If you’ve paid even a little bit of attention to the news for the last week, you know that there are plenty of angry people out there, and they’re not gonna take it anymore. The headlines have been filled with stories of protests in Kiev, Ukraine and Caracas, Venezuela, as well as the very sudden mass resignation of the Egyptian government.
There’s some turmoil out there.
Which begs the question: Should you cancel any trips you have planned for these global hotspots?
Ultimately, that’s up to you, but you must be sure to stay on top of the news in order to make the most informed decision; the U.S. Department of State has issued three new travel warnings or alerts in the last several days.
Here’s a look at what’s happening now.
In Kiev, the violent protests that resulted in the sacking of President Viktor Yanukovych have been largely contained in one area of the city. More than two dozen people are reported dead, and opposition leader and former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko is among those interested in Ukraine’s presidency, which makes the whole situation look like a Rocky movie. It remains volatile. The U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning to all American travelers to defer their travel to Ukraine for the time being. Additionally, the British Embassy is closed temporarily due to the unrest.
In Caracas, Venezuela, citizens angry over a variety of social and economic problems have erected barricades, and the stand off with President Nicolas Madura’s government continues. More than a dozen people have been killed over the last week-and-a-half. So far, the State Department has not issued a warning or alert. While you should stay tuned, those continuing with their travel plans should take extra precautions to stay safe.
The State Department is warning travelers to be alert to political unrest in Egypt, but at this point is not advising against unnecessary travel.
There’s one other fresh warning from the State Department this week – don’t go to Afghanistan. The feds say the situation throughout the country remains “critical.”
Photo courtesy of The Guardian.
