Canada issues travel advisories for these beach destinations

As temperatures plunge, many Canadians plan a beach holiday.

This week Ontario residents dealt with blizzards and extreme cold. The weather in the GTA was better but still got sub-zero temperatures this week.

Taking a break from Canada’s long winter can be a fun escape. But before picking a destination, it is a good idea to check out the latest warnings and advice.

The federal government maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

Here are some countries with updated travel advisories:

Cabo Verde

Risks: Crime

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs during festivals, street fairs and on beaches. Violent crime can happen even in daylight hours. Incidences include burglaries of homes and sailboats, assault, including sexual assault and armed robbery.

Strong currents and powerful waves make swimming and water sports dangerous at some locations. Drownings occur every year, especially in Praia. Be vigilant on beaches and never swim alone.

Bahamas

Risks: High rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, may occur in tourist areas.

Robberies also occur in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas in Nassau and Freeport, even in daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays, festivals and regattas. The Bahamas has a high murder rate, but incidents mostly occur in downtown Nassau in non-tourist areas after dark.

Across The Bahamas, sharks pose a risk to swimmers. Do not swim in waters where fishermen use bait to attract marine life.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: In recent weeks, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads.

Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, incidents of violent crime still occur in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts.

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common and powerful waves make swimming and water sports dangerous. Several drownings occur each year. Many beaches don’t have warning flags to indicate unsafe conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.

Thailand

Risks: Ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.

Reasons: Political instability in Thailand has created a volatile and unpredictable security environment throughout the country, particularly in Bangkok.  Legal provisions may allow the military to retain and exercise sweeping powers.

Petty crime, such as purse snatching, pickpocketing and theft, is common. Thieves sometimes use razors to cut purses and bags open to remove their contents.

Deaths have occurred due to contact with poisonous jellyfish off Koh Lanta, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Phuket.

Riptides in coastal areas can be strong, including in the popular destinations of Cha-am/Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket and Rayong. There have been several deaths due to drowning.

Maldives

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, especially on the beach.

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. There have been several diving injuries due to poor equipment and poor compliance with safety standards by local dive operators.

Lead photo of Fuvahmulah, Maldives: Asad Photo Maldives

For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.