Travel in Czechoslovakia improved after the 1989 ”Velvet Revolution”
and the collapse of communism throughout eastern Europe, but the legacy of more than 40 years of repression will not be shaken quickly. Hotels are in short supply, and services don`t match the expectations of most Westerners.
A growing number of Czechs are offering accommodations in their homes, which helps mitigate the room shortage and offers travelers an entry into local life. In the cities, locals seek out foreigners at train stations, or sometimes arrangements can be made through government tourist offices.
Travelers who speak German will find it the next best language to Czech for communication, and Russian speakers should avoid that tongue completely.
Prague is a beautifully preserved medieval city that saw little damage in World War II. Prague has been compared to Florence, Paris and Rome for its spacious squares and gracious architecture.
There is much to see outside Prague. There are more than 3,000 castles and manors throughout the country. Traveling in rural Czechoslovakia also allows you to take the country`s pulse in a quieter way, and to reflect on its history.
Southern Bohemia has beautiful rolling countryside popular with hikers, and western Bohemia is known for its spas.
The best way to travel is by rented car, because many sites are hard to reach otherwise. Be sure to arrange car rentals in the U.S.; they`ll be much cheaper. Hotels should be booked at least four months in advance, especially for summer.
Worldwide update
Algeria: The Jan. 12 cancellation of runoff elections in which Islamic fundamentalists were assured of winning a majority in parliament has created a crisis. On Jan. 22 the government arrested the leader of the fundamentalist Islamic party, and the move could lead to significant unrest.
Burma: Insurgent activity is increasing throughout the country; armed security forces are often on the streets of cities, where an 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew is in effect. The government strictly controls the export of artwork and antiques.
Chad: An ongoing rebellion around Lake Chad has created a crisis for the government, and all travel to northern Chad should be avoided. There has been ethnic violence in the capital city of N`Djamena. The southern provinces along the border with Cameroon and the Central African Republic, however, have been calm.
Commonwealth of Independent States: Crime against foreigners in Moscow reportedly has taken a jump in recent weeks as prices increase and the economy deteriorates. Foreigners are easy to spot and there have been reports of local police showing indifference to criminal behavior. Greater freedom for foreigners has brought a corresponding susceptibility to thieves, who are growing bolder.
Conflict has intensified in Azerbaijan`s Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is trying to secede and unite with Armenia. Avoid travel here.
Violence erupted recently in Uzbekistan between police and students;
while the crisis has passed, further unrest cannot be ruled out.
Congo: Mutinous soldiers are threatening to topple the transitional government and return the military to power. On Jan. 21 the rebellious soldiers fired on demonstrators supporting the civilian prime minister;
further violence is likely. Avoid travel here.
England: Security is a constant concern here due to ongoing terrorist activities by the IRA. As a result, be especially mindful of your bags while traveling or touring museums and other sites. A bag left alone, even for a few minutes, can cause a flurry of activity among people trained to spot such things, and could result in the disposal of your belongings.
India: A statewide election in the Punjab is scheduled Feb. 19 for a new regional assembly and 13 parliamentery seats. The last two elections in the state were canceled because of a rash of violence by Sikh militants fighting to create an independent Sikh homeland.
In the past, targets for violence have often been public trains and buses. It may be prudent to avoid travel here until after the elections, but if you must go, be especially careful around demonstrations.
Indonesia: Aceh Province at the northern tip of Sumatra has been the site of civil unrest and occasional violence in the past year, but conditions have improved and the government has lifted curfews and travel restrictions in the area. Travelers should continue to remain alert to changing conditions.
Mexico: The Mexican government now requires that all vehicles from the U.S. that will go beyond a 20-kilometer ”free zone” have full insurance
(including theft, third-party liability and comprehensive), or drivers must post a bond that could be as high as half the value of the vehicle as determined by Mexican customs officials. All of Baja California is considered a ”free zone.” Be sure to carry proof of full insurance to avoid the possible bureaucratic nightmare of trying to have your bond reimbursed (minus a processing fee) on departure.
Nicaragua: Petty crime is increasing, particularly on crowded buses. Incidents of banditry in the countryside have increased, and road travel between Nicaragua and Honduras is potentially dangerous.
Philippines: Volcanic ash from Mt. Pinatubo has created a threat of mud flows that can inundate low-lying areas and wash out bridges in the region around the volcano. The threat may exist for several years, and travelers should exercise caution during periods of heavy rain.
Sri Lanka: Fighting between Tamil militants and government forces continues in the north and east, and travel to these regions should be avoided. The central hill regions and the beaches in the south and west are calm, and travel here is possible without unusual difficulties. The political situation remains volatile, however, and travelers should be aware that acts of terrorism can occur at any time. Mosquito-borne diseases-including malaria, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis-are an ongoing problem.
Zimbabwe: Travel to extreme eastern Zimbabwe along the Mozambique border should be undertaken with caution. In past years there have been frequent incursions by rebels from Mozambique, but such incidents have diminished and Gonarezhou National Park in the southeast has been reopened. Consult local authorities before traveling near the eastern border. Travel by public transportation should be avoided whenever possible because of poor safety records.
World Travel Watch is designed to help you make informed judgments about travel throughout the world. Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home. In the United States, contact the nearest passport agency office; abroad, check in with the nearest American embassy.
