If your holiday vacation plans take you out of the United States, you might need to update your Last Will & Testament and leave DNA samples with your family.

What is a Travel Advisory?

The Department of State provides information to United States citizens regarding travel safety overseas. So, if you are planning a trip to a foreign country, you can sign up for travel advisory alerts.

PHOTO: CANVA TRAVEL ALERT
PHOTO: CANVA TRAVEL ALERT
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There are four Travel Advisory levels, and I was very surprised to see that there are currently 19 regions in the Level 4 category, which is the highest risk.

This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening 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 worst-case scenarios.

Bucket-List Destinations

We recently talked about destinations that we really would like to visit someday. This list from Travel.State.Gov is a site to keep bookmarked, just in case you are able to take that bucket-list trip.

DNA Samples

Big Yikes as the kids say. Leaving behind some of my DNA just in case I have to be identified is certainly not on my vacation checklist. However, if you plan to travel to any of the areas in the Travel Advisory, you probably should.

Source:[The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs]

The U.S. Government's Do Not Travel List

As of October 2024, the following countries and regions were on the State Department's 'DoNot Travel' list. Check out the latest list HERE.


Gallery Credit: Canva

20 Items Banned from Checked Bags at Indiana Airports

Avoid travel mishaps by knowing the TSA's banned items for checked luggage. Be prepared and plan ahead for hassle-free travel. 

Gallery Credit: Bobby G.