Anyone wanting up to date advice on worldwide travel should look at this excellent site run by the British Government - Travel Advice by Country*Foreign & Commonwealth Office

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Thanks Ken. Most of here are "pretty" familiar with it..

One note though. Although its good for upto date trouble spots, its also aimed at stupid people and not serious travellers with a bit of common sense.

It tells you to avoid Colombia altogether which is total bullshit....

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

To make life easier I've published a world map on my site with clickable links to the FCO Travel Advice. Not all countries are there, but let me know if there are any that you want listed - World Map

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Phil
www.wrinkliesontherun.com

Stupid people and travel insurance companies. If the country you're visiting is on the list then check to make sure you are covered as many insurance companies don't cover them

Hes right you know !!!

In the very very very small print of my 700 quid policy it states that im not covered in one of the "blacklisted" countries..

This means im not covered when I get to colombia in a few months which is a little worrying.

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Ted,
This has always been the case; there is no point in providing you with insurance when things are a tad dodgy!

Such issues may have been a major factor in the recent cancellation of the Dakar race - no firm evidence, just depends on that small print.

Safe travelling,

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Dave

I went through Colombia and it was magnificent as was Guatemala and all of the other countries.If I had heeded the cautions placed on government websites, I would not have left the house.
They put these cautionaries there to protect themselves against criticism should one of their citizens get into trouble.Usually that occurs because people are stupid and wreckless.

You should see what they have said about the UK especially when the IRA were in high gear and the terrorist bombings.

Bit harsh you lot. The UK advises against all travel to only one country: Somalia. Otherwise it advises on regions you should avoid or advises on particular measures you should employ to ensure your safety. Specific areas in a long list of countries listed are advised against because of incidents which have occured - ie bombing, kidnappings etc which have actually occured. It may seem a site for the stupid or blind to you old seasoned travellers but most of the world are not that well-travelled and not that savvy. As many naive as reckless travellers get into trouble. The youngster or newcomer planning a ride through unfamiliar territory would be well-advised to check the travel advice published by their country's government. It is completely sane to plan for a style of accommodation, movement etc suited to the security environment of the area through which you are passing. To those people planning to go through countries named in the travel advice sites, you are not stupid to take the advice under consideration. This does not mean cancelling your trip, but being fully aware of what you are getting into and planning accordingly. Most of us have travelled to places our governments warned us against visiting, but I'm sure we adjusted our behaviour accordingly. If you are inclined to check the travel advice pages then it would be irresponsible of this site to advise otherwise - just as those who are not inclined to seek it probably don't need it. Sometimes over-cautious, sure, but let's not condemn our governments' advice. (Except about smoking pot, or doing wheelies in the street, or boozing in the park, or nude shopping centres, or ...)

cheers
Brett

hmm ted wonder how your investment stacks up anyhow, even in the countries not mentioned in the small print by name.
our insurance has found excuses so far even when the police report we have says the theif of our tent etc climbed out of the locked yard over the fence having nicked our stuff locked to the bike. in puerto natales, recently.
of course important to feel you are covered and the health side of it important but still they all dodgy.
cheers,
andy.

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www.outforaspin.blogspot.com