Canada issues travel advisories for Spain, France and other tourist countries

Those planning a shoulder-season holiday this fall may want to look at the latest travel advice.

Many families are focused on back-to-school preparations right now, but travelling in September could save you money while offering moderate weather and smaller crowds.

But it is always a good idea to check out the latest travel advisories before heading out.

Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories website page helps travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside the country.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

Here are five countries with updated advisories:

Spain

Risks: Threat of terrorism and crime.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends.

Thieves work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract tourists and steal their belongings, such as asking for directions or informing a person of a stain on their clothes.

Thieves have been known to simulate or provoke road-related incidents, such as flat tires. When a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist’s car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a thief offers to help a motorist in distress and steals the motorist’s car or belongings.

The current terrorist threat level for Spain is level four (high) on a scale of five.

Laos

Risks: Ongoing security concerns related to banditry, crime, spiked food and drinks, and unexploded munitions.

Reasons: Street crime is prevalent in cities and towns, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, and occasionally involves violence. Be wary of money-counting scams (currency exchange). Don’t exchange large sums of money in one transaction. Get local currency from the bank or an ATM instead of a currency exchange kiosk.

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance constitute a risk across the country, particularly in the Plain of Jars, in Xiengkhouang Province, as well as in the Laotian-Vietnamese border areas, including those traversing the former Ho Chi Minh Trail. Follow the advice of local authorities, and only travel on well-used roads and paths.

Vietnam

Risks: High rate of petty crime and typhoons.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet (Lunar New Year).

On Aug. 25, Typhoon Kajiki made landfall in north-central Vietnam. It caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The storm brought excessive rainfall and violent winds, resulting in several casualties and displaced persons. Typhoon Kajiki caused severe flooding and there are significant disruptions to essential services.

Typhoons usually occur from June and December. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major typhoons.

Italy

Risks: Threat of terrorism and crime.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely. Attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The risk of credit card skimming is high. Businesses may use compromised ATMs or PIN readers to collect your credit card information, especially in popular tourist areas.

France

Risks: Elevated threat of terrorism.

Reasons: Over the past few years in France, several opportunistic and premeditated attacks have occurred. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.

France’s three-level public alert system for terrorism is currently at level three or “attack emergency.”

Travellers may see military brigades in public places to patrol and deter terrorist acts. Enhanced security measures have been deployed in various strategic locations, including transport hubs, public places, and tourist locations, especially in Paris.

For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the federal website here.

Lead photo of Colmar, France: Pierre Blaché