MIAMI — Travelers Miami International Airport tell CBS News Miami they are on guard and alert after the US State Department released a global travel alert for American citizens going abroad.
The State Department has expressed concern about increased tensions and the possibility of violence against Americans. This comes as thousands of people have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war since October 7.
The State Department urges travelers to remain vigilant in places frequented by tourists and sign up for SMART — the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program — to receive information and alerts, which will also make it easier to locate you in an emergency. And follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter.
“Keep your eyes open, keep your eyes in the back of your head and be aware of your surroundings,” Debbie Payne of Fort Worth, Texas, told CBS News MIami's Peter D'Oench.
“I feel like people are taking advantage of this port unity to do whatever they can right now. Right now, while you're traveling, keep your eyes open and know where you are at all times” , added Sarah, Payne's daughter. “Also follow your local and federal governments on social media and do what they tell you to do.”
CBS News Miami also caught up with Delray Beach's Marie and Garth Been before they boarded a flight to London.
“They should be aware and look around, but what else can you do?” Garth Summer said. “That won’t stop us from going on vacation.”
“Always be on guard. Always be careful. Don't take unnecessary risks,” Marie Been said. “It’s all we can do to be careful.”
“With the things happening overseas, I'm worried. Everyone's safety, that's what I'm most concerned about, the safety of the people, the safety of the people coming and going,” said Cheryl Reeves of Cleveland, Ohio. “Watch your back. Watch your surroundings. That's what I always do, watch my surroundings.”
“I’m very concerned,” said former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan. “People need to be extremely careful. I can't stress that enough. The problem is when you're in another country, you're a target because you stand out.”
