Traveling This Summer? Read This

`

Current global conflicts are significantly affecting travelers worldwide in several ways:

• There is an increased potential for acts of terrorism, protests, and civil unrest especially in areas frequented by tourists or with embassies and other foreign or cultural interests. This holds true for U.S. locations and interests abroad. Soft targets such as transportation hubs, outdoor cafes, and markets are particularly vulnerable.

• Airspace closures and restrictions around conflict zones have caused widespread flight delays, cancellations, and rerouting, impacting not only regional but also global air travel.

• Visa processing and consular services have been disrupted or delayed in some countries, affecting travel plans and international mobility.

This summer it is important to develop a travel security plan. Here are some resources and a few tips that can help.

Planning Resources

• The U.S. Department of State maintains official travel advisories for destinations around the world with current assessments of risks, such as political unrest, crime, health outbreaks, or natural disasters. Some countries may be marked as "Do Not Travel" (Level 4), while others are considered safe with normal precautions.

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.

• Check for sudden-onset / natural disasters on the Global Disaster Alert Coordination System (GDACS) website, which is a cooperation framework between the United Nations, the European Commission and disaster managers worldwide.

General Tips

• Give a copy of your itinerary to a friend or family member who isn’t traveling with you, along with a printout of your passport, driver's license, and emergency information.

• Know local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire) and the location/contact info of your country’s embassy or consulate.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions (banking, purchases). Use a VPN if possible, and disable auto-join on devices. Carry a traditional charging plug instead of using public USB ports to avoid data theft.

• Monitor local and international news, follow official warnings, and stay in contact with airlines and travel agents to confirm travel plans.

• Avoid posting on social media about travels in real time to protect yourself on the road and maintain security at a vacant home.

• Consider using smart luggage with GPS tracking or attach tracking devices to your valuables for added security.

Security Awareness

• Map your routes before heading out on excursions to avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods, especially after dark.

• Remain alert in public spaces, avoid distractions (like using your phone while walking), and be cautious when approached by strangers.

• Walk confidently and trust your instincts—leave any situation that feels unsafe.

• If you need to withdraw cash or use public transport, plan to do so in well-populated, reputable areas during daylight hours.