State department travel advisory - do you take it seriously?

[GoodHombre]

Originally Posted by lieqiang

To a westerner that can freely criticize governments, that is arbitrary detainment. It was a retaliatory move by China against Canada, and if Canada hadn't detained that Huawei executive they wouldn't have been arbitrarily detained.

Agreed changes are almost nil and is silly travel warning.

I criticize the Chinese government on a daily basis but I'm worried about being arrested.

You have to be a relatively important person who publicly criticizes the Chinese government.

[lieqiang]

Right, but given their arrest was retaliation (as opposed to being for any actions they've taken) it is an arbitrary detention.

[sprez33]

Originally Posted by GoodHombre

Miami seems to be the best place to be in the contiguous U.S during winter months, but the cost seems to be prohibitive. Any cheaper destinations to recommend?

Arizona is another place I'm considering because there'a nonstop flight from where I live to Phoenix. I haven't figured out things to do In Arizona apart from seeing red rocks and deserts.

Just be careful where you travel in Miami. There are some very bad parts to be avoided. Similar for Phoenix.

[prospectheightsresident]

I take these advisories seriously, yes, but won't alter my travel plans based on the advisories alone. I recall my parents wanting me to cancel my trip to India during college (I refused), but I decided against doing so, especially after I talked to people who were just there and read recent travel reviews.