Amid the spring break travel boom, federal authorities are reminding the public of travel tips and precautions to take when visiting a new place. In a news release, they reinforce the ideas of staying vigilant, checking travel advisories, and using caution.
“Whether it’s families looking to escape the final throes of winter or a college student seeking a brief respite from the rigors of academic life, know that the risks are there,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge, Akil Davis. “Maintain vigilance throughout your travels and be prepared to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate should the need arise.”
The warning comes after the March 6 disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing on her spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The FBI’s Tips for Traveling Abroad over spring break:
- Establish emergency contacts
- Avoid traveling alone and areas that seem unsafe
- Use only authorized taxis/shuttles
- Avoid “illegal, improper, or indiscreet” actions
- Avoid sexual companionship; they may lead to a room raid, photography, and blackmail
- Beware of new acquaintances who probe for information about you or try to put you in a compromising situation
The travel advisory system is put in place to inform U.S. citizens of security threats overseas and is organized into four tiers. Level 1: Exercise normal precautions; Level 2: Exercise increased caution; Level 3: Reconsider Travel; Level 4: Do not travel.
Popular spring break destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico have a few spots the State Department has encouraged travelers to be more cautious about. Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Netherlands Antilles are all under a level 2 warning, meaning Americans should exercise increased caution.
Mexican states such as Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacan, Colima, and Guerrero have level 4 warnings meaning it is not safe to travel there.
To read more about travel advisories for other destinations, visit the State Department’s website.