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Top 10: Travel warnings about Italy

Top 10: Travel warnings about Italy

Many of us tend to leave our brains at home when heading abroad on holiday, and with that in mind governments issue travel warnings. From volcanoes to thieves distracting tourists with pizza, here are some of the most striking — and bizarre — warnings about Italy.

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<b>Volcanoes</b> Several of Italy's volcanoes are currently active, the most famous being Etna and Vesuvius. "Mount Etna has been erupting with increasing frequency, sending plumes of ash into the air," warns the British Foreign Office, which advises tourists to monitor local media. You should also check with airlines about possible disruption to flights.Photo: Wilson44691/Wikicommons
<b>Well-dressed pick-pockets</b> As far as most other Western countries are concerned, Italy has a serious problem when it comes to pickpocketing and other petty crimes. “Pick-pockets sometimes dress like businessmen,” says the US Department of State. “You should not be lulled into a false sense of security by believing that well-dressed individuals are not potential pick-pockets or thieves.”Photo: Shutterstock
<b>Thieves on scooters</b> “Be careful with your bag or purse as thieves on motor-scooters are very quick and can snatch a purse off your arm from a moving scooter,” warns the US Department of State. Think you can stop them? “Resisting these thieves,’ it adds, "can be hazardous, as some tourists have suffered broken arms and collarbones.”Photo: Shutterstock
<b>Pizza-wielding thieves</b> Thieves may even resort to ‘pizza’ tactics, apparently. "One should make particular mention of scams in which tourists are distracted (for example, by an alleged flat tire, a jostle, or having clothes soiled by ice cream, pizza, etc.), enabling them to be robbed by accomplices," claims Germany's Foreign Office.Photo: Shutterstock
<b>Binge-drinking</b> Italian authorities are likely to be deeply unimpressed by rowdy drunken behaviour, warns the Australian Foreign Office. "Binge-drinking, organized pub crawls and associated civil disorder can be a problem in large Italian cities. In an attempt to crack down on these activities, some municipalities have banned drinking in public places. Australians have been arrested for disturbing the peace under these new laws."Photo: Shutterstock
<b>Reckless driving</b> Surely the reckless Italian driver is just an out-dated stereotype?  Not so, Canada tells its citizens. "City streets are often narrow, winding and congested. Motor scooters and other vehicles are often driven recklessly. Lane markings are frequently non-existent, and traffic lights are limited and often ignored. Numerous accidents are caused by excessive speeding on highways and rural roads."Photo: Shutterstock
<b>Demos</b> Oh dear - not every US citizen will necessarily be greeted with open arms. "Demonstrations may have an anti-US character, especially in areas hosting US military bases. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. You should take common sense precautions and follow news reports carefully," advises the US Department of State.Photo: Marco Bertorello/AFP
<b>Strikes</b> The sheer number of these come as quite a shock to many other nationalities, it seems. "There are frequent strikes in Italy that can result in delays and cancellations to regular public transport services," says the Australian Foreign Office.Photo: Shutterstock
<b>Sunlight</b> It may be one of Italy's major attractions, but sunlight pops up on Austria's travel advice page for Italy. "In the summer months, take appropriate protection against strong sunlight and strenuous activities should be reduced. Tap water has regionally and seasonally varying quality. Due to the intense heat in the summer months, strenuous activities should be avoided during the lunch time."Photo: Shutterstock
<b>Fake designer goods</b> Fancy a knock-off Gucci or Prada? Best to save up. "Even if fake brand items are offered openly by street vendors and at the beach, their sale and purchase is prohibited and carry hefty fines," says Austria.Photo: gardnergp/Flickr


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