I just wanted to alert everyone who will be traveling to another country this year, that the State Dept. has a useful and informative section of its website called “Country Specific Information” under international travel.

Although not a cultural bible, by any means, it can be an excellent resource for staying out of trouble (plus they have helpful phone numbers in case you do get into trouble).

For example, if you read my post about the “sexy text messages” you know that earned a couple of airline cabin crew members a jail sentence in Dubai. However, had they researched Dubai on the State Dept. information (under United Arab Emirates), they would have seen this:

“Persons violating Emirati laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Americans have been arrested in the past for obscene hand gestures, using inappropriate (foul) language with a police official, and for public displays of affection, such as kissing.” – U.S. State Dept.

Perhaps you’re thinking you don’t need this if you’re just traveling to good old Europe. Maybe. Maybe not. I saw this under “United Kingdom”:

“A number of U.S. citizens are lured to the United Kingdom each year in the belief that they have won a lottery or have inherited from the estate of a long-lost relative. Invariably, the person contacted is the victim of fraud.” – U.S. State Dept.

Okay, I don’t really think you’ll fall for that. But somebody is…