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Discover fall in almost heaven.

Featured Destinations

From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.

Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.

Featured Road Trip

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route.

Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....

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Culture & Lifestyle

Check Out These Charming Small Towns in Almost Heaven

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route, a memorable trip through the potomac highlands.

Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.

Explore Some of West Virginia's Most Stunning Sights

Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway.

You Can Take a Drive and a Dip Along This Historic Loop

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Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away.

Current Season

Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.

Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.

Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.

The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe.

Tourism Advisory Council

The Tourism Advisory Council is made up of tourism industry professionals appointed by the Governor and provides expertise on matters that are brought before the Council and raised by its members. The Council’s goal is to make the tourism industry as successful as possible across the state, and to provide advisory support to the West Virginia Department of Tourism.

The Tourism Advisory Council is governed by §5B-2I-7. “Tourism Advisory Council; members, appointment, and expenses.”

Tourism Advisory Council Members

James bailey.

Cabinet Secretary, WV Department of Commerce

Mitch Carmichael

Cabinet Secretary, WV Department of Economic Development

Randy Damron

Designee for Cabinet Secretary of the WV Department of Highways

Kara D. Dense

President and CEO, Greenbrier County CVB

Brian Helmick

President, Bright Enterprises INC.

John Klemish

Broker-In-Charge and Advisor to the President, Greenbrier Sporting Club

Jeffrey T. Lusk

Executive Director, Hatfield McCoy Regional Recreation Authority

Robert Peckenpaugh

President and CEO, Wheeling Park Commission

Audy M. Perry

Executive Director, Heritage Farm Foundation

Thomas Price

General Manager, Timberline Mountain WV

Dominique N. Ranieri, Esq.

Airport Director and CEO, West Virginia International Yeager Airport

Susan M. Riddle

President and CEO, Visit Mountaineer Country CVB

Lisa Strader

Director, Visit Southern WV

Sydney Weber

Manager, Honor and Harrison in Parkersburg

Laurel Ziemianski

Project Manager for Sustainable Buildings, Hill Top House Hotel

View Agency History

Upcoming & Recent Agendas

Tourism Advisory Council Meeting – April 18, 2024

Tourism Advisory Council Meeting – January 22, 2024

Approved Meeting Minutes

Tourism Advisory Workforce Committee – January 16, 2024

Tourism Advisory Economic Development Committee – December 15, 20 23

Tourism Advisory Council Meeting – November 28, 2024

Tourism Advisory Council Meeting – September 12, 2023

Tourism Advisory Council Meeting – June 7, 2023

• International Travel Information
• International Travel Advisory Council

Mission of the International Travel Advisory Committee

The International Travel Advisory Committee (ITAC) has established guidelines, policies and procedures for international university travel that addresses the health and safety of all WVU travelers while studying and/or conducting research/ business. The Committee is responsible for assessing levels of risk in regions where University-related programs and individual travel are occurring or proposed. Academic freedom and the University’s research agenda will be sustained as WVU ensures the safety of our students, faculty and staff.

This committee is chaired by Tara George-Jones and reports to Dr. Amber Brugnoli, Assistant Vice President of OGA. Committee members consist of representatives from across campus, including academic leaders, faculty members, staff, students, and international travel/risk specialists.

This group is responsible for making recommendations for student international travel to locations once a risk designation and/or State Department Travel warning is determined. Individual students will petition the committee. The committee will review the travel advisory documentation with relevant information to make a recommendation for or against travel. Any WVU faculty wishing to develop education abroad programming in a risk area will be required to petition the International Policy Committee as well. The committee reserves the right to change its recommendation and cancel the program at any time should the circumstances in country change.

The committee meets as needed to review and discuss policies.

Travel Advisories

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

US Department of State Travel Advisories ( https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/ )

Level 4:   Do not Travel 

This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.  During an emergency, the US government may have very limited ability to provide assistance.  The Department of State (DOS) advises the US citizens not travel to country under a Level 4 advisory or to leave as soon as possible.  The DOS provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time. 

Level 3 :  Reconsider Travel 

This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.  During an emergency, the US government may have limited ability to provide assistance.  The DOS advises that US citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as possible.  The DOS provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time. 

Level 2 :  Exercise increased caution

Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.  The DOS provides advice to travelers in the travel advisory.  Conditions in any country may change at any time. 

Level 1:   Exercise normal precautions

This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.  There is some risk in all international travel.  Conditions in any country may change at any time.

International Travel Advisory Committee

• Amber Brugnoli, Assistant Vice President - Global Affairs

• Marion Holmes, Assistant Director - Student Conduct

• Hillar Klandorf, Professor of Physiology and Nutrition - Animal and Nutritional Sciences

• Henry Oliver, Director of Global Advancement - Global Affairs

• Patty Powers, Export Control Officer

• Kelsey Knotts, Risk Manager

• Benjamin Silverberg, Assistant Professor - Emergency Medicine

• Abigail Wolfe, Associate Export Control Officer

• Vanessa Yerkovich, Director of Education Abroad - Global Affairs

•  Amanda Morgan, Faculty-Led Program Specialist - Global Affairs

• Brian Ricketts, Faculty-Led Program Specialist - Global Affairs

• Andy Patrick, Associate Director and Student Advocate - Global Affairs

Resources used by ITAC

International SOS ( WVU’s Travel Assistance Provider) 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  

U.S. Department of State  

World Health Organization  

Canada’s Office of Foreign Affairs  

Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office  

• Travel Registration
• Traveler Information
• Travel Procedures
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Passport & Visa Questions

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Travel alerts

When severe weather or other uncontrollable events impact your flight and travel dates, you may be able to change your trip with no change fee.

We understand you may have questions about your upcoming travel. We’re working around the clock to care for you on your travel journey.

Current travel alerts

Information current As of June 7, 2024

If you're traveling to / through / from:

• Caxias do Sul, Brazil (CXJ)
• Chapeco, Brazil (XAP)
• Passo Fundo, Brazil (PFB)
• Pelotas, Brazil (PET)
• Porto Alegre, Brazil (POA)
• Santo Angelo, Brazil (GEL)

Your change fee is waived if you:

• Are traveling on an American Airlines flight
• Are booked in any fare class, including Basic Economy
• Bought your ticket by May 6, 2024
• Are scheduled to travel May 6 - August 31, 2024
• Can travel May 12 - September 20, 2024
• Change your origin and destination to: Canoas Air Force Base, Brazil - Alternative for Porto Alegre (QNS), Caxias do Sul (CXJ), Chapeco (XAP), Florianopolis (FLN), Navegantes (NVT) Passo Fundo (PFB), Pelotas (PET) or Santo Angelo (GEL); difference in fare may apply
• Rebook in the same cabin or pay the difference

Keep in mind:

• Your ticket must be issued by American (ticket number starts with 001)
• Changes must be booked by August 31, 2024
• Travel must be completed within 1 year of original ticket date; difference in fare may apply

Change your trip

If your trip is eligible, you can make a one-time change online. Here's how:

Find your trip

• If your trip is eligible, you'll see the option to 'change trip' in the toolbar

Contact Reservations

If you can't change your trip online, call Reservations for help.

• Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV)
• Bought your ticket by February 11, 2024
• Are scheduled to travel October 7, 2023 - October 28, 2024
• Can travel October 26, 2024 - November 24, 2024
• Don't change your origin or destination city
• Cancel your trip and request a refund
• Changes must be booked by October 28, 2024

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
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Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

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Germany Travel Advisory

Travel advisory may 1, 2024, germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to  terrorism .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs. They also target markets/shopping malls and local government facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants. They also attack places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. They target schools, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Germany.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Germany.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, germany map, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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Travel Info to Go

• Traffic Map
• Possible Travel Delays
• Road Conditions
• Weather Alerts
• Weather Forecast
• Traffic Cameras
• Calling 511
• Using the Website
• Using the Alerting Service
• Using the 511 Mobile App
• What's Coming to 511
• Department of Transportation
• State Police
• X (Twitter)
• Roadwork by District

WV 511 Traveler Information System Frequently Asked Questions

What is 511.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation's free 511 Traveler Information System provides real-time traffic information, including congestion, construction, lane closures, road conditions and severe weather information on all West Virginia interstates and other major highways. The resource is available 24 hours a day via phone by dialing 511 or online at WV511.org. WV 511 advisories also are available from the WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app and via statewide, regional and roadway-specific Twitter feeds. The WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app is available for iPhone and Android smartphones at WV511.org/NetworkCoverage/usingApp.aspx , and the WV 511 Twitter feeds are available at WV511.org/twitter/default.aspx . Travelers may also now sign up to subscribe to receive email or text alerts for areas of interest, along with days and times to receive theses email alerts.

What traveler information is available by calling 511?

West Virginia 511 Traveler Information System gives real-time travel reports on all West Virginia interstates. The statewide system provides information on construction, lane closures, crashes, congestion and severe weather affecting traffic. WV 511 also can transfer travelers to available 511 systems in neighboring states.

What roads are covered on 511?

West Virginia 511 covers all interstates and major roadways in the state.

Is there a charge for calling 511?

No, WV511 is a free resource to the public provided by the West Virginia Department of Transportation. Users can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to hear up-to-the-minute traveler information. However, mobile phone users should be aware that normal minute, text message and data charges may apply.

How do I reach the 511 phone system?

When you are inside West Virginia, dial 511 from a mobile phone or land line. If you are located outside West Virginia, or are unable to connect while dialing 511, the service may also be reached by dialing 1-855-699-8511. The call is free, although standard mobile phone minutes may apply.

How is the information collected?

The majority of the daily incidents reported to the West Virginia Department of Transportation come through 911 calls. WVDOT has also deployed intelligent transportation technology on all of West Virginia's interstates and other major roadways. Traffic Management Centers (TMCs) collect information about roadway conditions and publishes the information to the WV 511 system. The data comes from sensors in and alongside the road, traffic surveillance cameras and reports from Courtesy Patrols, West Virginia State Police and local law enforcement.

How often is the information updated?

Information is updated on an ongoing basis as incidents occur and situations change on roadways.

How does the information available from 511 differ from the traveler information I get on the radio and television?

With WV 511, drivers can expect to receive considerably more route-specific information than what is heard in a 30-second traffic news report, and drivers will be able to access the information on demand, whenever they need it.

What public safety alerts are carried on the 511 system?

The public safety alerts carried on 511 are voluntary, cooperative partnerships among law enforcement, WVDOT, other agencies and local broadcasters. WVDOT uses overhead electronic message signs and 511 to get public safety alerts out to the public.

AMBER Alert is the name of the nation's child abduction alert system. AMBER stands for "America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response." It alerts the public when a child has been abducted and is believed to be in serious danger.

Silver Alerts notify the public and law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for missing adults or citizens with cognitive impairments. This program is especially targeted to protect adults with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

What is available on WV511.org that isn't available by calling 511?

From WV511.org, drivers can view traffic camera images from around the state, consult regional maps, see special truck-related information, get more detailed information on roadway conditions and link directly to many 511 travel partners, including airports and tourism and transit agencies. From the website, visitors can also subscribe for email or text message updates to traffic events happening in areas they select. WV511.org provides direct links to download the WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app for iPhone and Android devices as well as links to all the WV 511 Twitter feeds.

Why is there no report on 511 about a crash I see beside the highway?

It can take several minutes for accurate traffic incident information to be collected, verified and posted to the West Virginia 511 Traveler Information System. Much incident information is reported to Traffic Management Center (TMC) operators by West Virginia State Police, Courtesy Patrol or local law enforcement. TMC operators must collect and verify that information, often using WVDOT traffic surveillance cameras to visually inspect a crash scene. Once they have the information they need, it is entered into the WV 511 Traveler Information System to be added to the phone, website, mobile app and Twitter feed. This process can take several minutes from the time an incident is first identified to the time information about it is available on 511.

When was 511 started?

511 is the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) designated nationwide three-digit telephone number for traveler information. Established by the FCC in 1999, 511 was implemented in West Virginia in 2012.

WV511.org Website Frequently Asked Questions

How do i navigate or change my view on the map.

WV 511 uses Google Maps on WV511.org with WV 511 traveler information added to them. You can zoom in or out of an area using the slider or zoom in (+) or zoom out (-) buttons on the right side of the map. You can pan (move the map) by clicking and dragging the map or by using the arrows in the bottom right corner of the map. Additional Google functions are available. The satellite view can be toggled on and off using the “Satellite” and “Map” buttons on the lower left side of the map. The "Pegman" icon on the lower right corner can be dragged on to the map to see Google's street view.

To view a specific region of West Virginia, click Map Views along the top of the page and select a region to see from the drop-down menu. To save your view, click the "Save Map View" button to store the settings and legend selections for easy access on your next visit.

What information is shown on the map?

The WV 511 map can show current traffic conditions, current and upcoming planned events (such as road or bridge construction or maintenance) and weather-related road conditions. The map also shows the location and information for traffic incidents, electronic roadway signs, traffic cameras and National Weather Service alerts and forecasts. You can select what information you would like shown on the map in the Legend on the left side of the screen.

In the traffic section of the Legend, you can select if you would like to see traffic speeds, roadway incidents, active planned events (such as road or bridge construction or maintenance), future planned events or current road conditions.

In the Signs /Cameras sections, you can choose to see the messages appearing on active roadway signs, and you can select to see roadway streaming cameras.

In the Weather section of the Legend, you can turn on or off National Weather Service Watches and Warnings, or view the 5-day weather forecast for each county across the state.

The Commercial section of the Legend provides choices for seeing information of special interest to truck drivers, such as steep grades and runaway truck ramp locations.

The Info section of the Legend offers selections that can show you where conveniences such as rest areas and welcome centers are located, as well as the location of toll booths on West Virginias Turnpike.

You can select the type of information or advisories you would like to see by checking or unchecking the box beside each.

What do the icons on the map mean?

The road condition data provided here by the WVDOH and partnering agencies reflect conditions along a segment of road at a specified time. These observations are not updated frequently due to limited personnel out on these highways, especially after normal business hours. The WVDOH recommends that you check a number of sources, including the National Weather Service reports, in making your travel plans. Also, these observations can vary greatly within an area and weather conditions can change quickly. For example, road conditions a few miles away from the observation site could be completely different. Therefore, this information should not be used as the only factor in determining whether to travel in a particular area.

Snowplowing, Cindering and Deicing: Listing of roadway snow and ice conditions is not a guarantee that WVDOH has plowed, sanded or cindered any or all locations for travelers either before or after the observations were made. The actual determination of the amount and timing of these services for any particular section of highway is up to the judgment of local road maintenance officials based on their experience and local conditions at particular times.

By clicking on these icons, you can get detailed information on the incident type and location.

Incidents - All shows the location of all traffic incidents that may affect travel speeds. Incidents by selected categories can be seen clicking on the appropriate legend item.

How do I get more information about a traffic incident or advisory on the map

When you click on the incident or advisory icon on the map, a window will appear with more detailed information about incidents and other travel advisories such as the time it was reported or updated, a description and its detailed location.

How do I view traffic cameras?

There are two options for viewing traffic cameras on WV511.org. In Map View, check the box beside Camera in the Legend. Locate the traffic camera you wish to view on the map and click on that Camera icon. A window will appear with a live feed of the traffic camera you selected.

You also can view traffic cameras by selecting Traffic Cameras in the sub-menu under Travel Conditions. Select the traffic camera you wish to view from the list.

Why don't traffic camera videos automatically play on my iPhone?

Traffic camera videos are designed to auto-play on iPhones and other devices. Your iPhone may not automatically play the video if it is in battery saving mode (or Low Power Mode). To turn Low Power Mode on or off, go to Settings > Battery.

How can I find road conditions in bad weather?

There are two options for viewing road conditions on WV511.org. In Map View, select Road Conditions in the upper portion of the Legend. This will highlight routes with information available. Green routes are in good condition. Yellow routes require using caution. Pink routes have hazardous conditions. Red routes are closed. Grey routes do not currently have reported conditions.

511 Phone System Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 511 phone system.

The West Virginia 511 Traveler Information System is your free, on-demand resource for real-time traffic and traveler information. The phone system provides traffic information such as traffic congestion, crash reports, road conditions, construction and more. Dial 511 from any mobile phone or landline. The call is free; however, charges for mobile phone minutes may apply. Once you are connected to 511, speech recognition software allows you to navigate to the information you want by asking for the information in a normal conversation.

How do I find out about incidents?

Incidents such as crashes, congestion, construction, and unusual or severe weather conditions will be reported to you for the area you request. To request this information via the WV 511 phone system simply state what you are looking for.

For example, you can ask for traffic on I-79 between Sutton and Bridgeport. You can ask for traffic around a location like Charleston. You can ask for traffic on a roadway for a certain direction of travel, such as I-64 eastbound between Burnwell and Mahan. You can even ask for traffic near a museum, stadium, restaurant, or other place of interest. The 511 phone system will locate the requested location, and get the relevant traffic information.

*Quick Tip: You can set up the 511 phone system to recognize you the next time you call, and offer you information for a preferred area. Just say “change” and you can set a preferred location and preferred information (traffic, weather, construction) for the location so that on your next call in, you will quickly hear the information you want for your preferred travel area.

What other information can I get from 511?

West Virginia's 511 Traveler Information System also can connect you to:

• 511 systems in Pennsylvania and Virginia

Are there shortcuts to navigate through the phone system more easily?

• Say "Weather" along with a city or town location to get weather warnings and the forecast.
• Say “Change Construction” to turn off/on construction information.
• Say “Change” to set up your preferences.
• Say "Stop" to interrupt the system.
• Say "Repeat" to hear what was just played again.
• Say "Skip" to move to the next incident/weather report within the current segment.
• Say "Next" to move to the travel update for the next segment of roadway.
• Say "Comment" to leave feedback.
• Say "Help" at any time if you need more instruction.

Are there any tips to make my 511 call go smoothly?

• Check your mobile phone signal strength when placing a call; weak reception may cause 511 to have problems understanding what you say.
• Speak as clearly as possible and minimize any background noise — including radios, air conditioning and other people talking.

How can I be as safe as possible while using 511?

• Call 511 before you hit the road, at a rest area or have a passenger call to avoid talking while driving.
• Call 511 before you enter a new roadway to become aware of the current road condition.

Does WVDOT record phone calls to the 511 system?

No, WVDOT does not record phone calls to the 511 system. Periodically calls may be recorded for training or analysis purposes.

WV 511 Drive Safe Mobile App Frequently Asked Questions

Please note, the WV 511 Drive Safe mobile application is an audible, hands-free mobile application that should be activated prior to driving a vehicle. Any troubleshooting or settings adjustments should be performed prior to driving, by a passenger in the vehicle or after pulling off the roadway. Drivers should not attempt to troubleshoot or adjust settings to the app while driving.

I've started the app, but I am not hearing any advisories, what's going on?

Several items can be occurring if you are no longer hearing advisories:

• You may be in an area where no advisories are in the radius you selected. If you think there should be, try pressing the "replay all" button on the far right of the audio controls. This will reset your connection and replay active advisories near you.
• Your advisory radius may be set to a low value.
• You may not be in range of a cell tower to provide data access. Ask a passenger to look at the phone (or when you are stopped) to check for any possible error messages related to the cellular network. Once you are back in range of your network, advisories should resume.
• Your phone may be simply attempting to acquire a location for your device. If you have wireless location (Android: settings -> location -> use wireless networks. iPhone: settings -> Wi-Fi) enabled, you can generally get quicker response times as the phone can utilize this less accurate location while it acquires a more solid GPS lock. If you only have GPS location enabled, allow the device sufficient time to acquire a lock.

I am sitting in traffic/an incident and the WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app did not tell me about it. Why?

You may be arriving to the incident before it has arrived to our system. It can take several minutes for accurate traffic incident information to be collected, verified and posted to the West Virginia 511 Traveler Information System.

If you don't hear an advisory shortly, then there could be other factors. Your phone may have lost internet access. Some areas have weak cellular coverage, so this is possible from time to time. The app will not work without internet access, but when it loses internet access, it will continue to try to automatically reconnect.

The WV 511 Drive Safe app continues to tell me "There are no active advisories". Shouldn't it be silent?

If the app continues to say that there are no current advisories, your phone may have lost internet access. Some areas have weak cellular coverage, so this is possible from time to time. The app will not work without internet access, and when it loses internet access, it will continue to try to automatically reconnect. When WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app automatically reconnects, the "No advisories" message will be replayed when there are no advisories.

The WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app is giving me advisories that are in an incorrect location. Doesn't it know where I am?

If the app does not give any advisories, your phone may have lost internet access. Some areas have weak cellular coverage, so this is possible from time to time. The app will not work without internet access, and when it loses internet access, it will continue to try to automatically reconnect.

You also should check your phone's GPS Settings — make sure the phone's GPS is turned on and the phone has a clear view of the sky so your GPS can be read and your location and direction of travel identified. This process may take several minutes. If WV 511 Drive Safe experiences a GPS error, it will be displayed in red on the main screen.

The screen shows that advisories are playing, why can't I hear them?

If the screen displays that an advisory is playing, but you cannot hear it, turn up your phone's media volume. There are typically volume controls on the side of the phone, but each phone model may function differently. Check the user guide for your particular phone.

How do I minimize the WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app to leave it running in the background while I use my phone for other functions?

You can click the "home" button and WV 511 Drive Safe will continue to play advisories for you while you use other phone functions. If you just want to turn off the sound from playing, simply change the On/Off switch to "Off". To have sounds resume playing again, change it back to the "on" position.

Alternately, with Android smart phones you may tap your phone's back button. A dialogue window will appear with options to Minimize the app (advisories will play in the background), Quit the app (quit and close completely), or cancel (return to app). Select "Minimize".

How do I close the WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app?

For Android smart phones, tap your phone's back button. A dialogue window will appear with options to Minimize the app (advisories will play in the background), Quit the app (quit and close completely), or cancel (return to app). Select "Quit App".

Alternatively, you can quit by swiping down from the top bar, and select to close the app. from the homepage of the app, tap your phone's menu button and tap "Quit".

For iPhones, first press the Home button once to minimize the app. Then, press the home button twice quickly to display the list of running applications. Locate the WV 511 Drive Smart icon (on this screen or by scrolling). Press and hold down the WV 511 Drive Smart icon. Now the icons on the screen will start to wiggle and each icon have a red — on the top corner. Find the WV 511 Drive Smart icon and press the red —. The app will now be closed.

To silence the drive mode without quitting the app, from the Audio Alerts screen, toggle the “Main Switch” to OFF.

How do I change the settings?

For Android smart phones, with the WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app open, access "Settings" by tapping your phone's menu button, and selecting "Settings". You may return back to the main screen by tapping the "Save Changes" button located at the bottom of the Settings page, or you may tap the phone's Back button.

For iPhones, with the WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app open, tap the "Settings" link at the bottom of the screen. You may return to the main Audio Control screen by tapping the "Home" button located at the bottom of the screen.

The application will not install.

WV 511 Drive Safe is updated to be used with current Android and iOS versions. It should install properly on many earlier versions and sub-versions of the current OS. Try uninstalling any previous versions of WV 511 Drive Safe before installing a new version. Otherwise, a phone reboot before installation may solve the issue.

Advisories were playing, but suddenly playback stopped, what's happening?

Be sure first that you are still connected to your provider's cellular network. (You need to be connected to receive the sound files). If you are connected, the most likely reason for the playback to stop is that another application began playback of another audio file and halted the WV 511 Drive Safe application's audio stream. If this occurs, simply switch back into the WV 511 Drive Safe application and press "play" to continue WV 511 Drive Safe audio, if hitting play does not resume the audio or you wish to re-hear all advisories, press the "Replay" button on the far right of the audio controls to restart your connection.

I cannot retrieve a connection ID upon startup of the application, what's happening?

Either you are not in an area where the cellular data network is not available, or permissions for network usage have been disabled for WV 511 Drive Safe. Ensure your network is within range, and permissions have been set to allow access for this application.

I receive a GPS error upon starting the application on my iPhone, what's happening?

Ensure that you have provided permissions to the WV 511 Drive Safe application to use your GPS and location settings. You can find this option on your home screen under Settings -> Location Services and then look for the "Drive Safe" listing which should be in the "On" position. The "Location Services" setting at the top of the screen must be "ON" as well.

Note: If you are unable to change the Location Services for Drive Safe to "On", you might have Location Services blocked through Restrictions. Go to Settings -> General -> Restrictions, and enter your passcode. Tap "Location" under the "Allow Changes" menu. Tap on the "Allow Changes" menu item to allow Location service changes. Make sure the setting for Location Services is "On". Switch the button next to Drive Safe to the "On" Position.

If you are still seeing the message after those options are set, you may be in an area where location data is not available. Try to move into range of several cell towers, or provide the phone a clear view of the sky to collect GPS coordinates.

U.S. issues new travel advisories: Which countries made the list in 2024 so far?

Jun. 6—Summer 2024 is nearly here, and you know what that means: Vacation time!

As Americans across the nation plan getaways to all parts of the globe, travelers need to keep in mind that certain areas of the world are safer than others — after all, with two wars raging in Israel and Ukraine, the world at large is tense.

But those two locations aren't the only ones to try and avoid; in fact, even popular vacation hotspots for Americans are being named in travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

Here are the countries Americans should keep an eye on as they make travel arrangements this summer, according to the Department of State:

—Antarctica: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 29, 2024)

—Armenia: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (April 9, 2024)

—Benin: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 24, 2024)

—Botswana: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (Feb. 26, 2024)

—Burma (Myanmar): Level Four — Do not travel (Jan. 22, 2024)

—Colombia: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 2, 2024)

—Comoros: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 28, 2024)

—Côte d'Ivoire: Level Two: Exercise increased caution (April 8, 2024)

—Cuba: Level Two: Exercise increased caution (Jan. 5, 2024)

—Ecuador: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (April 15, 2024)

—Equatorial Guinea: Level Two — Exercise Increased caution (April 4, 2024)

—Gaza: Level Four — Do not travel (April 11, 2024)

—Germany: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 1, 2024)

—Hong Kong: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (April 12, 2024)

—Iran: Level Four — Do not travel (Jan. 11, 2024)

—Iraq: Level Four — Do not travel (April 24, 2024)

—Israel: Level Three — Reconsider travel (April 11, 2024)

—Jamaica: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 23, 2024)

—Japan: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (Jan. 8, 2024)

—Kyrgyz Republic: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (March 8, 2024)

—Lebanon: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 29, 2024)

—Macau: Level Three — Reconsider travel (April 12, 2024)

—Mainland China: Level Three — Reconsider travel (April 12, 2024)

—Marshall Islands: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (May 28, 2024)

—Moldova: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (March 14, 2024)

—New Caledonia: Level Three — Reconsider travel (June 4, 2024)

—Nicaragua: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 11, 2024)

—Niger: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 8, 2024)

—Papua New Guinea: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 17, 2024)

—Philippines: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 16, 2024)

—Poland: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (May 1, 2024)

—Rwanda: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (March 29, 2024)

—Saudi Arabia: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 24, 2024)

—South Africa: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (Feb. 5, 2024)

—The Bahamas: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (Jan. 26, 2024)

—Tunisia: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 14, 2024)

—Turkmenistan: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (Jan. 22, 2024)

—Venezuela: Level Four — Do not travel (May 13, 2024)

—West Bank: Level Three — Reconsider travel (April 11, 2024)

(c)2024 Staten Island Advance, N.Y. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.