With so much global political turmoil, should you travel overseas?

SAN ANTONIO — Close to two dozen countries are now listed on the U.S. State Departments level 4 travel advisory, meaning avoiding traveling to those countries is strongly suggested. This happens whenever there is political instability at home or abroad international travel becomes. But how safe is it really to travel to other countries?

If you travel overseas being cautious is a must. But with politics affecting travelers from flights to safety abroad, many are skipping, skipping town. Over the weekend more than a thousand flights were canceled during temporary air restrictions affecting parts of the Caribbean due to the military operation capturing Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

The restrictions left some travelers temporarily stranded. Vanessa Gordon, the founder of East End Taste told us, “This is definitely a time where we certainly need to be more vigilant and people need to be more hyper aware in terms of you know, political strife could come about at any given time.”

With the ongoing situation in Venezuela experts tell us travelers need to be keeping an eye on the news and in touch with airlines. UTSA political science professor Jon Taylor said, “I mean, if you do feel unsafe, you should absolutely think about canceling, because, I mean, let’s be honest, this is about personal taste and personal concerns.” Dan Richards, the CEO of Global Rescue told us, “I just think they should be more prepared for unforeseen delays and be prepared and have flexible schedules so that if they do end up in a place where there is a problem, that they are able to stay there for an extended period of time.”

There’s also the issue of safety. Gordon told us, “The taxi driver proceeded to take me to what I felt was the Manila Hotel. Interestingly, the taxi driver did not do that brought me to a very dark, isolated area of the city that I was not familiar with.” Gordon is a world traveler, and in 2009 says she was nearly kidnapped in the Philippines while trying to get back to her hotel. She knows how scary it can be to travel overseas, especially with so much global political turmoil.

Global Rescue has these travel tips for those venturing overseas. Consult governmental travel advice by visiting the state department travel advisory page. Avoid demonstrations no matter how peaceful they may appear. Keep a low profile throughout your trip. Dress modestly and avoid flashy jewelry or electronics. And have an emergency plan including possible escape routes.

When booking international travel consider a travel agent as an extra layer of protection, and don’t forget trip insurance. LaDell Carter. the founder and lead luxury travel designer from Royal Expression Travels added, “What if you get sick because some travelers say, I’m going, don’t worry. But it’s not about if you’re going. The airspace is closed, you can’t go. So then you’ve forfeited, you know, maybe a numerous amount.”

Travel experts say if you do decide to go ahead with your plans to travel abroad to make sure to check the State Department’s website often for any updated travel information before you hit the friendly skies.