As much as we’d like to drift away from travel warnings, we feel it is imperative, at this time, to alert our readers to potential risks as they embark on travel throughout the world, including in the US. Even if this possible cease-fire is instituted and held, there is still a lot of hate toward Americans and citizens of other countries, which could result in terror attacks at any time.
Avoiding large crowds and venues that attract large groups should be a priority, along with taking personal responsibility to always check one’s surroundings. Please take a moment to read the article below. Doing so may save your life and the lives of those you love, as well as others.
Here’s an article from Travel and Leisure posted yesterday on this site.
“The U.S. Just Issued a Global Travel Warning—What Travelers Should Know About the Worldwide Security Alert
Here’s what you need to know to make your next trip as safe as possible. By Stacey Leasca
- The U.S. Department of State issued a rare worldwide security alert on June 22, urging Americans to exercise increased vigilance while traveling abroad.
- The advisory warns of potential disruptions to travel, regional airspace closures, and demonstrations targeting U.S. citizens.
- Travelers are encouraged to review country-specific advisories, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and follow the additional safety tips available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
The U.S. Department of State recently issued a rare security alert for all Americans to exercise caution while traveling abroad.
On Sunday, June 22, just one day after the U.S. bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran, the Department of State posted a notice on its website stating that the “conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East.” It also noted that there’s a potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests to occur abroad, and that American travelers should exercise “increased caution.”
It then directed travelers to its country-by-country advisory page, which provides in-depth details about destinations and their perceived safety worldwide. However, it’s critical to note that this global advisory differs from the department’s “do not travel” warnings.
As Travel + Leisure previously reported, the Department of State issues advisories for nations around the globe based on four levels to help travelers understand and assess the potential risks involved in visiting specific destinations. The first level means to take standard precautions, Level 2 means to exercise increased caution, Level 3 means to reconsider traveling to that destination, and Level 4 means “do not travel.” There’s a lot of nuance between each of these levels, and determinations are often based on diplomatic and logistical conditions, rather than on-the-ground limitations.
There’s an array of safety information for all kinds of trips available on the Department of State’s “Traveler Information” page, including specific safety tips for women travelers, students studying abroad, those with dual nationality, and cruise ship passengers. It may be a good idea to check it out before you book your next vacation.
However, the Department of State wasn’t the only agency to send out an alert on Sunday. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also issued a similar bulletin, which isn’t set to expire until September. The notice warned that “low-level cyber attacks against U.S. networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely.” It also added that the likelihood of “violent extremists” organizing and mobilizing in the U.S. could increase if a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence were issued.
In light of the new global advisory, you might want to take specific steps to mitigate your risk. While abroad, stay vigilant about your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and always have a contingency plan in place. Before you leave, consider registering with the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get up-to-date health, weather, safety, and security information about the country you’re traveling in. The program also enables the Department of State to contact you quickly in the event of an emergency.
As Gene Petrino, co-owner of the security consulting business Survival Response LLC, previously shared with T+L, a bit of risk could be okay—if you take the proper precautions.
“Travel advisories are just one input,” Petrino said. Monitor local news, talk to hotel staff, and stay flexible. And most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.”
Now, after all these posts regarding travel safety, we will return to our usual array of topics in tomorrow’s post unless there are more urgent warnings to heed. No doubt, we have some concerns about airports and travel, but at this point, we aren’t changing any of our plans.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 24, 2015:
