Travel warnings and advisories: top tips to know before you travel

When you’re deciding on where to travel, it’s fair to say most people will put a lot of research into the incredible historical sights, sparkling coastline and rich cultural heritage. Whether that place is safe to visit, however, should be one of the first ports of call. If you’re asking yourself, ‘what exactly do travel advisories mean?’, read on as we break down the significance of government travel warnings and advisories for a destination.

Should I pay attention to travel warnings and advisories?

Absolutely. Travel advisories are official government notices that explain the climate on the ground within a destination – regarding political turbulence, natural disasters, potential terrorism, health threats or crime risks. With them, visitors can make an informed decision on which routes to take on their travels to a destination, or whether they even go at all. Sometimes, travel warnings and advisories aren’t to give guidance but to actively warn travelers not to visit. In the most severe cases, there will be blanket restrictions on tourists coming in.

Different travel warnings and advisories and what they mean

So, what factors lead a country to issue a travel warning? As listed above, these generally span from environmental disasters such as dangerous weather activity, floods, forest fires, earthquakes or tsunamis; civil unrest, warfare or political turbulence; whether there’s high potential for a terrorist attack; or health risks, such as infectious disease outbreaks. All of these factors can have different severity levels and are usually tailored to different traveler demographics, such as families, solo or business travelers, along with information about precautionary measures travelers can take.

Travel advisory levels explained

Travel advisories have varying degrees of severity, and they are labelled through Levels 1-4:

• Level 1: Exercise a normal amount of caution. These mark generally safe conditions, however be aware that this level of ‘safe’ may still differ from your home country.
• Level 2: This means an increased level of caution is required. You should be aware of heightened risk when you travel.
• Level 3: At this level, you should reconsider whether you travel. There is usually serious risk involved when you travel to a country with Level 3 advisories.
• Level 4: Do not travel. When advisories are at Level 4, there is life-threatening danger within that destination.

Most advisories are low level, and merely to provide context and information, so that travelers can decide whether the destination suits their needs, based on who they are and what the trip is for. Others are to give more serious warnings, usually because there is a heightened level of risk if you were to visit during that time period. The most severe advisories basically restrict entry to that destination.

The impact of travel advisories on your trip: knowing when it’s safe to travel

It’s clear that travel advisories can significantly impact your plans for traveling, particularly if everything is booked and then advisories change unexpectedly. Depending on the severity level of the warning, things such as available flights, accommodation, public roads or local services could all be affected, and this in turn could impact your insurance coverage. Though sometimes this can’t be avoided, and situations can take a turn suddenly, it’s still worth being vigilant and doing as much research as possible about your destination before you travel. If the advisories that come up are low level, you can always shift or change your plans in ways that put your mind at ease – such as avoiding certain areas.

Navigating a world with frequent advisories

As we all know, the world is ever more unpredictable in terms of political instability, natural disaster or disease outbreaks, which can make booking a vacation seem a bit of a gamble. This is particularly true if you’re booking far in advance, or your chosen destination is known for frequent travel warnings. These are valid concerns and it’s great to have awareness, but they don’t have to stop you in the process of planning your dream trip. With your own research and having local expertise on your side, you should feel well equipped to deal with any changes of plan.

Tips for planning ahead before you go

So, how can travelers plan ahead for sudden changes in travel warnings and advisories? We recommend the following tips:

• Keep on top of world news: stay informed as a habit, by regularly following credible news sources and official government advisories. Being aware of current events (political developments, natural disasters, health outbreaks) can help you anticipate potential changes and be proactive over your plans. Apps and email services that send real-time updates or alerts can be really useful.
• Plan your trip with the help of a local travel expert: there’s no better way of knowing what the situation is like on the ground than getting in touch with a local person who is based there. By discussing your trip and your concerns with one of our travel experts before you book, they can let you know (within reason!) whether there are advisory risks or the potential for them in future. They can also help you reorganize your itinerary if something unexpected does come up.
• Be picky about travel insurance: you’ll hopefully know that travel insurance is a non-negotiable for modern travelers, especially when navigating destinations with unpredictable advisories. Choose a policy that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies and evacuations, ensuring you’re protected financially if plans change. Pay attention to the finer policy details, as some insurers exclude coverage for higher advisory levels, or specific risks, such as pandemics.
• Do research on your chosen destination: you will already have a big interest in your chosen destination, but really delve into the specifics to get an idea of what the culture and climate is like over there, away from the tourist-driven facade. Familiarize yourself with potential safety concerns, cultural customs, transportation options, as well as local laws and health requirements, such as vaccines.
• If it comes to it, be prepared to change the destination of your trip: flexibility is key when traveling in today’s unpredictable world. If your destination suddenly becomes unsafe or inaccessible, having a backup plan can help, if possible. Consider alternative destinations that offer similar experiences, especially if your original choice is known for being higher risk. Some travel providers and airlines allow for flexible bookings, and this will make it easier to pivot if it’s necessary. Remember, this is a last resort option, and hopefully everything will be fine!

Make it happen

To help you experience the magic of international travel without the stress of planning, our local travel experts are based within the destination, and can discuss your concerns to put your mind at ease. Browse through our available destinations and pick your favorite, then get in touch with our local experts today to chat about your dream trip.