Volcano activity in widely separated parts of the world has pushed itself into the list of things for travelers to consider as three active eruptions around the world have created both danger and disruption and an attraction for visitors.
The one with the most immediate effect on travel has been erupting for more than two weeks on the Canary island of La Palma, intermittently shutting down the airport with an accumulation of ash. Aside from the airport closure, more than 6,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, some of which have been destroyed.
Across the world, on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kilauea Volcano has been spewing flames and fumes, and has created a 100-foot deep lake of molten lava in a crater on the mountain, potentially endangering inhabited areas. While the eruption is especially visible at night, steam plumes can be seen in daytime. For safety, the popular helicopter overflights of the mountain are not available.
Meanwhile, in Iceland, an eruption that started in late spring is continuing, although at a slow pace, at Fagradalsfjall volcano, though without the spectacular ash clouds from a different volcano that shut down world air traffic a few years ago. The new eruption, which can be seen from many areas, has filled the entire Natthagi Valley with lava.
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