Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lying under a coconut palm may seem like a tropical idyll, but, as silly as it may sound,
there have been some tragic accidents. Take care when walking under coconut trees and
don't lie (or park your car) beneath them.
Cyclones
Mauritius lies within the cyclone belt. Most cyclones occur between December and
March, although they are not unheard-of as late as April. While direct hits are relatively
uncommon, storms miles away can bring very strong winds.
As soon as a cyclone is detected, a system of alerts is used to inform the public of the
level of danger. In Mauritius there are four levels of alert. The alerts and then regular bul-
letins are broadcast on radio and TV. For current warnings check out metser-
vice.intnet.mu.
Theft
Petty theft and break-ins can be somewhat of a common occurrence beyond the walls of
your resort. Favourite haunts for thieves are the beaches and Île aux Cerfs is a particular
hot spot. The best strategy is not to take any valuables to the beach - and never tempt a
passing thief by leaving your belongings unattended.
Be extra careful in crowded places such as markets and avoid walking around with your
valuables casually slung over your shoulder. When travelling on public transport, keep
your gear near you.
If you hire a car, it's best not to leave anything valuable in it at all. If you must do so,
hide everything well out of sight. Wherever possible, park in a secure car park or at least
somewhere busy - never park in an isolated spot, especially at night.
Don't leave vital documents, money or valuables lying about in your room. Many ho-
tels provide room safes, which are well worth using. Otherwise, leave your valuables in
the safe at reception and get a receipt. While most hotels are reliable, to be extra sure,
pack everything in a small, double-zippered bag that can be padlocked, or use a large en-
velope with a signed seal that will reveal any tampering. Count money and travellers
cheques before and after retrieving them from the safe.
If you do have something stolen, report it to the police. The chances of them recovering
anything are remote, but you'll need a statement proving you have reported the crime if
you want to claim insurance.
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