TAMPA, Fla. — The U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide caution for citizens traveling abroad because of what it called "increased tensions" around the globe. It reminds Americans to stay alert in tourist hot spots and to be more careful in general while overseas. 

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide caution for U.S. citizens traveling overseas

  • The caution says increased tensions in locations around the world have led to the potential for terror attacks or violent actions against Americans

  • AAA recommends travelers sign up for the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

  • U.S. travelers are also urged to stay aware of their surroundings, not draw attention to themselves, and let family and friends know their itinerary

Travelers at Tampa International Airport on Friday said that's not too different from what they would typically do when heading out of the country.

"I was raised that way, to always be cautious in that sense while traveling," Nitin Kesarwani said.

Kesarwani was heading home to Los Angeles after traveling to Tampa for work, but he said he's no stranger to international travel. He said he's flown to India several times to visit family, and that, when it comes to the caution on overseas travel, how it would impact him would depend on his destination.

"It would depend if I was near the war zone or not," he said. "I think if you have a little bit more space between yourself and a war zone, you're not so concerned."

The caution does warn of the potential for attacks against Americans in spots around the world. 

Coretta Youmans was flying to Philadelphia from Tampa. She said she recently returned from a trip to Ireland and has another planned for Italy next year.

"For me, I would not postpone it because I travel to places I feel safe, that I know I can get in and I can come back home to the USA," Youmans said.

Elliott Corona is co-founder of travel booking business TravelShops.US. He said his clients have already been impacted by the war in Israel.

"We were, by coincidence, working to groups heading to Israel. So, we had to stop that right away," Corona said.

But Corona said he's not advising clients traveling to most international destinations to postpone. He recommends anyone heading out of the country take some standard precautions like signing up for the Dept. of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

"They send you information either for the weather, for safety situations," he said.

AAA recommends that anyone planning to travel out of the country research their destination, work with a professional travel advisor, and buy travel insurance. But keep in mind most policies have exclusions related to war.

The organization also offers these tips: while overseas, stay aware of surroundings, avoid drawing attention, and let family and friends know the itinerary and check in often.