If your summer vacation plans take you out of the United States, you might need to update your will and leave DNA samples with your family.

What is a Travel Advisory?

The Department of State provides information to United States citizens regarding travel safety overseas. So, if you are planning a trip to a foreign country, you can sign up for travel advisory alerts.

PHOTO: CANVA TRAVEL ALERT 2
PHOTO: CANVA TRAVEL ALERT 2
loading...

There are four Travel Advisory levels, and I was very surprised to see that there are currently 19 regions in the Level 4 category, which is the highest risk.

This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. We advise that you write a will prior to traveling and leave DNA samples in case of worst-case scenarios.

Update Your Will

I suppose it is a good idea to always have an up-to-date will, just in case the worst happens. This is one of the precautions we need to take if our plans take us to one of the 19 regions that are simply not safe for Americans right now.

Read More: 2 Upscale Kentucky Hotels Are Offering a Unique Summer Booking

DNA Samples

Big Yikes as the kids say. Leaving behind some of my DNA just in case I have to be identified is certainly not on my vacation checklist. However, if you plan to travel to any of the areas in the Travel Advisory, you probably should.

Source:[The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs]

Americans Advised to NOT Travel to These 19 Destinations

The United States Department of State has four levels of advisories: exercise normal precautions, exercise increased caution, reconsider travel and do not travel. These 19 destinations are currently under a Level 4: DO NOT TRAVEL advisory, so plan your travels accordingly.

Gallery Credit: Nick Northern

20 Items Banned from Checked Bags at Indiana Airports

Avoid travel mishaps by knowing the TSA's banned items for checked luggage. Be prepared and plan ahead for hassle-free travel. 

Gallery Credit: Bobby G.

More From My WJLT 105.3