By: Miriam Bribiesca
So you’ve found a $320 round trip ticket to a “hidden gem” destination according to TikTok, and it sounds almost too good to be true and sometimes… it is! If you find yourself in that situation you are better off triple checking why because you might be booking your next vacation in a conflict zone.
Which is why in this Article we will be talking about those little (but IMPORTANT) things called travel advisories, AKA the U.S. government’s way of saying “maybe reconsider before globetrotting there.”
Knowing how to read travel risk levels can seriously help you stay safe, informed, and not caught in the middle of something you wish you’d googled beforehand. Here is our breakdown of what travel advisories actually mean, how to make smart decisions, and where it’s totally safe to visit right now.
What are the Travel Risk Levels and Why You Should Care
Travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State come in four levels that are constantly being updated to keep Americans safe. Here’s what each level means:
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – Basically, this means the government is saying to go and live your best life. Of course, stay aware of your surroundings like you would anywhere, but you’re good to go.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – Think of this as a yellow light. There might be petty crime, political tension, or weather related risks. Still safe, just requires you to be smarter on your decisions.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel – This is your mom’s worried voice: “Are you sure this is a good idea?” These places have high civil unrest, growing crime rates, or unstable governments. We recommend bookmarking these locations for a later time when situations improve.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the “absolutely not” location. Think active war zones, risk of kidnapping, or total government collapse. Even seasoned travelers wouldn’t want to be caught in these areas, so be like them and move on.
It’s important to remember that you can find these updated levels on the official State Department site, and yes, you should check it before booking anything, even if you’re just browsing because the advisories can change at any moment for better or for worse.
Destinations Currently Under High Level Warnings
We are all for chasing adventure, but there are a few spots around the world where the U.S. government is practically yelling, “DO. NOT. GO.” These Level 4 warnings aren’t just suggestions, they’re real, serious alerts based on things like political instability and violence.
So before you get any wild ideas, here’s the list of some Level 4 locations as of the publishing of this article:
- Russia – Level 4
As you have probably seen online, with the ongoing war with Ukraine, the anti Western sentiment, and the real risk of being detained makes Russia an absolute no go. - Myanmar – Level 4
Widespread armed conflict and civil unrest since the 2021 coup. Beautiful country, but very unstable moment. - Haiti – Level 4
Unfortunate Humanitarian crisis, gang violence, and crumbling systems. Now is truly not the time to test your luck. - North Korea – Level 4
Even after decades, North Korea is still locked down tight. Traveling here is high risk, and there is no help if you find yourself in trouble because even small misunderstandings could lead to arrest.
If any of these were on your wishlist, we recommend bookmarking them for much much later. There are plenty of safe, exciting places to explore in the meantime so continue reading to learn of safer travel locations.
Safe Spots for College Students
Now that we’ve covered where not to go, let’s focus on where you should go! These countries are highly rated in terms of safety, but also bursting with culture, food, and budget friendly options for students:
Japan – Level 1
One of the safest countries in the world, Japan is basically a modern playground. Vending machines that serve hot meals? You got it. Mario Kart cosplay in the streets of Tokyo? Bet. Just be respectful of the culture (no loud FaceTimes on public transport and carry a mask with you at all times, please), and you’re golden.
Portugal – Level 1
Portugal has been having a main character moment for a bit now and for good reason. It’s affordable, super walkable, LGBTQ+ friendly, and has a low crime rate. Whether you’re living your beach dreams or eating the yummiest pastel de nata, Portugal is perfect for student travelers.
South Korea – Level 1
Unlike its counterpart up North, South Korea is currently considered one of the most fun destinations for young people to visit. And with Kpop, skincare, and cafes that look like Pinterest boards we totally get it! Plus they have extensive public transit and English signage in most major cities, which means you’ll get around easily and with no hassle.
When it comes to traveling the world, you don’t need to become a news junkie to know where it is safe to travel, but staying informed is key. So before we finish up, here are the best reputable places to get your info:
- U.S. State Department for travel Advisories where you can sign up for alerts by country.
travel.state.gov - CDC for Travelers’ Health like keeping tabs for health risks, vaccinations, and outbreaks.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for when you just want to take an extra precaution and let the U.S Embassy know you’re abroad, allowing them to contact you if things go south.
step.state.gov
Given all this information, remember that just because a destination has a Level 2 doesn’t mean it’s a no go. For example, Mexico is a mixed bag, some states are Level 4, while others like Yucatán are relatively safe at level 1 or 2. So, the key is not just checking the country level, but reading which regions are actually risky, making sure you are not traveling through them to get to that “hidden spot.” Safety above all else!
Traveling smart doesn’t mean you have to be anxious at all times, it just means knowing what’s going on in the region before you go. But now that you’ve got the basics on travel risk levels and some solid ideas on where to actually go, don’t sleep on deals available for students like you. ScholarTrip has exclusive student discounts on flights, so it’s worth checking out before you book. So be safe, have fun, and book that trip!
