If you’re planning to travel internationally, it’s essential to do more than just book flights and browse hotels. One of the most important (and often overlooked) steps is checking foreign travel advisories before you go. These official government resources can help you stay safe, informed and better prepared for your destination.
Start with the U.S. State Department
The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory website provides regularly updated information on the safety and security conditions in nearly every country in the world. Each destination is given a level from 1 to 4:
• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel
• Level 4: Do Not Travel
The site also provides details about crime trends, terrorism threats, civil unrest, natural disasters, health issues and other travel-specific concerns. It’s where you’ll also find information on visa requirements, entry restrictions, and local laws that may differ significantly from those in the U.S.
For more localized updates, it’s a great idea to check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you’re visiting. These sites often offer travel alerts specific to cities or regions, and can even include details on common scams, recent protests, or infrastructure issues that aren’t mentioned in the main advisory.
A Personal Lesson Learned the Hard Way
I wish I had known this 20 years ago. Back then, some childhood friends and I were traveling in Budapest when we were invited by a couple of local girls to grab drinks at a nearby bar. What seemed like a friendly night out turned into a tourist trap: the girls were working with the bar owners to scam foreigners. We ended up being charged more than ten times the going rate for drinks. Only afterward did I find that exact scam (and the name of the bar) listed on the State Department’s website. Doh! Sometimes, travel teaches the hard way.
Cross-Reference with Other Countries’ Advisories
To get a fuller picture, it’s wise to cross-reference travel advisories from other countries, like those from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. These governments are U.S. allies and publish their information in English, but they may highlight different risks or offer additional tips.
• The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) often includes advice on cultural sensitivities and political situations.
• Canada’s Global Affairs travel page tends to go into more detail about health risks and required vaccinations.
• The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) usually includes real-time alerts for natural disasters, strikes and entry requirements.
Different countries may assess risk through different lenses. Some travelers believe the U.S. occasionally lists destinations as risky for political or diplomatic reasons. By consulting several sources, you can get a more balanced view and make informed decisions based on multiple perspectives.
Other Helpful Resources
In addition to government advisories, consider these tools when researching international travel:
• CDC’s Traveler’s Health Page: Crucial for information on vaccines, outbreaks, and health notices.
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): This U.S. service lets you register your trip with the local embassy and receive updates or alerts directly to your inbox.
Also consider:
• Travel insurance providers: Many publish destination-specific safety advice.
• Online forums and communities like Reddit, Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree, and various Facebook travel groups, which offer firsthand insights and timely warnings from fellow travelers.
International travel is an incredible privilege, but it requires smart preparation. Checking travel advisories might not be the most glamorous part of planning your trip but it can save you from trouble, scams or even danger. It only takes a few extra minutes to consult these resources and the information could make the difference between a dream vacation and a travel nightmare.
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World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control have good information about what vaccines are necessary or suggested
I lived in Viet Nam for 10 years. I have traveled to Hanoi many times. Honoi is a fun and fascinating city but I also consider it the city with the most scams in Viet Nam. Scams are everywhere but Hanoi is the place I have been scamed the most. Suspect everyone, get clear agreements in writing if possible, and bargain hard. Prices are usually quoted double for tourists so offering 50% and holding to it will often work. Some places have fixed prices so you just have to decide if what you want is worth it but I still try to bargain. Overall in a nice hotel, you will be protected. Best of all there is only petty crime for the most part. Closely watch all your belongings and have fun. If you have time take a 1, 2, or 3-night cruise on Ha Long Bay and or visit Sapa for hiking and a homestay. Say hello to Uncle Ho for me.
I check the UK and Canada – sometimes Australia – because i find the U.S. to be a bit conservative and wary in their advice. I’ve traveled and spent time in several of the countries that the U.S. considers to have problems (before COVID) and I never encountered any. I was cautious, however.
I love hearing you on Leo Laport, KFI Radio and enjoy your email newsletters. My daughter is traveling to Hanoi to join a wedding party for a friend. Is there any specific advice you can give her. She has never been to Viet Nam but has traveled enough to be cautious. The wedding party will be staying at the Golden Silk Boutique Hotel in the old section. Is there a way to check out the tour guides who are reputable? Should she have a travel belt for her passport to be on her when not in hotel?
Hi E,
Thanks for the kind words. Sadly, I’ve never been to Vietnam (It’s at the top of my bucket list). But there’s plenty of reputable tour guides (usually a good hotel will have some but they take a cut. Also, it’s can’t hurt to have a belt or a vest like Scottevest (one of my sponsor’s) to keep and hide belongings on you.