The U.S. Issues Security Alert for Sri Lanka

And other news from the week.

This week in travel, we’ve uncovered several stories that might have flown under your radar. Among them: New Zealand has instituted an airport hug policy; Japan is tackling the “nuisance” of dance videos; and the U.S. has issued a travel advisory for Sri Lanka.

Dive into these and more as we explore the week’s most intriguing travel news. 

NO.1

NEW ZEALAND AIRPORT’S HUGGING POLICY SPARKS GLOBAL DEBATE

In September of last year, the international airport in Dunedin, New Zealand, imposed a restriction on airport goodbyes. Now, a sign reading “Max hug time 3 minutes. For fonder farewells please use the car park” went viral and sparked a conversation about this new restriction at a time when airports are imposing drop-off fees.

The airport parking is free for the first 15 minutes, and the rule is intended to ensure efficiency at drop-off zones where things can get chaotic. There won’t be any police, but people may be asked to move along if they linger for too long. Airport chief Dan De Bono said, “We’re not here to tell people how long they should hug for; it’s more the message of please move on and provide space for others.”

Airport authorities, however, are surprised by the international attention. Sarah Soper, marketing and communications executive at Dunedin Airport, told CBS, “We have just been surprised how much global interest there has been.” The new rule has been in place since last year and went into effect without any hue and cry.

NO.2

TOURIST DANCE VIDEO IN JAPAN MAY RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION

Politeness is a way of life for the Japanese. Although tourists are given a lot of leeway, there are some things that guests shouldn’t do in the Asian country, and one of them is dancing on trains and filming it.

Japanese TV news is reporting about foreigners filming “nuisance dance videos” on trains in Japan. It’s a viral video by American TikTok star Shafar Delgado, who has over 7 million followers [but it’s been blurred out in the TV report].https://t.co/wzdNwissn0

— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) October 24, 2024

On October 16, a group of 10 people—believed to be a dance troupe based in New York—boarded a train at Fujikyu-Highland Station and filmed themselves dancing. The video, which has received criticism on social media, showed travelers covering their faces and getting out of the way of the dancers. The Fujikyu Railway has apologized for the inconvenience. Not only that, the railway operator is planning to take legal action. “We will not tolerate any dangerous or disruptive behavior in our vehicles, or any behavior that interferes with the safe operation of our trains,” they said.

The dancer, Shafar Delgad, also filmed other such videos in Japan, including one outside a temple in Tokyo.

@shafar_sjc Such a beautiful temple #shafar_sjc ♬ Touch – KATSEYE

NO.3

THE U.S. ISSUES SECURITY ALERT IN SRI LANKA

On October 23, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a security alert for the Arugam Bay area. It stated that the embassy has credible information about a possible attack in popular tourist locations in the area. “U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice.”

The State Department lists Sri Lanka at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to civil unrest and terrorism.

Israel also issued a warning to its citizens regarding Arugam Bay and the coastal areas in the south and west, including Galle and Weligama. “We recommend leaving these areas immediately. For those currently in these areas, we recommend leaving the country or at least traveling to the capital city, Colombo, where there is a heavier presence of local security forces.” The country has advised citizens to avoid wearing anything that could identify them as Israeli.

NO.4

TOURIST DIES IN BALI HOTSPOT

A travel agent from India drowned in Bali after a giant wave swept him away. Nilesh Mukhi and his wife, Kavita, were at the popular tourist spot of Angel Billabong in Nusa Penida. They were standing by a cliff to take photographs when a wave knocked them both off their feet. The father of two fell into the sea and drowned, while Kavita hit the cliffs and survived. Nilesh Mukhi’s body was found near Nusa Dua, over 20 kilometers away, The Times of India reported.

Angel Billabong is a natural infinity pool that has claimed many lives previously. The rock pool forms a scenic picture with its blue waters and rugged rocks, but tourists are warned to be careful and not to go into the water.

Related: These Places Could Be Getting ‘Selfie Seats’ Because People Are Dying

NO.5

U.S. PILOT GETS CAUGHT WITH A STUN GUN IN SCOTLAND

A United Airlines pilot who was caught carrying a stun gun in Scotland has avoided a jail sentence. Ryan Cecil flew from Newark to Edinburgh in January, and two days later, when he was on his way back, his carry-on was flagged by the machine. Security officers searched it and found a stun gun hidden inside a pair of gloves, BBC reported.

At first, he claimed that it was a flashlight, but officers identified it as a stun gun. The pilot was in custody for two nights before being released on bail. Last week, he pleaded guilty in Edinburgh court to possessing a weapon.

Cecil told the court that he was ashamed and embarrassed. His lawyer defended him, saying that he was unaware the stun gun was in his bag. “He fully accepts this was gross carelessness by him, and the item in question is not a regulated item in the United States. Had he been aware it was in his bag, he would have removed it.” He also told the court that he had been a commercial pilot for 23 years and had served in the armed forces.

Sheriff Charles Walls said, “This is a very serious offense, and ignorance of the laws of Scotland or in any country is not an excuse.” However, the sheriff accepted that he didn’t have any previous convictions, so he was given a fine of £8,500 instead of a custodial sentence.

Related: American Airlines Faces Record Fine for Disability Complaints