Safety Tips: The DOS Guide to Staying Safe Abroad

As an American living in Europe, I’ve fielded some interesting questions about what it’s like to be from the United States.

The number one question I get is about high school. Are there really football games every Friday? Do we really use the lockers shown in movies?

Cute, right? Well, things tend to get political after questions about high school dry up.

Recently, I found myself talking about paying taxes. As a resident of Spain, I pay taxes to Spain’s tax authority – but as a US citizen, I still report my earnings to the federal government.

That dropped a few jaws.

Why would the federal government expect me to report and pay taxes on earnings made abroad?

I’m sure there are many reasons. But this particular conversation turned toward one unique element of being an American abroad: how active the US Department of State is when it comes to its citizens.

Compared to other countries, the DOS isn’t afraid to bail out Americans with an iron fist when needed—and possibly even when undeserved.

But let’s back up for a second. While the US Department of State might bail you out, it’s much more invested in preventing disaster. If you’ve never explored the DOS’s official advice on how to stay safe in other countries, then consider this your sign.

Here’s what you need to know.

Safety tips: the official guide

The US Department of state offers a pretty minimal guide on safety. It recommends that travelers look for country advisories and then enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (more on this below).

I’d start off with the Travel Advisory page. It offers a detailed risk assessment for each country, ranking them on levels from 1-4.

Level 4 is the most dangerous category, covering countries the Department of State wants you to avoid. Right now, Level 4 countries include Myanmar, Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, Iran, Belarus, and others.

The Travel Advisory page also covers general worldwide advice. As of June 2024, the Department of State advises Americans to stay vigilant at LGBTQI+ events, as there’s been an uptick in threats and violence during larger gatherings.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Department of State offers travelers the chance to enroll in STEP. STEP is a program in which citizens upload their travel details, which are then sent to all the relevant US embassies and consulates on their itinerary.

That way, if you run into trouble, you can easily head to an embassy or consulate that will have all the necessary information to help you. Once you’ve registered, you’ll also receive any relevant news updates and alerts from the selected embassies and consulates.

In other words, it opens up a line of communication between you and the nearest US embassy. If you’re nervous about heading abroad, this is one of the most thorough and helpful ways to get prepared.

The Smart Traveler App

If enrolling in STEP is a little too involved for you, then consider downloading the Smart Traveler App. This was released by the US Department of State to simplify country searches for citizens.

In other words, you can access all the Department of State’s latest travel advisories, alerts, and warnings from the app.

It also gives you access to enroll in STEP, if that’s another priority. However, even if you don’t want to log all of your itinerary to be officially part of STEP, it’s still handy to have access to the latest updates and information. That includes addresses for US embassies and consulates.

The unofficial guide

I’ve handed over all the most helpful information that the Department of State has to offer. But I’ve also got a few tips based on my experience living, traveling, and studying in Latin America, Europe, Australia, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

My first piece of advice to American tourists is to be observant. Americans are passionate; sometimes, we can get a little rowdy and excited. Try to take a look around now and then; it’s always a good idea to notice how locals act and then adjust accordingly.

You don’t need to be a monk or a poser; but try to enter another country how you would another person’s home—with respect and gratitude.

My second piece of advice is to get to know your destination. I’m not just talking about tourist zones and activities. I’m specifically talking about politics. The US has a long and sordid relationship with international affairs; humility goes a long way in places where people might not think of Americans fondly.

Specifically, I’m thinking about my visits to Cuba and Vietnam. You don’t need to bring up politics (I’d advise against it), but the more you know, the better you might understand how others see you. This can help you avoid tension along with staying safe.

Tiny Treasures: Caribbean Islands You’ve Never Heard Of

The Caribbean is a tropical wonderland. It’s also a deceptively complex place in terms of geography and politics.

This region is home to over 700 islands, reefs, cays, islets, and barrier islands. They’re spread across the Lesser Antilles and Greater Antilles… and even the lesser-known Leeward Antilles.

With its long history colonial exploits, it’s also one of the world’s most diverse melting pots. A total of 16 nations lay claim to the Caribbean, 11 of which are located in Europe.

You’ll hear Caribbeans speaking 11 common languages, which include five distinct Creole dialects and Caribbean Hindustani. There are dozens of religions, dozens of ethnic groups, and dozens of hyper-localized traditions, from slang to street food.

In other words, there’s a lot more than what meets the eye.

But how can the average tourist dig a bit deeper when heading to the Caribbean?

One of the most straightforward ways is to hop off the beaten path, at least for a day or two. Specifically, hop over to one of the Caribbeans smaller islands.

I’ve taken a close look at the coolest (and tiniest) Caribbean islands open to tourists. Here are some of the top contenders that are accessible, gorgeous, and unique.

Montserrat, 25 square miles

(UK overseas territory)

Known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, Montserrat is (unsurprisingly) covered in lush flora. But its main attraction is its active volcano that sits in the center of the island. Its most recent eruption was in 1997, which you might remember from headlines.

But the volcano has remained inactive since then, which means you get to soak up the tropical wonders from Montserrat’s black-sand beaches without any worries.

Along with lounging on the beach and swimming in the clear waters, Montserrat is great for hiking, volcano tours, and cultural festivities like the annual Alliouagana Festival of the World and the Cudjoe Head Fest.

If you make it to Montserrat, check out these rentals:

Oceanfront villa

Luxury penthouse

Saba, 5 square miles

(Netherlands overseas territory)

Similar to Montserrat, this minuscule island is part of a volcano, known as Mount Scenery. By contrast, however, Mount Scenery hasn’t erupted for centuries and is now dormant.

Amid the towering mountains and hills, you’ll find the island’s sole settlement, interestingly known as The Bottom. If you’re heading to the Caribbean anytime soon, I’d recommend scheduling a trip during the Carnival season.

It’s one of the biggest days of the year in Saba for locals and visitors, in which everyone comes together to celebrate the occasion—including those from neighboring islands.

Stay at:

Quill Gardens Boutique Hotel

Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort

Anegada, 15 square miles

(British Virgin Islands)

Anegada is a low-lying island to the northeast of the British Virgin Islands. Notably, it formed from coral and limestone buildups rather than volcanoes.

You’ll notice this immediately when you swim on the coasts, surrounded by stunning and bright coral barriers known as Horseshoe Reef. Given its tiny size, less than 300 people live in The Settlement—the only village on the island.

On Anegada, I recommend staying at:

Anegada Beach Club

Cow Wreck Beach Resort

Bequia, 7 square miles

(St. Vincent & the Grenadines)

Yachting is the thing to do in Bequia, pronounced ‘beck-way’. Though the island is blanketed with beautiful and dense forest, most visitors stick to Port Elizabeth where their yachts dock. But you can also reach this tiny island by flying from St. Vincent.

The island’s vibe is very laidback, meaning you should be fine lounging on the beach or in the shade. Most people come here to disappear for a little bit—so don’t expect crazy nightlife.

Here are the two top-rated places to stay on the island:

The Liming Bequia

Bequia Beach Hotel Luxury Resort

Salt Cay

(Turks & Caicos, UK overseas territory)

Salt Cay is absolutely tiny. It’s home to three restaurants, three mini-markets, and three gift shops. That’s about it. Most of the island is home to salt pans, or shallow ponds used to collect saltwater to extract salt from its brine.

It might sound a little meh, but these salt flats are stunning to behold. Plus, they won’t interrupt your beach bumming. Like many other islands on this list, Salt Cay is home to healthy reef and coral systems.

One of the more unique things to do here is watch the humpback whales pass by on their migratory route. I know enough about colonial history and whaling to tell you that these humpbacks are the same ones targeted by the Nantucket Whaling Company, whose earnings helped build towns like Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. (Am I the only one who finds that interesting?)

There aren’t too many lodgings to choose from on Salt Cay. I’d go with:

Pirates Hideaway by the Sea

Tastiest 2023 US Wines According to the DWWA & USA Wine

The United States has never been associated with wine. Despite the fact that award-winning wineries dot the country, we tend to underperform globally.

For the most part, the world’s top wines come from France, Spain, and Italy.

Or, at least, they used to.

Thanks to ongoing efforts in Napa Valley and Sonoma County, US wines have started to gain international attention. Other West Coast states like Oregon and Washington have also made waves with their white and red wines.

Over the last few years, some products have even been ranked in one of the top three global wine competitions, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

So far, no US wines have nabbed awards from the prestigious AWC Vienna and Mundus Vini. But that might change over the next few years.

For now, let’s take a look at which US wines made the cut in 2023. I’ve got all the platinum and gold medalists from the DWWA, along with local favorites from USA Wine Ratings.

Best 2023 US wines from US Wine Ratings

Gloria Ferrer Vineyard (Carneros, California)

Gloria Ferrer is a vineyard located in Sonoma Valley. The grounds are also home to a series of interesting caves, some of which are used for aging the wines. If you’ll be in the area, you can actually visit the Gloria Ferrer Vineyard.

Winning wines (2023):

Gold: Carneros Cuvee
Gold: Royal Cuvee

Driscoll Wine Company (Saint Helena, California)

This company zeroes in on the finer things. Even a visit to their website highlights their artisanal approach to making really, really tasty wine. If you’re someone who buys their wine based on the label (like me), then look no further.

Winning wine (2023):

Gold: Hibou

Penrose Hill (Healdsburg, California)

Similar to Driscoll, the Penrose Hill grounds aren’t open to visitors. However, you can find Penrose Hill wines (including the gold medalist Bramble & Bower) available via Firstleaf. Firstleaf is a new wine subscription box—one that I’ve been eyeing for a while now.

Winning wine (2023):

Gold: Bramble & Bower

Duck Pond Cellars (Dundee, Oregon)

This Oregon wine comes from the prestigious Dundee region (which you’ll notice in the DWWA section below). Similar to the Gloria Ferrer Vineyard, Duck Pond Cellars is open for visitors. You can take a trip to the tasting room to sample some of its most delectable hits.

Winning wine (2023):

Gold: Duck Pond Cellars Natural Path Pinot Noire

Cupere (Sonoma, California)

If I were buying wine based on the label, I’d choose Cupere – Love is a Gamble. Same for the name. The entire Cupere experience is incredibly artistic and artisanal. Though it’s a pricier selection, I think it’s worth the pretty penny. Unfortunately, the vineyards aren’t open to visitors.

Winning wine (2023):

Gold: Cupere – Love is a Gamble

Best 2023 US wines from the DWWA

Earning a shout-out from USA Wine Ratings is a reason to celebrate for any winery. However, the Decanter World Wine Awards is considered one of the most prestigious competitions in the wine world.

In other words, only the creme of the crop get attention from the DWWA.

I’ve highlighted and listed all the platinum and gold winners from the 2023 DWWA wine tastings below. You can also browse all the selections here, including their silver and bronze medalists. Or dive into the list below; I’ve provided vineyard links where possible.

Platinum: Clos du Val, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2021 (California)
- Visit the vineyard in Napa Valley
Platinum: Bledsoe Family Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, 2020 (Washington State)
- Visit the vineyard in Walla Walla, Washington
Gold: Newton, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, 2018 (California)
- Visit the vineyard in St. Helena, California
Gold: Barefoot Bubbly, Rosé Brut, (California)
Gold: Domaine Serene, Two Barns Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, 2019 (Oregon)
- Visit the vineyard in Dayton, Oregon
Gold: Kenwood Vineyards, Six Ridges Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2020 (California)
- Visit the vineyard in Kenwood, California

Europe & US Travelers: Inside the EU’s 2025 Visa Requirements

There’s good news and there’s bad news for Americans heading to Europe next year.

The bad news: the European Union changed its laws to require Americans to obtain visas or visa waivers to enter the EU.

The good news: the updates have been delayed until 2025.

So, what does this mean for Americans heading to Europe? Most travelers are hung up on complex Schengen laws and political boundaries. But, starting in 2025, we’ll also be required to pay for a visa before arriving or show proof of a visa waiver. (Most will be doing the latter.)

Now that things are slated for change, it’s the perfect time to review the differences between Europe the continent, the European Union, and the Schengen Zone. Then we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of what the new visa requirements entail.

Differentiating the EU from Schengen

Let’s simplify all of this. Europe is a continent. (Yes, Turkey is counted as part of Europe.) The European Union, on the other hand, is a political union between certain European countries.

There are 27 countries in the European Union, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Some notable exemptions from the EU are Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland. But let’s be clear: the EU does not correlate directly to Schengen. The Schengen Zone is a group of countries that have abolished their borders, meaning you can cross them freely.

However, Ireland and Cyprus are not part of Schengen. That won’t change much on your trip – but you’ll need to go through customs when you travel to and from other EU countries. Similarly, the non-EU members of Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland are part of Schengen. The UK is not part of either the EU or Schengen. (More on this below.)

2025 visa requirements

The European Union recently created a visa program aimed at Americans. Starting in 2025, we will be legally required to apply for and receive a visa or an exemption from one before traveling to the EU.

Visa applications will be managed by the European Travel Information and Authorization System—which will have a handy online form for you to fill out. This form isn’t actually a visa, but an exemption from one. It proves that you meet the requirements to not need a visa.

The form will take only a few minutes to complete and will incur a small fee of $7.50. You must present this form when entering all EU countries, plus the Schengen members of Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

In summary: the EU is updating its entry requirements. Starting in 2025, Americans must present a visa or the ETIAS visa waiver upon entry. This shouldn’t be a problem for the vast majority of tourists, as they won’t be staying more than 90 days.

How does Brexit fit into this?

In case you didn’t hear, the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016. This change went into effect in 2020, ushering in the official era of Brexit. That means that UK citizens are no longer part of the European Union or the Schengen Zone.

For American travelers, this change hasn’t affected much; you don’t need a visa to travel to the UK for a short period of time. But there’s one place where you’ll notice this change: customs lines.

Now that UK citizens aren’t part of the EU, they must also wait customs lines to enter the EU. If you’re an American heading to Europe by way of a London stopover, don’t forget to factor this into any connecting flights you may have.

In general, European airports have two lines: one for EU members and one for non-EU members. UK travelers make up a massive bulk of EU tourists, which means you can expect longer lines in larger international airports. Always account for this when booking connecting flights.

Black’s Island: Inside Florida’s Pirate King Real Estate

A few miles offshore from Florida’s Port St. Joe is a private, seven-mile island—and it’s on the market.

Black’s Island went up for sale in early 2024 with a price tag of $50 million. The island comes equipped with 26 bungalows that have served as a private getaway for tourists.

Picture a sleepy island covered in bright green palm trees. As you approach by helicopter, boat, or seaplane, you start to see wooden bungalows poking from the canopy. Between them are blue pools, sprawling decks, and shaded cabanas.

You’ve officially reached paradise.

Best of all, a stay at Black’s Island won’t break your budget at $850/night. The three-night minimum is more than reasonable (especially considering each bungalow sleeps six) while the long list of amenities is worth writing home about.

But that might change soon. As mentioned up top, Black’s Island is on the market. The owner is willing to sell it wholesale or pawn off some of the bungalows, starting at around $1.5 million each.

If you’re heading to the Florida panhandle anytime soon, here’s why it might be worth a visit.

The bougie bungalow

Every bungalow on Black’s Island has a waterfront view and beach access. All are connected by an elevated footpath that winds across the island.

If I had to summarize the vibe, I’d say it’s a tropical paradise where James Bond would fall in love while on the run from Goldfinger or some other villain.

And as outlined above, the bungalows won’t cost you and arm and a leg. They’re a bit dated to be billed as pure luxury, which makes since. Black’s Island was originally developed for tourism back in 2009.

Though the bungalows are in great shape and are worth the price, the décor is a little meh for being on a private island. But it’s not all about high-design-bungalows here.

Before Black’s Island became a getaway for Florida’s tourists, it was home to one of the world’s wealthiest pirate kings: Samuel ‘Black Sam’ Bellamy. Those who stay on the island are literally trespassing on official pirate territory.

The barbaric pirate

You’ve probably heard of pirates like Blackbeard and Zheng Yi Sao—but what about Black Sam Bellamy? Prior to researching this article, I hadn’t heard his name before… despite the fact that he was the wealthiest pirate in the Caribbean’s infamous Age of Piracy.

During his two-year reign, Bellamy raked in some $120 million in loot and gold. And he hoarded at least some of his hard-fought treasures on his home base of Black’s Island.

Despite the barbarism common in the Age of Piracy (which ran from about 1600 to 1800), Black Sam was known for being merciful to his captors and generous with his crew. In fact, his followers gave him the nickname the ‘Robin Hood of the Sea’.

Unfortunately, he died at sea before he had the chance to turn his new base of Black’s Island into a fortified pirate hangout.

Is there still time to visit Black’s Island?

Unfortunately for fans of dirty rotten pirates, there’s no remnant of Black Sam’s legacy on the island. However, the island’s current owner, Scott Seymour, has plans to continue honoring this influential figure.

He’s currently building a luxury hotel in Florida, which he’ll name The Bellamy. Anyone who purchases a bungalow (or the island) will also be treated to a few amenities from The Bellamy.

But do you still have time to book a trip to Black’s Island? After all, if it’s on the market, won’t it be cornered off for real estate agents and hopeful buyers?

Luxury sales tend to take a while, which means you still have time to visit Black’s Island. It’s accessible from Panama City by boat, helicopter, or seaplane.

However, I’d recommend renting a boat if you’re heading there with any friends who have a license. It’s the best way to fully take advantage of all the island has to offer.

Kiawah Island & Folly Beach in Top 10 Most Expensive US Beaches

South Carolina is renowned for its beach towns—and for good reason.

First, they’re picturesque and expansive. Second, the coasts are also home to some of the US’s oldest colonial settlements.

Most importantly, South Carolina’s beaches are associated with fine living, country values, and historical architecture.

But would you have pegged areas like Kiawah Island and Folly Beach as some of the most expensive in the US? According to a report from Upgraded Points, Folly Beach ranks 5^th amongst the US’s most expensive beaches, while Kiawah Island comes in 6^th place.

Visitors will fork over an average of $900 a night in Folly Beach, which averages to around $5,943 a week. Kiawah Island costs the same in terms of nightly hotel rates but evens out to a slightly lower $5,576 per week. Regardless, both are hefty sums.

The only pricier destinations in 2023 were Malibu California, then New York’s Montauk, Southampton, and North Hampton areas. That means that Folly Beach and Kiawah Island came out pricier than Maui, Laguna Beach, and Key West.

How in the hell are Kiawah Island and Folly Beach more expensive than Maui? Let’s dig in.

Kiawah Island: new PGA territory

Kiawah Island stretches around 21 miles and is dotted with luxurious private homes. Some of them are owned by celebs like George Clooney and Reese Witherspoon. To preserve its natural beauty, the island has capped its total number of lodgings.

That means there aren’t many ways to get to Kiawah. Homeowners on the island can rent out their property. Otherwise, visitors can stay at one of two hotels on the island. The first is The Sanctuary, a five-star resort. The second is the Andell Inn.

It’s easy to see here what has driven up the island’s value: limited space, high demand, and wealthy residents. But there’s another secret ingredient that has made Kiawah Island a destination for the wealthy.

It’s home to seven championship-caliber golf courses. These have been designed by golf big-wigs, from Jack Nicklaus to Gary Player. One of the island’s courses, The Ocean Course, has hosted multiple PGA Championships. In fact, the Andell Inn was completed in 2021 so Kiawah could host more visitors for that year’s PGA Championship.

Folly Beach: accessibility drives demand

It’s easy to see why Kiawah Island is so pricy—but the picture isn’t quite as clear for Folly Beach. In fact, it might be a case of opposites.

Kiawah Island is pricey because it’s so exclusive and small—while Folly Beach is expensive because it’s accessible.

In other words, this beachside town is slammed with tourism during summer, which drives up prices on just about everything. Given it’s only a 12-mile drive from Charleston, it’s the number one choice for many locals and inter-state travelers who want to take a dip.

Here, prices are driven by a tourist economy.

While travelers might expect to pay exorbitant prices for a trip to Kiawah at any time of the year, Folly Beach sees a meteoric rise in rental prices during its high season. Its beaches are free, as are a variety of other amenities, which appeal to families and groups of all sizes.

But get it while it lasts. Over the last few years, local authorities have shipped in tons of sand—literally. Folly Beach is technically a barrier island that’s disappearing thanks to massive storms and environmental changes.

Kiawah Island & Folly Beach: which one should you visit?

I’m amazed at just how different the beach experience is at Folly Beach versus Kiawah Island despite their similar pricing. However, it’s worth pointing out that the study from Upgraded Points focuses on rental prices—not things like dining, transportation, and so on.

So, from a price standpoint, Folly Beach remains the leading option. Given its wide range of free amenities, you’ll get a bang for your buck, especially if you’re traveling with your family.

Kiawah Island is best saved for a bucket list-caliber adventure. Remember, everything on this exclusive island is priced toward its wealthy residents—and they won’t know you’re not local.