Monthly Risk Spotlight: April 2023

AMERICAS Increased Volcanic Activity in Colombia April started with the slow awakening of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia, which began to spew ash and has shown increased levels of seismic activity, indicating an eruption may be imminent. Many travelers to the continent are aware of the dangers of the vast Amazon rainforest; however,… Read more »

Monthly Risk Spotlight: March 2023

AMERICAS Disastrous Weather in Brazil Ends Carnival Early Carnival in Brazil, a festive and internationally recognized week of celebration made especially famous by colors and opulent street festivities, was met with disaster in February 2023. In the southern state of São Paulo, a seemingly unassuming rainstorm developed that would ultimately lead to a state-wide disaster… Read more »

Mental Wellness Abroad: Preparing Travelers for Resiliency in New Environments

This article was submitted by guest contributor, Marcia Henisz, Principal and Founder of SASSIE Consulting, Creator of ‘Preparing for Wellness Abroad” and former Senior Director of International Health, Safety and Security at Drexel University. Her work focuses on the management and mitigation of international risk for academic travelers, including helping clients with incident response, strategy,… Read more »

Monthly Risk Spotlight: January 2023

AMERICAS Political Unrest Paralyzes Peru On December 7, 2022, Peru’s President Pedro Castillo was impeached and arrested for attempting to dissolve congress and rule by decree. The move was broadly condemned by political allies and enemies alike in Lima and labeled by many as a coup attempt. His former vice president Dina Boluarte now serves… Read more »

Monthly Risk Spotlight: December 2022

AMERICAS Debt Servicing and Unrest in the Americas For numerous economies in the Americas, where entire political and ideological legacies have risen and fallen at the whim of global markets, the concept that events on the other side of the world can define their reality at home is nothing new. In 2022 this is as… Read more »

Monthly Risk Spotlight: November 2022

AMERICAS Protests Return to Panama as Government Proposed Social Security Reforms Protesters were once again in the streets in Panama as negotiations continued between the government and protest leaders regarding potential reforms to the Caja de Seguro Social (Social Security Fund), also known as the CSS. The CSS is responsible for managing insurance programs for… Read more »

Travel Safety for Muslim-Majority Countries: Insider Etiquette Tips & Advice

  A note about your author: Saba Awan is a Global Security Specialist at On Call International. In this role, she focuses on the geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region and works with travelers to provide pre-travel security consultations, risk assessments, and incident briefs regarding their areas of interest. Both of Saba’s parents were born… Read more »

Monthly Risk Spotlight: October 2022

AMERICAS Targeted Killings in Antigua Guatemala’s city of Antigua is experiencing an apparent spike in violent crime after six people were killed in three separate incidents over the span of thirteen days in late September. While as of mid-October no further killings have been reported, the September spike represents a significant increase in violent crime… Read more »

Traveling with Diabetes: How to Plan for a Healthier Trip

Are you one of the millions of people in the U.S. with diabetes? If you are, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel! Yes, it’s true—changes in meal patterns, activity levels, and time zones can affect your blood sugar levels, but with some good planning, your trip can still be safe, fun, and hassle-free.  Whether you’re hitting… Read more »

Monthly Risk Spotlight: September 2022

AMERICAS Upcoming Presidential Election in Brazil After four years with Jair Bolsonaro as President, Brazil is scheduled to hold elections on Sunday, October 2 to select a new President. This vote, which also elects the National Congress and take place simultaneously with state legislative/executive elections, looms large as two controversial candidates compete to be reelected…. Read more »