PARIS, Jan 26 — From flooding caused by excess rainfall, severe water shortages from lack thereof to violent crime that’s prompted a state of emergency, tourists currently in Paris, Cape Town and Jamaica have fallen on a bit of bad luck. For those headed to these tourist hotspots in the imminent travel future, here are a few tips to heed. 

Paris 

Days of unrelenting rain have swollen the River Seine in Paris, flooding its picturesque banks. Water levels are expected to reach 6.2m (20 feet) by Saturday. For art lovers in Paris, that means the Louvre’s Islamic Art wing, which is housed in the basement, will be closed off to visitors until at least Sunday. 

Likewise, the Musee d’Orsay and Orangerie have cancelled their usual late-night hours for Thursday to prepare for emergency measures.

For perspective, water levels have risen so high, that river boats can no longer pass under the bridge tunnels, forcing operators to cancel another popular tourist activity.

Flyers beware: Service on the RER Line C, which connects the city to Paris Orly Airport, has also been interrupted until at least January 31.  

Cape Town 

At the other end of the world, at the other end of the spectrum, is Cape Town, South Africa, which is experiencing its worst drought in more than a century.

The local offices of Cheapflights offer up a few water-wise tips for tourists visiting the city — tips that can also be used regardless of drought conditions. For example, booking eco-friendly accommodations that collect rain water, or recycle water supports conservation efforts.

Green guests also know by now that hanging up your towel and reusing it instead of sending it to the laundry is just good hotel manners. The government has also requested that people limit their showers — which generally uses less water than baths — to two minutes. 

Jamaica 

A spate of violent gang-related crimes prompted the Jamaican government to issue a state of emergency in the parish of St. James which includes the tourist hotspot Montego Bay.

And while the island’s tourism minister is trying to allay tourist fears, insisting that the island is safe for visitors, several countries have issued travel advisories of their own.

The UK foreign office, for instance, recommends that visitors stay within the confines of their resort, and that transport be arranged with tour operators or their hotel.

The US State Department also recommends avoiding walking or driving at night, and public transportation. And in the event of a robbery, victims are advised to refrain from resisting physically. — AFP-Relaxnews