US State Department Issues Updated Guidance for Travelers in the Middle East

When I checked in for my flight from Milwaukee to New York City in early November, the seat assignment on my Delta app just said "See agent."

Research released today confirms that the strong performance from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates is behind the Middle East tourism industry’s full recovery from the pandemic.

October is one of my favorite months in New York City. Here, you get a mix of chilly fall days and unexpectedly warm temperatures, plus the leaves change into vibrant hues of orange, yellow and red. With many schools on fall break, there are plenty of tourists in town checking out that delightful Central Park foliage (and staying at the best hotels in the area) and, for me, it's one last chance to hold onto the city before it really gets cold.

Perhaps nothing defines Los Angeles like the freeways: ribbons of asphalt and steel (and traffic jams) tying coast, valley and mountains together in a multilane, limited-access web. These highways were considered so essential that planners nearly jammed one right through the center of swanky Beverly Hills.

My paddle slips gently through calm ocean water as the kayak glides toward the mouth of Morro Bay Harbor. I approach a sandbar covered in resting cormorants, as sea otters float in nearby kelp, inky-eyed pups nestled on their mothers’ chests. On this windless morning, the marine layer paints the world in a gentle watercolor wash. In front of me, Morro Rock rises dramatically from the landscape.

On Thursday, October 19, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory urging American citizens to “exercise increased caution” while overseas, “due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, [and] demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”

dnata Travel Group brands across the GCC have won six accolades at the Middle East edition of the 2023 World Travel Awards. Representing the Travel division of dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, titles earned by the dnata Travel Group include Middle East’s Leading Airline GSA 2023 (dnata Representation Services), Bahrain’s Leading Travel Management Company 2023 (dnata Travel Management), and Saudi Arabia’s Leading Travel Agency 2023 (dnata Travel).

For the 12th consecutive year, Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi has been titled as the “Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination” by the World Travel Awards, dubbed the “Oscars of the Travel Industry”, reaffirming its position as the Middle East’s #BestBeach destination.

Growing up in the UK, I always had a fascination with America. It was probably from watching American movies, TV shows, and music videos, but it was also from watching nature documentaries with my grandad and seeing the Rockies, Death Valley, and the Everglades.

While the United States of America is certainly on the younger side when compared to certain European and Asian nations, the country isn’t totally devoid of time-honored celebrations, with Halloween serving as a cultural staple at the very end of October. Also known as All Hallows’ Eve, this fall festival took hold across North America due to the influx of Irish and Scottish immigrants during the 1800s, and is celebrated today with pumpkin carving, colorful costumes, and plenty of sugary treats—and when it comes to planning the perfect party, no one does it quite like the East Coast. With the holiday season in full swing, these spirited cities are packed full of lively events and late-night parties for all to enjoy.

The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide caution alert for Americans traveling abroad in response to rising tensions in the Middle East. It’s rare for the department to broadcast a travel alert at this level. U.S. citizens are advised to reconsider foreign travel.

The U.S. State Department recently issued a worldwide caution travel advisory to all Americans traveling abroad. The warning states, “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”