cnn travel warnings

What travel warnings do other nations give their citizens about US violence?

American travelers – at least those of the cautious variety – might be familiar with the US State Department’s travel advisories .

The agency monitors the world for potential trouble and issues warnings from “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” alerting would-be visitors to terrorism threats, war, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, high crime rates and other personal security issues.

But have you ever wondered how other countries’ governments caution their citizens about coming to the United States? What kind of reputation does America have?

After all, the rate of gun-related deaths in the United States has been going up in recent years.

Mass shootings have become downright commonplace: 690 in 2021; 647 in 2022; and 476 as of 6 a.m. ET August 29, 2023, according to Gun Violence Archive .

The worst of the mass shootings make headlines – not just in the United States but worldwide. And while mass shootings generate the most attention, they account for a small fraction of the overall gun-related deaths in the United States.

CNN Travel keeps a periodic check on what the governments of the United States’ neighbors and closest allies tell their citizens about coming here. It’s not exactly a flattering picture.

Would-be visitors aren’t being warned off entirely as if America is an active war zone. Each nation has its own approach, but a general theme boils down to this: The United States is more violent than what you’re used to. Learn to take precautions that you might not have to take at home.

The other takeaway: Violent crime rarely involves tourists.

Here’s more on what nine countries – which account for a good chunk of the international tourism traffic to the United States – have to say:

In 1996, 35 people were killed in a mass shooting in Port Arthur on the island of Tasmania. In the wake of the massacre, Australia passed stricter gun control laws that included “a near ban on all fully automatic or semiautomatic firearms,” according to Britannica online encyclopedia.

So for more than 25 years, Australians have lived in quite a different gun culture than that of Americans.

The Australian government warns its citizens who plan to visit the United States that violent crime is more common than in Australia and gun crime is possible in all areas. It instructs Australians to follow local guidance and instructions. They’re encouraged to learn active shooter drills if they live in the United States.

On its SmartTraveller website , the Australian government also reminds would-be travelers that “although tourists are rarely targeted, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” It does not provide notice of specific incidents “unless there’s a significant risk to Australians.”

Still, it’s not warning its citizens off US travel. As of August 29, it advised to “exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America.”

Canada advises its citizens to “take normal security precautions” when visiting the United States.

The Canadian government cautions its citizens about crossing the US-Mexico border by car, citing “criminal incidents associated with drug trafficking.” It tells its citizens to avoid traveling at night at the border.

It also warns about gang- and organized crime-related violence in large urban areas, noting that violent crime “rarely affects tourists,” but cautioning travelers to be mindful of their surroundings.

The government also reminds Canadians of the frequent mass shootings in the United States. “Incidences of mass shootings occur, resulting most often in casualties. Although tourists are rarely involved, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom reminds would-be visitors to America that “incidents of mass shooting can occur, but account for a very small percentage of homicide deaths.” It advises UK citizens to read over an active shooter guide (PDF) from the US Department of Homeland Security.

It also tells its citizens that “violent crime, including gun crime, rarely involves tourists, but you should take care when traveling in unfamiliar areas. Avoid walking through less traveled areas alone, especially at night.”

Like Canada, the United Kingdom cautions its people about the US-Mexico border.

Lauren Redfern, a London resident in her early 30s who was completing a PhD in medical anthropology, made extensive trips to the United States in 2018 (Chicago to New Orleans) and 2022 (Los Angeles).

She told CNN Travel in the summer of 2022 that she had awareness about US gun violence as she started her 2018 trip, but she felt far removed from it. “At that time, I absolutely wouldn’t consider doing anything differently” than she’d do in the United Kingdom.

But while staying in an Airbnb in New Orleans, she was doing laundry in a common area when someone cracked open a door and poked in the barrel of a shotgun.

No shots were fired, but “it was this weird, out-of-body experience where it really made me think and appreciate and understand ‘oh, this is very real’ on a level I have never experienced and will never experience in the UK.”

“That experience definitely changed my sense of personal safety while traveling in the US,” Redfern said.

It didn’t deter her from making another US trip, but “it changed the way I thought about American culture.” She’s much less likely now to venture out alone when visiting the United States versus London, where she has no worries about doing so.

Israel is a very security-minded country with special ties to the United States.

It issues warnings on a scale of 01 to 04 , the latter being of the highest risk level. Israel’s travel warnings are focused on terrorism directed specifically at its citizens when abroad vs. more general crime worries.

For example, people are warned away from the North African nation of Algeria, which has an 04 ranking because of terror groups and “hostility towards Israel on the Algerian street.”

However, the United States is rated at 01 (“ordinary precautions”) despite a rise in anti-Semitic incidents .

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a different take.

It says generally “the United States of America is among the safest countries,” but it does warn French citizens about some urban areas and notes an increase in carjackings.

Interestingly, the ministry breaks down potential threats to specific neighborhoods in cities. A couple of examples:

• In Boston, “it is recommended to avoid traveling alone, on foot and at night, in certain parts of Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury.”

• In Atlanta, French visitors are told to “be vigilant in isolated areas of the city center (downtown) after the close of business and favor taxi travel at night.”

Germany is another US ally with strong tourism ties, and it has strict gun laws and a much lower rate of firearm homicides compared with the United States. It’s even lower than some of its European neighbors and allies.

Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs tells German citizens that “it is easy to obtain guns in the United States, leading to increased use of guns and occasional killing sprees. The number of arms and ammunition purchases has increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

It also warns would-be visitors to the US about the possibilities of domestic clashes over racism and police violence, advising them to “avoid gatherings of people in the vicinity of which violence could possibly occur.”

Interestingly, the German government also warns its citizens – who are more used to going bare – about skinny dipping and topless sunbathing.

The Mexican government has recently overhauled its travel website for its citizens planning to visit the United States.

Before the overhaul, the Mexican government had warnings that “historical racial and ethnic tension, including opposition to immigration, have led to attacks by violent extremist groups” and advised its citizens to avoid large crowds in the United States.

As of August 28, the site no longer carried any warnings about mass shootings or general crime in the United States. However, visitors planning a trip to Florida were cautioned about the state’s new immigration law , specifically about transporting people to the state who aren’t in the United States legally.

The site also cautioned that “the Florida authorities authorized several bills that could have an unfavorable impact on the LGBTQ+ community” and warned about “the prohibition of transgender people to use bathrooms and changing rooms that align with the way they live their lives in publicly owned or leased buildings, and even in airports, government buildings, convention centers, parks, school campuses and stadiums.”

Despite the shocking assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022, Japan has a homicide rate far below the United States.

So it’s no surprise that the government warns that “it is important to recognize that the security situation is very different between the United States and Japan, and to understand what kind of crime victims are at high risk in what areas.”

It says “one of the main security concerns in the United States is gun crime” and offers a lot of advice for getting out of or hunkering down in possible active shooter situations, including:

• Find security exits in a new place and have an evacuation plan

• Hide in a room and barricade the door using heavy furniture

• Keep quiet and mute cell phones

If a Japanese tourist can’t escape or hide, they’re advised to “throw objects nearby at the criminal or use them as weapons.”

New Zealand

As of August 28, Australia’s island neighbor had an “exercise increased caution (level 2 of 4)” alert for the United States “due to the threat of terrorism.”

New Zealand’s SAFETRAVEL website goes on to warn its citizens that “there is a higher incidence of violent crime and firearm possession than in New Zealand. In many states, it is legal for United States citizens to openly carry firearms in public.

“Violent crime has targeted individuals and groups from the LGBTQIA+ community and those with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. However, crime rates vary considerably across cities and suburbs and while tourists are rarely targeted, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

It suggests that people coming to the United States research their specific destinations before traveling and seek local advice.

SAFETRAVEL guides New Zealanders to an active shooter response pamphlet put out by the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

CNN’s Haley Wilson contributed research for this article.

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U.S. State Department Renews Warning About Travel To Mexico — Where It Says Visitors Can Travel This Spring

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Mexico is one of the most popular international destinations for American travelers. Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen particularly draw high numbers of tourists from the U.S.

However, as the spring break and Easter travel season approaches, anyone planning a trip to Mexico this spring must reckon with the sobering news of four Americans who were recently attacked by gunmen while traveling in Mexico.

The four individuals had traveled to Mexico so one could have a medical procedure. Then, in the city of Matamoros in Tamaulipas state, just south of Brownsville, Texas, the four were shot at and kidnapped. Two of them were killed in the gunfire. The other two, one of whom was also shot, have now been returned to the U.S., according to NBC News .

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a statement reminding U.S. citizens that it previously issued a travel advisory listing Tamaulipas state as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” area in Mexico.

The natural inclination for anyone planning to travel to Mexico, as well as for family and friends of those prospective travelers, is now to question whether or not it’s safe to visit Mexico.

Zachary Rabinor, founder and CEO of the travel company Journey Mexico, says it’s important to remember that the Americans were killed and kidnapped a long distance from popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

“To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun,” Rabinor said, according to CNN . “That’s about the equivalent distance from the Texas side of the border to Chicago, Illinois.”

Jaime Lopez-Aranda, a senior security manager at travel risk management firm International SOS, agrees that popular resort areas are still fairly safe.

“It is relatively safe for travelers to head to tourist destinations and major urban centers such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey,” Lopez-Aranda told CNN Travel.

Importantly, the U.S. State Department has issued a number of advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to various Mexican states in recent weeks. Now, as violent crime and kidnapping rates increase across Mexico, Americans considering travel to all but two of the states in Mexico should be aware of renewed and increased warnings, the State Department cautions.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department explains .

“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted,” the State Department continues. “In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

Here are the State Department’s travel advisories for each of Mexico’s states.

Do Not Travel To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to not travel to five states in Mexico due to increasing levels of crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Colima (where Manzanillo is located), Michoacan, Sinaloa (where Mazatlán is located), Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas (home to Zacatecas City).

Guerrero — where Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa are located — is also on the State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list because crime is widespread in those areas.

Reconsider Travel To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “reconsider travel” to five states in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Baja California (where Tijuana is located), Chihuahua, Guanajuato (where Guanajuato City is located), Jalisco (home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), and Sonora.

The states of Durango and Morelos are also on the State Department’s “Reconsider Travel To” list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution when traveling to” 17 areas of Mexico, primarily due to crime rates but also due to the threat of kidnapping in some places.

Those states are Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur (where Cabo San Lucas , San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz are located), Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca (home of Oaxaca City and Huatulco), Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo (where Cancun , Cozumel, Tulum, and Riviera Maya are located), San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz.

Mexico City is also on the list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “exercise normal precautions when traveling to” Campeche and Yucatan, where Chichen Itza and Merida are located.

Know Before You Go

If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department offers some guidance.

“Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos,” the State Department recommends. “Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.”

U.S. citizens with an emergency are also reminded that they can call the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico for help.

U.S. citizens on their way to Mexico are also advised to make a note of U.S. Embassy & Consulates emergency contacts in the area where they will be traveling.

Finally, the State Department recommends international travelers enroll in STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program .

Doing so enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. That way travelers can receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, make it easy for the U.S. Embassy to contact travelers in the event of an emergency, and also make it easier for family and friends to contact travelers in case of an emergency.

For more about changing travel conditions in countries around the world, be sure to read our Travel News content, including:

• New Cost To Travel To Europe Delayed Until 2024 — What Visitors Need To Know
• Traveling To Europe This Spring? 5 Countries Where Strikes Could Affect Your Trip
• TSA Is Asking Travelers With Pets To Stop Doing This One Thing — Here’s What It Is

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

US issues Mexico 'increased caution' warning for spring break travelers

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico has issued a spring break travel warning for Americans planning to visit the country. The message posted on Monday highlighted a range of potential safety threats in the popular destination like crime.

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the advisory said, though it noted that crime can occur anywhere in Mexico. The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for the country notes various warning levels for different states, ranging from Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions") through 4 (“do not travel”).

The message also warned of other potential hazards like unregulated alcohol and pharmaceuticals. “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted,” the advisory said. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates noted that counterfeit medication is “common” and could be ineffective or an incorrect strength. Those products may also have dangerous ingredients. “Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments,” the message said.

Why some travelers are skipping the US: 'You guys are not afraid of this?'

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The advisory warned of drowning and high private hospital prices, as well, among other risks. The message urged travelers to take precautions like keeping an eye on their drinks; staying with a group of friends in bars and clubs, while walking in dark areas or in taxis at night; and letting family and friends know about their travel plans.

Despite the warning, however, it noted that “the vast majority” of U.S. citizens visiting Mexico at spring break each year do so safely.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Coronavirus Updates

The coronavirus crisis, u.s. issues more than 115 'do not travel' advisories, citing risks from covid-19.

Bill Chappell

Global travel continues to be risky because of the coronavirus. Earlier this year, passengers from Taiwan wear protective gear as they arrive at France's Charles de Gaulle Airport, and just this week, the U.S. issued over 100 new travel advisories. Francois Mori/AP hide caption

Global travel continues to be risky because of the coronavirus. Earlier this year, passengers from Taiwan wear protective gear as they arrive at France's Charles de Gaulle Airport, and just this week, the U.S. issued over 100 new travel advisories.

The U.S. State Department has vastly expanded its "Do Not Travel list," issuing new Level 4 advisories for more than 115 countries and territories this week. The agency cites "ongoing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

The U.S. Do Not Travel list now includes Canada, Mexico, Germany and the U.K. A Level 3 warning is in place for a smaller group of nations, such as China, Australia and Iceland. Japan is also on the Level 3 list, despite a worrying rise in new coronavirus cases there.

Just a week ago, only 33 countries were on the U.S. Do Not Travel list, according to a cached version of the advisory site . But the State Department warned on Monday that the list would soon include roughly 80% of the world's countries.

More than 150 highest-level travel advisories are in effect — more closely reflecting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State Department says.

The CDC's own travel health notices also use a four-tier warning system. For many countries newly added to the State Department's Level 4 list, the CDC cites "a very high level of COVID-19."

As of last week, Brazil and Russia were two of the only large COVID-19 global hotspots on the State Department's most serious warning list. They're now joined by India and virtually all of Europe — places that have seen alarming spikes in new cases.

Bhutan is the only international destination designated as Level 1 — "exercise normal precautions" — on the State Department's travel advisory list.

Sixteen countries are categorized as Level 2 — meaning travelers should exercise increased caution when visiting places such as Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Belize and Grenada.

Many of the new or updated Do Not Travel notices cite high levels of coronavirus transmission in the relevant country. But the State Department says it also takes other factors into account, from the availability of coronavirus testing to any travel restrictions the countries might have against U.S. citizens.

In roughly 35 countries or destinations, the CDC says, details about the level of COVID-19 risk are unknown. The health agency urges Americans to avoid traveling to those spots, which include Afghanistan, Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands.

Regardless of a particular country's advisory status, the State Department wants all U.S. citizens to reconsider any travel abroad.

"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers," the agency said.

More than 3 million people have died from COVID-19 worldwide, according to the World Health Organization . Nearly 144 million coronavirus cases have been reported globally, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

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Cnn names portland one of its best towns to visit in 2024.

Portland gets high marks for the food and beer scene and beautiful scenery

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CNN Travel released its annual list Monday of America's Best Towns to Visit , and Portland, Maine, came in at number four.

The list features ten smaller cities "where you’ll often find small-town vibes and loads of personality as well as plenty to see and do for a few days or more." The writers at CNN Travel looked at things like each town’s attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor. They also looked at lodging options and the ease of getting to the area and ability to get around once there.

The final choices range in size from about 50,000 residents to about 225,000.

Portland got high scores for having a "next-level" food scene with "up-to-date dining alongside classics", citing two recent James Beard Award winners . The listing also points to Portland's craft beer scene.

Portland is also picked for its beautiful coastal setting, outdoor access and proximity to activities both on the water and in the woods.

Here is the full list from CNN Travel:

• Richmond, Virginia
• Providence, Rhode Island
• Tacoma, Washington
• Portland, Maine
• San Luis Obispo, California
• Flagstaff, Arizona
• Macon, Georgia
• Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Duluth, Minnesota

Japan is dealing with a 'flesh-eating bacteria' outbreak. Here's what we know about STSS and how to avoid infection

You may have seen alarming headlines warning of a deadly outbreak in Japan over the past few days.

Some outlets have used terms like "flesh-eating bacteria" and "kills in two days", which has sparked international interest.

But Japanese authorities say this wording is an exaggeration of a potential symptom of an infection that is rarely spread to others.

Let's unpack what we know about the disease and the story spreading around the world.

What is the bacterial infection in Japan?

The clinical term for the disease is streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).

According to NSW Health, it's an infection caused by group A bacteria entering the bloodstream or deep tissue.

This kind of bacteria usually causes mild infections like strep throat in children but certain strains can escalate quickly and lead to invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS).

If that sounds familiar, you may have read about cases of iGAS on the rise in Australia last year.

STSS is considered a complication of iGAS that can "develop very quickly into a life-threatening emergency".

How quickly is STSS spreading in Japan?

Japan''s National Institute of Infectious Diseases issued a statement in March warning rates were increasing.

As of June 2, reported cases of STSS in Japan were about 977.

That's quite a leap on the previous period — Japan recorded 941 cases across the entirety of 2023.

Here are the Japanese case numbers from the past few years:

CNN reports this year has already seen the highest number of cases reported in Japan since the current recording method began .

It's not exactly clear why cases are on the rise but Japanese health authorities say a rise in respiratory infections is correlated with COVID-19 measures being relaxed.

Tokyo Women's Medical University professor Ken Kikuchi told Japan's national broadcaster, NHK, people's immune systems were weakened during lockdown.

"We can boost immunity if we are constantly exposed to bacteria but that mechanism was absent during the coronavirus pandemic," he said.

"So, more people are now susceptible to infection, and that may be one reason for the sharp rise in cases."

It's also worth noting the trend isn't limited to Japan.

There have also been increases recorded in Europe.

How does it spread?

It's difficult to say.

While people with open wounds are at an increased risk of contracting STSS, it's not known how the bacteria gets into the bodies of nearly half the people who are diagnosed.

The NSW Health Department says the following groups are most susceptible:

• Older adults and children
• People with diabetes
• People with alcohol use disorder
• People undergoing treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• People with an immunodeficiency  

What are the symptoms of STSS?

Early symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting

About 24 to 48 hours after the first symptoms start, the following symptoms may develop:

• Low blood pressure
• Organ failure
• A faster-than-normal heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• The death of body tissue

The death of body tissue, which is also known as necrosis, is where the "flesh-eating bacteria" name has come from.

How is it treated?

People with STSS need to receive care at a hospital.

Australia's national public health information service Healthdirect says the disease is treated with antibiotics.

Surgery may also be required to remove the source of infection.

Are there any travel warnings?

At this stage, you don't need to cancel any travel plans.

Smartraveller, the Australian government's travel advice website, hasn't listed STSS as a health risk for travellers in Japan.

The World Health Organisation also hasn't recommended any travel restrictions for countries experiencing outbreaks.

Even though cases are on the rise, it's still considered very rare for someone with STSS to spread the infection to others.

But the CDC warns "less severe group A strep infections can turn into STSS and these bacteria are contagious".

How can I keep safe?

There's no vaccine available, so the best way to avoid infection is to maintain good hygiene.

That includes:

• Washing your hands often and using hand sanitiser
• Washing your body and hair often with soap and clean, running water
• Keeping any wounds clean and bandaged until they heal
• Avoid bodies of water like hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, rivers and oceans if you have an open wound
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News & features, winter center, news / weather news, man killed by lightning strike on beach while warning others of incoming storm, police say.

A man died after being struck by lightning on a New Jersey beach Sunday while trying to warn other beachgoers of an incoming storm, authorities said.

By Zenebou Sylla and Kaila Nichols, CNN

Published Jun 27, 2024 7:08 AM PDT | Updated Jun 27, 2024 7:08 AM PDT

The accident that killed Patrick Dispoto is the first lightning death in New Jersey since 2021. (WABC via CNN Newsource)

(CNN) — A man died after being struck by lightning on a New Jersey beach Sunday while trying to warn other beachgoers of an incoming storm, authorities said.

Patrick Dispoto, 59, was at Seaside Park Beach with his girlfriend but returned to his truck when they realized a storm was approaching, Police Sgt. Andrew Casole said Wednesday.

His girlfriend told police she waited in the truck while Dispoto went back to the beach to warn others that a storm was coming.

“He said, ‘I’ll be right back.’ I said, ‘You have no business going back.’ And he says, ‘I’m just going to warn these kids because the sky is going to open. I’m just going to warn these kids – one minute.’ I said, ‘No,’” Ruth Fussell, who identified herself as Dispoto’s girlfriend, told CNN’s affiliate  WABC .

Fussell said she called Dispoto three times but he didn’t respond, and she waited about 15 minutes for his return. She eventually went back to the beach where she found Dispoto unconscious.

Emergency responders performed CPR on Dispoto and he was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead, police said. Dispoto died by an “accidental death caused by lightning strike,” Casole said.

Days after Dispoto’s death, Seaside Park installed a lightning warning system.

Ruth Fussell, Dispoto's girlfriend, told CNN affiliate WABC that she wants people to know that he always tried to make other people's lives easier. (Courtesy Ruth Fussell/WABC via CNN Newsource)

In April, Seaside Park officials purchased the Strike Guard Lightning Detection System, an investment of nearly $50,000, Seaside Park Borough Administrator Karen Kroon told CNN Wednesday.

The system provides lightning warnings by monitoring cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning strikes within a radius set by the user of up to 20 miles, according to the  company’s website .

Kroon said the installation, which had been in preparation for months, was scheduled to take place Wednesday. Kroon emphasized that the installation was not in response to the tragedy on Sunday.

“The Borough made that investment because public safety is extremely important and we want to do everything we can to alert our residents and visitors to imminent danger,” Kroon said.

According to the  National Lightning Safety Council , this is the third lightning death in the United States this year, and the first death in New Jersey since 2021 when a lifeguard was struck and killed on a beach in South Seaside Park. Since 2006, New Jersey has had 16 lightning deaths, five were on beaches.

Fussell told WABC that Dispoto never passed up an opportunity to make someone’s life easier and that’s what she wants people to know.

“So, his last act of heroism was his ultimate, and that’s my Patrick Dispoto,” Fussell said.

CNN’s Nic F. Anderson contributed to this story

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Traveling During a Heat Wave: Tips and Precautions

It’s summer and the temperature is rising. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your vacation dollars.

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By Ceylan Yeğinsu

Follow our updates for the latest on the heat wave across the U.S.

It’s set to be another scorching summer, with extreme and prolonged heat waves forecast across many parts of the United States and Europe.

The stifling conditions could impact millions of travelers and wreak havoc on vacations at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Multiple heat-related deaths among tourists have been reported in Greece and Saudi Arabia in June following extreme temperatures in the Middle East and Aegean regions. Even those who have booked trips in traditionally cooler places may not be spared from the summer heat because of the growing unpredictability of weather patterns.

Here are some tips on how to manage high temperatures when traveling in a heat zone.

Check government guidance

If a heat wave has been forecast at your destination, check government websites before embarking on your trip to give yourself plenty of time to plan and adapt. In extreme temperatures, governments often issue heat advisories warning people to stay indoors during peak heat hours and provide resources to help residents and visitors stay cool. In the United States, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System has a website with information and tools to help prevent illness and death during excessive heat.

Tourist attractions also provide important updates about the conditions at the sights, including any scheduled closures, as a precaution against high temperatures. Some cities grappling with intensive heat, like Los Angeles, Miami, Athens and Melbourne, have assigned chief heat officers to prepare for the heat waves and lead emergency responses.

Avoid peak sun hours

It may seem obvious, but staying outdoors for prolonged periods of time when the sun is at its peak can put many at risk of heat exhaustion. Even if the temperature does not read exceptionally high, excessive dry heat or humidity can make an environment feel hotter than it is.

Travel advisers are adapting itineraries, putting sightseeing in the cooler early morning and evening hours and prebooking tickets for their clients so they do not have to wait in long lines.

“We tend to do activities and tours in the morning, then stop for lunch, and in the mid- to late afternoon you either go back to the hotel to sit by the pool or go to the beach,” said Gary Portuesi, a co-managing partner at Authentic Explorations, a New York-based travel company that specializes in Europe.

Hiking in the middle of the day is also not advised. On June 5, Dr. Michael Mosley, a British medical journalist, died during an afternoon hike in a 104-degree heat wave on the Greek Island of Symi. Four more tourists, including an American man , have recently died in Greece as temperatures have continued to soar.

“I would always recommend going hiking with a certified local guide and under no circumstances alone,” said Franziska Basso, a Milan-based travel adviser for Dreamsteam Exclusive Travel . “Of course, avoid the hottest hours of the day. Go hiking very early in the morning. And always stick to official hiking trails.”

In some European cities, including Paris and London, air conditioning is not a given, so check if it is available before booking a hotel, restaurant or transportation to ensure you have a cool place to find respite from the scorching heat. Visiting a museum or other indoor sightseeing is another good option, but expect crowds at peak hours.

Stay hydrated and take a siesta

Dehydration and heatstroke are among the most common causes of hospitalization during heat waves and can be prevented by staying hydrated and limiting alcohol consumption. During meals, consider eating foods like melons, cucumbers and celery as it can help to sustain hydration throughout the day. Always carry a water bottle with you and consider a parasol and portable fan to help keep you cool and shaded when outdoors.

While your itinerary may be packed with activities and tours, the heat can take a toll on stamina, so consider following the European siesta ritual by breaking up your day with a short nap.

“I’m telling my clients to adapt their itineraries and take advantage of the after-lunch siesta and then push their tours to later in the day when it’s cooler,” said Sarah Johnson, who owns Paper Ink & Passports Travel, a luxury travel company based in Pennsylvania. “There’s a reason they’ve been doing it in Spain and Italy for generations. Walking around in the midday heat and waiting in line could really hurt some people.”

Wear cool clothing

The National Weather Service recommends lightweight, loosefitting, light-colored clothing for outdoor use as it reflects heat and sunlight . Hats and sunscreen are also recommended to protect the face and scalp from harmful UV rays.

Just because it’s hot, doesn’t mean it will be dry. Heat waves can bring torrential rainfall, so be prepared.

“My biggest advice to travelers is to be prepared — for hot or cold, dry or wet weather since one never knows,” said Laurel Brunvoll, the owner of Unforgettable Trips , a Maryland-based travel agency. “Pack layers.”

Book a flexible trip

Even after taking all the right precautions, traveling in a heat wave can be miserable, making it worthwhile to make flexible bookings and purchase “cancel for any reason” travel insurance to have the option to postpone your trip to a cooler time.

Sensible Weather, a Los Angeles-based start-up that provides a weather guarantee for vacations and outdoor experiences, has recently added high heat protection to its coverage. Travelers booking through a Sensible partner in the United States will be able to add daily protection that will allow them to claim reimbursement for a booking if the temperature exceeds a threshold that is usually set between 90 and 100 degrees.

“Our customers can still go on their vacations, but if it’s too hot for some hours of the day and unpleasant to go outside, you can hang out in the air-conditioning and we will reimburse you,” said Nick Cavanaugh, the company’s founder, who was developing the product while caught in a heat wave in Barcelona last year. Those on package tours are reimbursed for the average daily rate of their entire trip for each day that surpassed the heat threshold.

For more travel advice, visit our collection of Travel 101 tips and hacks.

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

What to Know During Extreme Heat

Staying Safe:  We asked emergency room doctors for their advice on protecting yourself  from dehydration, heat stroke and other serious health problems.

Heat’s Physical Toll:  High temperatures can put the body under immense stress. Here’s what it looks like .

Effect on the Brain:  While heat can have an alarming impact on our bodies, it can also impair cognition and make us irritable, impulsive and aggressive .

Keeping Cool Indoors:  Too hot to go outside? Here’s how to be comfortable in your home  — with or without air-conditioning.

Sleeping Tips:  Heat can affect both how much you sleep and how good that sleep is. These simple steps  can help you get a better night’s rest when it’s hot.

Medications:  Certain antidepressants, blood pressure pills and other drugs make you more susceptible to heat-related illness .

Travel:  Stifling conditions could impact your travel plans this summer. Use these tips and precautions  to protect yourself and your vacation dollars.