Advisories have been issued for popular summer vacation spots, both domestically and abroad.
Summer travel is just about into full swing, and several destinations have had travel advisories or warnings issued of late. Many of these have been issued for destinations popular with summer travelers, so it’s worthwhile to review some of the more recent ones for last-minute bookers.
Travel advisories or warnings can be issued by government agencies like the United States Department of State. Recent advisories were also issued by the national organization of the NAACP, or recommended at the local level, for two U.S. states, advising caution for people of color and LGBTQ+ travelers.
It’s worth noting that issuing organizations for travel advisories often have strategic reasons for doing so. For political reasons, the State Department often issues stronger advisories for countries with less friendly diplomatic relations. Advocacy organizations like the NAACP issue the advisories out of concern for the groups of travelers they advocate for, but also in support of their organizations’ larger objectives.
It’s also wise to pay close attention to the distinctions between travel advisories. Do the advisories say to reconsider or avoid travel, or do they simply warn travelers to be extra vigilant, and take extra steps to ensure their safety and security while visiting?
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Here are some of the most recent travel advisories:
The Maldives
The State Department has ranked the Maldives as Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism. The advisory informs travelers that terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting a number locales such as government buildings, shopping malls, or tourist attractions. It’s important to note that Level 2 does not advise travelers against traveling to a destination.
Denmark and Sweden
While Scandinavia is generally reputed to be safe, the State Department ranks the Kingdoms of Denmark and Sweden as Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution, due to Terrorism. While a major terrorism event has not been recorded in Denmark recently, the U.K. Home Office notes that “terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Sweden. You should maintain a high level of vigilance in public spaces.”
For Denmark, the Home Office further clarifies that “the authorities in Denmark have successfully disrupted a number of planned attacks and made a number of arrests.”
The Dominican Republic
The State Department recently reissued a travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, warning that: “Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic.” The advisory goes on to note that resort areas, such as La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana may be better policed than urban centers like Santo Domingo. The advisory also refers to a “high level of criminality on the broader scale.” Cruise ship passengers on excursions arranged by the cruise lines are also at relatively low risk, but they should maintain vigilance when exploring ports.
The State Department also warns travelers about scams perpetrated on dating apps, where travelers have been assaulted or robbed.
The Dominican Republic is also rated Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution.
Jamaica
Jamaica has been rated Level 3 – Reconsider Travel by the State Department, due to crime.
The State Department warns, “Violent crime, including sexual assault, is a serious problem throughout Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay. Jamaica’s police force is understaffed and has limited resources. Gated resorts are not immune to violent crime.”
Travelers to Jamaica—even those staying in all-inclusive resorts—are advised to avoid secluded places or situations, always accompanied by someone known to the traveler. The warning also notes that security at some resorts is lax, and police are “understaffed” and “often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”
Florida
The Board of Directors of the national organization of the NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida in May, stating that “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”
The advisory does not discourage travelers belonging to these groups from traveling to Florida, but does advise them that they may face difficulties in the state not faced by other travelers.
Louisiana
In June, on the heels of the NAACP’s travel advisory for Florida, the Louisiana chapter asked the national Board of Directors to issue a similar advisory for their state, citing “a disconcerting trend of policies and actions taken by Republican legislators in the state of Louisiana that target and marginalize specific groups within the population, including African Americans, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, immigrants, and those who exercise their right to free speech.”
It’s important to note that the national organization of the NAACP has not yet issued a travel advisory for Louisiana.