Latest news with #traveladvice
Globe and Mail
14 hours ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Federal officials drafted travel warnings in response to Trump executive orders
Federal officials drafted warnings about travelling to the U.S. for Canadians and permanent residents in response to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump this year but did not post them, internal documents obtained through access to information legislation show. A document – entitled 'Potential impact of EOs on Canadians travelling to the USA Draft travel advice updates' – was drawn up by Global Affairs' C Branch, which deals with emergency management as well as travel advice. One section (entitled 'Scenarios and Options for Senior Management consideration. Communications to Canadians in the United States') suggests Canadians consider returning home if they do not have proper documents to stay in the U.S. Also addressed is an executive order entitled 'Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.' The American directive, issued on January 20, aims to enhance screening and vetting of foreign nationals entering the U.S. American civil-rights groups have warned that the order may lead to the reinstatement of a ban on travellers from predominantly Muslim or Arab countries that Mr. Trump introduced during his first term as President. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee has said it relies on the same statutory authority that was used to justify that 2017 travel ban. What are Trump's executive orders on immigration, the 'border emergency' and birthright citizenship? The internal Global Affairs document, drawn up earlier this year, contains drafts of several potential travel advisories that could be issued in response, including versions to be used if bans for particular countries are introduced. Most of them reassure Canadian citizens and permanent residents that they would not be affected. 'The Government of Canada has been informed that Canadians travelling with a Canadian passport, including dual citizens who have Canadian citizenship and citizenship from one of the following X countries: INSERT COUNTRIES, will not be affected by the Executive Order,' the document says. Another draft option reads: 'Similarly, entry requirements for Canadian permanent residents with a valid Canadian permanent resident card and a passport from one of those seven countries remain unchanged because of the Executive Order.' But another says: 'Permanent Residents of Canada from one of the above seven countries should consult Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the Executive Order for information on entry requirements.' Federal civil servants also suggested specific updates to Ottawa's official advice after Mr. Trump signed an executive order in January declaring that the U.S. government now recognizes only two sexes: male and female. American transgender woman files asylum claim in Canada after Trump's edict on gender It suggests a 'generic update' to advice for Canadians with an X on their passport, rather than an F or M, that says 'you might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the 'X" gender identifier." It adds: 'Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.' About 3,600 Canadians have X on their passport, according to the federal Immigration Department. The government already offers general travel advice for transgender and non-binary Canadians, including that 'foreign laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be very different from those in Canada. As a result, you could face certain barriers and risks when you travel outside Canada.' 'Transgender advocate Fae Johnstone, executive director of Queer Momentum, a Canadian LGBTQ advocacy group, said she was pleased that officials were thinking about an update, but speculated that politicians may have vetoed its publication because 'Canada is not wanting to pick new fights with Donald Trump.' 'We do need updated travel guidance for people who have X on their passport. It feels like there's a way to do this which isn't about picking a fight with America, but supporting trans folks," she said. Scores of transgender Americans seeking route to Canada, including through asylum claims The U.S. has said that its border agents will recognize Canadian passports with an X. The Global Affairs document was obtained by researcher Ken Rubin through an access to information request and shared with the Globe and Mail. It emphasizes that, 'It is too early to tell how the different EOs will impact Canadians travelling to the United States. The travel advice found in this document is subject to change and was drafted by making assumptions on the possible implications the EOs will have on Cansits' [Canadian citizens]. In March, Global Affairs updated its travel advice to make Canadians visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days aware of a new U.S. rule requiring them to register with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. In April, it further updated its guidance, telling Canadians to 'expect scrutiny' from U.S. border guards, who may look through phones and laptops. 'Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation.' In a statement on Friday, Global Affairs spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod said, 'The intent of the updates is to ensure Canadians have accurate information about travelling to the United States and that they know which U.S. Government sources to turn to for official advice.' She added that, 'Officials prepare in advance to respond to a variety of possible scenarios, based on new information, analysis of trends, and historical examples. This preparation includes developing draft templates of text that can be quickly adapted to respond to a specific situation if needed, based on the most recent information.'
CNET
2 days ago
- Health
- CNET
I've Traveled Everywhere, and These Things Always Make the Cut
June's here, and that means vacation season is officially in full swing. Whether you're jetting off for a beach getaway, taking a road trip to visit family or heading out on a quick weekend escape, what you pack can make or break your trip. The right gear can keep you comfortable, organized and stress-free -- while forgetting key items can turn a relaxing getaway into a string of overpriced convenience store stops. As someone who travels often, I've had my fair share of packing wins and total disasters. Even though I try to plan meticulously, I've still shown up without socks, chargers or even pajamas more times than I'd like to admit. I've learned the hard way which items I should never skip when getting ready for a trip. If you want to avoid last-minute stress and enjoy your vacation from the moment you leave the house, these essentials are worth adding to your checklist. You might not be likely to forget things like clothes or shoes, but what about less obvious items that'll make your trip smoother and more comfortable? Whether you already have your trip booked for this summer or you're still planning, these are the 13 things you should never forget to pack. For more travel tips, learn about the best way to pack a carry-on and the best time to book flights for the cheapest tickets. 1. Hygiene items and prescriptions On your travels, the last thing you want to forget is any essential hygiene or medical item. While you can easily get more deodorant to stay fresh on your trip, it's much more important to remember medications that will be difficult to replace once you arrive at your destination. This includes contact lenses, birth control, prescription glasses and any medications. For women, most times we can plan a trip around our cycle, but sometimes life happens. It can be very costly and uncomfortable to be on a trip without sanitary items, especially when you need them. So, just make it a habit to pack a few. It's better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them. Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen when you're traveling in the summer or if you're visiting a particularly sunny or tropical destination. 2. A reusable water bottle Bringing a reusable bottle saves money and keeps you you're spending hours walking through city streets or going on a full-day hike in a national park, you're going to need to hydrate frequently. It's not always easy to access water in certain destinations -- not to mention how brutally hot or humid it can be in certain climates -- so taking a refillable bottle with you is always helpful. Sure, you could purchase water bottles at your destination, but water is often expensive in popular tourist hubs or hotels, and grocery or convenience stores aren't always nearby, especially in rural or woodland areas. Here's a list of some great water bottles. If your destination's tap water isn't drinkable, think about a water bottle with a built-in filter. 3. Portable power banks When traveling, you're likely going to be using your phone more -- pulling up boarding passes, looking up places to go and directions to those places, keeping in touch with friends and family back home and taking hundreds of pictures. All of this drains your battery, and it can be frustrating to interrupt your busy itinerary of sightseeing to charge your phone. Plus, access to power outlets is never guaranteed. That's why it's always good to bring a portable power bank with you. Power banks put the power in your pocket for easy access and usually aren't too expensive. I recommend investing in one that's not only reliable, but can also charge your phone multiple times before needing to be charged itself. 4. Towelettes Wipes let you sanitize your hands and certain "high-touch" bus tours or subway rides can be super fun, they're not always the tidiest of places. During your travels, you're likely going to have to grab "high-touch" objects like remote controls, light switches, telephones, doorknobs, faucet handles, etc. so it's important to keep hygiene in mind to prevent illness. Washing your hands might not always be an immediate option so pack a few towelettes with you. Plus, small wipes should make it through security checkpoints without issue. 5. A quick-dry towel Towels come in handy and you never know when one might save the day. Maybe you spilled on your outfit or got caught in a rainstorm and need to dry off quickly. Or maybe you arrived at your hotel or Airbnb only to find they didn't provide towels. Quick-drying towels are not the most luxurious option, but they're lightweight and easy to stow away while traveling. Most importantly, they dry super fast so you can clean up and pack it in your bag without too much of a wait. 6. Plastic bags If there's one travel necessity I swear by, it's a plastic bag. Need to pack up your muddy shoes? Plastic bag. Want to separate worn dirty clothing from your clean items? Plastic bag. While plastic or trash bags are not the most glamorous travel item, they have a multitude of uses and won't take up much space in your luggage. It's available in four colors: grey, dark grey, blue and black. Pamela Vachon/CNET 7. A packable backpack I consistently pack too much in my carry-on luggage. I want to bring my cameras, hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes and some toiletries just in case my checked back is lost. But all of these items quickly add up to leave very little room in my backpack. And usually, I don't want to take them all with me as I tool around the destination I'm visiting. I suggest taking another smaller, preferably foldable backpack that you can use as you tour. This will keep you from having to pack and repack your carry-on bag. Plus, you can use it to carry the souvenirs you pick up. 8. Bottle protectors I come back from almost every trip I take with a bottle of wine or specialty beer as a souvenir. I love bringing a special bottle of beer, liquor or wine home to share with friends and family as I tell them about my adventures. But before that can happen, the bottle has to actually make it through the trip home. And that means you'll need to bring a form of protection. Many people swear by the wine-bottle-in-the-sock method or will swaddle the glass bottles with their clothes, but I prefer to pack an actual protective bottle bag. I recommend a protective bottle bag with padding and a zipper top that will help protect your clothing. 9. Dryer sheets Stinky shoes? Just use a dryer sheet. Alina Bradford/CNET For me, this is a no-brainer. When you're walking miles and miles through various train or bus stations, airports and cities, you're going to work up quite the sweat. And your shoes will likely pay the price. Bring several dryer sheets with you to help mask the smell of your shoes. Upon returning to the hotel or Airbnb at the end of your day, simply place a dryer sheet in each shoe to help aerate them. 10. A universal plug adapter A travel adapter is a must-have. Ceptics/Amazon You probably already know this. I'm going to remind you anyway: If you're traveling abroad, you need a plug adapter. Outlets in the US are a different size from outlets overseas, which means if you intend to use electronic devices in a different country, you'll need an adapter. You could try to buy one at your destination, but they can be expensive and hard to find. It's best to pack one with you before you go to save time and money. 11. A travel router OK, this might seem like overkill, but a travel router has saved me on more than one occasion. Internet connection is not always reliable when traveling or in certain rural areas, and establishing a wired connection is almost always going to be more dependable than wireless (especially in hotels). I feel much safer traveling knowing I have a stable connection to call in case of an emergency, keep up with the group I'm traveling with or connect with loved ones back home. Here's some more good news: Travel routers are usually small, affordable and easy to pack. You can buy one for anywhere between $20 and $100, and they're usually not much larger than a wall adapter. 12. A packable down or rain jacket No matter if you're heading to a tropical destination or hitting the streets of a European city, it's always wise to bring an extra down or rain jacket (or umbrella if you have the space). Even if you check the forecast religiously, you could still get caught in a freak rainstorm or have a chillier night than expected. One of the best options that won't weigh down your suitcase is bringing a packable down or rain jacket that can easily fold up. Trust me, it's better to be safe than sorry. 13. A method to document memories I'm quite the shutterbug. I love documenting my trips with photos and videos, and sharing those with my friends and family. I also like to be able to look back and reminisce on my many adventures, the people I met along the way and the core memories made. To do so, I need a way to document them. Most people probably just use their iPhone, but if you're like me, you quickly run out of storage with the thousands of photos taken every year and need another option. I prefer shooting on a film camera, but since one scan from the airport security CT scanner could destroy your unprocessed film, I've found another camera that has quickly become a travel essential. My go-to camera is the Camp Snap digital camera. It's lightweight, rechargeable and screen-free yet still provides the vintage film look I like so much. It's also compact enough to fit in any checked or carry-on bag, making it the ideal vacation camera to capture all of your important moments. No matter what method or camera you select, always make sure you have something that can help you remember your meaningful journeys. Final thoughts Traveling can be a life-altering experience that creates memories that last a lifetime. But before you can experience all the magic of the cities around the world, you have to pack. And packing the right way can make all the difference by reducing stress and saving you money in the long run. While everyone might have a different idea of what items are essential for traveling, the 13 recommendations above are what I have found to be the most useful during my own trips. If you're planning a vacation and are stressed about preparing, we have plenty of resources to help. Get ready for your next trip with these hacks and tips.
SBS Australia
2 days ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
'High degree of caution': Australia issues new warning for travellers to Bali
Australians are being warned about the risks associated with travelling to Indonesia, particularly Bali, after a number of incidents. In an update on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website urged travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution" while holidaying at the popular destination. The advice highlighted that Australians had drowned at unpatrolled beaches "due to rough seas and strong rip currents". It also cautioned against leaving food and drinks unattended due to a rise in drink spiking and methanol poisoning, with several cases reported in Bali and nearby Lombok. The travel advice came only two days after a 23-year-old Sunshine Coast man, Byron Haddow, died while holidaying in Bali. The cause of his death is unknown. The Smartraveller site also issued a reminder about saltwater crocodiles, which are present in Indonesian rivers and lakes. It urged Australians travelling to Indonesia to respect local customs, publishing a list of dos and don'ts. It included checking visa and passport requirements to ensure entry, with travellers reportedly denied due to tears or water damage to their passports. More than one million Australians visit Bali each year.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Benidorm warning as tourists risk £425 fine in new crackdown
Experts have warned that UK tourists heading for Benidorm face a £425 (€500) fine in a new rule crackdown. Experts at Mobility Solutions Direct are warning Benidorm tourists using mobility scooters that they could be fined as local authorities begin to crack down on who can use them. Benidorm is one of the most popular destinations for Brits, with over 600,000 visitors in 2024. But an alert has been shared via Facebook that Benidorm police are checking that mobility scooter drivers are insured. This follows complaints made last year of UK tourists driving mobility scooters at 'nearly 30-40 miles an hour'. Lee Cartwright, mobility scooter specialist at Mobility Solutions Direct has outlined what mobility scooter drivers should do to avoid getting hit with a £425 fine. READ MORE: Turkey 'highly risky' alert as Foreign Office updates UK advice READ MORE: Spain summer weather forecast could spell bad news for holidays Lee said: 'Benidorm is beloved by UK tourists, drawing millions of British visitors annually. However, the resort is facing issues due to its popularity, particularly with the increasing complaints about mobility scooters. Problems arise from people renting them just for fun. The local council has expressed a desire for these scooters to be used responsibly and only for genuine needs.' Get insurance: 'With more people making injury claims after scooter-related accidents, having insurance can offer vital protection. If you're involved in an accident and found to be at fault, you could be held personally responsible for covering costs such as compensation, repairs, and medical bills. In places like Benidorm, for example, the rules have already changed. All scooter hire companies must now provide third-party liability insurance to cover damage to other vehicles, property, or public roads. Don't use a scooter if not needed: 'People over the age of 55 are permitted to use mobility scooters, or younger if they have mobility issues. Mobility scooters are designed for those with walking difficulties. If you can walk safely without one and you don't have a permit for one, it is best not to ride a mobility scooter to avoid a fine.' Respect the speed limit: 'Most mobility scooters are designed with a speed limit for safe travel. For those with mobility issues using scooters on pavements, the maximum speed is 4 mph, which is about the same as a walking pace. Class 3 mobility scooters, intended for road use, can go up to 8 mph. In other regions, tourists should not exceed 12 mph and are required to wear a helmet.' Scooters are for single use only: 'Mobility scooters are intended for use by a single person. It is not permitted to carry another person on your mobility scooter, as doing so could cause the vehicle to tip over, leading to potential injuries for both you and your passenger.' Don't use a scooter while drunk: 'A majority of those using a scooter without permission are young British people who are using the vehicle to go clubbing rather than pay for a taxi. But this results in reckless driving, such as weaving through traffic, driving too closely to others, and failing to be aware of their surroundings. Riding a scooter while intoxicated is both hazardous and against the law, similar to driving a car under the influence.' Follow mobility scooter regulations: 'When operating a class 3 scooter, it's essential to ensure it is equipped with two separate functioning brakes. The scooter should weigh no more than 150kg without any load, and up to 200kg when carrying essential user equipment like medical supplies. It should feature front and rear lights along with reflectors, directional indicators capable of functioning as hazard warning signals, an audible horn and a rearview mirror.'
The Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The best lesser-known cities for romantic getaways in 2025
Sign up to Simon Calder's free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder's Travel email Get Simon Calder's Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice What could be more romantic than whisking your beloved away on a European city break? Naturally, the allure of couple-centric front runners – Paris, Florence and Prague – dominate the search bar for loving long weekends filled with tables for two, rose-strewn duvets and flutes of champagne amid intimate itineraries. With these can come steep price tags, swarms of sightseers and impossible restaurant reservations – all things that are sure to kill the mood. Forget the hearts and flowers heavyweights vying for the crown of the city of love – opt instead for an under-the-radar alternative for better value, fewer tourists and just as much opportunity to hold hands and stare lovingly into each other's eyes... Here's how to cheat the canals of Venice in a love affair with Annecy and trade fairy-tale Bruges for the charms of Strasbourg on your next romantic getaway. Read more: Top bakery destinations around the world and which treat to eat Swap Dubrovnik for Pula open image in gallery Pula has a historic pedigree to rival the walled cobbles of Dubrovnik ( Niels Bosman ) With a prime spot on the Mediterranean, promenades of sophisticated seafood spots and distinctive medieval architecture, the cobbles of Dubrovnik are undoubtedly a haven for lovers and the proclaimed 'Pearl of the Adriatic' welcomes hordes of visitors to its sun-kissed walls year-round. An escape to frequently neglected Pula in northern Croatia offers an amphitheatre of Roman ruins to wander, a ragged coastline for bathing and authentic tavernas to taste pours from the Istria wine region without the perpetual hustle of southern hotspot Dubrovnik. Savour sailings watching the dolphins dance, Mediterranean meals beginning with pršut ham and local olive oil, and lively nights in buzzing bars post sunset in Istria's historic main city. Where to stay Relax mere metres from the Adriatic, float hand in hand in a heated outdoor pool or stretch out during a couples massage at the stylish Boutique Hotel Valsabbion just 10 minutes from the heart of Pula. Read more: Secret heart-shaped European peninsula perfect for a foodie holiday Trade Venice for Annecy open image in gallery Medieval Venice-esque canals weave Annecy's waterways ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Annecy in south-east France is known as the Venice of the Alps – and for good reason. This medieval canal city has several waterways running through the centre, fed by the neighbouring Lake Annecy, set to a backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks. It also features a charming old town with cobbled streets and pastel houses; the Château d'Annecy, which looks like it fell straight out of a storybook, looms large, and is now home to a museum. The city rivals Venice for picturesque beauty and has the additional boon of the glorious lake, which visitors can explore on pleasure boats or on foot, following the trails around the water's edge. Where to stay Located on the banks of the Vassé Canal, the contemporary Le Splendid Hotel faces Lake Annecy with old-town gift shopping, the fairy tale Palais de l'Île museum and idyllic boat tours at your fingertips. Read more: The best hotels in Paris for budget-friendly breaks and luxury stays Switch Florence for Ferrara open image in gallery Ferrara is a romantic Renaissance heavyweight ( Melina Kiefer ) Florence may be the cradle of the Renaissance, but the reasons tourists flock there – world-class art, architecture, food and drink – can be found elsewhere in Italy. The oft-overlooked city of Ferrara, sat between Venice and Bologna, is a serious Renaissance art destination, plus a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its proximity to better-known cities makes it a relatively quiet option, with less competition to see the signature Castello Estense, a giant castle complete with moat in the city centre, and various palazzos boasting fine frescoes and examples of Renaissance art. Food-wise, there are plenty of trattorias serving traditional Ferrara dishes, such as cappellacci di zucca (pasta filled with pumpkin, parmigiano cheese and nutmeg) and pasticcio di maccheroni (a sweet-crust pie with macaroni, béchamel, dried mushroom and truffle filling). Where to stay With wooden beams, rich red accents and antique furnishings there's a warm ambience to the Princess Art Hotel that encapsulates a bygone era. Think cosying up by the fire, unwinding on the garden patio and making the short stroll to Este Castle. Read more: The best city breaks in Italy, from art-filled Florence to coastal Cagliari Change Bruges for Strasbourg open image in gallery Strasbourg beats Bruges as a fairy tale base ( Chan Lee ) Bruges' pretty market squares, cobbled streets and soaring church spires mimic a medieval fairy tale. The drawback? These attractions also attract huge numbers of tourists. Find a quieter yet equally charming base in Strasbourg – the underappreciated Alsace gem on the French-German border that combines the best of both. Half-timbered, colourful old buildings lining winding streets give their own take on the fairy-tale style, while cosy winstubs (traditional Alsatian taverns) welcome travellers for food and drink. Get a cultural fix at the 18th-century Palais Rohan, dubbed a 'Versailles in miniature', or go more modern with a visit to Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, which features works by Kandinsky and Picasso. Where to stay The grand 16th-century Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D'or has preserved its historic splendour among the waterside timbers of 'Petite France'. Le Bouclier d'Or even hosts a steamy hammam, moody wine bar and impressive views of Strasbourg Cathedral. Substitute Prague with Český Krumlov open image in gallery For a pint-sized Prague, visit Český Krumlov in the South Bohemia region ( Mike Swigunski ) Plentiful beer, architecture that roams from Gothic to baroque to art nouveau and a maze of pretty, cobbled streets – Prague has all you need for a romantic break. And, apparently, for a less-than-romantic stag do. Escape the morph-suit-clad crowds by travelling to Český Krumlov, a pint-sized Prague in Czechia's south. With its own Unesco status, plenty of Renaissance architecture to admire and a fairy tale castle perched above the Vltava River, this small-scale town blends the highlights of the capital with peaceful and responsible tourism. Where to stay For riverside accommodation in Český Krumlov, Garni Hotel Castle Bridge sits on the Vltava River with views that stretch to its iconic stronghold. Picture hearty breakfast platters on the banks and spacious double rooms just a stone's throw from the main square. Read more: The perfect European city Christmas market break – with a hidden spa twist Replace Paris with Bordeaux open image in gallery Ditch the bustling city of love for quiet carafes of margaux ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Hailed as one of the world's most romantic cities, Paris attracts more than its fair share of lovebirds. But those looking for good food and wine and a chance to brush up their langage de l'amour should look further south for all the romance with less of the cliché. Bordeaux offers a compact city centre, pedestrianised boulevards and restored neoclassical architecture at every turn. Swap the Eiffel Tower for the Miroir-d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool, take advantage of the city's illustrious wine heritage in the Cité du Vin museum, and forget Notre Dame – Bordeaux's Cathedral of Saint Andrew is a Gothic masterpiece in its own right. Where to stay A dream for couples, luxury is king at Villas Foch in downtown Bordeaux. Here, a world-class spa meets romantic Juliet balconies, indulgent pâtisserie and swirls of red in the dimly lit bar. Read more: How to do a Bordeaux wine tour by public transport
