Whilst over eighty thousand British nationals visited Kenya last year, the vast majority enjoyed a trouble-free stay. Nevertheless, all visitors should be aware of potential risks and should exercise sensible precautions.

Muggings and armed attacks can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombassa: be alert at all times. Do not accept food or drink from strangers, as there have been instances of it being drugged. Avoid travelling after dark in isolated places, particularly empty beaches. Do not carry valuables or wear jewellery in public places. Do not carry credit cards or cash cards unless you must, people have been forced by thieves to withdraw cash. Beware of thieves posing as police officers; always ask to see identification. Outbreaks of political violence are normally localised and rarely affect visitors. It is best to avoid political rallies or meetings, which are usually well publicised. These are likely to become more numerous in the run-up to general elections, widely expected to take place in December 2002, though the timing of the polls may be delayed into 2003. Incidents of armed car-hijackings are more prevalent in Nairobi and Mombassa but can occur in any area of the country. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands.

Game reserves and other tourist areas are generally trouble-free, but tourists wishing to visit reserves should use reputable tour operators and arrive at their destination in daylight hours. Visitors are strongly advised not to buy safari tours from touts but only through reputable agencies or from their hotel. There have been some fatalities when people have gone on foot in game parks and visitors should conform closely to park regulations and wardens' advice. Bathing in rivers and lakes is forbidden in National Parks and is best avoided elsewhere due to the dangers from both wildlife and water-borne disease.

For security reasons, and also because of the condition of the roads, visitors to Lamu Island are strongly advised to travel by air. Buses and other vehicles on the road to Lamu have been attacked by armed robbers and must travel in convoy on the Malindi/Garsen/Lamu section. Avoid the North-Eastern Province, in particular areas near the Somali border, the Tana River District of Coast Province and the Isiolo and Marsabit Districts of Eastern Province where cattle raids are frequent. Cattle raids have also occurred in Trans Nzoia district and armed robbery has affected the Kapenguria to Lokichokio road in Rift Valley Province.

Take care if driving, especially at night, as road conditions and driving standards are often poor. There have been a number of serious accidents involving Kenyan long-distance bus services. Vehicles are often poorly maintained, and driven at excessive speed even on poorly maintained roads. Visitors are advised to check with any bus operator on the standards they observe before using this form of transport. Another common form of public transport is the matatu, usually a minibus plying a specific route. Though very cheap to use, matatus are notorious for being poorly maintained, badly driven and in some instances do not have proper insurance cover. There are frequent reports of matatus being hijacked, or of passengers being robbed. Visitors are advised to think carefully before using matatus.

Source: www.fco.co.uk

Why risk the uncertain weather of the British climate? With airfares low and hotels reasonable, why not go to Boston to watch the match?? There is a big Irish community there, we'll find a pub to watch the game and do some sightseeing and shopping. What a brilliantly extravagant idea! I couldn't resist.

Shops are all over, although the Prudential Centre was close by the hotel and the tower definitely gave the best all round view of the city. Eating at Bonmarche was great, although be warned, the American sweet tooth and French toast combine to give truly disgusting results!

Across town in the North-West region was Quincy market, more shops and a fine food hall. The New England Aquarium is also located here with a brilliant tower fish tank. Also worth a visit was the science museum and Newbury Street on a Sunday afternoon.

It was a brilliant break. A combination of sightseeing, shopping and sore feet. The people were friendly and helpful, even when Wales won.

A recent UK Sunday newspaper ran a brief report about a five month study the Lithuanian government has just conducted.

As a result of the study, the government has scrapped a law that required women to take a gynaecological examination before they could be issued a driver's licence. Government officials argued that certain diseases in women could cause sufficient pain to hinder driving. “This requirement made our country look more than strange” said a health ministry spokesman.

Strange, indeed, says the Beetle, wondering what if any examination the men have to undergo.

As noted by our eagle-eyed Webmaster, Paul Roberts, this is a facility whereby you can send faxes via the web or email – rather handy! Take a look at The Phone Company website.

You can also receive replies with a free efax.com number.

London Waterways week takes place between 7-15 September.

The event will start with the Great River Race and finish with the Mayor's Thames Festival. Many waterside attractions are taking part in the festivities offering special events and discounts. A special leaflet with details of events and discounts is available from London Tourist Information Centres and libraries from mid-August or by calling +44 (0) 20 7286 7306.

The Beetle has been having an interesting e-mail conversation with Peter in the US, but British, about what counts as having visited a country. He says that he visited Czechoslovakia, but now it is two countries. Does his visit count as 1 country or 2? The same must be true of the former Yugoslavia.

Which other counties have split? And what do you think?

Email the Beetle

Under 30? A member of Globetrotters Club? Interested in a £1,000 travel award?

Know someone who is? We have £1,000 to award each year for five years for the best submitted independent travel plan. Interested?

Then see our legacy page on our Website, where you can apply with your plans for a totally independent travel trip and we'll take a look at it. Get those plans in!!!

PRÓXIMA VIAGEM want to hear from you! Próxima Viagem is a Brazilian travel magazine that sells around 70 000 copies a month. For the special birthday issue of their magazine they want to publish a poll of the top travellers in the world, people who have been to more than 100 countries and are members of some travellers club. The poll is to ask travellers about their favourite small-charming cities in the world. It is a “travel is peace” kind of article.

Please send Denise your top 10 small cities that are very special for you and a brief biography of yourself, focused on travelling and the number of places you visited.

contact Denise by e-mail

Dr Livingstone is walking through the jungle and comes across a clearing with a huge hippopotamus lying stone dead in the middle of it. On top of the hippo is a pygmy. Dr Livingstone approaches him and asks: “Did you kill that?” The pygmy replies: “Howrya. Yes, I did.” Dr Livingstone is surprised by this and continues by asking: “How did you kill it?” “With my club,” replies the pygmy. Dr Livingstone asks: “How big is your club?” “Oh, there's about twenty of us at the moment,” says the pygmy.