More to worry about than burning on beach

BY LAUREL MYERS

The snow is flying, the cold is biting and weather-weary Canadians are itching to leave the dreary days of winter behind for the sunny, sandy beaches of the south.

But as people continue to journey further into countries where health, security and cultural conditions vary greatly from those in Canada, challenges arise that make relaxing in the warmth of a foreign country less than the paradise travellers were seeking.

Since 1994, 28 Canadians have died on vacation in Mexico. About half those deaths have occurred in the past five years, according to a report from the Associated Press.

In February 2006, Nancy and Dominic Ianiero of Woodbridge, Ont. were found with their throats slit in their room at a five-star resort near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Almost one year later, Adam DePrisco, a 19-year-old also from Woodbridge, was found outside a Mexican nightclub bleeding heavily from his head. He died from the injuries Mexican authorities said were sustained in a hit-and-run accident. However, his travelling companion believes DePrisco was the victim of a vicious beating.

A Sudbury man was recently accused of sexually assaulting a resort worker while on vacation in Mexico and spent a night in a Mexican jail as a result. He was only released after paying $160 (US) to authorities.

According to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, since 2000, 13 Canadians have been murdered in Mexico. As well, of the 1,133 Canadian tourists who reported being assaulted on foreign soil between 2000 and 2006, 173 occurred in Mexico.

Despite the numbers, Brad McNulty, communications officer for CAA North and East Ontario travel centre, said travelling to Mexico, and other places abroad, is still a relatively safe endeavour.

"The chance of getting involved in something like that is minimal if people are careful," he said. "We've experienced very few incidents."

He offered a number of safety tips for Canadians to avoid getting involved in vulnerable or dangerous situations.

His first tip - basic common sense, "that you would use in any city around the world," -is to travel in groups and in well lit areas.

Other tips included: watch bags and luggage at all times while in the airport; avoid buying items from street vendors; avoid wearing flashy, expensive jewelry; and keep valuables locked in a safe in the hotel room.

He also suggested to book any outside tours or activities through the resort.

"It may be more expensive but you know the (event organizers) are employed by the resort and that the resort has already checked them out."

However, with all safety precautions heeded, a tourist can still manage to land lost in the web of foreign authorities. There are certain steps one must take to get safely back on their home turf.

If arrested or detained, the first step is to inform the arresting authorities that you wish to have the nearest Canadian government office abroad notified immediately of your arrest, McNulty said.

"Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, they have an obligation to advise you of your rights of access to a consular representative and to make arrangements for such access.

If you are not advised of your rights, insist on them, he said.

Telephone numbers for the consular offices in Ottawa are available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website at www.international.gc.ca .

Travellers are advised to record contact information for the Canadian Embassy or consulate in the country they are visiting before then leave home. They can also be provided by your travel agent.

"This is where a travel agent is important," McNulty said. "They can inform you of the rules and legal aspects of the country before leaving."

Before departing on vacation, check out www.voyage.gc.ca for information essential for Canadians abroad. This site offers travel reports and warnings for specific countries, containing information on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions and other important travel issues.

"Just don't get into trouble," McNulty said. "That's my best advice."