Sometimes, it’s difficult to comprehend just how much the world changes around you.
If you have a sense of wanderlust, there are many things that go through your mind when considering your next vacation. You think about the places that you can go, the things you can do, the history and culture that you can absorb. The thought process rarely differs; the focus is on you.
“Of course it is,” you’re thinking. “It’s my vacation!” That’s 100% true – but the world is changing around you. Safety is the number one priority – and no one is saying that you shouldn’t go on vacation! Go, enjoy yourself, make the most of it and see the sights the world has to offer! Just make sure you’re informed about your choice of destination.
At the advent of a new administration here in the US and a turbulent year around the globe, it’s worth looking forward to what’s to come. While no one can predict the future, it is possible to make some judgments on the global events 2017 has in store for us.
At this point in the year, our minds turn to where we want to visit the next year – so there’s no better time to raise this issue. While vacations should be about enjoyment, experiencing new things and all the wonderful sights, you have to be safe as well. Making the right choices and being aware of the potential issues is the first step towards keeping the traveling bug alive.
If this is something you have considered before or are just realizing now, it’s natural to have questions. So let’s go through the most common ones, so you don’t have to trim your wings too much when it comes to traveling in 2017.
1.What Countries Are At Risk of Political Turmoil?
There is no doubt that politics plays a huge role in the safety of a country. Even here at home, elections can provoke protests and civil unrest.
When going overseas, you don’t want to be the tourist caught up in problems of the populace. While you can never prevent civil action from rising, you can avoid a country when the problem is most likely to peak. To do so, you need to keep an eye on global politics. Here’s a quick overview of popular destinations that have elections coming up, and as a result might be worth saving for 2018:
France – both Presidential and legislative elections will occur in April and May. It may be best to try Paris in autumn rather than springtime as a result.
Germany – avoid in the first part of 2017 due to Presidential and parliamentary elections. Perhaps the famous German Christmas markets would be more suitable as a result.
Norway – In the latter half of the year, September sees election season in Norway. Try and plan a visit for the summer if you really can’t wait to go this year.
New Zealand – full elections are due by November 2017. The date has yet to be announced, but last time it was in September. If you’re going to go, then go early in the year.
India – the Presidential elections occur on July 25th. India has suffered horrible terrorist attacks in recent years, so keep this date in mind when planning.
If you already have trips to these countries planned around the crucial times, then there’s no need to cancel. Be aware; know where your embassy is and how you will seek help should the situation change.
2.Will It Be More Difficult To Travel As An American?
With a President-elect full of rather staunch ideas about immigration, visas, and travel rights, this is up for debate.
If new limits come in on who can and how people can travel to the USA, there’s every chance that countries will do the same. For example, after 9/11 we brought in the requirement that any visitors be fingerprinted upon entering the country. In direct response, Brazil announced any visitors to their shores from the USA would undergo the same procedure. There’s every chance this could happen again if harsher travel restrictions are brought in by a new regime.
Is this worrying? Hopefully not! The only thing you can realistically do is be aware of the issue. Keep up to date with the current visa requirement issues for entering the USA, for which more information can be found here. Also keep an eye on the news and current affairs; remember any new policy announcements may impact you when you go abroad.
3.What About Natural Disasters?
This is one that’s a little bit harder to predict! Unlike the convenience of human elections, natural disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. We’ve all been reminded of this given the amount 2016 has thrown at the world, such as the Italian earthquakes in the fall.
It’s important to try and remain sanguine about these things. If someone in Europe was concerned about natural disasters, think of how they’d consider the USA. California would be out; as would most of the West Coast due to the Cascadia subduction zone. Are people crazy to visit these areas? Of course not; the idea seems strange to us. So imagine how Italians might feel about avoiding their country because of earthquakes.
These phenomena can happen at any time with little to no warning. You could avoid countries around the so-called “Ring of Fire”; the countries around the Pacific Basin. These have a much higher than normal chance of earthquake and volcanic activity. Yet unlike the man made issues above, there is no point at which these areas will become safe. They will always have a threat.
It’s okay to be concerned, but don’t limit yourself. If you want a country that can guarantee no natural disasters will occur while you’re there, then you’re out of luck! All you can do is avoid areas with active problems that can be forewarned of. The rest of the time, focus on the human issues rather than those brought forth by Mother Nature.
