The Federal Bureau of Investigation warns Americans to be cautious when traveling abroad during spring break.
In a Monday news release, FBI Assistant Director of Charge Akil Davies said that risks exist for anyone looking to escape winter’s final grip or a student who wants a short break from academic life. Keep vigilance during your travels, and contact the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy if necessary.
Warning issued after the University of Pittsburgh Student Sudiksha Konanki went missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic resort city of Punta Cana.
Spring break travel season is mainly March and April. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to see a 5% increase in passengers over last year.
FBI Tips for Spring Break Safety
The FBI recommends that travelers “be vigilant of their surroundings and use caution” while traveling.
The FBI recommends that you avoid illegal or “improper” acts as well as “offers for sexual companionship,” as these may lead to “room raids, photography and extortion.”
The agency warns against traveling alone after dark, particularly at night.
Travel Advisories
The FBI advises that anyone traveling abroad should review the travel advisories of their destination. The FBI says that travel advisories are categorized from Levels 1 to 4 and regularly updated. According to the State Department, the levels are determined by a number of factors including the level of crime, the threat of terrorism and civil unrest as well as health concerns. If certain regions of a country are more at risk than others, they may receive multiple advisories.
Travelers in Level 1 countries should take normal precautions, and understand that international travel is not without risk. The Level 2 countries recommend increased caution because of “heightened safety and security risks.” Level 3 advises Americans to reconsider their travel plans to their destination. Level 4 warns against travel to this location.
Safety from Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide was not mentioned by the FBI in its statement on Monday. However, travelers should still be aware of this possible danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the invisible and odorless gas causes more than 400 poisoning deaths each year in the United States. Carbon monoxide has been blamed for the deaths of American tourists who visited Mexico and the Bahamas.
Experts recommend that your hotel or rental room has at least one CO detector. A portable detector can be brought by travelers. Experts advise that you should leave the building as soon as a carbon monoxide alarm sounds.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting and weakness.
