don't travel unless necessary

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping , international relations

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Department of Health: ‘Don’t travel unless it’s absolutely necessary’

State health leaders are pleading for people to stay home for spring break. They said COVID-19 cases are climbing, and this is not the time for Washingtonians to let down their guard.

“Don’t travel unless it’s absolutely necessary,” said Dr. Scott Lindquist, acting state health officer. He said to stay home even if you are fully vaccinated. “I know that’s a hard message to send to folks who want to go on spring break. But truly, we are seeing cases in vaccinated people that are breakthrough, that have done just that, people who traveled to spring break, etc.”

The state is investigating 102 breakthrough cases, where people who were fully vaccinated still contracted COVID-19. They expect to find variants responsible for many of those cases.

Right now, 1.3 million people in Washington are fully vaccinated. But according to the state, that leaves about 83% of the population still unprotected.

The next two weeks of April are expected to be busiest at Sea-Tac as many school districts are on spring break.

“We do know people are going to travel, but we want to remind people staying home is the safest for families, schools and communities,” said Dr. Umair Shah, secretary of health with the Washington State Department of Health.

The state is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which state you should get tested for COVID-19 before you fly and when you get back. They want travelers to self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel, even if their test is negative.

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Conditional Sentences without “If”: Using “Unless”, “When” and “Should”

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Olivia Drake

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Definition of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are a fundamental part of grammar that express hypothetical situations or unreal conditions. These sentences typically include a conditional clause and a main clause, connected by words such as “if,” “unless,” or “when.” Today, we will focus on conditional sentences without using the word “if.” Instead, we will explore how “unless,” “when,” and “should” can be used to convey different conditions and outcomes.

Overview of Conditional Sentences without “If”

Conditional sentences  are a grammatical structure used to express unreal or hypothetical situations. Typically, these sentences are formed by using the conjunction “if” to introduce the condition. However, there are alternative phrases that can be used in place of “if” to convey the same meaning. In this section, we will provide an overview of three common alternative phrases: “unless,” “when,” and “should.”

• Unless : This phrase is used to express a condition that must be met in order for the result to occur. It is essentially the opposite of “if.” For example, “Unless it rains, we will have a picnic.”
• When : This phrase is used to express a condition that is expected to happen in the future. It implies that the condition is more likely to occur than not. For example, “When you come to visit, we will go to the beach.”
• Should : This phrase is used to express a hypothetical situation or a strong recommendation. It is often used in formal or polite language. For example, “Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Uses of “Unless” in Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are a useful tool in expressing hypothetical or unreal situations. While the traditional use of “if” is common in forming these sentences, there are alternative phrases that can be used to convey the same meaning. One such phrase is “unless,” which introduces a condition that must be met in order for the result to occur. It is essentially the opposite of “if.”

For example, consider the sentence: “Unless it rains, we will have a picnic.” In this case, the condition is that it does not rain, and the result is that we will go for a picnic. By using “unless,” we can effectively highlight the importance of the condition in determining the outcome. In this section, we will explore the different uses of “unless” in conditional sentences and provide examples to illustrate its functionality.

How to Form a Conditional Sentence with “Unless”

To form a conditional sentence using “unless,” start with the word “unless” followed by a subject and a verb to create an “unless” clause. For example, “Unless it rains,” or “Unless he studies.”

Combine the “unless” clause with another clause to create a complete sentence. The  second clause  should express the result or consequence of the condition stated in the “unless” clause. For instance, “Unless it rains, we will have a picnic,” or “Unless he studies, he will fail the exam.”

In these examples, the “unless” clause sets up a condition, while the second clause indicates what will happen if the condition is not met.

Using “unless” in conditional sentences allows us to express the negative form of a condition. It highlights the need for a particular event or action to occur in order for the consequence to happen. By using “unless,” we emphasize the importance of fulfilling the condition to obtain the desired outcome.

“Unless” can be a useful tool in expressing hypothetical or unreal situations, which often arise in discussions about possibilities, preferences, and potential future events. It gives us flexibility in communicating our intentions and setting up scenarios that may or may not occur.

Examples with “Unless”

“Unless” is a useful word in conditional sentences as it allows us to express negative conditions or exceptions. Let’s look at some examples that illustrate its usage.

• If  you study hard, you’ll pass the exam. Unless  you study hard, you won’t pass the exam.
• If  you don’t hurry, we’ll be late. Unless  you hurry, we’ll be late.
• If  you don’t water the plants, they will die. Unless  you water the plants, they will die.
• If  you don’t turn off the lights, the electricity bill will be high. Unless  you turn off the lights, the electricity bill will be high.
• If  you don’t wear a coat, you’ll get cold. Unless  you wear a coat, you’ll get cold.
• If  you don’t apologize, she won’t speak to you. Unless  you apologize, she won’t speak to you.
• If  you don’t save money, you won’t be able to buy that car. Unless  you save money, you won’t be able to buy that car.
• If  you don’t follow the recipe, the cake won’t turn out well. Unless  you follow the recipe, the cake won’t turn out well.
• If  you don’t practice regularly, you won’t improve your skills. Unless  you practice regularly, you won’t improve your skills.
• If  you don’t set an alarm, you might oversleep. Unless  you set an alarm, you might oversleep.

Uses of “When” in Conditional Sentences

When it comes to conditional sentences, the word “when” is often used to introduce a condition that is expected to happen in the future. Unlike “unless,” which focuses on a negative condition, “when” sets up a  hypothetical situation that is likely to occur . For example, “When it snows, we will build a snowman” indicates that the condition of snowfall is expected, and when that happens, the action of building a snowman will take place. “When” can also be used in the past tense to express an unreal or imaginary situation, such as “When I was younger, I would dream of becoming an astronaut.” In this case, the condition of being younger is no longer possible, but it sets the stage for the imaginary dream of becoming an astronaut.

How to Form a Conditional Sentence with “When”

When forming a conditional sentence with “When,” it is important to understand that “When” is used to introduce a clause that describes the circumstances under which the event in the main clause happened or will happen. To construct a conditional sentence using “When,” the clause with “When” usually comes before the main clause.

Here is a simple example to illustrate the structure: “When it rains, the streets become slippery.” In this sentence, the clause “When it rains” introduces the circumstances under which the event happens, which is the main clause “the streets become slippery.”

To form a negative conditional sentence with “When,” the negative form of the main verb is used. For example: “When it doesn’t rain, the streets are not slippery.”

In the future form, “When” can be used to express a hypothetical situation or an unreal situation. For instance: “When I have more time, I will learn to play the piano.”

Overall, forming a conditional sentence with “When” involves using it to introduce the circumstances in the clause that precedes the main clause. Whether it is a positive or negative sentence, or a future situation, “When” plays a crucial role in expressing the conditional structure.

Examples with “When” in Conditional Sentences

“When” is a versatile word that can be used in conditional sentences to express different ideas and situations. Here are some examples that demonstrate the diverse ways “when” can be used:

• When it rains, the streets become slippery. – In this example, “when” introduces a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that the streets become slippery as a result of rain.
• When it doesn’t rain, the streets are not slippery. – Here, “when” is used in a negative conditional sentence to express the absence of rain and its effect on the condition of the streets.
• When I have more time, I will learn to play the piano. – This sentence uses “when” in the future form to express a hypothetical situation. It implies that the speaker will only have the opportunity to learn the piano once they have more time.

Uses of “Should” in Conditional Sentences

The modal verb “should” is often used in conditional sentences to express different scenarios, obligations, or recommendations. It adds a sense of necessity or advisability to the action or situation being discussed. Here are some examples that demonstrate the various uses of “should” in conditional sentences:

• If you study hard, you should pass the exam. – In this example, “should” is used to express an expected outcome or result. It suggests that studying hard increases the likelihood of passing the exam.
• Should you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. – Here, “should” is used to indicate a polite recommendation or offer of help. It implies that the person may require assistance and encourages them to reach out if they do.
• I should go to bed early if I want to feel refreshed in the morning. – In this sentence, “should” expresses a logical consequence or advisable action. It suggests that going to bed early is necessary in order to feel refreshed the next day.

By incorporating “should” in conditional sentences, we can convey different levels of importance or obligation, making our statements more nuanced and precise.

How to Form a Conditional Sentence with “Should”

To form a conditional sentence with “Should,” you can use this modal verb to express probability, ask questions, show obligation, give recommendations, or express opinions. Here’s how you can construct such sentences:

• Probability : Use “Should” to express a likely or probable outcome. For example: “If it rains, the game should be canceled.”
• Questions : Begin the sentence with “Should” to ask a conditional question. For example: “Should we go out tonight if it’s snowing?”
• Obligation : Use “Should” to indicate a necessary or required action. For example: “You should wear a helmet while riding a bike.”
• Recommendations : Begin the sentence with “Should” to offer advice or suggest an action. For example: “You should visit that museum if you’re interested in art.”
• Expressing   opinions : Use “Should” to convey personal viewpoints or beliefs. For example: “I think we should try a new restaurant for dinner tonight.”

By using “Should” in conditional sentences, you can add a sense of probability, ask questions, indicate obligations, offer recommendations, or express opinions. These examples showcase the different uses of “Should” in forming conditional sentences.

Examples with “Should”

Here are some examples of conditional sentences using “Should” to demonstrate its various uses:

• “If it snows, there should be a delay in the train schedule.”
• “In case of heavy traffic, there should be alternative routes available.”
• “Should we go hiking if it’s raining?”
• “What should we do if the power goes out during the storm?”
• “You should wear a seatbelt while driving.”
• “Students should complete their assignments on time.”
• “You should see that movie; it’s really good.”
• “If you’re looking for a job, you should consider networking events.”

Further Considerations when Using Conditional Sentences without “If”

When constructing conditional sentences, there are various ways to express hypothetical situations without using the word “if.” In addition to using “unless,” “when,” and “should,” there are further considerations to keep in mind. One important aspect is the use of modal verbs and auxiliary verbs to convey different meanings and levels of certainty. It is also crucial to understand how to form negative forms in conditional sentences, as well as the role of dependent clauses in expressing unreal and imaginary situations. Additionally, considering the different tenses and future forms can help in creating more complex conditional structures. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using conditional sentences without “if,” there are common mistakes that should be avoided to ensure clarity and accuracy in communication. One such mistake is the confusion between the words “unless” and “less.”

“Unless” is a conjunction used to introduce a negative condition, while “less” is an adjective meaning “without” or “not as much as.” To avoid this confusion, it is important to pay attention to the context of the sentence. If the intention is to express a negative condition, then “unless” should be used. For example, “Unless I study, I will fail the exam.” On the other hand, if the intention is to express a comparison or absence, then “less” should be used. For example, “I have less money than my friend.”

Another common mistake is the incorrect usage of phrases like “I think” or “I believe” with the negative form of “should” in conditional sentences. The negative form of “should” is “shouldn’t,” and it already indicates a lack of belief or agreement. Therefore, using phrases like “I think” or “I believe” with “shouldn’t” can create redundancy and confusion. Instead, it is recommended to directly use the negative form of “should” without additional phrases. For example, “You shouldn’t eat too much junk food.”

By avoiding these common mistakes, learners can enhance their communication skills and ensure the correct formation of conditional sentences without “if.

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• Second Conditional Sentences With Examples

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

We use the conjunction unless to mean ‘except if’. The clause which follows unless is a subordinate clause (sc): it needs a main clause (mc) to make a complete sentence.

When unless comes before the main clause, we use a comma:

Unless [SC] it rains , [MC] we’ll go for a picnic by the river tomorrow. (We’ll go for a picnic by the river tomorrow if it doesn’t rain.)

When the main clause comes first, we don’t need a comma:

[MC] They won’t come unless [SC] you invite them .

Unless is a conditional word (like if ), so we don’t use will or would in the subordinate clause:

Unless I hear from you, I’ll see you at two o’clock.

Not: Unless I’ll hear from you …

Conditionals

Unless and if … not both mean ‘except if’:

We could eat at Siam Smile unless they’re closed on a Monday. (or We could eat at Siam Smile if they’re not closed on a Monday .)

I’ll make dinner unless somebody else wants to. (or I’ll make dinner if nobody else wants to .)

Can you turn the radio off unless you’re listening to it? (or Can you turn the radio off if you’re not listening to it? )

We don’t use unless for things that we know to be true:

You won’t be able to get a ticket for the match unless you’re prepared to pay a lot of money for it. (The speaker doesn’t know if you’re prepared to pay a lot of money for a ticket.)

I don’t know what we would have done if we had n’t seen you. (We did see you.)

Not: I don’t know what we would have done unless we’d seen you .

In speaking, we use unless to introduce an extra thought or piece of information:

He didn’t even know about the crash – unless he’d heard about it on the radio.

A: Oh look. Neil next door’s got a new car . B: Unless they’ve got a visitor .

Typical errors

We don’t use unless when we mean if :

Pete will drive if Alex can’t.

Not: Pete will drive unless Alex can’t .

We don’t use will or would in the clause after unless :

Unless you pay now, we can’t guarantee you a ticket.

Not: Unless you’ll pay now …

Conditionals: other expressions ( unless, should, as long as )

Word of the Day

If you are on hold when using the phone, you are waiting to speak to someone.

Searching out and tracking down: talking about finding or discovering things

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Health officials: Don't travel to China unless absolutely necessary

by Kalea Gunderson

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — If you have an upcoming trip planned to Wuhan, China or any other country where coronavirus is spreading, medical professionals said on Tuesday it wouldn't hurt to put it on hold.

The CDC has placed a "level 3" warning on travel to China specifically saying if it's not absolutely necessary to go, don't.

They're putting the emphasis on travel being the connector between Americans and this virus.

This new outbreak of coronavirus is like any other outbreak in the sense that it's spread in pockets throughout the countries its in.

Ohio State Family Medicine Doctor, Mark Rastetter said this means not all of China is necessarily a travel risk.

"So while it might be safer to travel to certain areas that are unaffected, it might be a little bit more dangerous to travel somewhere that's in the middle of an epidemic," Dr. Rastetter said.

The Ohio Department of Health identified two risky connections between the state and Wuhan, China.

"We actually have a sister city relationship with Wuhan, so we do have some business travelers, some cargo fights, and that sort of relationship. We also have our students, our wonderful students that come here to go to school, and who may have been at risk, but it could be others. It could be others who travel. It could be professors, so it really is this travel history that is important," Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said.

She said despite more than 100 possible cases and 5 confirmed cases of the virus, the risk in the U.S. remains low.

"Only with that travel history or with a direct contact to someone who is under investigation are you truly at risk," Dr. Acton said.

If you choose to travel to countries fighting an outbreak, listen to the guidance from the U.S.

"If you're in a country that has an alert to leave, paying attention. That is of the utmost importance," Dr. Rastetter said.

Both Dr. Rastetter and Dr. Acton said there is no need to raise concerns of any symptoms unless you have been to China and other countries with outbreaks or if you have come in direct contact with someone who has.

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Don't travel Friday unless absolutely necessary, Wisconsin DOT says

by Jaymes Langrehr

MADISON, Wis. — With possible whiteout or blizzard conditions and dangerous wind chills in store later this week, Wisconsin transportation officials are urging people not to travel Friday.

The winter storm, which is expected to begin late Wednesday night and carry into Friday, will bring periods of snow along with high winds, very low visibility, snow drifts, and frigid temperatures across the state. Snow totals will be higher to the north, but the wind and blowing snow will still make it extremely difficult to travel in southern Wisconsin.

Wind chills of -20 to -30 degrees during the day on Friday also mean it could be extremely dangerous if you slide off of the road and don’t have access to heat while you wait for help.

Wind gusts Thursday night through Friday night could reach up to 55 mph and could create blizzard-like conditions, even in areas where less snow is falling. Aside from the sustained winds making it difficult for taller vehicles to drive, the DOT says the conditions may become so bad on Friday that tow companies may not be able to help you if go off the road.

If you absolutely need to travel, the DOT recommends making sure you plan ahead with a full tank of gas and pack a winter survival kit, including blankets, water, and high-calorie foods like trail mix or protein bars in case you find yourself stranded for long periods of time.

You can check driving conditions across the state before you begin your trip on the DOT’s 511 map .

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Health & Fitness

Gov. murphy to nj: 'don't travel, period' amid covid pandemic, gov. murphy issued stronger words to new jerseyans, saying they shouldn't travel unless necessary. here's what he specifically wants..

Anthony Bellano , Patch Staff

NEW JERSEY — It’s not a new message, but Gov. Phil Murphy made a stronger statement – one that offered little wiggle room this time – that New Jersey residents shouldn’t travel unless absolutely necessary.

“We’ve been saying for six or eight weeks: Don’t travel. Period,” Murphy said during a news conference.

The statement followed a message he put out on Twitter stating that, “All non-essential out-of-state travel is DISCOURAGED. Residents and visitors coming to New Jersey, with limited exceptions, are to observe a 14-day self-quarantine. This recommendation excludes transient travel.”

Find out what's happening in Gloucester Township with free, real-time updates from Patch.

TRAVEL ADVISORY UPDATE: All non-essential out-of-state travel is DISCOURAGED. Residents and visitors coming to New Jersey, with limited exceptions, are to observe a 14-day self-quarantine. This recommendation excludes transient travel. — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 2, 2020

And that message comes a week after he scrapped his ever-expanding quarantine travel advisory that he had been issuing for weeks, saying New Jerseyans should avoid travel unless it was to New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware — because jobs and family likely make travel to those locations essential. Read more here: NJ COVID-19 Travel Quarantine Now Applies To All Except 4 States

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Exceptions have also been made for front-line workers, members of law enforcement or active duty members, Murphy said.

“If there’s a legitimate reason to go to Connecticut, for example, and you need to do that to and fro in a given day, clearly that’s OK,” Murphy said. “The spirit of this is you’re going for a reason that’s real, and you’re in and out the same day.

“No one should be traveling out of state for anything beyond that which is essential for your daily life, commuting to work or seeking medical treatment, for example.”

The travel advisory was issued for states and territories with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positive rate over a seven-day rolling average. When that number reached 46, Murphy decided to stop using the metrics.

“It was and remains our sole objective to protect public health, either from folks who are Jerseyans who have traveled out or from visitors who are coming in. That’s been the spirit of this from Day One, and that continues to be,” Murphy said. “When the list of states gets up to 46, and you have a denominator of 49, that leaves three. So it’s like we’ve been saying since September at this point, just don’t travel.”

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Don’t Travel Unless You Bring These 5 Essentials

It absolute requirement when travelling internationally. If anything goes wrong, the authorites can identify you easily in order to ensure that you get wherever you need to go legally.

2. Return Ticket

Don’t for get your passage back. It is important to have your return ticket handy when the moment requires you to return home.

In case of any emergentcy where you lose access to your bank account, always bring enough cash to last you the whole trip. Always be prepared.

4.  Backpack

Travel lightly and be mobile. Not only will you keep all of your possesions organized, it is also efficient to explore with just a single bag.

5. Friends That Know Where You Are

Maintaining contact with people who care about you will not only make you safe, but will also help you incase anything bad happens. Also, having international friends can help make the journey more fun!

Top 5 Secret Vacation Spots [Photos]

What to do when you lose your passport [5 steps], leave a reply cancel reply.

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Sunday May 19, 2024

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Don’t travel to India unless absolutely necessary: Doraiswami

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami has urged Bangladeshi citizens to refrain from travelling to India unless absolutely necessary as Omicron infections are rising rapidly in his country.

"Not only Bangladeshis, but I would also request all including Indian citizens living abroad to avoid visiting India now," he said after taking a booster dose at Sheikh Russel Gastroliver Institute & Hospital in Dhaka today.

Regarding any closure of the borders with India, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said discussions are on the cards over the matter.

Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Momen also discouraged travels through the Bangladesh-India border on health safety grounds while talking to reporters after the formal inauguration of booster Covid-19 vaccine doses for the diplomats stationed in Dhaka.

The minister called upon everyone to abide by the Covid-19 health and safety measures adding that the government has no plan for a lockdown at the moment.

Dr Momen further said, "We have come to the conclusion after having a discussion in the inter-ministerial meeting that another lockdown will be harmful to the country's economy."

"I also feel the same," he said, adding that the country has enough vaccines in hand including thirty-one crore vaccine doses lined up for procurement.

Reportedly, over seven crore people in the country have received the second dose of the Covid vaccine till date.

Top News / South Asia

Indian Ambassador Vikram Kumar Doraiswami / Vikram Kumar Doraiswami / India / Bangladesh-India

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

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Will new airline consumer protection rules help you when you fly this summer?

You've probably heard about the new airline consumer protection rules that rolled out with a one-two punch last month. There were so many, it's almost hard to keep track. And maybe you're saying to yourself: Finally, I'll have some rights when I fly.

Please, don't get too excited.

"It's a good start," said Anthony Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor , a company that helps consumers file airline complaints.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

The new rules address everything from junk fees to refunds, and although they may have some unintended consequences, they could help passengers – but those are expected to take effect until later, so not in time for the upcoming summer travel season.

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What did the government do?

Here's what's new:

• Two new consumer protection rules. The Department of Transportation (DOT) released final versions of two new rules to protect passengers. One requires airlines to quickly and automatically refund tickets when they cancel or significantly delay a flight. The other requires airlines to disclose any fees for checked or carry-on luggage, as well as for changing or canceling a reservation, at the same time, they display a fare quote. 
• States will handle some airline complaints. The federal government also announced a partnership with 18 state attorneys general . The agreement allows states to investigate airlines and ticket agents and hold them accountable when they violate aviation consumer protection laws.
• New refund laws and minimum seat sizes. The latest version of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill contains a new rule that would require airlines to refund a domestic flight if it's delayed more than three hours. For international flights, it's six hours. It prohibits airlines from charging fees for families to sit together. Also on deck: a requirement that the FAA take another look at minimum seat sizes.

The new DOT rules go into effect in late June but have an implementation period of 6 to 12 months. Some, like the seat standards, might never happen. So don't expect to see new junk fees disclosed or to get a lightning-fast refund this summer—maybe next summer.

Turbulent skies ahead for new consumer protections

At least one of the rules may backfire, warn travel experts. Among the consumer protections is a requirement that a merchant of record must issue a refund for an airline ticket. That means unless you booked a ticket directly with the airline, your travel advisor – not the airline – would be responsible for a prompt ticket refund. In other words, the money would come out of your advisor's pocket and then force the agent to negotiate with the airline for the money.

"I'm already seeing travel advisors who had been providing flight booking services to their clients, who are now choosing not to offer that service," said travel advisor Brandi Taylor. "This will be a major inconvenience to consumers." 

So this summer, if you're booking a trip through a travel advisor, they might tell you to buy the airline tickets yourself. They don't want to be on the hook for refunding the money your airline has already received for your flights.

That's not the only problem. There's a conflict between the FAA bill and DOT’s new rule requiring automatic cash refunds for flight cancellations and delays. Congress doesn't want the refund to be automatic. Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project, said a lot of money is at stake in unpaid refunds.

"Airline lobbyists are fighting tooth and nail to ensure the onus remains on consumers to jump through hoops, rather than having carriers issue automatic refunds," he said. "The DOT has stepped up to protect passengers. Now it's time for Congress to do the same."

Asked about which rules would take precedence in the event of a conflict, a DOT spokeswoman said the agency's rule is "solidly rooted in DOT’s legal authority." So if there's a conflict the DOT rule would prevail.

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Will these consumer rules really help you?

"I'm skeptical," said Steven Rothberg, the founder of a job search site in Edina, Minnesota.

Like many experienced air travelers, he's seen this kind of thing before. The government promises protections, people get excited – and then there's no meaningful follow-through. 

Take seat sizes, for example. Airline seats are too small for the average passenger. So in 2018, Congress required the FAA to set minimum seat sizes. But to this day, there is no minimum seat standard, forcing air travelers to wedge themselves into tiny economy-class seats. 

There are also worries that airlines will quickly find a way around all these new rules, leaving passengers unprotected.

Travelers have every reason to be concerned. Airlines are clever and often find ways around new government rules. For example, if the government requires the disclosure of a junk fee like baggage charges, airlines will come up with a new charge not covered by the regulation to make up for it. It's a cat-and-mouse game, and the airlines always seem to have the upper hand. 

When will the new consumer rules go into effect?

So what's likely to happen? In the short term, not much.

Jonathan Feniak, a frequent traveler and attorney, said airlines will stall for as long as possible.

"I don’t expect airlines to adopt the new rules until they absolutely have to," he said. "Especially during one of their busiest seasons, when delays and cancellations are bound to happen."

He said some forward-looking airlines may decide to adopt some of the requirements early, but it will also take some time for passengers to learn about their new rights.

On balance, he said the changes are a significant upgrade.

"It will mean fewer passengers being taken advantage of," he said.

A problem of enforcement

Here's the trouble with the new rules: There's some doubt the government will effectively enforce them. 

The DOT, which is in charge of enforcing the existing consumer rules, hasn't issued an enforcement action since December. It's one of the longest stretches of time without such action in years.

Think of enforcement actions as traffic tickets. And now there's a perception that airlines can get away with anything, according to Radchenko of AirAdvisor. Out of almost 300 complaints he filed in the last year, he said  DOT has not made any decision or issued enforcement action.

He said the government must prescribe penalties for airlines that ignore or fail to comply with the new rules for the new rules to work.

"They also need to provide the right to recover attorney's fees and legal costs for consumers bringing a lawsuit against an airline," he said.

What do we really need?

The bottom line for passengers is that almost none of the consumer protections will improve your summer flight. It may even be too soon for your Thanksgiving flight, and if there's a change of administration this November, some of these rules may never be implemented.

The gold standard for consumer protection, at least according to consumer advocates, is a rule in Europe called EC 261 . It requires airlines to assist passengers and compensate them when they're denied boarding or their flights are canceled or delayed.

For now, you have the same rights you always had when you flew in the U.S., which is to say, not many. 

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

Chase Travel Has What the Other Cards and Online Travel Agencies Don’t — Southwest Flights

Dennis Schaal , Skift

May 16th, 2024 at 10:04 AM EDT

Online travel agencies and credit card companies — other than Chase — have Southwest-envy. Not having Southwest flights is a major hole in their travel offerings.

Dennis Schaal

Chase cardholders can book Southwest Airlines flights through the Chase Travel portal, and that’s a rarity for leisure travelers.

You can’t do it through American Express, Citi or Capital One’s travel platforms, nor can vacationers book Southwest flights through Expedia, Kayak, Booking.com, Google Travel or any other online travel platform for leisure travelers.

It isn’t a total shutout for Citi cardholders with access to Citi Travel — they can call Citi customer service to book Southwest flights, but there is no online booking.

That’s the way it worked for Chase cardholders prior to last November. If they wanted to book Southwest flights, they would have to phone Chase Travel customer service to book Southwest. But that changed in November — although it didn’t receive a lot of press — when Chase cardholders got the ability to book Southwest flights on Chase Travel using points or cash, a Chase spokesperson said Wednesday.

An image of Southwest fares available on Chase Travel. Source: Skift

Direct Booking Strategy

Southwest, one of the largest airlines in the U.S., was renowned for its direct booking strategy. The cheapest way for an airline to sell its flights is on its own website; it saves the distribution costs that would come with spreading its fares to third-parties.

For years, Southwest.com was the only place to book Southwest flights. Online travel agencies that tried to offer Southwest flights received cease and desist letters .

In recent years, Southwest has made its flights available to corporate booking tools for business travelers in managed travel programs. It also began distributing its fares and schedules through global distribution systems — but you or your travel agent had to phone Southwest to get a ticket.

It’s unclear what the latest twist in Southwest’s strategy means regarding Chase Travel. Southwest didn’t respond to requests for comment. Will other credit card companies eventually get Southwest’s flights too?

But when Southwest makes it flights available to Chase Travel cardholders, these flights still can only be booked within the non-public Chase Travel environment, and they aren’t available more widely to the general public.

That means that most travelers still have to book Southwest the old-fashioned way — on Southwest.com.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: american express , booking.com , business travel , chase , chase travel , citi , expedia , kayak , southwest

Photo credit: Southwest flights are available through Chase Travel. Tomás Del Coro / Wikimedia Commons

Montgomery Whitewater: What to know before your trip to the park

B efore you and the family suddenly show up for a wet adventure at Montgomery Whitewater this summer, there are some things you really need to know.

Not a water park!

Its grounds are very park like. It has water. But, folks, this is not a "water park" — no waterslides and no swimming if it can be avoided.

"I know that’s a little bit of a misnomer out there," said Dave Hepp, CEO of Montgomery Whitewater.

This is actually two channels of artificial river created to challenge whitewater enthusiasts who love rafting and kayaking, and also riding those inflatable kayaks called "duckies."

No experience required to go rafting

If you're up to it, book a rafting ride — in person or at montgomerywhitewater.com. They have different levels to pick from, including a more family-friendly one for beginners. Don't worry if you haven't gone whitewater rafting before. Your guides will show you how. Hence their title — guides.

You can, and should, wear your bathing suits, along with the required helmets and life jackets they provide. Just bring some dry clothing to change into when you're done. You're gonna get soooooooooaked!

Train up, newbie kayakers

That "no experience required" thing for going on rafts... well, that doesn't apply to kayak users.

If someone bought you a kayak for Christmas and you've never really used it, much less in whitewater conditions, don't dust it off and expect to immediately use it here. That's dangerous. You need some experience in kayaks made for whitewater.

The good news is that you don't have to keep being kayak newbies. Montgomery Whitewater offers several training courses you can pay to enroll in ( see the website ).

Give your Crocs and flip flops the boot

The kind of footwear you're most likely think to wear for a day of water fun is exactly the kind you shouldn't — and can't — while whitewater rafting.

“The deal with Crocs and flip flops is that they fall off,” Hepp said. That's why they're banned for rafters.

Instead, you could wear old shoes you don’t mind getting soaked. The outfitter store also has footwear for sale, plus some you can rent.

Unless you're going on the water, it's free to be there!

“Essentially, you can drive up, park, walk around, walk your dog, ride your bike, without necessarily paying for anything, unless you are doing an activity or going to the restaurant,” Hepp said.

Parking's free also, something else different from most water parks.

Leave your food back home in the fridge

There's no outside food or drink allowed. The only eating on site comes from outfitter store and Eddy's Restaurant and Bar. You can also grab beer and other drinks on tap from the beer garden.

“We don’t want people coming out and setting up camp on the lawn, bringing coolers and setting up picnics,” Hepp said.

Don't smoke 'em if you've got 'em

No smoking, vaping or e-cigarette use is allowed on Montgomery Whitewater grounds.

They haven’t banned smokeless tobacco  — snuff, dip, chewing tobacco and similar stuff. At least not yet. You can bet they don't want rafters spitting 'bacca juice in their pristine water.

“If it becomes an issue where we’re cleaning up spit all over the place, we’ll have to address it for sure,” Hepp said.

Other bits of whitewater wisdom

• The grand opening is set for July 8: Along with rafting, they'll have a lot to do on dry land. They've got live music planned, and the restaurant and beer garden will be open.
• You can probably go rafting more than once: Each rafting trip is about 90 minutes, and that's roughly four or five laps. One round of action could wear you out. But maybe not? If you're super energetic and want to keep going, the day passes you purchased allow you to go back out raft multiple times in a day — based on capacity. So go, row, row, row your boat all day long, if you want.
• Rafting for the disabled: Montgomery Whitewater follows Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, and their staff will offer guidance on if a water activity can be safely accommodated for an individual. It's best to contact them about this well in advance.
• If you bring it, you might lose it: Don't bring anything on a raft that you don't mind losing forever. That include phones!
• No, there’s not a weight limit for raft riders: The only caveat to this is that the life vest has to fit. They’ve got a 55 inch chest limit.
• Yes, there are age requirements: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The youngest a kid can be to go rafting is 8, and that’s on the beginner rafting with a group. For moderate adventure rafting, it's age 10 and up. Ramp it all the way to advanced rodeo rafting, and you’ve got to be at least 16. For those going out on inflatable kayaks (aka duckies), the youngest age is 13 — and that’s in a two-person ducky with an adult.
• Watch the weather: When you pay to get out on the water, that’s nonrefundable. If severe weather causes Montgomery Whitewater to close, still no refund. So take a moment to check out the forecast before you pay for a ride.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at   [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery Whitewater: What to know before your trip to the park