Family Travel Girl

Travel Safety Information: Australia, China, Mexico, Tibet Travel Alerts

Crocodiles a Problem in Australia:  Before you travel to an exciting foreign land, do a little research of official travel alerts that can keep your family safe.  A travel information article that I read recently on the Web Edition of the Chicago Tribune pointed out a few recent travel alerts to places that may be on your upcoming itinerary.  Crocodiles in Australia are prompting officials to call for a public awareness campaign, and that means that everyday tourists like myself should be well educated before wandering in to the outback.  As most of you are probably aware, China and Tibet are extremely unsettled right now due to protesting occurring over The Olympics.  Lastly, the article cites kidnapping and killings along the U.S. and Northern Mexico border.  For official travel warnings and alerts, visit the website maintained by the U.S. Department of State.  Safe travels!

Photo by Zevotron via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Airplane Drinking Water Safe?

Airplane Water Contaminated?  If I'm not already freaked out about the plastic water bottle controversy, now I've just read about how some airplanes may have contaminated water.  I first read about this issue on one of my favorite travel blogs The Perrin Post.    Blog author, Wendy Perrin, references an article that she read in the Washington Post.  According to the article, "The Environmental Protection Agency issued a 29-page proposal April 9 to make the nation's airlines follow a schedule for sampling water used in galleys and restrooms, as well as for keeping records, notifying the public of problems and taking corrective action. The aim is to limit the level of bacteria, such as coliform, in the water."  Now, personally, I'm good with a little EPA guidance on airplane water.  People and airline employees should be able to wash their hands in an airplane restroom without worry of getting sick, don't ya think?  But, until the EPA gets airlines to fully comply with the recommended water testing, I'd suggest that you bring your own bottled water (hopefully in a bottle made with a "safe" plastic!) for drinking.  In addition, consider using either alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer gels after using airplane water to wash your hands.  (By the way, I always bring alcohol wipes with me to clean the tray tables and audio/video controls.  Does that make me an official germaphobe?)  A little prevention can go a long way in securing a healthy vacation for you and your family.

Photo by Saaby via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Travel Safety: Bush Pilots and Small Planes in Alaska - Are They Safe?

Alaska Float Planes and Bush Pilot Safety Records:  How many of you have flown in small planes before?  I'm talking about the ones that seat 6 or less people.  Do you ever wonder about the safety of these single pilot planes?  If you travel to Alaska, you will see many of these planes, including float planes, being used as primary modes of transportation.  According to a recent article in The New York Times, Alaska reported 104 aircraft accidents in 2007 and 30 deaths.  These numbers deserve notice by officials and travelers alike.  If you choose to travel on one of these planes, at least educate yourself about the air safety standards of the pilots and planes that you will be flying.  Here are a few good websites that can help you make informed decisions about flying on various planes:  www.ntsb.gov, www.asias.faa.gov

Safe travels!