U.S. Issues Worldwide Travel Alert

Only hours after dramatic, tragic events in and around Paris the U.S. State Department has issued a "Worldwide Caution" travel alert after recent terror attacks in France, Australia and Canada, and that, according to the State Department, "U.S. citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness."

The State Department's warning says attacks against Americans and American interests are becoming increasingly prevalent and the Department cites an increased risk of reprisals against U.S. and Western targets for the U.S.-led intervention against Islamic State militants, otherwise known as ISIS/ISIL, in Syria and Iraq.

The caution alerts travelers that, "Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, shopping malls, and other tourist destinations both in the United States and abroad where U.S. citizens gather in large numbers, including during holidays."

Furthermore the State Department says, "U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure."

For tourists already out and about in the World, or will be quite soon, the State Department says, "U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security."

It is unclear how long this "Worldwide Caution" will last.