India
A French woman was found murdered April 8 in a guesthouse in the New Delhi district of Paharganj, popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The district is a crowded, rundown area packed with guesthouses, restaurants and small shops. In addition to having a lot of petty crime targeting tourists, it is notoriously unsafe for women. New Delhi has the highest rate of crimes against women of India’s 35 largest cities.
Malaysia
Though Malaysia largely has been spared from terrorism, hotels are taking steps to ensure guests are safe. Prompted by a recent car bombing in a hotel parking lot in Thailand, the Malaysian Association of Hotels hosted a conference with government and security officials to discuss ways to further protect hotels. The association has boasted a reduction in crime throughout all star-rated hotels due to advances in security technology.
Mali
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning about general political instability and especially due to continued threats of attacks and kidnappings of Westerners in the north, where a rebellion is under way. The Peace Corps has evacuated all members from Mali, and the U.S. Embassy has authorized all nonemergency personnel to leave. The State Department urges all Americans in Mali to consider contingencies, including leaving the country, and advises against any travel to Mali.
Philippines
The Civil Aviation Authority said several airlines were rerouting flights over the country before North Korea launched a rocket. CNN reported from North Korea that the rocket was launched early Friday, local time, and, according to U.S. officials, broke up shortly after launch. Three air corridors in the northeast Philippines were to be closed, adding an estimated 20 minutes of travel for flights being rerouted. There also was fear of falling rocket debris, so ships and fishing boats were instructed to avoid the launch area.
Thailand
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship plans a rally May 19 to mark the second anniversary of military action used against red-shirt protesters at Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok. Though the rally may be intended as peaceful, visitors should avoid it because the red-shirt protests of 2010 turned into a prolonged confrontation with the military. More than 80 people were killed and thousands injured.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov
