That trickle doesn’t stop when you arrive at your destination; think of cell phone charges, bank fees, and housekeeping tips, to name a few. To avoid spending more than you have to, check out these 10 travel money mistakes to avoid.

1. Forgetting to Let Your Bank Know You’ll Be Traveling

Forgetting to call your bank before traveling abroad is a common error that even frequent international travelers make; it slips your mind until the plane touches down, and by then, it’s often too late. These days banks have almost zero lag time in noticing a debit or credit card being used abroad, so you will get shut down on pretty much your first swipe in a foreign country.

As banks have gotten more sophisticated about tracking card use locations, this can even be important for domestic travel, and most banks recommend that you let them know about those closer-to-home trips as well. Fraud detectors can be tripped if you’re suddenly using your card across the country, making more or different purchases than you usually do, or charging unexpectedly large amounts (such as a weeklong hotel stay).

Note that this applies to debit cards as well as credit cards. Most banks have a way for you to easily set a travel notification online. If your card has EMV chip technology, you may not need to notify your bank about travel—check with your credit card company if you’re unsure. 

2. Overlooking Bank and ATM Fees

While traveling internationally, each time you get cash, you will likely incur a fee of some kind. These can vary greatly depending on whether a large bank runs the ATM, if the bank is on your card’s network, and more. Remember that fees can change from year to year, so it’s worth checking before every trip. Try to plan ahead and pull out as much cash as you’ll need at once (if you can store it somewhere safe) so that you’re not hit with multiple fees. 

3. Failing to Make a Plan for Getting to Your Hotel From the Airport

That first taxi ride from the airport may be your most financially vulnerable moment of any trip—the time when you have no idea how far it is, what a fair price is for the ride, whether you have lower-cost alternatives such as a train or bus, or even whether your hotel has a free shuttle. It’s best to figure all of this out before your trip; when you arrive, you are tired, often without much cash, and carrying a ton of luggage. You don’t want to be fumbling around trying to figure all this out on the airport curb.

4. Forgetting to Add an International Roaming Plan for Your Phone

How much could a few texts, a bit of mapping, a few email checks, and a batch of social media updates cost per day? Plenty, it turns out—so be sure to purchase an international roaming plan that will cover you while you’re away. 

5. Forgetting to Research the Local Exchange Rate

Especially in the first several hours at your destination, having done a little research on the local exchange rate against your home currency can make a huge difference. Often, it takes a couple of days really to get a handle on how much things cost, but this can take even longer if you are traveling in an area where prices may not be so fixed as they are at home. Memorizing the exchange rate so you can do the math quickly in your head will help considerably. 

It can be helpful to make a note on your phone of common dollar amounts to quickly reference. For example, USD 1 = CAD 1.43, USD 5 = CAD 1.43. 

6. Bringing Traveler’s Checks

Barely anyone accepts them anymore, they’re not cheap, you have to invest a fair amount of time in obtaining and purchasing them, and credit cards give you a far better rate of exchange in most parts of the world. Skip ’em.

7. Assuming You Know How Much to Tip

Tipping customs vary immensely from place to place, and not knowing what’s appropriate can be both awkward and expensive.

Tipping practices can also vary from industry to industry as well; in Brazil, for example, a 10 percent tip is customary in a restaurant, but it might already be included, so you will want to check the bill. On a taxi ride, you just round up to the nearest one (or five if you are feeling generous) for most rides (so for a 13 reais taxi ride, you give 14 or 15 reais).

8. Tipping Your Housekeeper Only at the End of Your Stay

Many travelers will leave it until the end of a trip to tip the housekeepers (usually by leaving some cash on top of the bed); this can backfire. On any given stay, you might have a different housekeeper from one day to the next, and to be the fairest and to get the best treatment, it’s best to leave something each day. 

9. Leaving Your Valuables Unsecured

Shoving your wallet in your back pocket or your purse over your shoulder is such a natural and almost automatic action that almost all of us will do this at some point in our travels. It’s also the easiest way to get pickpocketed or ripped off, as these spots are both obvious to thieves and difficult to protect.

This doesn’t apply only to your wallet; you will want to secure anything that someone could grab quickly. On a recent trip to Rio, we got on a train to the legendary Maracana stadium for a game featuring the local futbol favorite Flamengo. It was rush hour, and the train was insanely packed; despite living for more than a decade in New York City and having taken countless trips around the world, I had never experienced anything like it. If there was ever an environment ripe for pickpocketing and unseen thefts, this was it. I had a backpack with sweatshirts and a camera inside,  so I looked around at how the locals were dealing with it and noticed that everyone had their backpacks and bags in front of them.

A button on your back pocket or an across-the-body bag instead of an over-the-shoulder purse can also help here; adding just a little bit of difficulty is often enough to inspire thieves to look for other victims.

10. Using Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions

You’ll want to avoid checking bank balances, making online payments, or entering financially sensitive passwords of any kind while using public internet or Wi-Fi networks. Occasionally, it’s unavoidable, and the number of hotel Wi-Fi systems with keystroke loggers installed by sophisticated hackers is extremely low—but it’s always a risk.

Note also that a hack doesn’t have to be an inside job—that is, a hotel employee or system installer—but can also be a fellow lodger who has hacked into the minimally protected (if at all) hotel Wi-Fi network.

Hopefully, by keeping your money on your mind just a little, these tips will help you keep your money in your bank account as well.

The post 10 Travel Money Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The recent high-profile kidnapping and murder of American tourists in Mexico have sparked fears and travel warnings around trips to the country, leaving travelers wondering if it’s safe to visit Mexico right now.

Tourists should keep in mind that Mexico is a large and diverse country. Advising someone against traveling to Cancún because of violence in Matamoros would be similar to warning against travel to New York because of an incident in California. To find out how safe an area in Mexico is before you book a trip, consult the US State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory page for the most accurate and up-to-date travel warnings.

Additional reporting by Megan Johnson

State Department Travel Warnings: Mexico

The State Department’s website warns that “Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

The State Department has also escalated advisories for several Mexican states due to an increased risk of crime or kidnappings.

The State Department has a “Do Not Travel” warning for the following regions of Mexico:

Do Not Travel

• Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Guerrero state due to crime.
• Michoacan state due to crime.
• Sinaloa state due to crime.
• Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.

The State Department advises travelers to “reconsider travel” to the following states:

Reconsider Travel

• Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Chiapas state due to crime. 
• Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Guanajuato state due to crime.
• Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Morelos state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping.

Some popular tourist destinations, like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are located in states with less elevated warning levels. Quintana Roo, for example, has the State Department advisory of “Exercise Increased Caution” which is the same warning level as France, Italy, and Germany.

Two states in Mexico, Campeche and Yucatan, have the State Department’s lowest warning level, “Exercise Normal Precautions.” 

Mexico Safety Tips

No matter where you travel in Mexico, there are some basic safety tips that everyone should follow.

Taxis

Only use a reputable taxi service, such as one booked through your hotel, a legitimate taxi stand, or a ride-sharing app. The State Department warns, “Mexico experiences robberies, typically in cities, in which abductors force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release. Perpetrators commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers.”

Alcohol

Never accept a drink from a stranger and never leave your beverage unattended. Reports of criminals drugging tourists’ drinks to assault or rob them are fairly common in Mexico, and can happen even at your resort.

Be cautious of the types of drinks you order. The State Department says that there have been incidents of counterfeit alcohol being sold in Mexico, and cautions, “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.”

Share Your Itinerary

Share your itinerary with close friends or family (and not on social media, which could make it easier for criminals to find you), so that they can alert authorities if you go missing. 

Before your trip, register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that will help the State Department get in touch with you in the event of an emergency. Enrollees will also receive important safety alerts from the Embassy about safety conditions in their destination country.

Health

Before visiting Mexico, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website to determine if you have all the recommended vaccines and prescriptions for your trip.

Tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled beverages and avoid raw fruits and vegetables (unless you can peel them yourself). Skip the ice in your drinks, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. 

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika and Dengue are prevalent in Mexico, so take precautions to avoid getting bitten.

Swimming

Exercise caution when entering the water in Mexico, as undercurrents and rip tides are common at beaches. Be especially careful if swimming in an area without a lifeguard.

Choose Your Hotel Wisely

Phillip Ballard, an Executive at HotelPlanner, and a former anti-terrorism and Pentagon Force Protection Officer, recommends “booking as nice a hotel as you can afford in the popular business/entertainment district.” Ballard explains that these hotels will likely be safer due to a more visible police presence.

Driving

The State Department advises against driving on highways at night in Mexico due to poor road conditions and a high crime risk.

Keep a Low Profile

As soon as you arrive in Mexico, Ballard advises travelers to keep a low profile. “Criminals will often spot American tourists the minute they deplane. Don’t wear or say anything that identifies you easily as an American tourist.” Ballard recommends travelers leave flashy jewelry and other valuables at home to decrease the chance of theft. 

Know What to Do in Case of an Emergency

The emergency services number in Mexico is the same as in the United States (911). Purchase travel insurance before you go to cover you if you need medical care. Save the locations of the nearest hospitals and the US Embassy into your phone if you need help.

Download the Guest Assist app if you are traveling to Quintana Roo. The app, provided by the Mexican government, offers provides emergency resources for tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico safe for tourists in 2025?

Safety varies significantly by region. Popular tourist areas maintain similar safety levels to European destinations, while certain states require extra caution or should be avoided.

Which Mexican states are safest for tourists?

Campeche and Yucatan maintain the lowest U.S. State Department warning levels, making them among the safest regions for tourists.

Do I need special insurance for traveling to Mexico?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover potential medical emergencies and trip interruptions.

What should I do in case of an emergency in Mexico?

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy, and use the Guest Assist app in Quintana Roo.

Additional Resources

• U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Advisory
• CDC Mexico Travel Health Notices
• Mexican Tourism Board Official Website
• STEP Registration Portal

Remember that while these safety concerns are real, millions of tourists visit Mexico safely each year by following proper precautions and staying informed about their specific destination’s current situation.

The post Traveling to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know: A Comprehensive Guide to the Safety Warnings and Precautions You Should Take Before Visiting Mexico appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Crime & Safety

The State Department notes that violent crime, assault, and robbery are not uncommon in cities and recommends exercising increased caution, particularly at night and on public transportation. 

Follow common sense travel safety rules: stick with your group, avoid deserted areas, and keep an eye on drinks and personal items in crowded nightlife settings. Travelers are most commonly victims of petty theft. Leave valuables safely in your hotel room and use cell phones discreetly. 

According to the State Department, certain areas within Brazilian cities have a higher rate of gun violence. The Onde Tem Tiroteio App (OTT App) lets travelers and residents know in real time where instances of gun violence are occurring so they can avoid getting caught in potential crossfire.

Driving

Like the United States, cars drive on the right side of the road and the driver is situated on the left side of the car. According to Sixt car rental service, the average speed limit is 30km/hour (roughly 19mph) for residential areas, 80km/hour (roughly 50mph) for urban highways, and 110km/hour (roughly 68mph) for rural highways. 

Brazil has the fifth highest rate of traffic fatalities in the world, with traffic patterns and road conditions that can be difficult to navigate for the uninitiated tourist. Opt for a registered taxi service or Uber and leave the local driving to the experts.  

Weather

Brazil experiences a tropical climate year-round, so there is no need to pack winter gear. The year is split into a wet season—from December to April—and a dry season—roughly May through November. During the wet season, extreme rainfall can cause flooding and landslides, especially in rural areas and torrential rains can cause the Amazon River to rise over thirty feet. The wet season lasts about a month longer in the Amazon region than the rest of the country, so plan accordingly.  

It’s not uncommon for Brazil to experience wildfires, particularly when conditions are exacerbated by drought as they have been the past two years. According to the World Resources Index, “Unlike other countries, where fires are a natural part of the forest ecosystem, almost all fires in the Amazon and Pantanal regions of Brazil are human-caused.”  Starting fires, including campfires, in the Amazon poses an extreme risk to people and nature and is prohibited.

Nature and Wildlife

Sixty percent of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil. While there are endless opportunities to explore the incredible wildlife therein, there are potential dangers that should be considered with reasonable caution when planning an excursion. 

This jungle habitat is home to jaguars, cougars, green anacondas, and the golden poison dart frog—one of the most poisonous animals in the world. A few rules: always travel with a professional guide, stay with your tour group, don’t wander off the designated path, and pay attention to your surroundings and where you’re stepping at all times. Similarly, the Amazon River is home to jagged-toothed piranhas and alligators, so resist the temptation to cool down with a swim. If you plan to spend the majority of your trip in the Amazon, make sure to come prepared with a filtered water bottle and water purification tablets. 

Nature’s tiniest creatures also pose a risk while trekking through the rain forest. Mosquitos are highly active in the Amazon, so make sure to wear long pants and sleeves and to use DEET bug repellent. A sturdy pair of boots will also keep away other biting insects like the bullet ant, whose bit is notoriously painful. While most imminent wildlife danger will be found within the rainforest, travelers should keep an eye out for the Brazilian wandering spider or brown recluse spider, both of which can be spotted in nature as well as in the city.

Visa Requirements

Tourist visas will be required for US travelers visiting Brazil beginning in April 2025. All you need for the visa is the $80.90 fee, a valid passport, the completed passport application, and a passport photo. The application can be completed online and your visa will be emailed to you shortly after. 

Vaccinations and Medication

In addition to routine vaccines recommended for all travelers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that travelers consider:

• The Chikungunya vaccine for travlers over 65 of planning a long stay
• Preventative malaria medication
• Rabies pre-exposure treatment if you will be exposed to animals
• Typhoid vaccine, if staying in rural areas
• Yellow Fever vaccine, if traveling to certain areas including Rio de Janiero

There is also the possibility for bug-borne illnesses like Zika and Dengue. Practice good habits when venturing outside like covering the skin and wearing bug repellent. 

Traveler Resources

Emergency Number: 911 or 112 will both redirect to the national emergency line

The post Safe Travel Tips for Brazil appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Political Climate

Recent political unrest sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived declaration of martial law on December 4, 2024 continues into the new year, with protests both for and against President Yoon’s impeachment drawing crowds. The protests are largely focused in the nation’s capital of Seoul outside the National Assembly. Despite this unfolding situation, visitors should not feel unsafe to travel and the US State Department maintains a status of “exercise normal caution” for the country.      

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 155-mile wide stretch of land at the border between North Korea and South Korea, established at the end of the Korean War in 1953. This area remains tightly guarded and there are heavy consequences for unauthorized entry. However, many travelers opt to visit the DMZ with an official tour group. 

Crime & Safety

It’s important to note that overall crime in South Korea is relatively low. However, as with travel to any unfamiliar destination, it is important to be aware of risks to assess the safety of a given situation. 

Solo travelers should exercise reasonable caution when venturing out in popular nightlife areas such as Seoul’s Itaewon and Hongdae neighborhoods. Stay in populated public areas, do not follow anyone to a secondary location, and be wary of sharing travel plans with strangers. 

An ongoing issue in South Korea is the illegal installation of spy cameras in public restrooms and private spaces, particularly those designated for women. These spy cameras are typically found in public restrooms, such as those in railway stations. According to Norton Security, there are a few on-the-fly tricks travelers can use to identify a spy camera. 

Driving

South Koreans drive on the right side of the road and the driver is situated on the front left of the vehicle. The average national speed limit is 60-80 km/h (37-50mph) for single and double lane roads and100 km/h (62mph) for highways. The permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers 0.03%, far lower than the average 0.08% allowance in the United States.

Weather

Monsoon and typhoon season lasts roughly July through November, bringing heavy winds, rains, and a higher potential for flooding. Avoid riverbanks and other areas prone to flash floods during heavy rains and follow local emergency instructions and warnings for severe weather. 

Travelers can expect to experience four distinct seasons in South Korea. The summers are hot and humid summers and the winters can reach -10°C (14° F). Check the weather before your trip and don’t forget to pack crucial items like sunscreen, bug spray, umbrellas, raincoats, hats, gloves, and winter jackets depending on the season.

Nature and Wildlife

In addition to its vibrant cities, South Korea also has several nature areas and national parks including Jeju Island, a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its volcanic landscape. 

When exploring any natural area, take reasonable caution of local wildlife. Jeju Island is home to a species of venomous pit viper called the Ussuri Mamushi. These snakes do not bite unprovoked and their bite is rarely fatal with timely intervention. Increased sightings of copper sharks off the island’s coast has prompted local authorities to warn swimmers and boaters to exercise increased awareness. 

One of the most popular beaches in the country, Haeundae Beach in Busan, is frequently affected by strong riptides. This past summer, the beach instituted a ban on beach tubes due to the dangerously strong currents. Check in with the status of the riptides that day before taking a dip. 

Vaccinations and Medication

Along with the routine vaccinations recommended by the Center for Disease Control, travelers to South Korea should consider the following. 

• Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination: For those traveling longterm to areas where Japanese Encephalitis is a known risk, such as Seoul and the surrounding areas and Geyonggi Province. Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-born illness. 
• Typhoid Vaccination: Recommended for most travelers. 
• Preventative Malaria Medication: Recommended for travelers visiting rural areas in the northern area of the country during March through December

Traveler Resources

Program these resources into your phone before arriving in South Korea. 

• Seoul Emergency Ready App: An app designed to alert users to disaster alerts and other emergency reports. Available in English.
• Emergency Number: Dial “112” to be connected to police operators who can direct your emergency call. Translation services are available at this number. 
• Travel Helpline & Complaint Center: Dial “1130” for tourist information from the Korean Tourism Organization. Note that this is not an emergency number. For emergencies, dial “112.”

The post Tips for Safe Travel in South Korea appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Beyond these security concerns, there are a few additional safety factors to consider when visiting Germany.

Driving

Although Germany is famous for its Autobahn highway system, which has no speed limits in many stretches, it’s still possible to get a ticket while driving in the country. Germany has thousands of speeding cameras positioned throughout the country, and if you’re clocked exceeding the speed limit, you’ll receive a ticket in the mail. Red light cameras are also common.

Germany’s drunk driving laws are also stricter than those in America, and having a blood alcohol level of over 0.05 percent can land you in legal trouble.

Safety

While serious violent incidents are uncommon in Germany, petty theft remains an ongoing concern, particularly in urban areas. The most vulnerable times tend to be late at night and early morning hours, especially around public transit hubs. Train stations, subway systems, and busy tourist spots create perfect opportunities for pickpockets and opportunistic thieves looking for unattended belongings. Large events like festivals, concerts, and Christmas markets can also attract criminals hoping to take advantage of distracted visitors.

Maintain awareness of your surroundings and closely monitor your belongings, especially in crowded spaces. Consider using a money belt or keeping valuables in inside pockets rather than external bags or backpacks that are easier targets.

Hate Speech Laws

Germany takes its historical responsibility seriously through strict laws governing Nazi-related content and hate speech. The nation’s legal code explicitly prohibits Holocaust denial and the spread of Nazi ideology in any form—whether in person or online. This includes displaying Nazi symbols like the swastika, wearing SS uniforms, making pro-Hitler statements, or possessing Third Reich memorabilia.

In recent years, Germany has further strengthened its stance against extremism, particularly in the digital realm. Social media companies operating in Germany must now actively monitor, remove, and report instances of hate speech and threats on their platforms. These enhanced regulations came in response to several far-right attacks that highlighted ongoing concerns about extremist ideologies.

The laws reflect Germany’s commitment to preventing history from repeating itself. Visitors should be aware that actions that might be protected speech in other countries—like giving the Nazi salute or questioning Holocaust facts—are serious criminal offenses in Germany that can result in fines or imprisonment.

Berlin Shell Game Scams

Among Berlin’s street scams, the classic shell game remains a persistent trap for unwary tourists. This age-old con features a seemingly simple setup: three cups, one ball, and what appears to be an easy chance to win money by tracking the ball’s location. However, the scam has a calculated twist—the operator works with an accomplice who poses as a fellow tourist, creating an elaborate performance to draw in real visitors.

The scene typically unfolds like this: The fake tourist plays the game and wins, making it look effortless and enticing to onlookers. When genuine tourists try their luck, they invariably lose their money, as the entire setup is carefully orchestrated by the scammer and their partner. Despite being illegal, these shell game operations continue to operate throughout the city, with teams of con artists constantly seeking their next target. Even if you think you’ve spotted how the trick works, remember—the only way to win this game is not to play.

Note: How to Be a Good Tourist

Many Germans speak English, and many Europeans speak several languages. However, Germans will appreciate it if you learn a few phrases in German. Learning a few basic phrases like “thank you,” “hello,” and “please” will go a long way. 

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Germany.

The post Tips on Germany Warnings or Dangers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

“We issue a Travel Advisory for each country of the world largely based on safety and security conditions that could affect the lives and interests of U.S. citizens abroad,” says the State Department. “This analysis is undertaken without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations.”

These warnings offer information about dangers in destinations that could impact your trip.

What do Travel Advisory Levels Mean? 

The State Department says it considers several factors when setting the Travel Advisory for each country, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, the likelihood of a natural disaster, and current events.

This is how the State Department defines its different Travel Advisory levels:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest Travel Advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.       

Level 2:  Exercise Increased Caution. Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides more advice for travelers to these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 4: Do Not Travel. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of lifethreatening risks. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. We advise that you write a will prior to traveling and leave DNA samples in case of worstcase scenarios. See Travel to HighRisk Areas.

Varying Levels: Levels of advice may vary for specific locations or areas within a country. For instance, we may advise U.S. citizens to “Exercise increased caution” (Level 2) in a country, while also advising them to “Reconsider travel” (Level 3) to an area within the country.

Countries With Current Travel Advisories

Travel Advisories are reviewed regularly. Level 1 and 2 Travel Advisories are reviewed at least every 12 months. Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories are reviewed at least every six months. These are the countries that currently have Travel Advisories in place.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

•  Andorra
•  Angola
•  Antigua and Barbuda
•  Aruba
•  Argentina
•  Australia
•  Barbados
•  Bermuda
•  Bonaire
•  Bhutan
•  Brunei
•  Bulgaria
•  British Virgin Islands
•  Cabo Verde
•  Canada
•  Cambodia
•  Croatia
•  Curacao
•  Dominica
•  Estonia
•  Fiji
•  Finland
•  French Guiana
•  French Polynesia
•  French West Indies
•  Georgia
•  Greece
•  Grenada
•  Hungary
•  Iceland
•  Ireland
•  Japan
•  Kazakhstan
•  Kiribati
•  Kuwait
•  Latvia
•  Liechtenstein
•  Lithuania
•  Luxembourg
•  Malta
•  Malaysia
•  Micronesia
•  Mongolia
•  Montenegro
•  Nauru
•  New Zealand
•  North Macedonia
•  Norway
•  Palau
•  Paraguay
•  Poland
•  Portugal
•  Romania
•  Saint Kitts and Nevis
•  Saint Lucia
•  Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
•  Samoa
•  Sao Tome and Principe
•  Seychelles
•  Sint Eustatius
•  Sint Maarten
•  Slovakia
•  Slovenia
•  Suriname
•  Switzerland
•  Taiwan
•  Thailand
•  Togo
•  Tonga
•  Turkmenistan
•  Tuvalu
•  Uzbekistan
•  Vanuatu
•  Vietnam
•  Zambia
•  The Kyrgyz Republic

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

•  Albania
•  Algeria
•  Angola
•  Antigua and Barbuda
•  Aruba
•  Azerbaijan
•  Bahamas
•  Barbados
•  Belarus
•  Belize
•  Benin
•  Bolivia
•  Bosnia and Herzegovina
•  Botswana
•  Brazil
•  Brunei
•  Cameroon
•  Canada
•  Cabo Verde
•  Chile
•  China
•  Colombia
•  Comoros
•  Costa Rica
•  Cote d’Ivoire
•  Croatia
•  Curacao
•  Denmark
•  Djibouti
•  Dominica
•  Dominican Republic
•  Ecuador
•  Egypt
•  El Salvador
•  Eritrea
•  Estonia
•  Eswatini
•  Fiji
•  Finland
•  France
•  Gabon
•  Gambia
•  Georgia
•  Germany
•  Ghana
•  Greece
•  Grenada
•  Guatemala
•  Haiti
•  Honduras
•  Hungary
•  Iceland
•  India
•  Indonesia
•  Ireland
•  Italy
•  Japan
•  Jordan
•  Kazakhstan
•  Kenya
•  Kiribati
•  Kuwait
•  Laos
•  Latvia
•  Lebanon
•  Lesotho
•  Liberia
•  Liechtenstein
•  Lithuania
•  Luxembourg
•  Madagascar
•  Malawi
•  Malaysia
•  Maldives
•  Moldova
•  Mongolia
•  Morocco
•  Mozambique
•  Namibia
•  Nepal
•  Netherlands
•  Nicaragua
•  Oman
•  Panama
•  Paraguay
•  Peru
•  Philippines
•  Poland
•  Portugal
•  Romania
•  Republic of the Congo
•  Rwanda
•  Saudi Arabia
•  Senegal
•  Seychelles
•  Sierra Leone
•  Singapore
•  Slovakia
•  Slovenia
•  Solomon Islands
•  South Africa
•  South Korea
• Spain
•  Sri Lanka
•  Sweden
•  Switzerland
•  Tajikistan
•  Tanzania
•  Timor-Leste
•  Togo
•  Tonga
•  Tunisia
•  Turkey
•  Turkmenistan
•  Tuvalu
•  Uganda
•  United Arab Emirates
•  United Kingdom
•  United States
•  Uruguay
•  Uzbekistan
•  Vanuatu
•  Vietnam
•  Zambia
•  Zimbabwe

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

•  Bangladesh
•  Burundi
•  Chad
•  Colombia
•  Democratic Republic of the Congo
•  Egypt
•  El Salvador
•  Ethiopia
•  Guatemala
•  Guinea
•  Guinea-Bissau
•  Guyana
•  Honduras
•  Jamaica
•  Macau
•  Mauritania
•  Nicaragua
•  Niger
•  Nigeria
•  New Caledonia
•  Pakistan
•  Papua New Guinea
•  Rwanda
•  Trinidad and Tobago
•  Uganda

Level 4: Do Not Travel

•  Afghanistan
•  Belarus
•  Burkina Faso
•  Burma (Myanmar)
•  Central African Republic
•  Haiti
•  Iran
•  Iraq
•  Lebanon
•  Libya
•  Mali
•  North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
•  Russia
•  Somalia
•  South Sudan
•  Sudan
•  Syria
•  Ukraine
•  Venezuela
•  Yemen

Other

In addition to the four Travel Advisory levels, there is a non-specific “other” category for destinations with unique situations. For these areas, you will need to read the specific Travel Advisory for the destination to understand the risks fully.

These destinations are:

• Mexico
• Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza 
• China

The post All the Countries With Current US State Department Travel Warnings appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, Italy, or the United Kingdom, the U.S. State Department urges you to exercise increased caution. In September, these popular European vacation destinations had their warning levels elevated due to the risk of potential terrorist attacks.

The Travel Advisory for each country was raised from Level 1: Exercise normal precautions to Level 2: Exercise increased caution. The State Department warns that in these destinations, “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”

If you do decide to travel to Denmark, Italy, or the United Kingdom, the State Department advises following these safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in your destination on social media to receive important updates.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Several other European countries are already at a Level 2 Travel Advisory, including:

• Albania
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• France
• Kosovo
• Serbia
• Spain
• Turkey
• Germany

The post US Increases Travel Warnings for Three European Countries appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The State Department advises travelers to:

1. Stay alert in tourist destinations.

2. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts while traveling and so that you can be easily located in an emergency. 

3. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter for emergency alerts.

In a briefing on October 19, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller explained the new travel advisory: “We are constantly assessing the safety and security of our personnel in every place where we operate overseas.” According to Miller, U.S. citizens overseas should exercise increased caution: “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”

In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the State Department recently raised the warning levels for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to Level 3: Reconsider Travel and Lebanon to Level 4: Do Not Travel.

The post State Department Issues Worldwide Caution to Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.