Passport to the World

For most of 2007 U.S. citizens faced frustrating delays getting new passports or simply renewing old passports that were about to expire. Apparently the U.S. State Department wasn’t prepared to handle the record number of applications that resulted from a change in travel rules requiring Americans to have passports for to travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.

Imagine my surprise when we were able to renew our children’s passports in just seven days. It may have been my most painless, efficient interaction with the U.S. government ever.

I was so impressed by the State Department’s handling of the passport renewal I thought I would spend some time on their web site familiarizing myself with the travel information and services they provide.

First I checked out their travel alerts and warnings. I read their ominously labeled “Worldwide Caution.” Just to be fully briefed, I read their “Avian Flu Update” and the memo on “International Travel Scams.”

Then I delved into a few of their “country-specific” reports. This quote is fairly typical:

“…Crime, including violent crime, has increased over the last few years… Incidents include pickpocketing; mugging; “snatch and grab” thefts of mobile phones, watches and jewelry; and theft of unattended bags, especially at airports and from cars parked at restaurants, hotels and resorts…

“Pickpockets target tourists, especially at historic sites, restaurants, on buses, and trains… Walking in isolated areas, including public parks, especially after dark, should also be avoided, as these provide advantageous venues for muggers and thieves….

“Travelers should not leave drinks unattended in bars and nightclubs. There have been some instances of drinks being spiked with illegal substances, leading to incidents of robbery and rape.”

That’s the report on London.

After spending time on the State Department web site, it’s a wonder any American would leave their house, let alone the country.

I have no doubt the State Department is providing useful information for worst-case scenarios. Imagine the grief they’d get if they didn’t warn Americans abroad about date-rape drugs in London nightclubs.

Seriously though, Americans who travel abroad can become victims of crime, both large and small. And it probably is a good idea to stay out of the few countries that the State Department suggests Americans avoid (particularly when traveling with young children).

It does provide some comfort to think the men and women serving in the State Department are there to help if you run into serious problems overseas. You can bet that if something were to go wrong on our trip, I’d be on the phone to the U.S. Embassy faster than you can say “Pledge of Allegiance.”

But unless you want to develop an ulcer from constant worry, you probably don’t want to spend too much time brooding over warnings about Acts of God that could occur while traveling – things like volcano eruptions, tsunamis, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

When it comes down to it, ask yourself this: Are bad neighborhoods in Quito really that much more dangerous than bad neighborhoods in Los Angeles?

Which raises another question. What do other countries say to their citizens about travel to the U.S.? Consider this:

“Attacks on tourists have decreased, but violent crime remains a serious concern. Criminals have demonstrated that they will use violence with little or no provocation…

“Many attacks have occurred in urban areas, and others have taken place on rural roads and at interstate highway rest areas…

“Theft has increased, particularly from trunks of parked cars and at airports. Be alert, as criminals use a variety of techniques to steal personal belongings.”

What is the warning for, you ask?

It’s the Canadian government’s warning to its citizens about travel to Florida.