What Does the US State Department’s Worldwide Travel Advisory Actually Mean?

You might think Magic Kingdom is the be-all and end-allof the Christmas season at Disney World, with highlights including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, holiday parades, holiday fireworks, and snow raining down on Main Street USA.

Imagine my surprise when I saw that my flight from New York to San Francisco last night was showing as leaving on time, but my arrival was delayed by 46 minutes. I'd never seen that before, and it turns out the jet stream is making for some very unusual flights lately. My flight ended up getting in only about a half hour late, but it was a long flight. A whopping seven hours from coast to coast, it was longer than trips to Europe I've had. And it's all about the jet stream.

The happy couple seemed to glow in the soft sunshine of Canandaigua Lake, posing effortlessly in love on the waterfront promenade. They stood in a moment of perfect autumn weather, and the kind of natural beauty that’s made New York’s Finger Lakes a beloved and understated wedding destination—and as much of a treat for guests as it is for the newlyweds.

Daylight savings time has ended, marking the inescapable approach of the winter months. Some look forward to snowy days and a chill in the air, while others start searching for a way to wait them out in sunnier climes. 

It'll be even easier to escape to paradise this holiday season thanks to a returning flight route from the U.S. to the Bahamas.

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.

“My favorite state has not yet been invented. It will be called Montana, and it will be perfect.” Abraham Lincoln said this shortly after Montana became a United States territory, but about 25 years before it became a state. It is also one of the things that stayed with Senior Video Producer Matt Paco well after his weeklong trip to Montana to film the video for this year’s Best in Travel. 

Poland shines as one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, offering a superb range of quality travel experiences. Visitors gravitate to cities like Warsaw but don’t sleep on Poland’s timeless countryside. There's so much to see and do in Poland – and this video will help you experience it.

Ecuador, a country known primarily for The Galapagos, has so much more to show off: the Andes, the Amazon, indigenous cultures, cuisine and traditions, rapids and waterfalls and birds and monkeys, and in Quito , the most well-preserved Spanish city in the world.

Chicago is a place of culture, history, and artistic expression. This vibrant metropolis is home to a flourishing art scene, with numerous museums and galleries offering a diverse array of exhibitions and events. From exploring the works of Black American writers in the American Writers Museum to delving into the revolutionary art of Camille Claudel, and from celebrating the legacy of Pablo Picasso to witnessing the fascinating world of the Jewish deli, Chicago's art world is alive and thriving. Here is a closer look at the latest happenings in Chicago's art scene.

Greeting travelers at the gate or hanging out with a loved one right up until it was time to board seems like a thing of the past, but some airports are working to bring the practice back. 

The U.S. State Department has issued updated information for Americans traveling in the Middle East amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, including information on charter flights out of Tel Aviv this week. The latest guidance comes just four days after officials issued a worldwide caution for U.S. citizens traveling abroad."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," the U.S. State Department said on October 19.Americans are encouraged to avoid travel to Gaza, Lebanon and Iraq and reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank as of Monday. U.S. citizens who wish to depart Israel and the West Bank with U.S. government assistance need to complete a crisis intake form.Additionally, Monday's update includes details regarding upcoming charter flights out of Israel via Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport."Commercial availability remains limited out of Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. government is facilitating charter flight transportation for U.S. citizens; we urge those wishing to leave to take advantage of these charters while they are available. There will be flight departures from Ben Gurion International Airport on Tuesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 26," the State Department confirmed."Please go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3 if you wish to depart Israel. U.S. Embassy personnel will be present to direct you and provide specific flight information. Be prepared to wait," officials added.Regardless of where they're traveling abroad, U.S. citizens are being asked to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts that make it easier to be located in an emergency and follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information.