The FBI warns Americans to take precautions when traveling abroad during spring break.
“Whether it’s a college student looking to escape the last roster of winter or seeking a brief breath from a grim academic life, there is a risk,” Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI, said in a press release on Monday. “Keep alert throughout the trip and be ready to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.”
Warnings were issued after the University of Pittsburgh students Sudiksha Konanki Disappeared while traveling to the Dominican Republic resort town of Punta Cana.
Spring Break Travel Season covers most of March and April. Airlines and airports say they expect a busier season. CBS News Reportthe Transport Safety Administration said it expects flyers to grow by 5% last year.
Tips for FBI to stay safe during spring break
The FBI advises travelers to “stay alert to their surroundings and be cautious when traveling.” Their advice includes using only authorized taxis or shuttles in case of emergencies and seeking suspicious activities, including those who follow you or “investigate information about you or attempting to engage you in something that may become a compromise situation”).
The FBI also recommends avoiding illegal and “inappropriate” actions and “quotations of sexual companionship” which may lead to “room raids, photography and ransomware.”
The agency urges people to avoid traveling alone, especially after nightfall.
Travel consultation
The FBI said anyone traveling abroad should check the destination of travel consultation. Travel consultations range from Level 1 to Level 4 and are regularly reviewed and updated for each country. These levels are based on several factors including crime level, terrorist threats, civil unrest, health problems, and the possibility of natural disasters, CBS News previously reported. A country may have multiple consultations if some regions are more risky than others.
In Level 1 countries, travelers should take normal precautions and be aware that all international travel has some degree of risk. Level 2 recommendations are recommended to increase caution due to the “risk of safety and assurance”. Level 3 recommends Americans to reconsider travel to the destination and level 4 recommends any travel to the location.
The following figure shows consultation by country. Hover over a country and see what level of consultation it has and look for a specific country on the dining table.
Carbon monoxide safety
Although not mentioned in the FBI’s statement on Monday, another possible threat that travelers should be aware of is Carbon monoxide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, invisible odorless gases are the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States. Death of American tourists overseas Mexico and Bahamas It is related to carbon monoxide poisoning.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, experts recommend making sure you have at least one carbon monoxide detector for your hotel room or rent. Travelers can also carry portable detectors. If a carbon monoxide detection alarm starts to sound, experts recommend leaving the building immediately.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, chest pain and confusion, CBS News Reportalthough not all people who experience gas experience symptoms.
