

Sadly the readily available source of metal that the systematic bombing campaign left behind has been far too tempting to leave untouched and as in so many parts of the world the locals have seen this ‘bonanza’ and exploited it. This does provide the most wonderful images for visitors and gets cameras clicking wildly; but the darker side it causes injury and death that massively outweighs the benefit.

Unfortunately visitors to Laos can through ignorance unwittingly add to the existing problems. Souvenirs made from this scrap metal can be bought in local markets and shops and tourist think they make a good talking point once back home. The sad fact is that perpetuating this trade means that locals will seek out the scrap to make into these souvenirs placing them in further danger. We would certainly recommend that you buy local goods to take back with you, but think about the consequences of what you buy. Avoid those items that cause harm to the local population, local environment and steer well clear of items made from animals or plant that may be prohibited when you return home or travel on to your next destination.

Whatever you do, if you are travelling in Laos don’t pick up, touch or attempt to take home any of this type of ‘scrap’; stories of tourists boarding planes with souvenirs that turned out to contain unexploded munitions are not unheard of in Laos. You don’t need to be an expert to figure out what the consequences are of attempting to take such items onto a flight…

Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop examines aspects of personal safety, Travel Safety and Ethical and Responsible Travel giving you the perfect head start when you are planning your gap year or career break to any part of the world.

Please visit our website at http://www.safegapyear.com/ or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.