Avoid the soccer rowdies

SHOULD you worry about terrorism if Germany and the World Cup, which was to start Friday, are on your itinerary? Security experts say soccer hooligans may be a bigger problem.

Increased petty crime, rowdy soccer fans and possible civil unrest by neo-Nazi or other far-right groups are the largest security threats facing travelers, says IJet Intelligent Risk Systems, which analyzes health and security hazards for travelers.

The organization advises visitors to avoid large gatherings of soccer fans and demonstrations by skinheads.

It also says to expect long lines at customs, passport control and at security checkpoints outside stadiums.

The State Department also has a World Cup fact sheet. To see it, go to www.travel.state.gov.

-- Rosemary McClure

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Special European exhibits

SEVERAL new museums and exhibits are to open in Europe this summer:

The Max Liebermann Villa and Garden outside Berlin reopened in late April after a $3.8-million renovation by the Max Liebermann Society. The museum highlights the life and work of the Jewish German Impressionist painter and includes his restored studio, living room and bedroom.

The villa is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Thursdays; and closed Tuesdays. Admission is about $8 for adults; $5 children 12 and older and students. 011-49-30-80-58-38-30, www.max-liebermann.de.

In Spain, the Museum of Flamenco Dancing opened this spring in Seville. The three-story museum at 3 Calle Manuel Rojas Marcos houses exhibits devoted to the dance form and stages performances and courses.

For information: 011-34-954-34-03-11, www.museoflamenco.net. It is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily April to October. Admission is $12 for adults and $7.25 for children.

Iberian museums are honoring Picasso at the 125th anniversary of his birth. More than 50 of his works are on display at the Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. For information: www.museoprado.es and www.museoreinasofia.es.

Malaga and Barcelona are also honoring Picasso. For information:www.museopicassomalaga.org and www.museupicasso.bcn.es.

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River sailings canceled

GREAT American Journeys, which operated the 160-passenger Columbia Queen on Northwest rivers and ran into financial troubles last fall, has canceled sailings for the rest of the year.

Under Federal Maritime Commission regulations, Great American Journeys must maintain an escrow account for refunding fares and deposits. Contact the commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services at (202) 523-5807, or e-mail complaintsfmc.gov.

-- Compiled by Vani Rangachar