Latest news with #SmartTravelerEnrollmentProgram
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Yahoo
The U.S. just issued a rare global travel warning — here's what it means for your summer plans
If you're planning to travel internationally this summer, you're one of many Americans planning to travel abroad — and now, the U.S. government wants you to be more cautious than ever as you head out. On June 22, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare "worldwide caution" alert, warning all Americans traveling overseas to exercise increased vigilance. The reason? High and escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following U.S. airstrikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. According to officials, the threat environment has shifted in ways that could impact American citizens abroad — and even at home. Unlike a country-specific warning, this global alert doesn't ban travel or recommend canceling trips. Instead, it serves as a general advisory, noting the potential for terrorist attacks, political demonstrations, or violence aimed at Americans or Western travelers. Travelers are also being told to watch for disruptions in air travel and potential airspace closures — which could upend flight routes without much notice. The Department of Homeland Security echoed the alert, issuing its own statement, which noted the potential for cyberattacks and homegrown violent extremism lasting through the summer. While all of will unnerve many travelers, it's not necessarily a reason to cancel your travel plans. Instead, it's a reminder to stay informed and be prepared. If you're heading abroad, here are a few smart moves to make now: Enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which gives you real-time safety updates and helps the local U.S. embassy reach you in an emergency. Check the Travel Advisories page for up-to-date safety guidance for your specific destination. Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home, and have a backup plan in case you need to reroute. In uncertain times, knowledge — and preparation — are power.
Buzz Feed
05-07-2025
- Buzz Feed
Best Travel Hacks
If you think about it, traveling is an art. From finding the perfect destination to creating an itinerary complete with flights and hotel accommodations, there are so many moving parts when planning a trip. And having pro tips makes all the difference when navigating journeys to new and familiar places. Reddit user HugeDismissal asked, "What is your best travel tip that most people don't know?" Here are the most helpful pieces of advice for anyone who has a serious case of wanderlust: Note: Some submissions are from this Reddit thread and this Reddit thread. "Bring half the stuff and twice the money." "Walk three blocks away from the tourist attraction for lunch. Food will be three times better, at a third of the price." "Plan rest days. I cannot stress this enough. If you're someone who wants experiences and to see a lot at once, then a compact trip sounds enticing, but believe me, you need days where you just chill in a hotel room all day, doing nothing." "One of my favorite obscure travel hacks is to use Google Maps offline. Before my trip, I downloaded the maps of the areas I'll be visiting. This way, I can navigate, find attractions, and even search for restaurants without needing an internet connection. It's especially useful in places with spotty Wi-Fi or when I want to save on data usage. Plus, it saves a ton of stress and helps me feel more confident exploring new places." "Pack as light as possible! The advantages of traveling with a daypack alone are huge — less waiting, no lost luggage, and you can move freely without enormous hiking backpacks slowing you down. You probably don't need most of the clothing you pack, especially in warmer destinations." "Never use the money exchange at an airport. The rates are abominable. Just Google the closest bank or exchange store near you. It normally has much better rates than those at an airport." "If you're not sure of the neighborhood you're booking your hotel or rental stay in, go to Google Street View and 'walk around' in the neighborhood. You can see if it looks pleasant, has nearby cafes, local grocery stores, etc." "Keep a small toiletry bag in your carry-on luggage. You never know when your checked luggage will disappear." "Let your family back home know your travel itinerary." "If you're going to fly, drink water before, during, and after your flight." "Roll everything, fold nothing." "When flights get canceled, don't stand in line to talk to an agent. Call the airline." "The best room in a cheaper hotel is often better than a standard room in a more expensive hotel. When looking for luxury on a budget, don't overlook the cheaper hotels — they often have fantastic suites for what you'd pay for a standard room somewhere pricier." "Always register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program if you're in the US." "Make sure your shower gets hot when you get to your room, not after you come back tired from exploring, and all you want to do is take a hot shower, but it's after midnight and there's no maintenance person around." "If you're staying in place with a kitchen and plan to be cooking a lot, I get one of those Monday through Friday pill organizers, fill them with cooking spices, and put them in my luggage." "Book directly with the hotel. They'll almost always beat the online rates by a few bucks." "Always carry a sarong with you when traveling. It's an all-in-one lightweight tool. You can use it as clothes, a raincoat, a rope, a bandage, a beach towel/picnic rug, a bag, or a blanket." "Put an AirTag in your carry-on. Put two AirTags in your checked bag (one in a pocket on the bag, another inside a pocket of clothes or something)." "Pack a door stop. You never know if you'll have a faulty lock." "ALWAYS carry on anything you can't afford to lose, both monetarily and sentimentally!" "If you're flying internationally into the US and are a US citizen, do mobile passport if the airport has it. It's an app and takes 30 seconds to do. It's just as fast as Global Entry. I've passed hundreds of people waiting at passport control." "While you're standing in the security line, take the stuff in your pockets and put it in your bag. You won't be holding up the line to gather your stuff from the container." "Give an individually wrapped bag of candy to the steward or stewardess when boarding. I've done this multiple times and have been given a seat upgrade, free drinks, a first-class meal, and a whole bottle of wine. I don't expect anything and sometimes get nothing, which is fine, just trying to be nice, and sometimes they are nice back." "If you travel internationally from the US, get Global Entry. It makes coming back much easier, and you get TSA PreCheck as well." "Paper clips make for a good, cheap backpack zipper locks that give extra safety to avoid someone getting into your pack." "Never eat where you see other tourists eating. Look for a place jammed with locals." "Never walk past a clean toilet." "If you're flying with someone and are on a flight with three seats in a row, book the window and aisle seats, leaving the center seat open. No one books the center seat unless it's the very last choice on a full flight, so you have a really good chance of an open seat in your row. If someone does show up, just offer them the window or aisle, and they'll take it instantly to get out of the middle. Works 80% of the time we've tried it." "If you have to spend more than a little time at an airport, check if there is a lounge you can stay at. Often your credit cards or frequent traveler programs will give you free or cheaper entrance." "I always try to have an extended layover that's 10 hours or more, so I can visit the layover city. I've been able to visit Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore without going on a specific trip to those destinations. It takes a bit of fiddling around to book those flights. Airlines present you with the 'most convenient' flight, but it's worth it." "Who you go with is way more important than where you go." What's your best travel hack? Share your thoughts in the comments or using the anonymous form below. Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Latest travel guidance for Mexico's most popular tourist destinations
It's been months since the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Mexico, one of the few countries broken down by states rather than an all-encompassing advisory. The key takeaway from the latest guidance is that most of Mexico's premier tourist destinations are safe to visit this summer, with crime being the top concern like most places around the globe. Yucatan is one of two states that receive a Level 1 advisory this June, meaning visitors to this Mexican Caribbean hot spot can exercise normal precautions in beloved places such as Chichen Itza and Merida. However, most Mexican states - like the majority of countries around the world - are currently listed at Level 2 due to the potential for crime. These notable states include Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz, Todos Santos), Coahuila, Mexico City, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla and Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum). Jalisco - home to the popular cities of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara - is one of seven states that have received a Level 3 travel advisory. Officials warn of the potential threat of crime and kidnapping. However, the State Department clarifies that "there are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in: Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit), Chapala and Ajijic." The same goes for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes the popular tourist area of San Miguel de Allende, which was named the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure readers last year. For a map of restricted areas, travelers can visit the official site of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. Many travelers visiting Mexico will be staying at tourist-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts, which continue to be safe. For those who do venture off the property, the State Department advises practicing common sense. Visitors should also keep family back home aware of their plans, avoid traveling at night, exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs and casinos and avoid displaying signs of wealth like wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Regardless of destination, travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts that make it easier to be located in an emergency. ____________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Time of India
Citing rise in rape cases, US issues revised travel advisory for India
Amritsar: The United States (US) has issued a revised travel advisory for India, citing a sharp rise in rape cases, along with concerns over violent crime and terrorism, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. In its updated guidance, the US warned American citizens to exercise increased caution when travelling to India, stating that rape remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. Incidents of sexual assault, including those against foreign visitors, have been reported in both urban areas and tourist destinations. "Violent crime, such as sexual assault, occurs at tourist sites and other public locations," the advisory states, adding that travellers should be especially cautious in crowded or isolated areas and avoid venturing out alone after dark. The advisory also discourages travel along the India-Pakistan border due to the risk of armed conflict, with only the Attari-Wagah crossing in Punjab open to non-citizens. "India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on their respective sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan," reads the advisory emphasises that US citizens not residing in India must obtain a Pakistani visa from their home country before any cross-border travel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The advisory further flags the persistent threat of terrorist attacks across the country, warning that such incidents may occur with little or no warning, especially in public spaces like markets, transportation hubs, govt buildings, and tourist spots. High-risk regions are clearly outlined, with the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir listed under a "do not travel" directive—excluding the eastern Ladakh region and Leh. The advisory highlights the potential for terrorist violence and civil unrest, particularly in areas such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, all popular with domestic and foreign tourists. Notably, terrorists had shot dead 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22. While the advisory does not call for a complete halt to travel, it asks Americans to stay informed, avoid high-risk regions, and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for timely updates and access to emergency services. The US govt also advises travellers to regularly monitor local media, follow the advice of local authorities, and review the full travel advisory on the US State Department's official website. MSID: 122087318 413 |
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. Issues Urgent Worldwide Travel Warning Amid Rising Threats
The U.S. State Department has issued a rare worldwide security alert urging American citizens traveling abroad to exercise heightened caution amid escalating global unrest. The bulletin, posted on June 22, follows the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites—a move that has further inflamed tensions in the Middle East. According to the department, the conflict between Israel and Iran has already disrupted travel and forced the periodic closure of airspace across the region. Now, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond. "There is potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad," the State Department warned. "We urge all travelers to remain alert and monitor country-specific advisories for updates." The advisory comes just one day after the president confirmed the airstrikes as part of "Operation Midnight Hammer," a campaign aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iranian officials quickly promised retaliation, raising fears of anti-American backlash around the world. Travelers are being advised to avoid areas with a history of political unrest and to steer clear of large gatherings. In countries like Turkey, U.S. officials are reportedly maintaining a low profile and avoiding non-essential travel to certain provinces, citing potential threats tied to anti-American sentiment. The State Department's global caution alert suggests that violent extremists may seek to exploit the current climate to launch attacks, particularly in high-traffic public spaces such as markets, government buildings, and tourist hotspots. American citizens are encouraged to check the State Department's website for country-specific updates regularly and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time safety notifications. While the U.S. frequently issues travel advisories, a global alert of this nature signals a more serious level of concern. The Department urges travelers to have contingency plans, keep their contact information updated, and remain in touch with local embassies and consulates. With geopolitical tensions running high, this alert serves as a sobering reminder: even routine travel may now carry heightened risks.U.S. Issues Urgent Worldwide Travel Warning Amid Rising Threats first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 23, 2025
