New Travel Ban Goes Into Effect for Montanans This Season

BUTTE, MT - As people outside of the Treasure State dream of escaping to the snowy winter or taking a holiday getaway, not every destination is a safe bet right now for Montana.

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Whether you're planning a sun-soaked vacation or heading abroad for adventure, the U.S. Department of State wants you to pump the brakes before booking certain trips.

Some of these popular but dangerous hotspots are labeled "Level 4: Do Not Travel," and trust us, they’re not worth the risk. We're talking about areas with civil unrest, skyrocketing crime rates, and political instability.

So, how do you know where to go or avoid? The State Department's Do Not Travel advisory list is your new best friend. It ranks locations on a safety scale from "Exercise Normal Precautions" (Level 1) to "Do Not Travel" (Level 4).

But hey, we get it—Montanans aren’t ones to scare easily. That’s why, if you’re itching to ditch the Big Sky chill, consider safer destinations like Costa Rica, Italy, or even a quick trip to Canada. The goal is to stay adventurous, but smart.

And for those keeping their travel plans local, Montana's own locations can pose challenges. Winter storms make highways treacherous, mountains precarious, and just peer existing an exercise in fatalist futility. Yes, we get solemnly philosophical in the winter months; that's what a lack of Vitamin D does to you.

So get out there and have some fun, but not without checking out this list of big no-nos for travelers this season. Remember, Montanans, safety first! Let’s keep our travel tales exciting, not terrifying.

Take a look at the Do Not Travel List below: