 Home Front
 about an idiot
an idiot's advice
an idiot's guides
ask an idiot
credit card crisis
currency converter
have your say
IAN World News
in my backpack
my travelography
submit a link
toolbox
wallpaper
what's new
| |  |
- IAN World News(travel-related global news.)
|  |
|
|
|
Idiot Abroad News - Keeping an i on global goings-on.
News items from around the world, of particular interest to travellin' folks. | 
|
| |
 |  |  |
 |
|
|
13 May 03 | Scotland - IAN World News temporarily suspended. |
|
|
|
It seems pointless covering the world news before the site goes online - it'll be old news by the time you read it.
News coverage will resume shortly before the site goes live (hopefully January 2004.) |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
16 Apr 03 | U.K. - Ryanair 'free flight' promotion. |
|
|
|
Ryanair announces another '1 million seat giveaway' promotion for flights in April, May and half of June.
Book between now and midnight, Thursday 24th April and get a flight for a penny (just pay the flight taxes). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 Apr 03 | Sars Virus - New Travel Restrictions. |
|
|
|
As Severe Acute Respiratory Disorder (Sars) continues to spread, drastic measures are being implemented to protect against the highly-contagious, often fatal infection. Malaysia is now refusing to issue visas to travellers coming from Hong Kong or China. Thailand is imposing a 14-day 'stay-at-home' quarantine period on all arrivals from affected areas. New arrivals at airports and seaports throughout the (growing) region can expect to be scrutinised for symptoms, and detained if presence of Sars is suspected.
All non-essential travel to the affected areas is strongly discouraged. If you must travel to the region, consult your doctor before you go. A supply of protective face-masks is also recommended, Even if they're unnecessary where you're going, they'll still help you get through the airport easier! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09 Apr 03 | Indonesia - Now You Need a Visa. |
|
|
|
Indonesia is set to announce new Visa regulations which will require all visitors from EU, USA and most other countries to obtain visas.
Visitors from the 11 countries (including Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong) which do not require visas for Indonesians will have the courtesy reciprocated. All other nationals will require visas.
The new legislation (which may take some time to implement) will require EU citizens (and most other nationals) to obtain a 60-day tourist visa (cost £35 GBP) or a transit visa (£15 GBP).
The Indonesian decision comes just two months after U.S.A. implemented new legislation requiring males from Indonesia (and 24 other countries U.S.A. regards as sources of potential terrorist attacks) to undergo an intense registration process, which includes interrogation and fingerprinting. Indonesia (and other affected countries) protested vehemently at the time, describing the legislation as "arbitrary, hard to understand and unacceptable" and announced its intention to "study" the situation.
Some EU citizens (and citizens of other countries affected by the new Indonesian legislation) may feel that the new rules, (if they are indeed a response to U.S.A.'s actions) are "arbitrary, hard to understand and unacceptable" but it is worth pointing out that if their country did not require visas for Indonesian visitors, then that courtesy would have been reciprocated! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09 Apr 03 |
U.K. - Ryanair buy Buzz. |
|
|
|
Ryanair, the Irish budget-airline, has concluded its lengthy purchase of rival airline Buzz, previously owned by KLM.
Some Buzz routes will not be revived, but Ryanair intends to resume flights on 12 routes, most flying from London Stansted. These routes will enhance their European coverage, which is already the most extensive of the budget airlines. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
06 Apr 03 |
U.K. - Travel Websites in shady shenanigans. |
|
|
|
As part of a larger international investigation, the U.K.'s Office of Fair Trading recently investigated 135 top U.K. travel websites.
40% (54) of the companies were considered to be making deceptive, misleading or false claims.
The OFT's findings come as no surprise to most of us, who have seen these 'fake-deal' tactics on many occasions, but hopefully a few threatened prosecutions will prompt these websites to clean up their act somewhat.
an idiot abroad has his suspicions as to the identities of several leading culprits - you won't find many of them in his travel links section. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05 Apr 03 |
Algeria - More Tourists Missing. |
|
|
|
A group of 8 Austrians have been reported missing while travelling in Algeria. This is the sixth group to vanish in the region (along Algeria's eastern border, between Djanet and Ouargla) since February 21st, bringing the number of missing Europeans to 32.
The six (unrelated) groups, some in 4WD vehicles, others on motorbikes, were travelling independently in the region, following well-travelled routes which were previously considered (relatively) safe.
Growing pressure from several European police forces has prompted Algeria to renew its search efforts. Over 1000 soldiers, border-guards and civil police (along with local guides) are currently searching the area. Helicopters with Infra-red equipment have also been deployed.
an idiot abroad strongly advises all travellers to avoid this region. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
idiot guide
top of page