Travel

WASHINGTON — The State Department revised travel advisories for 13 Middle Eastern countries on October 23. The countries are Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE and Yemen. Levels did not change: five stay at Level 4 (Do Not Travel) and eight at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). The new text cites a higher risk of Houthi armed attacks and Iranian efforts to target U.S. officials. For Saudi Arabia, the department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave. Remaining staff need special authorization to use any Saudi airport. A department spokesman said the order covers Saudi Arabia only, after some press reports suggested other Gulf posts were included. A department official said the region-wide update was prudent given the potential for flight disruptions. Private citizens are not ordered to leave.

NAIROBI — The State Department raised Kenya from Level 2 to Level 3, Reconsider Travel, on October 19. The department's summary says the change was made due to health risks. The advisory notes that the CDC has issued a travel health notice for Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease for Kenya. It also keeps earlier warnings on crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and traffic safety. Level 4 Do Not Travel applies to several northeastern and coastal counties, including Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Lamu. Kenya's foreign affairs principal secretary, Korir Sing'oei, said the rating is a caution that does not restrict travellers. The advisory also tells visitors to prepare a will and agree a proof-of-life protocol with family. Medical evacuation costs are the traveller's responsibility.

LJUBLJANA — United Airlines will start four-times-weekly Newark–Ljubljana flights on May 12, 2027, using a 767-400ER. Slovenia's tourist board and its main airport both describe it as the country's first dedicated nonstop to the United States. Earlier service in the Yugoslav era routed through Belgrade. The airport says the new flight is a true nonstop. Reported weekly days differ by source, so check United's schedule before booking. Ljubljana is the gateway to Lake Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Julian Alps. U.S. arrivals to Slovenia are rising, reportedly up about 23 percent in early 2026. Safety: the State Department lists Slovenia at Level 1, normal precautions, issued May 15, 2026. It urges care in the Julian Alps: check weather and don't hike alone. Memphis has no nonstop; plan on a connection to Newark.

Small-group operator Intrepid Travel has published its 2027 Not Hot List of 10 less-visited places that it says are ready for visitors. It chose them for being less-visited, tourism-ready and new for 2027. Three stand out. Liepāja, Latvia, has white-sand beaches and a classical-music tradition, and is a European Capital of Culture in 2027. Dalsland, Sweden, has more than 2,000 lakes and granite canyons for kayaking, camping and cycling. A direct Malmö–Oslo rail link that began in June has made it easier to reach. Dili, Timor-Leste, is a mountain-and-reef destination where tourism is only emerging, and new flights now link it with Darwin and Kuala Lumpur. This is an operator's list, so treat it as marketing rather than an assessment. Memphis travelers would connect through major hubs. Check each country's State Department advisory before booking.