Tag: State

  • U.S. State Department Issues 13 New Travel Advisories For June

    U.S. State Department Issues 13 New Travel Advisories For June

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    The US State Department has issued 13 new travel advisories for June. The latest updates, which were uploaded onto the State Department’s website on May 31st, provide information that aims to keep American travelers safe and well informed ahead of their travels. These most recent updates feature a range of countries which are located in regions that are bound to be amongst the most popular with American travelers this summer, such as Europe and the Caribbean. 

    With travel this summer expected to rival pre-pandemic figures, travel advisories are bound to play an important pre-travel role for those jetting off around the world this year. Here’s a look at which countries were affected in the most recent updates, plus a recap of what the travel advisory system is and how it helps American travelers. 

    Travel Advisories – An Explanation For Travelers

    The State Department’s travel advisories are helpful updates that provide information to travelers about destinations around the world. Each update assigns a risk level to a destination, with Level 1 being the lowest risk level and Level 4 being the highest risk level. Warnings are updated frequently as and when they are needed, reflecting the ever changing risks such as crime, terrorism and health concerns that are present in each destination. 

    Along with a warning from the State Department, each travel advisory update also contains information from the CDC on the level of Covid-19 in each destination, allowing travelers to know what they may be getting themselves into if they do decide to travel. Whilst they play an important role in keeping travelers informed about real and current threats they may face and should always be consulted, they have no legal power to prevent travel – meaning the decision to travel is ultimately down to the traveler. 

    Recent Travel Advisory Updates – What Travelers Should Know

    The latest travel advisories to be posted featured updates from all four warning levels. The Level 1 updates are as follows:

    • St. Kitts and Nevis – exercise normal precautions. CDC indicates a moderate level of Covid-19 
    • Anguilla – exercise normal precautions. CDC indicates a high level of Covid-19 
    • Kuwait – exercise normal precautions, travelers should not visit the border region with Iraq. CDC indicates a low level of Covid-19 

    The Level 2 updates are:

    • Bosnia and Herzegovina – exercise increased caution due to terrorism and land mines. CDC indicates a moderate level of Covid-19 
    • Dominican Republic – travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime. CDC indicates a moderate level of Covid-19 
    • Tunisia – exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism. The country also has several no-go regions. CDC indicates a moderate level of Covid-19 
    • Turks and Caicos Islands – exercise increased caution due to crime. CDC indicates a high level of Covid-19 

    Level 3 travel advisories carry a warning that travelers should reconsider travel to these destinations. The recent Level 3 updates are:

    • Guyana – risk of crime. Covid-19 level is moderate according to CDC
    • Jamaica – risk of crime, with several areas travelers should not travel to. According to the the CDC, Jamaica has a high level of Covid-19 
    • Mauritania – risk of both terrorism and crime. The country’s Covid-19 level is low according to the CDC 
    • Poland – travelers should reconsider their trips to Poland due to its Covid-19 related restrictions. It has moderate levels of Covid-19 according to the CDC
    solo traveler with umbrella and suitcase in old town Krakow, Poland

    Finally, two countries were awarded Level 4 warnings. These warnings explicitly tell travelers “Do Not Travel” to the destinations in question. The Level 4 warnings are as follows:

    • Burma (Myanmar) – do not travel due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict. CDC indicates a low level of Covid-19 
    • Moldova – do not travel  due to armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine, and the unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government. Moderate level of Covid-19 according to the CDC 

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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  • Top 10 State Parks On The East Coast

    Top 10 State Parks On The East Coast

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    The Western part of the United States is probably what many people think of when they think of the Great Outdoors in America, with its rolling plains and world-famous national parks such as Yellowstone. However, the Eastern coast isn’t lacking in outdoor getaways either. Here are 10 state parks on the East Coast that are perfect to enjoy some fresh air.

    Top 10 State Parks On The East Coast

    1. Niagara Falls State Park

    No list about state parks on the east coast would be complete without at least mentioning Niagara Falls State Park. This gorgeous park features one of the most well-known waterfalls in the world, the titular Niagara Falls. There are several ways to see the falls for yourself, including grabbing a drink at the restaurant that overlooks them or seeing the falls from below with a boat tour. 

    Niagara Falls State Park

    2. Vogel State Park

    If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, head over to Georgia to experience Vogel State Park. This popular state park features a gorgeous lake, as well as campsites and hiking trails. Vogel State Park’s wide variety of things to do makes it ideal for families or groups – there’s truly something for everyone. Children will enjoy splashing in the lake, while avid outdoorsmen can check out the park’s 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail. 

    Vogel State Park

    3. Torreya State Park

    Located in Florida, Torreya State Park is a great option for those looking to spend a day enjoying some fresh air. This park is named for an incredibly rare species of tree that grows in the area, features a waterfall, and is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a hike, go fishing, or boat the Apalachicola River.

    Torreya State Park

    4. The Catskills Park

    This park is a little under a 3 hours drive from New York City, making this a great option for those looking to get away for a little bit. The park offers a huge range of outdoor recreation – everything from camping in the warmer months to ski retreats in the winter. It’s a popular place for fly-fishing – the Catskills area has been called the birthplace of this form of fishing, and is also home to countless hiking trails. 

    Catskills Park

    5. Manatee Springs State Park

    If you find yourself looking for something to do in Florida, Manatee Springs State Park is one answer to that question that won’t disappoint. If you’re visiting in the cooler months, manatees regularly flock to the warm waters that fill up the springs, making this state park a great place to spot them. While they aren’t as common in the summer, you can look forward to viewing other wildlife such as various birds and fish, as well as activities such as camping and boating. 

    Manatee Springs State Park

    6. Fontainebleau State Park

    Located in Louisiana, Fontainebleau State Park is situated on the gorgeous Lake Ponchartrain. The park features the ruins of an old sugar mill, a sandy beach, and hiking trails. Those looking to spend a few days exploring or relaxing can stay at one of the park’s campsites. 

    Fontainebleau State Park

    7. Letchworth State Park

    Another stunning park in New York State is Letchworth State Park. This park features the Genessee River, which cascades over several waterfalls – some upwards of 600’ tall. The river is surrounded by sprawling forests, home to several hiking trails. Probably one of the most scenic natural places in New York State, those looking to spend a few days taking in the beauty of the park can look forward to staying overnight at the cozy Glen Iris Inn. 

    Letchworth State Park

    8. Baxter State Park

    Head over to Maine to experience the sprawling expanse that is Baxter State Park. Home to hundreds of miles of trails, this is the perfect choice for those looking to explore the great outdoors in the Eastern United States. In addition to hiking, some other popular activities at the park include camping and fishing. 

    Baxter State Park

    9. Cayo Costa State Park (Florida)

    Cayo Costa State Park is unique from the others on this list for one reason – it’s an island. Located off the coast of Florida, Cayo Costa features gorgeous sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. The park is accessible only by boat or kayak and is a popular place for shelling, swimming, and camping. If you don’t have a boat or kayak of your own, a ferry offers daily service to the island. 

    Cayo Costa State Park (Florida)

    10. Little Missouri State Park

    Don’t let the name fool you – Little Missouri State Park is actually located in the North Dakota Badlands. This beautiful park features over 40-miles of trails showcasing natural splendor. Offering both developed and primitive campsites, this quiet park is the perfect place to escape from daily life – either for an afternoon or a few days.

    Little Missouri State Park

    Read More:

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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  • US State Department Issues New Travel Warning For Tijuana And Baja California

    US State Department Issues New Travel Warning For Tijuana And Baja California

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    Travelers have been warned to reconsider travel, the government is concerned about crimes and kidnappings in the region

    People Shop Below Colorful Hanging Flags in Tijuana, Mexico

    The U.S. Department of State issued a new travel warning for US citizens visiting Tijuana and Baja California. The update comes after recent cases of kidnapping and violence in the region.

    The amendment has been made just two weeks after the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States announced that it lowered travel advisory for Mexico from “Level 4: Do not travel”, to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”.

    Tijuana beach near US border

    The government is concerned about rising crime and recent kidnappings which include homicide cases and violent aggressions. The official publication states: “Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes.  Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.”

    Many Americans have been traveling in the past few weeks to Tijuana also for cheaper gas prices, as Los Angeles Times reported. Those visiting the region, even for a short period of time, should stay aware and follow the State Department’s recommendations. 

    Risks For Travelers In Tijuana

    According to the information shared by the US Department, the highest concern is addressed to non-tourist areas of Tijuana, where a high number of homicides have been reported recently. The government explained that most homicides have been targeted, but bystanders can be injured or even killed in territorial disputes between criminal organizations. 

    It has also been disclosed that citizens and lawful permanent residents in the United States have been victims of kidnapping. 

    Mexican Municipal Police patrol the USA and Mexico border wall.

    The president of Tijuana’s Chamber of Commerce, Jorge Macías Jiménez, has made declarations to Fox 5, after the US Government shared this update: “The warning is mostly for areas where tourists wouldn’t go in the first place, it won’t harm tourism or the commercial sector.” 

    Macías Jimenez considers that the warning shouldn’t frighten tourists and said: “I do advise people to use caution since there are areas where criminal disputes sometimes result in injuries or even death of bystanders, but that’s only if you venture into non-tourist areas.” 

    Travel Considerations And Recommendations

    The US Department of State also shared recommendations and advice and requested US government employees to adhere to the restrictions. These are the current considerations regarding Baja California:

    • Avoid Mexicali Valley: the agency urges Americans to avoid this area due to the “heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions”. 
    • Travelers can use Highways 2 and 2D —during daylight hours—  to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rios Colorado. Also during the daytime, visitors can use Highways 1, 8, and 5.
    • Reconsider Travel to Baja California: the government urges US citizens to especially avoid non-tourist areas.

    Travelers must read and understand the information published on the government’s official website when visiting Mexico. General Mexico Travel recommendations include: 

    • Do not transit between cities during nighttime. Travelers shouldn’t hail taxis on the street, it is better to rely on dispatched vehicles, app-based services and regulated taxi stands.
    • Avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
    • Do not travel to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas states due to crime and kidnapping.
    • Reconsider travel to Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico, Morelos, Nayarit, Sonora, and Zacatecas states due to crime and kidnapping.
    • Increase caution when traveling to Aguas Calientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, Tlaxcal, and Veracruz states and Mexico city due to crime and kidnapping.
    • Review the US Embassy’s, CDC, and Crime and Safety Reports’s webpages regarding Mexico.
    • Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, casinos, or nightclubs.
    • Keep family and traveling companions informed of the location and travel plans.
    • Follow the US Department of State and the US Embassy on Facebook and Twitter.
    • Avoid wearing watches or jewelry, since these are considered signs of wealth.

    Read More:

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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