The U.S. Department of State has lowered its travel advisory for Jamaica, signaling an improvement in safety conditions for American travelers. On May 29, Jamaica’s advisory was downgraded from Level 3, “reconsider travel,” to Level 2, which recommends increased caution due to potential risks. The island had been under the stricter Level 3 advisory since January 2024.
While this change reflects progress, concerns remain. Crime and medical services continue to be the main safety challenges. The U.S. Embassy frequently receives reports of sexual assaults involving U.S. tourists, including incidents at resorts, and responses to serious crimes are often slow or unsatisfactory.
Additionally, healthcare services in Jamaica differ significantly from those in the U.S., with slower emergency response times and limited access to specialized care. Private hospitals require upfront payment and may not be equipped for all medical emergencies, underscoring the need for travelers to remain vigilant.
Although Jamaica’s overall travel advisory has been lowered, several areas of the island remain under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning, the highest and most serious advisory level. These include all or parts of St. Ann’s Parish, St. Catherine’s Parish, Clarendon Parish, St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Hanover Parish, St. James Parish/Montego Bay, Kingston and St. Andrew Parish, Manchester Parish, St. Thomas Parish, Trelawny Parish, and Westmoreland Parish. Travelers can find maps and updates on restricted areas on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
For those planning to visit Jamaica, the State Department advises avoiding public buses and remote locations, staying aware of your surroundings, and refraining from walking or driving after dark. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is also recommended to receive safety alerts from the U.S. Embassy and to help authorities locate you quickly in case of an emergency.
As the world prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the U.S.-Vietnam War, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi in Vietnam offers an immersive way to revisit this pivotal chapter of history. Guests at this iconic hotel are invited to embark on a special “Path of History” tour, a journey through time that brings the war’s legacy to life.
One of the tour’s most compelling stops is the hotel’s underground bomb shelter, where wartime visitors like Joan Baez and Jane Fonda took refuge during air raids. Sealed off in 1975 after the war, the shelter remained hidden until its rediscovery in 2011 during renovations to the hotel’s Bamboo Bar. Now, guests can experience the atmosphere of the bunker and learn about the harrowing experiences of those who sought safety there.
For most of the world, Turkmenistan remains a mystery. Landlocked in Central Asia, it’s the second largest country in the region, yet it’s one of the least-known nations globally. Part of the reason for its obscurity? Turkmenistan has long maintained some of the strictest visa policies in the world. Independent travelers could only access the country on a transit visa, typically valid for just 3 to 7 days, or by joining a guided tour that required pre-arranged, government-approved invitations.
But that may soon change. According to The Independent, Turkmenistan has passed a new law that simplifies the visa process. Under the new system, travelers will only need to fill out an online form, eliminating the need for a formal invitation. Although President Serdar Berdymukhamedov will have the final say on the specifics (including the types of electronic visas and their validity) the new process promises to make visiting Turkmenistan far easier for travelers.
Travelers heading to Rome in the coming weeks will find themselves arriving during a moment of historical and emotional significance. With the passing of Pope Francis, both Rome and Vatican City are experiencing an extraordinary influx of visitors, pilgrims, mourners, and world leaders alike, many of whom were already planning trips for the upcoming Jubilee Year. As such, navigating it all will require patience and planning.
“This is a time of great reflection and reverence in Rome,” says Kathy McCabe, host of Dream of Italy and Dream of Europe on PBS, and founder of Dream of Italy Magazine. “If you already have plans to visit during this period, reconfirm all reservations, book ahead wherever possible, and plan your days with flexibility and patience.”
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