UW Cautions Students Of World-Wide Travel Advisory

A world wide travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State in the wake of the killing of Osama Bin Laden is part of advice going out to University of Wyoming students and staff as they move into a busy travel season.

Ann Alexander, Director of International Programs at U-W, says they often pass along alerts for specific country's..

"It is fairly unusual to have a worldwide travel alert come out from the State Department, but we did put out some information on the travel alert for Mexico around Spring-break, but it is very unusual to put something out for the entire world."

The alert does not suggest staying home, but rather, when out of the country, to practice extra caution especially if your traveling where anti-American sentiment may be high. She says the advice is pretty simple and the most important thing is to be aware of whats going on around you  and " avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations, and pay attention when your in big crowds, say, at a market or restaurants where westerners frequent.  Just sort of, be respectful of the local culture. And we're talking about anywhere; Germany, Canada, all the way to some of the more diverse destinations."

The Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council says stay current on media coverage, maintain a low profile, and if your in a group,  keep track of each other.

Alexander suggests registering with the "Smart Traveler Enrollment Program" which allows the Department of State to better assist you.

Follow this link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment program;

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/