I was checking out the U.S. Embassy website today and noticed a travel alert for Thailand that was posted April 28th. The notice advises that all non-essential travel through Thailand be avoided due to rising violence and demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The alert will “expire” on July 28th.
This raises a bit of concern for me, but I don’t plan on shelving any of my travel plans because of it. Instead, I wonder what some of the seasoned travelers do when they see a notice or warning like this.
My Question To Backpackers:
Have you ever traveled to a country or region that was currently on a “Travel Alert” list? Do you heed these kind of warnings? Or do you just say “the hell with it” and travel to these places anyway?
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Hi Eli, I used to live for a long time in a country that is in and out the travel warning list (Indonesia). I’m not saying that the places in trouble are not dangerous, they could be. But in some (or many) cases only certain area are affected, not the whole country. Extra precaution and read up on news are good ideas, so we can avoid the trouble and enjoy the safe part of the country. I like this article by Wandering Earl in this topic:
http://www.wanderingearl.com/should-travel-warnings-stop-us-from-traveling/
Thanks Dina. The travel warning didn’t worry me too much, but it did make me stop and think. The news also tends to blow things way out of proportion.
Went to Thailand when there was a travel warning last year for Bangkok as there were protests, etc. Still went, just avoided Bangkok and areas where protests were occuring – most of it is just common sense! I mean, obviously if things got nuts and you were in the middle of it there would be a cause for concern, but the media does tend to sensationalize things… Good luck!
“The news also tends to blow things way out of proportion” – I agree with that.
Many of my travels destinations have had travel warnings: Myanmar, North Korea, Laos, (when guerillas were ambushing and killing tourists). You have to be aware and make your own decision on this. Don’t hang around crowded markets and public areas including crowded bars these can become targets.
Governments issue warnings at the slightest hint of scares including health and problems can occur anytime anywhere. It’s part of travelling to these places.
Good luck
Thanks for all the advice. It seems the consensus view is “Don’t avoid these places, but use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.” It’s good to see that you are all on the same page as me