France, Italy - Guv Travel Announcements

The US Department of State has issued "public announcements" for travel to Italy (issued March 23) and France (issued March 27); a travel public announcement means government officials believe care by American citizens is required to avoid danger while traveling or living in a foreign country.

The announcements come on the heels of street demonstrations over labor laws by students in Paris and in anticipation of demonstrations planned in Italy for the upcoming Italian Parliamentary elections April 9 and 10; the Italy announcement notes al-Qaida presence, and that demonstrations by “No Global” and anarchist groups in Milan became violent March 11.

Travel announcements are issued because of political unrest, recent violence by terrorists and on anniversary dates of specific terrorist events, and contain information about terrorist threats, political coups and other short-term conditions which may pose "significant risks to the security of American travelers," according to the government website. Public announcements are milder than travel warnings, in which the State Department recommend that Americans avoid travel to a country altogether. Current warnings exist for travel in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and Nepal, the Phillipines and Haiti, among 22 other countries and areas.

The government's recent public announcement for travel in France reads, "The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in France to avoid areas where crowds are expected to gather, to exercise caution, particularly during evening and nighttime hours, and to closely follow media reports."

The public announcement for travel in Italy reads in part, "The Department of State reminds Americans of the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Ongoing events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Italy continues to be under heightened public threat by al-Qaida and other Islamic extremists for its continued participation in multinational activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain vigilance, take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, and exercise caution in public places or while using public transportation. U.S. citizens are advised to immediately report any unusual or suspicious activity in Italy to the police or the U.S. Embassy in Rome."

Just travel with care, as always; know that a demonstration in one street may be completely avoided by simply walking away by as little as a block.

• Read student travel safety tips

Venezuela on With Alternative Travelers

Speaking of countries the US guv thinks you shouldn't visit, World Hum's blog notes that Venezuelan travel is humming along despite the Bush administration's view of Venezuela's government, of which World Hum writes, "The Bush administration might see Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez as a Fidel Castro-loving, Condoleeza Rice-taunting, socialista anti-Christ..."

World Hum quotes a San Francisco Chronicle piece describing the current breed of traveler to the small South American country: "Channeling the spirit of 1980s Nicaragua, 1970s Chile or even Cuba in the ‘50s, Venezuela is drawing a new generation of students, celebrities, intellectuals and activists."

Chavez talked and posed with anti-war activist/mom Cindy Sheehan during Venezuela's World Social Forum in January, where he called President Bush "Mr. Danger," according to the Houston Chronicle. Tour company Global Exchange offers "Reality Tours" to Venezuela, if you want to check out the country with a knowledgeable host.