While many here in the great Garden State are planning to travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any of the other big holidays that are just around the corner, experts are quick to point out that there are quite a few places that you must avoid.

Now, chances are, your trip to grandma's house for a big turkey dinner isn't going to be too eventful (at least until one of your relatives has too much to drink and starts talking about politics), that might not be the case if you have a broader destination in mind.

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Experts say there are over a dozen locations that you should seriously avoid over the next several months...

The U.S. Government's Do Not Travel List

As of October 2024, the following countries and regions were on the State Department's 'DoNot Travel' list. Check out the latest list HERE.

And if you are traveling, there's an entire list of things banned from checked bags at airports...

19 Items Absolutely Banned from Checked Bags at NJ, NY and PA Airports

You may be familiar with what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on. But how familiar with items banned from your checked luggage? These are 19 of the more than 50 items that can't fly in your checked bag according to the TSA.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

Best practices for traveler safety

  • Research your destination — carefully selected or edited pictures on a website can make a vacation spot look like paradise, but you should always check multiple sources and even local news sites for what an area is really like.
  • Be aware of local customs and norms — pack essential items that will help you blend in with the local culture.
  • Freedom of speech — not every country allows you to say what's really on your mind whenever you feel like it.
  • Prohibited items — restrictions may include items such as over-the-counter medications, drugs, alcohol, contraceptives, religious items, and literature. Items allowed in the United States might not be permitted in other countries.
  • Public transport — the safety of public transportation varies from country to country.

Be sure to visit the State Department's website for a full list of best practices for international travel.

How N.J. voted in the 2024 presidential election

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris won New Jersey's 14 Electoral College votes but her performance against Republican former President Donald Trump trailed President Biden's victory in 2020. Below is a county-by-county breakdown.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5