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Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained

If you’re planning an international trip, here’s how to use the State Department’s country-by-country guide to minimize your risk of encountering crime, violence, or civil unrest.

On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.

The current version of the system, which launched in 2018, gives fluid rankings from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), indicating how risky countries (and in some cases, regions) are for Americans to visit. Rankings are based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, and the threat of terrorism. They are meant to give “clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” says a State Department spokesperson.

Not surprisingly, on October 14, the State Department moved Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Gaza to Level 4.

Here’s how the advisories work and how to use them.

What is a travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department inaugurated the travel advisory system in 1978, initially aiming warnings at airlines and travel companies. The system was scrutinized after the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight from London to New York , which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland , killing all 259 passengers and crew plus 11 people on the ground.

Investigations found U.S. authorities had been aware of a credible threat to a Pan Am flight but hadn’t informed the public. In response, the media and consular offices began issuing travel warnings. In 2018 the U.S. introduced its current four-tier advisory system. There are near-identical versions in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .

To determine rankings, the State Department considers a nation’s political volatility, crime trends, medical care standards, and the threat of kidnappings or terrorism. (Politics also ends up playing an unspoken role.) Some countries, such as Russia , receive a Level 4 ranking partly because the U.S. government may have limited ability to assist citizens there. Others rise to Level 4 due to a crisis, such as the military coup that recently rocked Niger .

When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, it also included state-by-state evaluations for Mexico , which draws more than 11 million American travelers a year. “Some Mexican states are quite safe for U.S. tourists, while others are riskier due to narco-trafficking violence,” says Ryan Larsen , executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement at Western Washington University. Yucatán and Campeche states are currently at Level 1, while six other Mexican states are at Level 4, including Sinaloa.

( Solo female travelers share tips for staying safe on the road .)

Epidemics and natural disasters also can prompt a travel advisory number to rise. Americans may be prompted to reconsider visiting a country recovering from a tsunami or major wildfires, since their presence could hinder rehabilitation efforts. This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey . Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.

The strictest-ever advisories came in April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic , says Larsen, who did a thesis on U.S. travel warnings. At that time, about 80 percent of the world’s countries were at Level 4.

At press time, about 70 percent of the world’s countries were rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the State Department, indicating they’re relatively safe. There are currently 21 countries at Level 3 and 21 at Level 4.

How to use travel advisories

Before booking an international trip, consult the State Department website to see where your destination ranks. While Level 1 and 2 countries are considered relatively safe, you should still register with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets Americans overseas use their smartphone to receive travel advisory updates and alerts about emerging dangers in their destination (protests, extreme weather).

Level 3 countries are considered more dangerous for foreign visitors, who should “reconsider travel,” according to the State Department. If you are headed to a Level 3 country, which currently includes Pakistan and Colombia , do wider research on its safety and on the places you’ll visit there, advises Jun Wen , a professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. For instance, while some remote areas in the Colombian Amazon still suffer from drug-related violence, cities such as Cartagena and Medellín are relatively safe. Going on a fully guided group or individual tour can also help you navigate destinations where political unrest or crime might impact your safety.

Travelers should study not only the advisories provided by their own country, but also by the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia to broaden their understanding of the risks in Level 3 countries, Wen says. As for Level 4 countries, that “Do Not Travel” advice couldn’t be any clearer.

Other countries also issue warnings to their citizens about visiting the U.S. Canada recently informed its LGBTQ travelers they may be affected by laws in certain U.S. states. Australia, meanwhile, cautions its citizens visiting the U.S. to be wary of higher crime rates and gun violence, and even to learn safety strategies for active shooter scenarios.

People who visit countries with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories don’t just risk their safety. They also may have travel insurance complications, says Linchi Kwok , tourism management professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

( How travel insurance can—and can’t—help when your plans change .)

They must pay much higher premiums, and their insurance can be invalidated if the advisory for their destination is elevated. “Medical coverage can be minimal, too, particularly if the travel advisory is put up against a disease or an outbreak,” says Kwok. “I encourage Americans to think twice before they travel to Level 3 and especially Level 4 destinations.”

Warnings and their impact on tourism

Travel advisories can be biased, Larsen argues. His research found that, while the U.S. didn’t often overstate the risk of travel to countries with which it had poor relations, it did often understate the danger of visiting nations that were its close allies. Elevating a travel advisory can stoke diplomatic tensions between two countries. Once a country is raised to Level 3 or 4, many tourists will avoid visiting, and many American universities won’t let students join study abroad programs.

The economic ramifications of a level change impact individual businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. For instance, J 2 adventures , a Jewish-focused tour company, saw most of its fall group trips to Israel canceled after the start of the Israel-Hamas war (and the higher advisory level), says cofounder Guy Millo. “This is not just because of the violence on the ground, but because of practical considerations like accessibility of commercial airline flights,” he says. “Most tourists from North America and places around the globe simply couldn’t get here even if they wanted to.”

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U.S. State Department Rolls Out a New Travel Advisory System

By Sebastian Modak

Image may contain Airport Human Person Terminal and Airport Terminal

For years, American travelers looking for the latest information on whether a potential destination is safe have relied on the U.S. State Department and its travel website for the latest information. There, they've learned of travel alerts in Europe , security messages in Israel , and travel warnings in Iraq and Syria. Has that info been comprehensive? Yes, these are the experts after all. But is it always clear? Not exactly. Travel alerts, travel warnings, security messages: What do they all really mean ? Seemingly aware that this all leads to a lot of confusion, the State Department has as of today instituted a new system, first announced in December, for alerting Americans about possible security risks abroad.

Instead of the former system, which issued "travel alerts" for short-term risks caused by discrete events like nationwide protests or epidemic outbreaks, and "travel warnings" for lingering concerns stemming from conflict or political instability, the State Department has implemented a tiered system that identifies the risk for every country in the world.

"In the new Travel Advisories, we’ve done away with Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts," said Bureau of Consular Affairs Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizen Services Michelle Bernier-Toth, in a briefing on Wednesday. "We’ve done away with emergency and security messages—that was something that people didn’t always understand the difference—and we have gone to a Travel Advisory for every country, including Antarctica. And within that Travel Advisory, we have gone to a four-level ranking system."

Level one countries are considered the safest, where travelers are asked to "exercise normal precautions." Level two means "exercise increased caution"; level three means Americans should "reconsider travel." Level four, the highest, translates to "do not travel."

For each country at level two or above, the travel advisory will also include one or more risk indicators, explaining why a country has been given a certain level: a C for crime, terrorism (T), civil unrest (U), health (H), natural disaster (N), time-limited event (E), or other, a designation for "potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators." Bernier-Toth also explained that a single country could carry different advisory levels for specific regions if a country as a whole is deemed relatively safe, but a specific region is experiencing instability or the effects of a natural disaster. Mexico, for example, carries a level two advisory , but a "Do not travel" warning (that is, a four) for five specific states, due to crime.

She also noted that the level four advisory doesn't necessarily mean Americans are banned from visiting a country—like they currently are with North Korea —but that the State Department thinks Americans would be at high risk from terrorism, conflict, or crime if they were to go there. The way the State Department assesses threats hasn't changed—just its packaging of it.

So where does it leave countries around the world? For a sampling, Bhutan gets a level one, China is at level two, Cuba is at level three, and the Central African Republic is at level four. The State Department's travel site will continue to offer detailed information about each country along with the advisory level and the risk indicators. You can see a full list of countries and their advisory level, plus a colorful, interactive map at travel.state.gov.

Countries with a level one or level two designation will go through official reviews every year, to see if the advisory needs to change, while those in the upper two levels will be reviewed every six months. That schedule, according to Bernier-Toth, is subject to change in response to specific events (a natural disaster, for example, or a contested election). U.S. citizens will continue to receive country-specific alerts in the event of an emergency—like a terrorist attack or natural disaster—through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .

The decision to change the system is significant: Bernier-Toth said in the briefing that "this is the first major overhaul in a very long time. I don’t even know when the last one was." Still, it seems to be more for the sake of facilitating clearer communication than any increased global threat: "Frankly, I personally was tired of explaining the difference between a Travel Warning and a Travel Alert even to some of my colleagues," Bernier-Toth said in the briefing.

This article was originally published on December 11, 2017. It has been updated with new information.

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Jamaica Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Government warnings sound dire but shouldn’t deter you from traveling.

an aerial view of a beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Four days before I flew from Washington, D.C., to Mali, I received a list of 20 pre-trip suggestions from the U.S. Department of State. Among the recommendations: Draft a will, discuss your funeral wishes with your family, designate a hostage negotiator and leave DNA samples with your medical provider.

My stomach knotted when I read the advice. Mali is on the State Department’s highest-level don’t-go-there list, along with such volatile nations as Haiti and Iraq. But until then I hadn’t been worried. I’d be working in Mali with a nonprofit, One Global Village, that has served there for years. I knew the organization’s leaders and their emphasis on safety. And while the Islamic State group was terrorizing Mali’s north, we would be in the relatively safer south, working in a remote rural village.

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I survived the 2020 journey without being kidnapped, robbed or shot, a feat I’ve managed on trips to numerous locations — from Guatemala to the West Bank — that provoke stern warnings from the State Department.

In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the State Department didn’t initially issue an updated travel advisory for Israel. It now says not to travel to Gaza because of terrorism and armed conflict and to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank because of terrorism and civil unrest. The State Department says that if you decide to travel to the region, you should check alerts on the website of the U.S. embassy in Israel for the latest information.

Popular destinations, including Mexico and Jamaica, have travel advisories. In Mexico, the department breaks down the advisories by state, with 13 states receiving “do not travel” and “reconsider travel” warnings. Kidnappings in Mexico in early 2023 raised questions about the safety of traveling to the country.

At the end of January, the State Department issued a level 3 travel advisory to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica, citing crime and medical services. The agency said “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.” The advisory added that sexual assaults also happen at all-inclusive resorts. As for medical services, the advisory said response times and quality of care are not as they are in the U.S. “We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica,” the advisory said. The advisory also listed some neighborhoods and parishes as “do not travel.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issues advisories. On Dec. 8, the CDC issued a health advisory about an outbreak of tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever among people who have recently traveled to or live in the city of Tecate, in Baja California, Mexico. Five people have been diagnosed since July, and three people have died, the health agency said.

According to the CDC, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a “severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease” that is contracted from the bite of infected ticks. In this outbreak, the five patients developed the disease within two weeks of travel to Tecate. The patients were hospitalized in Southern California. The agency says the antibiotic doxycycline is the best course of treatment.

Here are some insights on understanding advisories and staying safe.

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a graphic showing the U.S. Department of State's advisory levels

Deciphering the alerts

The State Department issues travel advisories for every country and assigns one of four grades:

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Level 3: Reconsider travel.
Level 4: Do not travel.

Most countries are Level 1 or 2. With Level 3, the State Department suggests that you avoid travel due to serious safety risks. With Level 4, you face “a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks,” and the government may be unable to provide assistance.

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The State Department also issues warnings for events ranging from political protests to hurricanes. In late June, for example, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Paris issued a security alert when riots erupted after a police shooting in a nearby suburb. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin released a similar alert in July after a 57-year-old American was assaulted by teenagers.

Warnings and advisories may sound dire, but they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from traveling. If you based trip decisions solely on the government’s cautious advisories, you’d never leave home. In its advisory for famously safe, Level 1 Japan, the State Department warns of sexual assaults and criminals who spike victims’ drinks. For Australia, another Level 1 country, the department mentions bar brawls, violent demonstrations, pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Travel warnings are often broad, but reality is more nuanced. Take Dublin. The July alert was issued after an attack against a single American (though the embassy also mentioned “a number of recent incidents reported in Irish media”). But Dublin is considered safe by most European travel experts.

Want to put security concerns in perspective? Consider foreign governments’ advisories about the United States. The United Kingdom warns of terrorist attacks, gang assaults on tourists’ vehicles and violent protests. Multiple countries, including Canada and Germany, caution citizens about gun violence and mass shootings.

“It always surprises me when my clients bring up advisories … because we’re in New Orleans, where the crime is so bad here,” says Lauren Cardinale, a travel adviser and owner of Travel Design Co., citing carjackings and shootings. She mentions a Spanish colleague who visited New Orleans. The woman’s mother was terrified about her daughter’s safety.

“You have to take these advisories with a grain of salt,” says Cardinale. “No matter where you are, you have to be safe and be aware of your surroundings. ... You run risks anywhere you go.”

What about Mexico?

The State Department’s Level 3 advisories include popular tourist destinations like Egypt, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, but for many travelers, Mexico evokes the most concern. The department issues travel advisories for individual states in Mexico, and six are on its “do not travel” list because of kidnappings and other crimes.

The concerns are real. In February 2023, coastal Colima was named the most violent city in the world by Mexico’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. But discouraging travel to entire states is like avoiding California because of open-air drug markets in San Francisco.

“As soon as the press reports that something happened in Mexico, people fear the entire country,” says Laura Holcomb, a travel adviser and owner of Memories and Moments Travel in Chardon, Ohio. In early 2023, Holcomb traveled to Puerto Morelos, Cancún and Playa del Carmen, areas where the State Department advises travelers to “exercise increased caution.” Holcomb felt safe, partly because she stays in resorts that emphasize security.

Her advice to clients: Don’t leave the resort. And if you do leave, book transportation from a reputable company, a concierge or a travel adviser.

How to protect yourself

Every country and city has its safe spots and its dangerous neighborhoods. If you’re worried about security, follow this safety list:

Register for STEP. Before leaving home, enroll in the federal government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . The U.S. embassy or consulate will know your itinerary, lodging and contact information. You’ll also receive updates about safety conditions.

Buy travel insurance. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover a variety of calamities, though you may have to add emergency evacuation as part of your coverage. Trip cancellation coverage should protect you from unforeseen events that prevent you from traveling, such as the wildfires that hit Maui in August. For further peace of mind, Holcomb recommends buying a cancel-for-any-reason policy when you book your trip. With this type of policy, you can cancel a trip for any reason at any time, unlike some policies that don’t allow cancellations 24 hours before departure. Also ask your health insurer if it covers international medical bills. Many don’t, so you may need coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Consult the CDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers its own four-level advisory system , issues notices for countries experiencing disease outbreaks and other issues, and offers advice on getting health care while traveling.

Hire a travel adviser. The Maui wildfires showed why travel advisers can be valuable. Once the disaster struck, travel advisers helped with evacuations and rescheduled trips for Maui-bound clients. In an emergency, travel advisers have direct access to travel providers and tourism boards — and receive information before it filters to consumers and the media.

Check your travel provider’s website. Most airlines, including Alaska, American, JetBlue and Southwest, post travel advisory information online, which provides instructions and covers information such as change fees. The same is true with cruise lines, from Celebrity to Royal Caribbean, and resorts.

Listen to locals. Before One Global Village president Abigail Hayo travels to Mali, she consults with Malians about safety issues. Don’t have connections in a city? Contact hotel concierges, tour companies, tourist bureaus or embassies to learn about local conditions.

Use common sense. Simple steps can help you stay safe, including:

Try to blend in. Dress like a local instead of a tourist and don’t carry wads of cash. Hayo never wears “fancy jewelry” while traveling.
Travel in groups. Don’t wander an unfamiliar city alone at night.
Book lodging in busy, well-lit parts of a city, Cardinale suggests.
Carry your passport in a travel wallet or money belt, not in your backpack’s outer pocket.
Keep a photo of your passport on your phone and leave a copy at home with an emergency contact, Holcomb recommends. Do the same with your credit card.
Be aware of your surroundings. Staring at your phone, wearing earbuds, drinking too much — they can make you less alert.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on August 25, 2023. It has been updated to reflect new information.

Ken Budd has written for National Geographic Traveler , Travel+Leisure , The Washington Post Magazine and many more. He is the author of a memoir, The Voluntourist.

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Evaluating the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System

Many colleges and universities, including Northwestern, pay close attention U.S. Department of State (DOS) consular announcements, which are disseminated to the public to help assess travelers’ risks. It’s important for travelers to understand the different announcement types and sources.

The Consular Travel Advisory System

Under new DOS Travel Advisory system every country is assigned a color-coded risk rating from one to four, defined as:

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.
Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.
Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.
Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Additional country-specific information is provided in each advisory, including clearer, actionable steps for that travelers can take to mitigate risk. (See Risk Indicators below). The DOS will update the advisories as needed, based on changes to security and safety information.

Risk Indicators

By using established risk indicators, the Travel Advisories at levels 2-4 provide clear reasons for the level assigned:

E - Time-Limited Event: A short-term event, such as an election, sporting event or other incident that may post a safety risk.
C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exist and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.
K– Kidnapping or Hostage Taking : Criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and / or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
D – Wrongful Detention: The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by a foreign government exists.
O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators.

U.S. embassies and consulates will now issue Alerts to replace the Emergency Messages and Security Messages. Alerts will inform travelers of specific safety and security concerns in a country and will be labeled according to their issue: Security Alert; Health Alert; Weather Alert; or Demonstration Alert. Recent Alerts for a country appear below the Travel Advisory. Alerts can also be found on individual embassy or consulate websites.

Click here for an example of an embassy Alert message.

Additional Information

For an even more detailed description of these terms, please see the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) document, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System .

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Travel Health Notices

Search By Country Name or Disease

CDC uses Travel Health Notices (THNs) to inform travelers about global health risks during outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters, and to provide advice about protective actions travelers can take to prevent infection or adverse health effects.

A THN can be posted for: 1) a disease outbreak (higher number of expected cases) in a country or region, 2) sporadic cases of a disease in an unusual or new geographic location, 3) natural and human-made disasters with severe environmental health risks, or infrastructure damage that would limit healthcare services availability and 4) mass gathering events that can lead to disease outbreaks. See types of travel notices .

Level 4 - Avoid All Travel

Currently there are no Travel Health Notices at this level.

Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel

Level 2 - practice enhanced precautions.

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Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions

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Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Islands can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Country List : Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, CambodiaDengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands429 Dengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands February 09, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Islands can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka Read More >>
There is an outbreak of Oropouche fever in the Amazonas and Acre states of Brazil. Travelers to these states of Brazil should take steps to avoid bug bites.Oropouche Fever in Brazil758 Oropouche Fever in Brazil February 06, 2024 There is an outbreak of Oropouche fever in the Amazonas and Acre states of Brazil. Travelers to these states of Brazil should take steps to avoid bug bites. Read More >>
There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico.Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico 756 Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico December 11, 2023 There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico. Read More >>
An outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever in Pakistan is ongoing. Extensively drug-resistant infections do not respond to most antibiotics.XDR Typhoid Fever in Pakistan397 XDR Typhoid Fever in Pakistan June 16, 2023 An outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever in Pakistan is ongoing. Extensively drug-resistant infections do not respond to most antibiotics. Read More >>
Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport. Salmonella Newport in Mexico732 Salmonella Newport in Mexico September 08, 2022 Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport. Read More >>

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Strollers /
Car Seats /

Best Travel Systems of 2024

Travel systems—car seat + stroller combos—make getting out with your baby a whole lot easier., by jen labracio | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot.

When you’re ready to roll with your little one, a car seat and a stroller is key. Thanks to the smarty who designed the first travel system―a car seat that clips onto a matching stroller―you can make one purchase and get both essentials. If you’re a new parent and just heard the term “travel system,” don’t worry—we’ll explain it all. (And if you came here looking for a travel stroller or a travel car seat , those are different, but we’ve got you covered there, too.) We’re also sharing important car seat safety information from a pediatrician and our top picks for the best travel systems.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Systems

Best Travel System: Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System
Best More Affordable Pick: Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
Easiest Install: Britax Willow Brook Travel System
Best Car Seat: Nuna MIXX NEXT with Mag Buckle and PIPA Rx Travel System
Most Versatile: Graco Modes Nest Travel System
Best for a Growing Family: UPPAbaby MESA V2 Infant Car Seat & VISTA V2 Stroller Travel System
Best Jogger: Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec Jogger Travel System
Easiest to Fold: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Travel System
Best Lightweight: Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Travel System
Best More Affordable Lightweight: Graco FastAction Fold Sport Click Connect Travel System

What Is a Travel System?

Do you need a travel system.

When Do You Need a Travel System

Are Travel Systems Safe for Newborns?

How to pick the best travel system, babylist’s picks for the best travel systems, best travel system stroller.

Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System - Veranda

Great combo of features, price + performance
Stroller can be used as a frame carrier
Includes parent-favorite car seat

What Our Experts Say

The price of a travel system can range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. The Chicco Corso Travel System sits squarely in the middle of that price range and has a lot to offer, making it one of our favorite travel systems on the market. The car seat, the KeyFit 35, is a popular parent favorite—and our pick for the overall best infant car seat —that’s easy to install, packed with safety features and fits most babies really well. (It also works well for extended rear-facing use, with a good amount of headrest room and a weight maximum of 35 pounds.) The stroller shares many features with high-end strollers that cost upwards of a thousand dollars, including large, foam-filled tires and rear-wheel suspension for a smooth ride, a multi-position reclining seat, an adjustable canopy and footrest and leatherette trim. The stroller seat is fully removable, turning it from a full-featured toddler stroller into a lightweight, skeleton frame that’s much easier to manage when you’re using it with just the infant car seat.

What’s Worth Considering

If you want to spend a little less, check out the brand’s Bravo Trio Travel System . You’ll get the same infant car seat as part of the package deal, but not the same stroller—the Trio has plastic wheels instead of rubber and the ride isn’t as smooth as compared to the Corso. Parents also say the materials overall are a bit less durable. But considering the price, it’s still an excellent choice if you’re in the market for a solid travel system. favorite.

What Babylist Parents Say

“As a CPST I trust Chicco and all of their products. The ease of the KeyFit35 install is to die for. The car seat also feels comfortable and sturdy. I also love this stroller! The one-hand fold and the sleek design. It looks beautiful with the flower-like wheels and leather handle. It’s also a beautiful color. I would recommend to anyone.” -Patience Mabin

Additional Specs

Best More Affordable Baby Travel System

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System w/Litemax - Desert Tan

Higher-end features at affordable price
Six different stroller seating configurations
Car seat exceeds industry safety standards

Parents rave about this travel system that offers so much for so little, and we couldn’t agree more. The Pivot has features we’ve come to expect from much pricier strollers, like the option to turn the regular seat into a newborn bassinet, a large canopy, a seat that can face forward or toward you and a removable child tray. The Litemax infant car seat that’s included far exceeds industry standards and is a favorite of CPSTs (Child Passenger Safety Technicians, AKA car seat safety experts). The base is made of impact-absorbing materials and has an anti-rebound bar to deflect the force of a crash, along with lots more impressive safety features.

The car seat included here is really where this travel system shines, especially for the price. The stroller doesn’t handle uneven terrain all that well, and parents complain that the wheels start to squeak over time. Users also note that attaching the car seat to the stroller may take a bit of finesse.

If you’re looking for a similarly affordable travel system that also converts from a single to a double stroller, check out the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System with Litemax .

Craving a few upgrades? Take a look at the Evenflo Gold Shyft . It’s also a multi-mode seat that features SensorSafe technology (an app paired with a special car seat buckle that alerts you if your child is unbuckled, overheats or is left behind in the car) as well as upgraded fabrics, trim and wheels.

“I like the flexibility—it can easily change from holding the car seat to a bassinet to a “big kid” seat.” -Marie

Travel System with Easiest Install

Britax Willow Brook Travel System - Onyx Glacier

Infant car seat is quick and easy to install
Four ways to stroll
One-step fold

Parents and car seat experts rave about ClickTight, Britax’s installation technology, calling it “ a remarkably simple and effective way to install a car seat .” But it’s never been available in an infant seat—until now. The Willow infant car seat included in this well-priced travel system features this installation system that makes getting a safe, secure install quick and easy. The seat also features three adjustment points (hips, shoulders and between the legs) for a custom fit and naturally flame-retardant fabrics (which are also washer and dryer safe). The stroller is on the lighter side and has a modular seat, a one-step fold and a large storage basket.

The stroller’s wheels are plastic and the suspension system isn’t the best, leading some parents to complain about a bumpy ride when on uneven terrain.

“We are on our 4th child so we have tried several other strollers and car seats before. I have to say that this set is top-notch. The stroller is fairly light and glides very smoothly with easy turns. The seat can lift up and turn around so baby can face frontward to see ahead or rearward to see us. The cupholder for the “pusher” is a nice touch. Car seat and base are also great but the cool thing about the ca seat is that it also clicks into the stroller until baby is big enough for the toddler seat. No complaints.” -bmshaw

Best Car Seat Travel System

Nuna MIXX Next with Mag Buckle and PIPA Rx Travel System - Caviar

Includes ultra-light, ultra-safe parent favorite car seat
Luxury features
Stroller has great maneuverability and suspension

This travel system is (much) more than just its good looks—it’s also super functional. It combines the Nuna Mixx Next stroller, loved for its smooth ride (oversized tires + all-wheel suspension = one high-performing combo), generous storage basket, magnetic seat buckle and compact fold with the Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat, one of the lightest, safest and most popular infant seats on the market. (It also includes the Relx Base, Nuna’s anti-rebound base that features a fold-down stability leg to absorb collision forces and four latch positions for a better fit against your vehicle’s seat.)

The stroller fully reclines and boasts excellent maneuverability and the car seat is a breeze to snap in and out at only a little over seven pounds. This travel system is pricey, but well worth it if you’re looking for a luxury car seat + stroller combo that combines safety, durability and performance features.

This is a really pricey travel system, especially considering the stroller doesn’t convert to hold more than one child. Although the car seat is super light, the Mixx stroller is on the heavier side. The car seat’s seat pad is machine washable but the rest is spot-clean only.

Most Versatile Travel System

Graco Modes Nest Travel System - Sullivan

Three different modes
One-hand, self-standing fold

This travel system combines one of Graco’s most popular strollers, the Modes Nest, with their popular SnugRide 35 Lite Elite infant car seat, and the result is one pretty awesome travel system. The standout feature of the Modes Nest stroller is optionality. It’s three strollers in one, working as an infant car seat carrier (you can click the car seat directly onto the stroller frame), a bassinet (pram) and a toddler stroller with the ability to flip the seat parent- or forward-facing. Especially considering the price, this is a pretty impressive (and convenient) feature. Parents also love the snack tray and parent cup holder, large canopy and removable newborn head and body support. The car seat, the SnugRide 35 Lite Elite, weighs under 10 pounds and is easy to install. It works up to 35 pounds and has a four-position recline.

The stroller wheels are plastic, so it’s not ideal for rougher terrain or traversing over curbs.

Looking for a similar stroller but need it to work for a growing family? Check out the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System . It expands to a double stroller and has over 15 configurations.

“We love this travel system for our daughter! The car seat is light, which I definitely appreciated after my C-section as I was not supposed to carry a lot of weight. The stroller is also lightweight and has great features! We were drawn to this stroller for the bassinet feature. We put our daughter down for walks and she naps peacefully while getting some fresh air. The stroller is also easy to fold and unfold. I feel like I could do it with one hand if I tried, which is great for any mom who already has their hands full with their little one!” -JCains

Best Travel System for a Growing Family

UPPAbaby MESA V2 Infant Car Seat & VISTA V2 Stroller Travel System - Mesa V2 Greyson/Vista V2 Greyson

Grows with your family
Tons of configurations

When this travel system hits the sidewalks, other strollers give it the jealous side-eye. The Vista (which consistently makes it into our best stroller guide) grows right along with your family. It can accommodate two infant car seats, two bassinets and countless other combinations. It has an amazing amount of high-end features and is a true delight to push—it easily steers with one hand, turns on a dime and can effortlessly take on rougher surfaces like cracked sidewalks and gravel. The Mesa infant car seat is reversible (parent-facing or front-facing) as are the toddler seats, and there’s shade galore with an enormous SPF 50 canopy, a huge storage basket, a telescoping handlebar and a red-to-green light indicator on the car seat base so you know when it’s been properly secured.

The Vista V2 travel system is expensive. It’s a large, bulky stroller and isn’t the easiest to break down. It can also be tough to push when it’s fully loaded with two kiddos. Unlike the Evenflo travel system above, the stroller component of this system is what shines rather than the car seat. While it’s not the hardest to install, it’s not always the easiest (always read your manual!) and the fit isn’t always the best for smaller babies.

“The flexibility!!! It was wonderful with one child and a lifesaver now that we have two under two. It has incredible storage capacity, many configuration options and so easy to use!!!” -Nicole

Best Jogging Travel System

Baby trend expedition race tec jogger travel system - ultra grey.

Super affordable jogging stroller
XL wheels for any terrain
Oversized storage basket

Jogging strollers aren’t known for being affordable, so it’s surprising that a travel system with a car seat and a jogger that handles as well as this one does could cost so little. The Expedition boasts the ability to make quick, sharp turns and has bicycle wheels to coast over gravel, grass, uneven pavement and other types of rough terrain. (The front wheel also locks for jogging.) It also features a jumbo storage basket, a removable XL canopy to block out the elements and an effortless fold that engages by pulling the triggers beside the handlebar.

You can’t jog with the stroller until your little one can sit up and has strong head and neck control, usually around eight months old. It’s also on the shorter side for a jogger, so a taller toddler may not fit in it for very long, meaning you won’t get as much use out of it as some of the larger (and more expensive) jogging strollers like BOB or Thule. The car seat can be tough to install.

“I am tall so this stroller was great for my height. The price was right and the car seat was very lightweight. It did not take up a lot of space in my small car and was easy to attach to the stroller. I love how smooth the jogging stroller was to push.” -Ashley

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Easiest to Fold Travel System

Baby jogger city mini gt2 all-terrain travel system - opulent black.

Includes bestselling stroller
Quick and easy one-handed fold
Great for urban and suburban families

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 stroller is a parent favorite and a Babylist bestseller thanks to its agility and its unparalleled one-handed fold. Combine that with a versatile, ultrasafe car seat and you get a travel system that’s tough to top. The GT2’s slim profile and ability to quickly turn corners makes it perfect for crowded city streets as well as suburban sidewalks. With one hand you can quickly whip it closed and carry it up stairs or onto a commuter train no problem—it’s lighter than most full-size strollers. And because of its tight fold, it fits in smaller trunks.

The compatible City GO 2 car seat is just as great. You can safely secure it in a vehicle with or without a base (perfect for taxis or ride shares) and it pops right into the stroller.

The storage basket on the stroller is small and tough to reach, and the infant car seat is on the heavier side.

“My baby loves this stroller the most and we take it everywhere. Love the light weight, easy to fold feature and comfort.” -Lee

Best Lightweight Travel System

Nuna pipa urbn & trvl travel system - caviar.

Baseless infant car seat
Lightweight travel stroller + 7-pound car seat
Perfect for travel

If you plan on traveling frequently while your baby is an infant, or simply prefer a more lightweight stroller for everyday use, this is the travel system for you. It’s pricey, but it’s an extremely high-quality, safe and innovative stroller + car seat combo that is truly one of a kind.

This travel system from Nuna combines the brand’s TRVL stroller with the urbn, a baseless car seat. What’s so special about a baseless car seat? Most infant car seats can be installed without a base, but require a seat belt—along with time and patience. That’s not the case here. There’s no base to worry about AND the latch system is built right into the seat’s base. Simply press a button on each side to attach the seat directly to your vehicle’s lower anchors. It’s about as foolproof as it gets, and especially ideal if you’ll be using your car seat on the go in rideshares or taxis. It’s also an extremely safe way to secure a car seat to a vehicle.

Standout features of the TRVL stroller include a quick, one-handed fold, a compact size (it stands on its own and weighs just over 13 pounds) and an easy-access storage basket.

This travel system is expensive. The stroller doesn’t have a carry strap and doesn’t have many of the perks you’ll find on a full-size stroller. The urbn car seat has a lower height and weight limit than most infant car seats.

Best More Affordable Lightweight Travel System

Graco fastaction fold sport click connect travel system - gotham.

One-second, one-hand fold
Modular seat
Includes lightweight car seat

The second Graco travel system on our list, this one stands out as a much more affordable lightweight travel system that’s known for its one-handed, one-second fold. The FastAction system is a great choice if you’re looking for a safe, popular car seat and a stroller that’s easy to navigate. The stroller features a multi-position reclining seat, a large storage basket underneath and lots of extras like child and parent trays and cup holders. Another feature to love? The SnugRide 35 Lite infant car seat weighs less than eight pounds an is a parent favorite.

If you prefer a four-wheel stroller (and a modular seat) instead of a three-wheel configuration, Graco’s FastAction SE Travel System is a good option to consider.

“My husband and I bought this travel system for our grandson. It is so easy to use, and we can take it anywhere. The stroller is lightweight, and opens/closes with little effort. The front wheels make it simple to maneuver through doorways, around obstructions, and even rides like a breeze through grass and rocky terrain. I would recommend this system for anyone, but, it is especially convenient for people who may have difficulty with heavy, or more complex systems. Best of all - our grandson loves it!” -grandma2

We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
We interviewed pediatrician Dr. Kelly Fradin and researched information on car seat safety and reviews from car seat safety experts and from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel systems.
We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

A travel system is a car seat and a stroller that attach to each other. Just unclip the car seat from its base in the back seat, snap it into the stroller and you’re off.

A travel system, sometimes also referred to as a stroller travel system or baby travel system, can be purchased in two ways:

As a package deal from the same brand (the type of travel systems we’re reviewing here), or
As a “make your own” set that combines a stroller and a car seat from different brands using adapters.

Package deals tend to be more economical than the DIY version and are guaranteed to work together—no adapters required. If you’re eyeing up a stroller and a car seat from different brands, however, don’t stress. Just keep in mind that not all brands work together and you’ll often need to buy separate adapters. Check out Babylist’s Infant Car Seat and Stroller Compatibility guide to learn more.

Unless your stroller comes with a bassinet attachment or fully reclines and is approved for newborn use, it’s not suitable for your little one until they can sit up unassisted—which usually happens around six months of age. And even if that is the case, you’ll still need to move your infant every time you want to transfer them from the car seat to the stroller (and back again).

Here’s where a travel system comes in. A travel system solves for strolling with your newborn before they’re able to sit up independently. It also means you won’t have to disturb your little one every time you need to make the switch between your car seat and your stroller.

When Do You Need a Travel System?

You’ll need a travel system right at birth if you plan on using your car to transport your little one. Most parents choose to research travel systems prior to baby’s arrival and have one ready to go before birth so they’re prepared.

Around six to nine months, your baby will be sitting up and will likely want a better view of the world—and then you can use the full-size stroller on its own. And because you can use the stroller from infancy through toddlerhood, it’s the only stroller you’ll need to purchase.

Yes, travel systems are safe for newborns. There are a few guidelines you’ll want to keep in mind, though.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the use of car seats for sleep outside of a car. If your infant falls asleep in their car seat, they should be removed and placed in a crib or bassinet (or other safe sleep space) as soon as possible.

But what if your baby falls asleep in their car seat while you’re driving and is still asleep when you arrive at your destination? According to pediatrician Dr. Kelly Fradin , the best practice is to remove them and transfer them to a safe sleep environment.

“However, many parents, myself included, will want the child to finish their nap for a brief period. If you choose to do this to reduce risk be sure the baby is not overheating by removing hats, blankets and ventilating the car. Also, keep the straps snug and place the car seat on the floor under your direct supervision.”

“If babies are in an approved stroller with the car seat properly restrained, I think of it the same as being in a vehicle,” explains Dr. Fradin. “Keep them cool and supervised.”

Since a travel system includes two products—a car seat and a stroller—you’ll want to think through how you’ll use each piece of gear, both together and separately.

You’ll be using your stroller longer than your infant car seat, so that’s a good place to start. Think about the travel system stroller’s:

Size and weight
What type of terrain it can handle
Ease of use (how it opens and closes, if it’s washable, etc.)
Features and accessories (adjustable handlebar, canopy, etc.)

When selecting a car seat, it’s comforting to know that regardless of price, all car seats sold in the US must adhere to the same federal safety regulations. Other features to consider include:

The seat’s age, height and weight minimums and maximums
Features like washability, harness adjustment and side-impact protection
How the seat will fit in your car

Expert sources in this article:

Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist Sr. Gear Editor
Dr. Kelly Fradin , Pediatrician
American Academy of Pediatrics, “ How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe ”

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

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Family Life

A travel system consists of an infant car seat, a base for your car, and a stroller—all in one convenient box. It’s one of the most important purchases you’ll make before welcoming baby into the world. But with so many options, it’s hard to know where to start. We’ll walk you through the basics so you can make the right choice for your family. First Things First. Choosing a Car Seat Pediatrician appointments, playdates, diaper runs—baby’s first car seat will accompany you on all your earliest outings. Consider these questions as you begin to shop around.

Can you install and use the seat correctly? Remember: the easier it is, the more confident you’ll be that your little one is riding safely. First and foremost, you’ll want to choose an infant car seat you know you can install and use correctly. How often will you travel without a base? Are rideshares a major part of your travel routine? Some seats come with an extra belt guide on the back for added security when you don’t have the base handy. Do you live somewhere warm? Babies can get really warm while you’re out and about. If you live in a hot climate, look for an infant car seat made with a cooling technology. Britax has several performance fabrics that can help keep your child comfortable—like Cool Flow and Clean Comfort. Next? It’s Time to Talk Strollers Now that your car seat is covered, let’s talk strollers. Keep in mind, you’ll be using the stroller even after your baby outgrows the infant car seat, so choose one you’ll love for the long haul. Consider these questions to help narrow down your options.

How will you use & store it? Think about which stroller will best fit your lifestyle. Are you a transit rider or frequent flyer? A lightweight option may be your best bet. Don’t have a ton of room for storage? Consider a compact stroller that can easily fit into tight spaces. Do you live somewhere warm? Keep baby cool while cruising in warm climates. Britax Cool Flow and Clean Comfort strollers feature breathable fabrics and extra ventilation for cooler, more comfortable rides. What will you bring along for the ride? Toys, snacks, extra diapers. When you’re on-the-go with a little one, overpacking can sometimes pay off. Look for strollers with spacious baskets and hidden pockets, so you never have to leave the “must-haves” behind. Can’t Find the Perfect Pair? Create Your Own . If you can't find a ready-made travel system with a car seat and stroller you love, you can create your own by making two separate purchases. Many companies make car seat adapters, so it's usually easy to pair two different products, even from different brands. Use our Compatibility Chart to see which car seats fit your Britax stroller of choice.

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How to Stay Healthy This Holiday Travel Season

With a record number of travelers heading into the skies this holiday season and numerous viruses circulating, here’s how you can best protect yourself and others..

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Illustration of passengers with luggage at airport wearing masks

Wearing a mask remains an effective way to reduce virus transmission risk.

Illlustration by Shutterstock

This winter is gearing to be the busiest holiday travel season on record , with the number of air travelers passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screening checkpoints expected to reach—and surpass—prepandemic levels. And unfortunately, the busy holiday travel season coincides with cold, flu, COVID, and RSV season.

“There is a lot of sickness going around, and it will only increase in weeks to come,” writes Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist who serves as a scientific consultant to the White House and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the December 19 edition of her newsletter “Your Local Epidemiologist.”

Notes Dr. Jetelina, “To improve your odds of staying healthy for the holidays, this is the time to tighten up—wear a mask indoors, get that air moving, and certainly get vaccinated if you haven’t already. And please keep the holiday shopping online if you’re sick. We can minimize sickness in order to maximize family time coming up.”

Last week, the CDC issued a statement on the current state of respiratory diseases in the United States. The agency stated that “this season, illnesses have started later, returning to patterns typically seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that the peak of respiratory illness activity is likely yet to come.”

The CDC notes that COVID-19 hospitalizations are currently on the rise in addition to an increase in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which is caused by COVID-19. Influenza and RSV activity are also gaining, the agency reports.

For those heading into the holiday travel fray, the uptick in virus activity brings about two sets of potential health concerns. First, there is the concern about getting sick before or during a trip. This could affect the journey on several levels, from forcing a cancellation to requiring a traveler to spend their vacation time stuck inside or not feeling well.

Second, there is the concern about getting others sick. The holidays are a time when many travelers reunite with friends and family and, just as during the pandemic-era holiday seasons, infectious disease experts remain most concerned about the risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.

The good news is, we have a lot of tools at our disposal to combat transmission, many of which we amassed during the pandemic. We can also set up our immune systems for success ahead of the holiday travel season. The CDC offers several tips for how to improve our bodies’ natural defenses.

How to enhance your immunity

Make healthy eating decisions: Limit saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and sugars.
Exercise and reduce your stress: Physical activity has numerous health benefits and can also boost immunity by reducing stress and anxiety.
Get a good night’s sleep: The CDC reports that “sleep loss can negatively affect different parts of the immune system,” which can “lead to the development of a wide variety of disorders.”
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Both of these activities can weaken the body’s ability to fight disease.

Closeup of a person's legs and feet walking in snow

Physical activity helps to reduce stress and boost immunity, according to the CDC.

Photo by Shutterstock

How to stay healthy this holiday season

In addition to helping our immune system do its job, here are the actions that travelers can take this holiday travel season to improve their chances of healthy getaways and gatherings.

Get your flu shot and COVID booster

The CDC is strongly encouraging that everyone get their flu, RSV, and updated COVID vaccines due to “increased respiratory disease activity in the United States for several respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV,” according to a December 14 health alert .

“Getting yourself and your loved ones vaccinated will help keep all of you healthy during the holiday season and into the new year. If more Americans are protected against severe respiratory illnesses, we will likely see fewer hospitalizations. Lives can be saved,” the CDC recently stated.

The agency added that “vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory diseases, including young children, older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant people.”

Infectious disease experts recommend using a mask—like this Powecom KN95—when traveling.

Courtesy of Powecom

Mask up while traveling

While masks are no longer required on trains, airplanes, or in airports and other transport hubs, for those who want to protect themselves from viruses that might be circulating on the plane, at the airport, or in any common spaces, infectious disease experts recommend continuing to mask up .

“You don’t know who you are going to be sitting next to on a plane. You don’t know if that mild cough is allergies or if they are coming down with COVID, RSV, or influenza. You just don’t know. And then you’re going to be sitting next to them for a while,” says Dr. Dean Blumberg , chief of pediatric infectious disease at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

“I don’t like to get sick,” adds Blumberg. “That’s why I think it’s more important than ever for people who really do want to stay healthy and decrease their risk—they should continue to mask.”

For its part, the CDC notes that “traveling can bring you in contact with people from many different places where viruses are spreading. Using public transportation and being in transportation hubs such as airports, can involve spending long periods of time in areas that may be crowded or poorly ventilated. This increases your chance of exposure to respiratory diseases.”

The CDC also advises that wearing a mask during travel can help protect others who might be more vulnerable, including babies under 6 months of age, those over age 65 years, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Reduce your risks (and the risks you pose to others) prior to travel

If you want to improve your chances of getting out the door in good health and protecting vulnerable friends or family at your holiday gatherings, one way to do so is to be extra vigilant in the days and weeks leading up to departure.

Dr. Jetelina emphasizes that when it comes to holiday travel, she is “laser focused on those 65-plus. If we’re going to go see grandpa, we’re going to be extra careful that week before. Meaning we’re wearing masks everywhere, we will do cadence antigen testing, [we’re] trying to do anything to break that transmission chain for those older folks. And that’s not just [for] COVID. That’s flu, too, that’s RSV as well.”

Use those at-home COVID tests

The holidays are a good time to dig out those stockpiles of COVID home tests (but make sure they’re not expired). Epidemiologists advise using them before heading out and bringing some with you during your travels. While they are certainly not foolproof, they offer an added tool in our COVID detection toolbox. Dr. Jetelina recommends testing two days before departure and again on the morning of any event or gathering, such as Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve.

A few people eating dinner at table outdoors, with red wine

Eating and gathering outside—if possible—is another way to reduce risk.

Embrace the great outdoors

Fresh air and ventilation continue to be our friends when we are hoping to reduce transmission risk. Prior to travel, epidemiologists recommend either avoiding crowded indoor spaces altogether or masking up while inside, for instance when heading to the grocery store. If the weather is conducive to hosting meals or celebrations outdoors, this is another way to reduce risk.

Be flexible with your travel plans

Despite all our best efforts, there is the possibility that we will get sick before, during, or after our travels. That means we need to be prepared to cancel or alter our plans at the last minute. It’s better to make peace with this possibility and have built-in safeguards for it than to blindly hope for the best.

Have a contingency plan in place for whatever the fallout may be for any cancellation, as well as a plan for if you get stuck in your destination for several extra days with COVID or a nasty flu. Depending on the complexity of the trip, look into options like adding Cancel For Any Reason coverage to your travel insurance plan so that you can recoup some of your losses if you need to cancel at the last minute due to illness. All of the major U.S. airlines are still without flight change fees for all but their Basic Economy fares, so if you need to cancel, you can bank the money you spent on flights as future flight credits for a redo when you or the others in your crew are feeling better.

This story was originally published in November 2022, and was updated on December 19, 2023, to include current information.

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Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway

An illustration depicts two people happily chatting as they drive along a two-lane desert road with cactuses and rock outcroppings littering the dry landscape. The driver is disabled, and is using various specialized driving devices. Rugged mountains, a full yellow sun above them, rise up in the distance.

By Syren Nagakyrie

Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned some tips and tricks along the way.

Renting a vehicle

Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no additional cost. Enterprise , for example, offers hand controls, left foot accelerators, pedal extenders and spinner knobs to facilitate steering. Budget can provide hand controls, spinner knobs, a panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.

For a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp or a lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility , one of the largest builders of wheelchair-accessible vans in the country, with rentals at many locations. MobilityWorks , an accessible-vehicle and adaptive-equipment dealer, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO , which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair-accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental locations nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO’s rental cars, you can request hand controls and a spinner knob at checkout.

Route planning

You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and transit routes.

Sites such as Roadtrippers and Furkot can plot an entire itinerary. While these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers does have a wheelchair-accessible check box in the search function.) You can filter by types of destinations such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot allows you to input how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel on Interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops, and suggest where to stay overnight.

Finding lodging

While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for those with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer allergy-friendly and scent-free rooms in some locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and to make sure a specific room is reserved for you.

Vacation rentals are typically not required to be A.D.A. compliant, but some do provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out an adapted category with accessibility search features and homes that have been scanned for accessibility. Review photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, such as changing the cleaning supplies or shifting furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so that customer service can help if you run into issues.

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency offering bookings at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been reviewed in person by trained assessors; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or a companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with partial, adequate and outstanding match options.

Food and medication

There are a variety of options to keep food or medication cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the less expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and will cool only to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (if it is 70 degrees in the car, it will cool to 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.

Many hotels provide mini-refrigerators. When you know you will be stopping somewhere with a fridge almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then top them with another insulating layer like a cooling bag. This keeps everything cold for a couple of days at a time.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop — electric to use inside, or propane to use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camp mess kit so that you can safely cook meals.

Some of the best apps to find food, restaurants and grocery stores that accommodate dietary needs are Fig for allergy-specific options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options and Find Me Gluten Free for celiac-safe spots. Add your favorite options to the route-planning app so that you know where to stop.

Finding activities

In addition to the apps mentioned in the route-planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.

National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. While accessibility varies, you can usually find information on wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, tactile and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.

At state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.

Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the nonprofit Disabled Hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California,” among other guidebooks, leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Is it safe to travel to France? The latest advice

T he French government has raised its terror alert to the highest possible level, “emergency”, following the terror attack in Moscow that left more than 135 people dead.

French prime minister Gabriel Attal said the decision was taken “in light of the Islamic State’s claiming responsibility for the [Moscow] attack and the threats weighing on our country”.

France’s terror threat system has three levels. The highest level is announced if there is a terrorist attack in France or overseas, or if an attack on French soil is considered to be imminent.

France was already on high alert for potential terrorist attacks, with the Paris Olympics and Paralympics due to take place in the capital this summer.

The updated terror alert comes just days before the UK Easter school holidays, when thousands of British holidaymakers will travel across the Channel for a getaway.

What is the Foreign Office advice for France?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) France advice, which was last updated on February 20, reads: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.”

“Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities,” the FCDO adds.

The FCDO lists shopping centres, entertainment establishments, cultural events, public transport and places of worship as settings where “indiscriminate” terrorism attacks could take place.

Check the France FCDO page for the latest advice.

What happened in the Moscow terror attack?

On Friday, terrorists carried out an attack at the Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow, killing at least 137 and injuring 140.

Four men, all of whom are citizens of Tajikistan, have been formally charged with committing a group terrorist attack. The attack has been claimed by the Afghanistan-based Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) group.

On March 7, the United States warned its citizens in Russia that extremists had “imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow” and specifically mentioned concert venues. It advised Americans to avoid large gatherings.

What should I do if I get caught up in a terrorist attack?

Britain’s counter-terrorism police gives advice on what to do in the event of an emergency . This includes to run to a place of safety: “This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate.” To hide: “It is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so.” And to tell: “Make sure you know the local emergency numbers in the country you are travelling to. For all EU countries call 112.”

Have there been recent terrorist attacks in France?

There have been a number of terrorist attacks in France over the past decade. In January 2015, eight cartoonists, two guests and two police officers were murdered at the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo . The gunmen identified as belonging to al-Qaeda.

In November that year, in the deadliest terrorist attack in French history, 131 people were killed and 413 were injured in a series of shooting and grenade attacks at the Bataclan music venue, near the Stade de France and at several restaurants and bars across Paris. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.

In July 2016, 86 people were killed and 434 injured in Nice after a 19-tonne cargo truck was driven into crowds during Bastille Day celebrations on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Again Islamic State claimed responsibility.

What if I want to cancel my trip to France?

If you have booked a package holiday to France and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates.

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any advice against travel to France, there is no guarantee that you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

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France was already on high alert in advance of the Olympics, but this has now been upgraded to 'emergency' - Shutterstock

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The 15 Best Travel Safety Devices, Tested By A Frequent Solo Traveler

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Even amidst the thrill of adventure, travel exposes you to certain risks, from minor inconveniences like a flight delay to more serious threats, like a stranger breaking into your hotel room. Fortunately, the best travel safety devices, ranging from personal safety alarms to door stoppers and anti-theft bags , are built to keep you out of harm’s way.

Travel can expose you to certain risks, but the best travel safety devices are built to keep you out ... [+] of harm’s way. Here are the products to know about in 2024.

Over the last decade, I’ve visited roughly 100 countries—many of them solo. My experiences traveling alone helped me learn the importance of being mindful of one’s safety while on the go. After testing many gadgets and tools all over the world, I’ve narrowed down 15 of the best travel safety devices that all travelers should know about.

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The 7 best hammocks to elevate your outdoor living space, best travel safety devices, at a glance:.

Best Personal Safety Alarm: She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
Best Door Stopper With Built-In Alarm : AceMining Door Stopper Alarm
Best Portable Door Lock : AceMining Portable Door Lock
Best Luggage Tracker : Apple AirTag
Best RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet : Zoppen Multi-Purpose RFID Blocking Passport Holder Travel Wallet
Best Anti-Theft Bag: Pacsafe Women's Citysafe Cx Anti Theft Convertible Backpack
Best TSA-Approved Luggage Lock: Master Lock Combination Luggage Lock
Best Portable Lock Box : SafeGo Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box
Best Travel First-Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
Best Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector: Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector

Best Personal Safety Alarm

Alerts others that you need help.

She's Birdie

She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Weight: 2.08 ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 1.5 x 1 inches | Special features: TSA-friendly, fits on your keychain or luggage

Roughly the size of a key fob, She's Birdie is a discreet yet powerful wearable panic button that offers peace of mind whether you're out for a run or strolling through a new city. Pulling the pin activates a piercing alarm and flashing strobe, instantly alerting those nearby. Reinsert the pin to deactivate the alarm when you feel safe. It's a swift and effective means of summoning help and drawing attention to any situation.

Best Door Stopper With A Built-In Alarm

Deters criminals from breaking in, acemining door stopper alarm.

Weight: 3.68 ounces | Dimensions: 5.45 x 1.8 x 1.52 inches | Special features: Made of stainless steel but lightweight and easy to pack

This simple but effective door stopper prevents unauthorized visitors from entering your room by reinforcing the door. If someone attempts to tamper with your hotel room door (even by putting pressure on it), the stopper emits a 120-decibel alarm (for context, that's about as loud as a jet plane taking off ). Set-up is easy—just shove it in the gap between the ground and the bottom of your door, like you would any other door stopper—and it’s powered by a 9-volt battery.

Best Portable Door Lock

No breaking and entering here, acemining portable door lock.

Weight: 4.2 ounces | Dimensions: 6 x 1.65 x 0.3 inches | Special features: Easy to install or remove, without any tools

Not all door locks in hotel or Airbnbs are break-in-proof. As a portable and lightweight solution, this handy door lock reinforces a door’s existing locking mechanisms on the handle so the door can’t be opened from the outside, whether with a key card or a traditional key. It’s easily installed in seconds and doesn't require any tools—just slide the metal piece into the slot of the door lock, close the door and clip the red portion into one of the holes (there are two, ensuring it'll fit any size door). Keep in mind that this gadget only works on inward-opening doors—so it’s not the best fit for double doors or doors that slide or swing outward.

Best Luggage Tracker

Keeping tabs on your valuables, apple airtag 4 pack.

Weight: 0.39 ounces | Dimensions: 1.26 x 1.26 x 0.31 inches | Special features: Built-in speaker plays a sound to help you locate lost items

A tiny bit larger than a quarter, Apple’s AirTag devices use Bluetooth tracking to help you quickly locate your baggage, no matter where it is, or keep tabs on anything that’s valuable or important to you, from your purse or wallet to your camera bag or even a pet (put it on the collar). The AirTag uses Apple’s Find My network to share its location securely and has a speaker function to set out a signal, making it easier to find. For Samsung loyalists, I recommend the SmartTag2 , and for even more options, check out our guide to the Best Luggage Trackers .

Best RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet

Keeping your cards secure, zoppen multi-purpose rfid blocking passport holder travel wallet.

Weight: 6 ounces | Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.7 x 1 inches | Special features:

Thieves don’t need your physical credit card to make charges on it—they can nab your personal information by scanning devices that emit Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) signals, essentially pickpocketing you electronically. Similarly, they can skim the data from your passport (because, like credit cards, they have microchips in them), which they could use to steal your identity. A RFID-blocking wallet is made from a material that blocks the signals, effectively creating a shield from digital theft around your cards and IDs. This pick from Zoppen comes in more than 30 colors and features pockets for your passport, boarding pass, eight credit cards, one SIM card, cash, coins and a pen.

Best Anti-Theft Bag

Stylish and discreet with excellent safety features, pacsafe women's citysafe cx anti theft convertible backpack.

Weight: 0.99 pound | Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.2 x 4.7 inches | Special features: RFID-blocking, converts from a backpack to a purse

From hidden compartments and lockable zippers to slash-proof materials and RFID-blocking pockets, Pacsafe's anti-theft backpacks is one of my favorites to travel with. To thwart determined thieves, this bag is reinforced with lightweight steel mesh you can’t cut through and the shoulder straps are reinforced with wire, which means it can be secured to tables or chairs if needed. Its ability to fold down into a handbag makes it particularly versatile—you can wear it as a backpack during the day and a purse at night. Bonus: the bag is water resistant, easy to clean and has a five-year warranty.

Best TSA-Approved Luggage Lock

Keeps suitcases locked up tightly, master lock padlock.

Weight: 0.21 ounces | Dimensions: 0.55 x 1.57 x 4.16 inches | Special features: Can be set with 1-word combination or numbers depending on the style

I reviewed multiple locks for our Best TSA-Approved Luggage Locks guide, and the best option overall is this one from Master Lock. Made with heavy-duty steel, it's simple to operate but hard to break into, and because it features a two-inch shackle, it fits everything from suitcases to equipment boxes. It comes in two styles for travelers—one with a word combination and another with a numeric combination.

Best Portable Lock Box

A mini lock-box you can take on the go, safego portable indoor/outdoor lock box safe.

Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 7.5 inches | Special features: Water-resistant, suitable for indoor-outdoor use

Most hostels and Airbnbs do not have a lock-box or safe in the room. Similarly, there are scenarios where you might want a bit more protection for your belongings, such as when you're at the beach by yourself and want to keep your items secure while you take a swim. SafeGo’s portable lock box is a small, secure repository for storing passports, jewelry, cash and electronics. It has a flexible steel cable that allows you to secure it around most fixed objects and a lock that opens with a three-digit code of your choosing or a key. It's rust, water and impact-resistant, making it more tamper-proof. As an added bonus, it offers earphone or charger access, so you can listen to music or charge your phone while it's locked away.

Best Travel First-Aid Kit

For aillments and injuries on the road, adventure medical kits mountain series hiker medical kit.

Weight: 7.2 ounces | Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 x 3 inches | Special features: Compact, easily fits into a fanny pack

Accidents can happen anywhere, and having essential medical supplies on hand can provide immediate relief or assistance until professional help is available. This compact option from Adventure Medical Kits is small enough to toss in your bag while still covering most minor injuries and ailments. It includes trauma pads, butterfly bandages, antiseptic wipes and medical tape for bleeding; elastic bandages for sprained ankles; common medications for allergic reactions, itching, pain, fever, inflammation and diarrhea; and a first-aid guide to help you administer care. It also includes moleskin, which is great for blisters. The nylon bag is organized with injury-specific pockets, so you'll be able to find what you're looking for easily and quickly.

Best Carbon Monoxide Detector

Keeps you safe in rentals and hotels without this tool, kidde carbon monoxide detector.

Weight: 0.635 ounces | Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.5 x 4.5 inches | Special features: Battery back-up, plugs into wall outlet, emits a 85-decibel alarm

In many places around the world, it's not a requirement for hotel rooms or short-term rentals to have a carbon monoxide detector. Having one of your own could help save your life. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas, which, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , is produced any time you burn fuel in stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces. This option from Kidde simply plugs into a standard outlet (if you're traveling internationally, don't forget an adapter) but also has a battery backup. When it senses carbon monoxide, it emits a 85-decibel alarm.

Best Home Security System

Monitor your home when you're away, ring floodlight cam and ring video doorbell.

Weight: Varies | Dimensions: Varies | Special features:

While this isn’t a product you’ll pack in your suitcase, Ring’s video doorbell and floodlight camera help you monitor your home from anywhere in the world. With the smartphone app, you can check in on your property in real-time and if Ring's motion sensors and cameras detect any suspicious movements or unexpected visitors, you'll be immediately notified. Additionally, the visible presence of security cameras and alarms can act as a powerful deterrent to potential burglars.

Best Travel Multi-Tool

Solves all your unexpected problems, leatherman signal.

Weight: 7.5 ounces | Dimensions: ‎ 5.2 x 3.6 x 1.8 inches | Special features: Includes a fire starter and safety whistle

A multi-tool is versatile and practical for travel, helping you fix minor issues or cut loose threads. But in some scenarios, it could help keep you safe—like cutting through a seatbelt if you find yourself trapped in a car, for instance. For more than 40 years, Leatherman has been the leader in multi-tool manufacturing, offering a slew of devices for any trip. The Signal is the best all-around tool for travelers, and is built with a fire starter and safety whistle, which makes it great for emergency situations. Since there’s a knife on this device, you'll have to put it in a checked bag if you're flying.

Best Data Blocker

Keeps your devices safe from viruses, portapow usb data blocker.

Weight: 0.32 ounces | Dimensions: 3.54 x 2.36 x 0.39 inches

Your USB cables don't just charge your devices—they also transmit data. And if you aren't careful, they can open you up to cyber theft. Hackers often upload malware onto public USB charging stations that allow them to access your electronic devices, either to upload viruses or siphon away your personal data (which they can use for other cyber crimes), while they are being charged. One of the simplest ways to prevent that from happening (beyond using a standard AC power outlet, which con artists can't hack) is to use a USB data blocker. As the name suggests, this device blocks data from being transferred. PortaPow's data blocker is lightweight, affordable and consistently gets good reviews. The brand also makes USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C versions for different charging ports.

Best Mobile Hotspot

Staying connected, simo solis lite wi-fi mobile hotspot.

Weight: 0.21 ounces | Dimensions: 0.55 x 1.57 x 4.16 inches

In addition to just being connected while traveling, a mobile hotspot can significantly enhance safety. You’ll have a secure internet connection to mitigate any cyber-attack risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks. Once online, you can access maps and translation services, which means it will be hard to really get lost and you can communicate with people who may not speak your language. This mobile hotspot by SIMO, which can be used by up to 10 devices simultaneously, is compact and lightweight, easily fitting into a pocket or bag, making it ideal for travelers who prioritize portability. And because it offers a Lifetime Data plan featuring 1 GB of global data per month for the life of your hotspot, it's likely cheaper than an international phone plan.

Best Satellite Messenger

For emergencies in nature, garmin inreach mini.

Weight: 3.52 ounces | Dimensions: 2 x 1.3 x 3.9 inches

For those who like to spend time in the backcountry while traveling, whether that be hiking, biking, skiing or camping, it's wise to have a plan if something goes wrong—especially if there's a chance you don't have cell phone reception. A satellite messenger ensures that even in the most remote corners of the globe, you’ll remain connected. If you're lost on the trails, facing unexpected obstacles or in need of urgent assistance, this satellite messenger enables you to send distress signals and communicate your precise location to emergency responders, family or friends with just the push of a button. Garmin has long been the gold standard in satellite messengers, and this travel-sized option has handy features like two-way texting and access to downloadable maps.

How We Chose The Best Travel Safety Devices

Travel safety is a serious topic, so it helps to have an expert on hand to pinpoint the devices that can be trusted in emergency situations. As a freelance writer who splits my time between Alaska and Colorado, I have been covering travel for more than a decade, ranging from gear guides to news, hotels and cruise reviews. A frequent traveler in my spare time, I have traveled to roughly 100 countries, many of them solo. I have tested all of the items on this list in various countries around the world and would recommend them for a wide variety of trips, from backpacking adventures to city escapes.

What To Look For In The Best Travel Safety Devices

Ease of use.

Travel safety devices should be intuitive and easy to operate, particularly in high-stress situations. Opt for devices with simple controls and clear instructions, allowing you to activate them quickly and efficiently when needed.

Portability

The best travel safety devices are compact, lightweight and easy to use. Look for devices that can fit comfortably in your luggage, backpack or pocket without adding unnecessary bulk. Portability ensures that you can take your safety measures with you wherever your journey leads.

Reliability

When it comes to safety, reliability is non-negotiable. Choose devices from reputable manufacturers known for their quality and durability. Similarly, if it is a device that needs batteries or to be recharged, prioritize those with a long-lasting battery life—you don’t want it to be uncharged when you go to use it. Additionally, consider the availability of power sources, especially if you're traveling to remote areas with limited access to electricity.

Compatibility With Travel Destinations

Different destinations may present unique safety challenges, from navigating crowded city streets to exploring remote wilderness areas. It’s important to choose travel safety devices that are suitable for your specific itinerary and destinations. For example, consider devices with GPS tracking capabilities for outdoor adventures or anti-theft features for urban environments.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of articles about the very best products for travel, from the best luggage for your next trip to the best carry-on backpacks that fit into an airplane’s overhead bin. When selecting the best travel safety devices, we applied the same commitment to ensure that our readers feel safe and secure, no matter where their travels take them.

We examined each contender on this list, closely analyzing use cases and testing them out on multiple trips. To make the cut for our travel safety device list, products were required to be versatile and compact, allowing them to be used in a variety of situations while also being lightweight enough to toss into your backpack, carry-on or personal item.

Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA .

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality.

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory .

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet.

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

Update April 12, 2024

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2024 could be the year to travel as airfare prices are declining

Last month there was a notable decline in airfare prices, with a 7.1% decrease compared to the same month last year.

A traveler pushes a cart topped with baggage in Denver International Airport.

If you've noticed that airfare prices seem a bit more affordable lately, it's because they're on a downward trend.

According to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average domestic airfare for 2023 was $382, making it 3.1% lower than the inflation-adjusted average fare of $394 in 2022; and it's 36.4% lower than the peak fare of $600 recorded in 2000.

The news comes while costs continue to rise in most other sectors — yet the desire to travel continues to increase.

"In the first quarter 2023, passenger demand increased with U.S. airlines reporting 75.4 million originating passengers, up 138.8% from 31.6 million passengers in the fourth quarter of 2020," DOT said in the press release. "U.S. passenger airlines collected 74.2% of total operating revenue of $39.2 billion from passenger fares during the first three months of 2023, down from 88.5% in 1990."

As for the numbers for this year, Nerdwallet reports that airfares dropped by 7.1% in March compared to the same month in 2023, and since 2019 before the start of the pandemic, airfares have only gone up by 2.6%.

While the prices are a bit lower, airlines like Delta are still benefiting from the traveling boom. Delta's first-quarter earnings report highlighted a $37 million profit fueled by the strong demand, and the airline says they expect the trend to continue throughout the summer.

Best airlines, top tips for smooth air travel with your pets

American Airlines announced a new pet policy in March, allowing customers to bring regular carry-on luggage with their dog or cat.

Latest in Travel

'narrowly avoided crash' at dc-area airport sparks faa investigation.

Lawmakers said it was a "horrifying example" of the effects of undermining slot and perimeter rules, calling the airport's runway "overburdened."

Delta is implementing a new system for passengers to board planes

This news comes as the airline shared its first-quarter earnings for this year, saying it has earned $37 million thus far.

Is there going to be a Donald J. Trump International Airport?

Several Republicans have filed a bill to rename a large D.C.-area airport after the former president, but does it have enough steam?

House votes on Israel, Ukraine aid could affect Speaker Johnson's job

The House is preparing to vote on aid packages for allies, and the outcome could have big implications for Speaker Mike Johnson's job.

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The 11 Best Travel System Strollers of 2021, According to Reviews
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COMMENTS

Travel Advisory Updates
Office of the Spokesperson. April 19, 2021. State Department Travel Advisory Updates. In order to provide U.S. travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions, the Department of State regularly assesses and updates our Travel Advisories, based primarily on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ...
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Preparing for a Trip Abroad Advisories: As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. International Financial Scams: U.S. citizens can become victims of scams at home or abroad. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you […]
Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained
It's part of a system of travel warnings that's been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time. The current version of ...
Travelers' Health
Highlights. Learn about CDC's Traveler Genomic Surveillance Program that detects new COVID-19 variants entering the country. Sign up to get travel notices, clinical updates, & healthy travel tips. CDC Travelers' Health Branch provides updated travel information, notices, and vaccine requirements to inform international travelers and provide ...
What travelers need to know about the new US travel requirements
0:00. 2:02. The U.S. is launching a new travel system on Nov. 8. Vaccinated foreign air travelers will need to show proof of full vaccination and test for COVID-19. The new travel system also adds ...
Dominican Republic Travel Advisory
Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.. Country Summary: Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic.The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in ...
U.S. State Department Rolls Out a New Travel Advisory System
The State Department's 'Travel Warning' and 'Travel Alert' designations have been replaced by a new tiered system, with security information for every country in the world. For years, American ...
7 Steps to Stay Safe When U.S. Issues Travel Advisories
Level 3: Reconsider travel. Level 4: Do not travel. Most countries are Level 1 or 2. With Level 3, the State Department suggests that you avoid travel due to serious safety risks. With Level 4, you face "a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks," and the government may be unable to provide assistance. Travel.
Fact Sheet: Biden Administration Releases Additional Detail for
This updated policy puts in place an international travel system that is stringent, consistent across the globe, and guided by public health. Starting on November 8, non-citizen, non-immigrant air ...
Our Consular Safety and Security Messaging
The Department of State provides more advice for travelers to these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time. Level 3 - Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.
Evaluating the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Level 4 - Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S ...
Travel Health Notices
Travel Health Notices. CDC uses Travel Health Notices (THNs) to inform travelers about global health risks during outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters, and to provide advice about protective actions travelers can take to prevent infection or adverse health effects. A THN can be posted for: 1) a disease outbreak (higher ...
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10 Best Travel Systems of 2024
Best for a Growing Family: UPPAbaby MESA V2 Infant Car Seat & VISTA V2 Stroller Travel System. Best Jogger: Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec Jogger Travel System. Easiest to Fold: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Travel System. Best Lightweight: Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Travel System. Best More Affordable Lightweight: Graco FastAction Fold ...
Britax
A travel system consists of an infant car seat, a base for your car, and a stroller—all in one convenient box. It's one of the most important purchases you'll make before welcoming baby into the world. But with so many options, it's hard to know where to start. We'll walk you through the basics so you can make the right choice for ...
Travel
Travel. Almost a million times each day, CBP officers welcome international travelers into the U.S. In screening both foreign visitors and returning U.S. citizens, CBP uses a variety of techniques to assure that global tourism remains safe and strong. Descriptions of CBP processes and programs are available for first-time and frequent travelers.
How to Stay Healthy During Holiday Travel
Make healthy eating decisions: Limit saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and sugars. Exercise and reduce your stress: Physical activity has numerous health benefits and can also boost immunity by reducing stress and anxiety. Get a good night's sleep: The CDC reports that "sleep loss can negatively affect different parts of the immune system ...
10 Best Travel Systems of 2024
Best Graco Travel System. Check Price. The brand is a globally renowned name in travel systems. The Modes models are wonderful to use, especially with the car seat's front-adjust harness. The reclining, reversible stroller seat from Graco's Modes is a favorite.
Health and Safety
Defense Travel System Regulations ↗ Government Travel Charge Card Regulations ↗ Travel & Transportation Rates. Per Diem. Per Diem Rate Lookup ... Advice for Pregnant Travelers; Travel Allowances for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care [PDF, 7 pages] Medical Travel Guide: Designated Individuals and Non-Medical Attendants [PDF, 5 pages]
PDF DoD Defense Travel System (DTS) Best Practices Guide
3.6 Finance Defense Travel Administrator. A Finance Defense Travel Administrator (FDTA) is a person in the budget, resource management, accounting, or finance field that is responsible for assisting in the management and support of DTS at the organizational level as designated by the responsible commander.
Defense Travel System
Travel Resources. DTS Training on TraX. Learn how to use the DTS system through online videos and more. Live Chat. Instant message with a real person Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm ET. TSA PreCheck. Save time at the airport and find out how you can participate for free. Travel Policy.
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April 12, 2024, 5:00 a.m. ET. Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and ...
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What is the Foreign Office advice for France? The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) France advice, which was last updated on February 20, reads: "There is a high threat of ...
Travel tips to live by: Checklist for every vacation
Take pictures. Take pictures and screenshots of the important items and documents before you leave for your trip. This would include: Your luggage. The photo page of your passport. Your ID cards ...
11 Best Travel Safety Devices 2024, Tested By A Solo Traveler
Best Luggage Tracker: Apple AirTag. Best RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet: Zoppen Multi-Purpose RFID Blocking Passport Holder Travel Wallet. Best Anti-Theft Bag: Pacsafe Women's Citysafe Cx Anti Theft ...
See the next solar eclipse: Travel advice for the 2026 European travel
The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . In North America, only a partial eclipse ...
International Travel
International Travel. The highest priority of the Bureau of Consular Affairs is to protect the lives and serve the interests of U.S. citizens abroad. Across the globe, we serve our fellow citizens during some of their most important moments - births, adoptions, medical emergencies, deaths, arrests, and disasters.
Tripologist: Should we travel by train or plane in France and Italy?
Michael Gebicki is Traveller's expert Tripologist. Each week he tackles the thorny issues in travel as well as answering your questions. Got a question for the Tripologist? Email tripologist ...
2024 could be the year to travel as airfare prices are declining
Posted: 8:09 p.m. EDT Apr 16, 2024. If you've noticed that airfare prices seem a bit more affordable lately, it's because they're on a downward trend. According to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average domestic airfare for 2023 was $382, making it 3.1% lower than the inflation-adjusted average fare of $394 ...