Diane Selkirk

Diane Selkirkhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/diane-selkirkDiane Selkirkhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/survival/wildfire-safety-tipsIncreased temperatures have caused more frequent and severe wildfires in destinations around the world. Here’s how you can prepare and stay fire-safe on your travels.2025-05-08T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/survival/wildfire-safety-tipshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Escaping to warmer weather is a tradition for many travelers. Whether camping in the mountains or heading to the beach, it used to be the most common worries were swatting mosquitoes or <a href="/travel-wiser/wellness/sunblock-or-insect-repellent-first">dealing with sunburn</a>.</p> <p>Recent years have brought a new and significant danger to summertime destinations as far-ranging as <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/turkey">Turkey</a>, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Precedent-setting wildfires have emerged as the newest threat to leisurely vacation days. Resulting in mass evacuations and the burning of millions of acres of wilderness and thousands of structures, they’ve <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/natural-disasters">ruined long-planned trips</a> and sent tourists fleeing.</p> <p>And these threats are no longer confined to summer or fall. In January 2025, <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/media/before-after/greater-los-angeles-wildfires-january-2025">a series of devastating wildfires</a> burned more than 40,000 acres near Los Angeles, California, the result of dry conditions and high winds. More than 180,000 people were forced to evacuate.</p> <p>While all of this might sound like motivation to pick a place known for rain, you don’t have to give up on sunny destinations. Whether you're planning a trip to a wildfire-prone area or find yourself in the midst of a bushfire event, these tips can help you stay safe and informed.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#threat">Anticipating the threat of wildfires</a></li> <li><a href="#safe">How to be fire-safe while traveling</a></li> <li><a href="#evacuate">If you are evacuated due to wildfires</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="threat">Anticipating the threat of wildfires</h2> <p>Fires have become increasingly common in many parts of the world due to global warming driven by climate change, leading to extreme heat and droughts that contribute to dry vegetation. Combined with factors like increased thunderstorms, or human activities such as smoking or campfires, these conditions have resulted in intensified wildfire activity.</p> <p>To adapt to this new reality, the first step is to understand how your destination might be changing. "We know the Earth is heating up," says Jessica Harcombe Fleming, a PR professional with Tartanbond who assists destinations with emergency preparedness and crisis management. "And maybe traveling to Greece in the middle of August (for example) isn’t a good idea anymore."</p> <p>Making these kinds of decisions has two parts. First, as visitors, we have an increased responsibility to pay attention to what’s going on. "Make sure you understand what August looks like in your destination – reach out and actually ask," she says. Secondly, destinations themselves need to be more honest. "They should say, ‘if you come in August, recognize that’s our wildfire season,’" and she suggests asking them to explain what that means. "Even if the area you’re going isn’t affected, maybe government plans include taking over hotels for evacuees from other areas."</p> <p>As your trip approaches, Harcombe Fleming suggests staying informed – not just on a national level, but right down to the town. "People cancelled trips to Hawaii during the August 2023 wildfires. But if you looked closer, it wasn't the entire state of Hawaii. It was one portion of one island."</p> <p>She points to Destination British Columbia’s <a href="https://www.hellobc.com/know-before-you-go/" target="_blank">Know Before You Go</a> information page as a great example of the kind of resource travelers should be demanding from destinations. With important updates and step-by-step advice, it demystifies a variety of potential emergencies.</p> <h2 id="safe">How to be fire-safe while traveling</h2> <p>Staying updated on wildfire conditions can be challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with the geography or language, or if your hosts are too reassuring. However, it's important to monitor local news, official emergency sources, or use locally supported apps like <a href="https://alertable.ca/signup/index.html" target="_blank">Alertable</a>, <a href="https://app.watchduty.org/" target="_blank">WatchDuty</a>, the <a href="https://readiapp.com.au/" target="_blank">Readi App</a>, or the <a href="https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/use-fema-app-take-charge-your-disaster-recovery" target="_blank">FEMA app</a> to stay informed.</p> <p>While you travel, be fire-safe by respecting fire bans, properly disposing of smoking supplies and reporting any signs of fire you see.</p> <p>If there are fires in your region, get prepared. But don’t panic <span>– </span>life often goes on as normal during fire season, with a few exceptions:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Check air quality:</strong> Wildfires can create hazardous air, so keep an eye on the Air Quality Index and take precautions if it gets bad, especially if you have respiratory issues or are active in the outdoors.</li> <li><strong>Put together an emergency supply kit:</strong> Pack a flashlight, <a href="/travel-wiser/survival/first-aid-kit">first-aid kit</a>, medications, masks, and food and water – just in case you’re evacuated or stranded by road closures. Have a backup power source or portable charger for your devices. If you are driving your own vehicle, keep the gas tank filled or battery charged.</li> <li><strong>Have an evacuation plan:</strong> Learn the evacuation routes or procedures for bus or boat evacuations. Have a designated meeting point for your group in case you get separated. This is also a good time to buy a paper map and download offline maps for your phone. Some evacuation routes may take you out of cellular range.</li> <li><strong>Stay flexible with your plans:</strong> Wildfires can disrupt one region while leaving an adjacent one perfect for visitors. Be prepared to change your itinerary at short notice if conditions worsen.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-wiser/wildfires-evac-pac-getty.jpg" alt="A man fills his backpack with a first-aid kit and other safety supplies." /> <figcaption>Keep an emergency supply kit stocked and ready. Image credit: Getty Images / olegkalina</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="evacuate">If you are evacuated due to wildfires</h2> <p>You may receive an evacuation alert before an evacuation order is issued. But when the order comes, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Before leaving, dress in pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and your heaviest closed-toe shoes to protect against heat and flying embers.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Follow instructions:</strong> Depart as soon as possible – conditions can change rapidly and traffic may get heavier if you wait. If you’re being evacuated by buses or boats, bring your emergency supply kit (and permitted luggage). If you’re driving, load up with supplies, double-check the designated route, and inform others of your plans.</li> <li><strong>Be cautious:</strong> Stay alert for downed power lines, road closures, and other hazards while driving. Keep your car windows closed and headlights on. Tune into the local radio station (or apps) for updates.</li> <li><strong>Don’t stray or speed:</strong> Stay calm and drive at a steady, safe speed (emergency personnel won’t want to stop their duties to pull you from a ditch). Stick to the evacuation route and don’t be tempted by potential short cuts. Deviating can lead to unknown hazards and delays in reaching safety.</li> </ul> <p>Once you reach safety, inform others, and, if necessary, contact your insurance or travel company. If you require additional support, head to a designated evacuee reception center. These centers provide food, clothing and shelter; assistance with finding or reuniting with family or friends; and other services.</p> <p>While going through a fire is nobody’s idea of a good trip, by staying informed, prepared, and flexible, you can safely navigate wildfires while traveling. And don’t let the risk of fires deter you from visiting a destination – especially one that’s <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/post-disaster-destinations-is-it-safe-to-go">already experienced a disaster</a>. These places need visitors as they recover and will be eager to welcome you.</p>Getty Images / Andrew Merry 11192659783 Getty Images / Andrew Merry An out-of-control bushfire in the Blue Mountains of Australia.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/outdoor-adventures-in-central-and-eastern-canadaA world away from crowded resorts like Whistler, the eastern provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and New Brunswick offer winter adventures galore. 2021-12-14T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/outdoor-adventures-in-central-and-eastern-canadahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The first snow of the season is a glorious thing. Big flakes drift down from the sky, covering the land in a fluffy white blanket that muffles sound and brightens the night. Where I come from – Vancouver, BC, a place with such mild winters I’ve always cheekily referred to it as “fake Canada” – this first snow is always fleeting (as is the second and, if we get it, the third). While the rest of the country bundles up, preparing for three months of backyard skating or snowshoeing through the woods, we’re already counting down the weeks until our crocuses pop up.</p> <p>The first time I experienced winter in the east, it was a (chilly) revelation. While our west-coast mountains and <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/best-destinations-for-snowboarders-and-skiiers-in-canada">ski resorts</a> are famous for snow sports, the steep slopes (which can come with steep prices) are often busy and crowded. They’re gorgeous and glittering, but it took heading back east to experience the kind of old-fashioned winter I’ve always dreamed of – one where snow is reliably outside the door, lakes freeze over for skating or fishing, and dark, clear nights might offer the promise of <a href="/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights">northern lights</a>.</p> <p>It was in the east I discovered a quieter, more reflective winter – one where a day in the snow is often followed by an evening in front of the fire; where everyone you meet has cold, chapped cheeks and conversations revolve around snow texture and wind-chill factors.</p> <p>Read on for some of my favorite low-key winter adventures as well as a few tips for coping with the cold.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#snowshoe">Snowshoeing along the ancient bison paths at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatchewan</a></li> <li><a href="#skating">Ice skating on a forest trail in Fredericton, New Brunswick</a></li> <li><a href="#ski">Ski through the boreal forest in Quebec's Mont-Orford National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#fish">Fish the canoe routes of the Anishnabek people of Manitoulin Island, in northeastern Ontario </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="snowshoe">Snowshoeing along the ancient bison paths at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatchewan</h2> <p>The first time I tried walking in old-school snowshoes (the kind that look like oversized wooden tennis rackets) I tripped and fell into a snowbank. I was pretty sure the sport wasn’t for me.</p> <p>The shoes I tried hadn’t changed much in the thousands of years since Indigenous people expertly traversed the landscape using a version made from rawhide and bent branches. Happily for me, the modern shoes available for loan at <a href="https://wanuskewin.com/">Wanuskewin</a> (a park outside Saskatoon that traces the historic buffalo hunt and Plains People) are much smaller and easier to use than the ones I first tried. Strapped on over cozy snow boots, these snowshoes offer novices easy entry into winter landscapes of deep, untouched snow.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-wilderness/snowshoeing-wanuskewin.jpg" alt="The headquarters of Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatchewan, Canada." /> <figcaption>The headquarters of Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Image credit: Diane Selkirk</figcaption></figure> <p>You can snowshoe almost anywhere there’s more than six inches (15cm) of snow, but a recent experience on Wanuskewin’s 4.3mi (7km) of trails left me enchanted. The chilling winter wind was whipping across the grassland, but temperatures down in the valley were mild enough to spend a couple of hours exploring the buffalo jumps, tipi rings, and beaver dams on trails winding along the frozen Opimihaw Creek. Up at prairie level we spotted deer and the park’s new herd of bison.</p> <p>Snowshoeing can work up a sweat, so dress in layers and bring water.</p> <h2 id="skating">Ice skating on a forest trail in Fredericton, New Brunswick</h2> <p>Skating outside is one of the most purely Canadian activities there is. Just about anywhere that gets cold enough (Jan-March is the typical season) will have some sort of <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/5-winter-activities-in-montreal-and-quebec-city-canada">outdoor rink</a> with skate loans or rentals. I’ve a long held a fantasy about gliding for miles along Canada’s most famous ice trail; the 4.8mi (7.8km) Rideau Canal in Ontario. But shorter, less-known skating trails have taken the activity to a new level.</p> <p>Taking a variety of forms, including paths cleared on lakes and winding forests trails that are flooded to create slick surfaces, the skateways are usually a few yards wide and many are lit for night skating. One of the newest is the forest trail at Mactaquac Provincial Park, 25 minutes outside of Fredericton, New Brunswick. Two loops, winding 700 yards (635m) through the woods, are free of charge, as are the skate loans.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-wilderness/skating-new-brunswick.jpg" alt="A woman ice skates at Mactaquac Provincial Park near Federicton, New Brunswick." /> <figcaption>Skating outdoors <span>–</span> one of the most purely Canadian activities there is. Photo credit: Diane Selkirk</figcaption></figure> <p>You can also find a trail in the <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/a-road-trip-along-lake-superiors-ontario-coast#islands">Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area</a> in Ontario. Once the freeze sets in, the intermediate-level Lake Superior Ice Trail will wind 765 yards (700m) along the shore. In Quebec (but just 45 min from Ottawa), the easy trail at Lac-des-Loups runs 1.8mi (3km) through a snow-covered forest that keeps you sheltered from icy chill.</p> <p>While trail skating is an active sport that keeps you warm, until you get the hang of it choose a route with warming stations where you can stop for hot chocolate and a visit with locals. Make sure you have a good toque (Canadian for winter hat) and warm socks.</p> <h2 id="ski">Ski through the boreal forest in Quebec's Mont-Orford National Park</h2> <p>Nordic, or cross-country, skiing is something downhill or non-skiers assume is hard a physical slog that’s tough to learn. In truth, once you learn the basics it’s a delightful way to explore a winter landscape. Cheaper than downhill skiing and easier on your body (it’s popular with everyone from athletes in training to seniors) it doesn’t require specialized ski clothing (fleece tights and layers are typical) or a stay at a fancy resort.</p> <p>My favorite places to ski offer forested, rolling terrain with cold enough temperatures that the snow doesn’t melt and get icy. Mont-Orford, which has 31mi (50km) of classic and 16mi (26km) of skate ski trails, fits the criteria so perfectly that competitive ski teams train here. Located 1.5 hours east of Montreal, Mont-Orford is typical of cross-country ski areas found across Canada and offers rentals, lessons, modest lodging, and dining.</p> <h2 id="fish">Fish the canoe routes of the Anishnabek people of Manitoulin Island, in northeastern Ontario</h2> <p>Ice fishing with Wasse-Giizhik Tours combines two of my favorite things: Indigenous tourism and fishing. Indigenous tourism is the fastest-growing sector of tourism in Canada. Companies like Wasse give visitors a chance to see the land through a new perspective – or in this case, the chance to see the waters around Manitoulin Island through the eyes of the people who have been there since time immemorial.</p> <p>While I have to admit I never thought I’d love ice-fishing, the absurdity of it got me hooked. Who imagined people actually sit in heated tents bobbing a line up and down in a hole cut in the ice? For me, the first surprise was how beautiful fishing in the winter is. Set on a frozen lake in the middle of a frozen landscape, just reaching a fishing spot requires a trip through a winter wonderland.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-wilderness/ice-fishing.jpg" alt="A woman ice fishes in a hut near Manitoulin Island, Ontario." /> <figcaption>The author tries her hand at ice fishing. Image credit: Diane Selkirk</figcaption></figure> <p>Then there’s the fishing. The clear water takes on luminous quality through the ice and once you’re inside a darkened hut it’s easy to spot the trout as they swim by and (hopefully) take your bait. A heater keeps the space warm and tall tales about the ones that got away make the hours speed by.</p>GettyImages / Nino H. Photography 1159060202 Getty Images A man cross-country skis on a wide, forested trail in Quebec, Canada.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/suriname/safety-tips-for-travelers-in-surinameAfter a challenging trip to Suriname, Diane Selkirk shares her top tips to help you stay safe in this off-the-beaten-track destination.2019-09-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/suriname/safety-tips-for-travelers-in-surinamehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Suriname is sandwiched between <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/guyana/staying-crime-free-in-guyana" target="_blank" title="How to Avoid Crime in Guyana">Guyana</a> and French Guiana on the northeastern coast of <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-immunizations-what-you-really-need-in-south-america" target="_blank" title="The Essential Guide to Travel Vaccinations for South America">South America</a>. Often left off travel itineraries to South America, this country has a lot going for it; with culturally diverse urban communities, a dense jungle that’s reached by river, and an intriguing food and arts scene that blends cultures from the Caribbean, <a href="/explore/guides/indonesia-insiders-guide" target="_blank" title="Download our free guide to Indonesia">Indonesia</a>, <a href="/explore/guides/india-insiders-guide" target="_blank" title="Download our free guide to India">India</a> and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china" target="_blank" title="How to Stay Safe in China">China</a>. I couldn’t wait to try <em>pom</em>, a national dish that has its roots in Jewish culture but that’s made with a local root called <em>pomtajer</em>.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the country’s jungle (locally referred to as the interior) is home to a variety of traditional indigenous villages.</p> <p>On our visit to Suriname we were excited about exploring the country, but instead my husband had a <a href="/travel-insurance/" target="_blank" title="Get a travel insurance quote">health crisis</a> and I got a crash course in everything from <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/suriname/travel-health-tips-for-suriname" target="_blank" title="How to Stay Healthy in Suriname">finding a hospital</a> in Paramaribo (the capital city), to currency management during an inflation crisis, and <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/suriname/suriname-amazon-adventure#crime" target="_blank" title="Areas to Avoid in Suriname">discovering which areas of town to avoid after dark</a>. The Surinamese people I met along the way were happy to help me navigate the challenges, my husband recovered fully, and we still had a great visit. </p> <p>While I learned that Suriname is a friendly country, it’s not an effortless place to travel; the roads are challenging, healthcare options are limited and the political situation is tumultuous. So, whether you’re there for the food and culture, the wildlife or the interior, here are some tips to keep you safe. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#transport"> Road safety and public transport </a></li> <li><a href="#sick"> Illness and mosquitoes </a></li> <li><a href="#crime"> Petty crime </a></li> <li><a href="#cash"> Banking and cash </a></li> <li><a href="#politics"> Political demonstrations </a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Suriname </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transport">1. Road safety and public transport</h2> <p>Getting around Suriname is a daytime endeavor. Roads are poorly-maintained and <a href="/explore/guides/dutch-travel-phrasebook" target="_blank" title="Download our free Dutch travel phrasebook">one of the first Dutch words we learned</a> was <em>drempel</em>, which means speed bump. The bumps are huge, car-damaging mounds (unless the car swerves) and buses often hit at them at high speed. After dark, the narrow roads aren’t lit and people often park their cars in unexpected places (including on sidewalks). The risk of theft at bus stops and carjackings also increases after dark.</p> <p>The country’s main modes of transport include bike, boat, motorcycle, car, taxi and bus. For travelers, bikes and motorcycles are especially challenging: road conditions are poor and crowded, and drivers tend to be aggressive. Private or government run buses are the cheapest and most popular mode of transport – but they aren’t always married to a schedule, and may not be maintained to the standards you’re used to back home.</p> <p>Taxis cost more, and are faster, but aren’t metered so be aware that even if you negotiate a price you might be asked for USD or Euro tips (often referred to as <em>gifts)</em> and then get stranded if you don’t comply. To get around this you can ride collective taxis which hold more passengers. Surinamese people tend to watch out for travelers, and are quick to jump to your defense if someone tries cheating you. </p> <p>To reach the interior you’ll likely travel by boat. Like buses and taxis, these come in various states of repair and may or may not have safety equipment onboard, so choose carefully.</p> <p>Keep in mind that independent travel is still rare in Suriname, and, because of the challenging geographic terrain, many places are only accessible as part of an organized group. Even if reservations are made weeks in advance, boats only leave when full and are often not confirmed until the very last minute.</p> <h2 id="sick">2. Illness and mosquitoes</h2> <p>Our arrival at an overcrowded emergency room was my first introduction to the medical system in Suriname. The care was adequate and treatment needed to be paid for in US dollars in advance.</p> <p>Take the <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/sunblock-or-insect-repellent-first" target="_blank" title="Sunblock or Insect Repellent">usual precautions</a> including wearing long sleeves, insect repellent, and using antimalarials for Malaria, Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika – especially if you travel outside of the urban areas.</p> <p>If you’re headed to the interior make sure you’re prepared and have packed the right gear for heat, humidity and rugged isolation. It’s best to travel with a seasoned guide who is aware of where the drug runners operate, and who can communicate if a rescue is needed.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/suriname/hiking-brownsberg-national-park-suriname-gettyimages-83149920.jpg" alt="Two hikers in a dense rainforest walking while it rains" /> <figcaption>Hiking in Brownsberg National Park, south of Paramaribo. Photo credit: Getty Images/Frans Lemmens</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="crime">3. Petty crime</h2> <p>Statistically Suriname is safe, and like many countries the biggest risk is opportunistic petty theft. Locals often warned us about pickpockets and people forcing services on us for ‘tips’.</p> <p>During the daytime we felt comfortable in the streets, but we kept everything secure and made a point of not wandering around aimlessly without a destination in mind.</p> <p>One evening we lingered until dusk in the popular Waterkant area of Paramaribo, and discovered the atmosphere changed after dark when we encountered aggressive pan handlers (beggars). We were able to get help from a passing Surinamese couple, but another option would have been to flag down a taxi and get to a new location safely.</p> <p>The truth is, in Suriname you’ll probably be given more cautions and warnings than the situation warrants. Initially we were alarmed by how often we were advised to be careful, but soon realized this meant there were more people watching out for visitors than there are people looking to take advantage of them.</p> <h2 id="cash">4. Banking and cash</h2> <p>Like other South American countries, Suriname is experiencing high inflation. Very few places take credit or bank cards (including the hospital) and many places request Euros or US cash.</p> <p>Avoid taking money out of street ATMS (using EFTPOS), criminals are known to hang out near the machines looking for targets. Instead visit banks during business hours and go inside to make a transaction. While both DSB Bank and the Republic Bank work well for most bank cards, you may find you need to visit a few banks before your bank cards work – and the bank that works one day may not work the next.</p> <p>Keep in mind it’s illegal to exchange money on the street. Use only hotels, local banks or official money exchanges (<em>cambios</em>).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/suriname/inner-city-paramaribo-suriname-gettyimages-83149870.jpg" alt="View of buildings from above, beside a murky brown river in Suriname" /> <figcaption>The historic inner city of Paramaribo is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Photo credit: Getty Images/Frans Lemmens</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="politics">5. Political demonstrations</h2> <p>Cultural celebrations and <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest" target="_blank" title="How to Stay Safe During Civil Unrest">political protests</a> can look uncannily similar in Suriname. If you see a loud and colorful gathering, ask someone nearby to ensure what’s going on before you approach. Demonstrations are common, and are expected to increase as the economic crisis continues, and as the 2020 elections approach.</p> <h2 id="podcast">Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Suriname</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/445898?theme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>Getty Images/Frans Lemmens 183149869 Getty Images Creole women in Kotomisi dress, Suriname