-SUMMER 2001-

BARCELONA, SPAIN From 25 June to 31 July, Barcelona?s Summer Festival (GREC) will be treating tourists and locals to a huge variety of events, from theatre and circus to classical music and rock. The venues include Gothic chapels and concert halls, and also an open-air swimming pool where it will be possible to watch a film whilst relaxing in the water. For more detailed information visit www.grec.bcn.es.

Amsterdam, Holland The 54th annual Holland Festival takes place in Amsterdam this June. The festival?s focus will be on the performing arts, including opera, theatre, music and dance appealing to all ages and tastes. For further details, check out www.hollandfestival.nl

Vancouver, Canada The annual Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival runs from June to September in Vanier Park. This year?s three plays, presented in open ended tents, are Antony & Cleopatra, The Taming of the Shrew and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Visit Bardonthebeach.org for more information.

Montego Bay, Jamaica This year's Sumfest, "the greatest reggae festival in the world", will take place between 31 July and 5 Aug. Check out www.reggaesumfest.com for photos of highlights from last year, and for updates of the upcoming event.

Jacksonville, Florida, USA Fiesta Playera, one of the largest Latin American food and music festivals in the country, is a 3 weekend long event beginning on 2 June. This year?s theme is "Celebrate the Culture" with an emphasis on the customs, traditions and historical aspects of the Latin American culture. For more details, visit www.fiestaplayera.com.

-SPRING 2001-

For further information on safety, security and health issues for any travel destination, contact the DFAIT at 1-800-267-6788 or visit www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

AFGANISTAN Due to the civil war and strong anti-Western sentiment, the security situation is very volatile and travellers are advised not to visit Afghanistan. Landmines throughout the countryside pose a threat to residents and visitors.

BURUNDI There are frequent attacks and ambushes by rebel forces operating throughout the country. Risks to travellers include kidnapping, assault, carjackings, purse snatching, pickpocketing, robbery, and theft from vehicles. In addition, borders are periodically closed. Travellers should avoid Burundi.

INDONESIA Recent bombings in and around Jakarta suggest travellers should seek further advice before travelling to Indonesia. Christian churches have been the hardest hit, with tourism and transport facilities also being targeted.

KENYA Rhino Ark, a charity based in Kenya and the UK, is organising a challenging 5 day,110km trek deep into the heart of the African bush in October 2001. The project will raise money for a unique conservation project: building a 400km fence around the Aberdare Reserve to protect the rainforests and provide a safe haven for the black rhino and other endangered species. For more information contact: www.rhinoark.org.uk

SPEYSIDE SCOTLAND Whisky lovers everywhere might be tempted to head over to Scotland to join in the fun at the aptly named Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.Taking place over April 28- May 8 in Speyside (home to half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries) this festival features distillery tours, tastings, cookery demonstrations, music, ceilidhs and exhibitions. Connoisseurs be warned-the rarest samples cost $230 a tot!

COLUMBO, Sri Lanka Wesak Festival May 07, 2001 This "Festival of Lights" marks one of the more important religious dates in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, and brings out wildly imaginative illuminations and spirited street theater. Phone: 94-1-437-059

-WINTER 2000-

ARLINGTON, TEXAS STORM CHASING ADVENTURES Tempest Tours has announced its storm chasing expeditions for Spring 2001. People from around the world fascinated by weather can travel through the Tornado Alley states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, the Dakotas, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico in search of nature's most spectacular weather. For more information visit www.tempesttours.com or email info@tempesttours.com

COLUMBIA Unless your destination is a major resort, you should defer tourist travel to Columbia. Violence against foreigners is occurring in all regions of Columbia; perils include car bombings, road blocks and kidnapping. For more advice, contact the DFAIT at 1-800-267-6788 or visit www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

INDIA/BANGLEDESH Travellers to India and southwestern Bangladesh should be aware that the monsoon season is now underway. There is serious flooding and you are advised to keep informed of regional weather forecasts.

ISRAEL Canadians should not travel to East Jerusalem (including the Old City), the West Bank, and Gaza, which continue to be affected by serious violence. Contact the Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv (03-636-3300) or the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa at 1-613-996-8885 or via e-mail (voyage@dfait-maeci.gc.ca) for assistance and further information.

OAXCA, MEXICO The Noche de Los Rabanos (Night of the Radishes), held on December 23, will find a group of skilled artisans and farmers showing off their intricate carvings (or just strangely shaped hybrids) of radishes depicting anything from the Three Wise Men and Baby Jesus to spaceships and aliens. For more details, call 1-212-614-4000.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA The Perth International Arts Festival is held annually and features a wide range of art forms, including world music, dance, film, theatre, visual arts and literature. The festival, advertised as the oldest, largest and most diverse cultural festival in the Southern Hemisphere, runs from January 26 to February 18. For more details, call Perth 61-8-9380-2000.

SCOTLAND If you like street parties, then Edinburgh is the place to be for New Year (Hogmanay). Events include a firework display, street theatre and numerous bands, fiddlers and dancers. All 180,000 revellers will need a pass - for further details, check out www.edinburghshogmanay.org. If large crowds aren't your thing, many smaller locations throughout Scotland offer a much more traditional Hogmanay.

TURKEY If your winter destination is Turkey, don't forget to pack a flashlight. Lack of rain has left many reservoirs dangerously low on water, and as a result, Turkey is facing a winter of power shortages. There is talk by the government of two-hour power cuts on a daily basis.