The Women’s Travel Group plans its tours to avoid certain events . Below are 5 situations to ruin your trip.
Elections. Elections in many countries come with protests and/or special legislation. For example, let’s look at Paris this week. The election results spawned serious street protests with violence. There was fighting in a major square and protesters shot fireworks at police. In some countries elections are on special dates; ie in the US. In others, an election can be a surprise date announced by the Prime Minister making it hard to gauge the street reaction to the election.
2. Festivals that attract huge crowds. Some festivals can be fun; others not so. They can create public transport overloading, alcoholic fueled crowds, hotel overbooking, impossible traffic with street closings. Some governments are better at crowd control than others. In the UK, authorities have used twitter to announce disruptions and it works. Find out what media is used where you are visiting to stay in the loop. Or to avoid getting caught in a massive traffic jam on the way to the airport. Trick: if Uber is available in your area, look up the estimated time Uber calculates; that gives you an estimate of any problems.
3. Mass strikes. Fortunately most strikes in Europe are announced; sometimes weeks in advance, but also sometimes a day or two beforehand. But at least they are announced so you can reorganize your plans. In italy a strike might be nation wide, but still only effect certain areas. In Ireland, what we call a strike might be a work slowdown. Airlines will notify you, but it is crucial that you also check with the airline directly. Here is a trick: so the local airline phone number is busy due to worried travelers, look up the airline phone number in another country. Call the US phone if you are in Europe. Call a European call center if you are in the States.
4. Events with public controversy involved. Americans know this experience, from violent protests related to our presidential election. Stay clear of a city if, for instance, a very controversial law suit conclusion is to be announced. Or a new disliked bill is passed. The public’s reaction can be unpleasant and ,in the case of some US cities. there were bricks thrown into store windows, much urban damage and vehicle protests with loud speakers. In Kenya when a new tax law was announced, there was massive street violence.
5. Last but not least, May 1. Though not as important a date as years ago, May 1 is often a national holiday. Its origin is centuries old, begun as International Workers Day. May Day in some areas is still disruptive. Avoid it if you can or just be aware of some closings.
Some smart planning and research can assist to avoid situations that will ruin your trip.
Travel Tips from an award winning tour operator for luxury women’s vacations. For information about out tours, contact us here. Feel free to call us also at 646 309 5607. Space left on Scotland, Sicily and a few more for 2024 trips.
