The State Department warns travelers to the Philippines to exercise extreme caution in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago as well as in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao (specifically, the provinces of North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte).

Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings, resulting in injuries and death. And since August 2008 there have been sporadic clashes between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in Mindanao....

The State department has alerted travelers of safety and security concerns in Madagascar due to demonstrations stemming from a political rift between supporters of the mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo and the government of Madagascar.

In January, Madagascar was experiencing escalating political demonstrations, including violent clashes between government forces and supporters of the Antananarivo mayor plus looting and burning of residences and businesses.

Anticipating possible demonstrations, China detained scores of locals, questioned thousands more and closed many regions of Tibet to tourism prior to March 10, 2009, the 50-year anniversary of the Tibetan uprising when the Dali Lama was forced to flee.

Tourist agencies were contacted by Chinese officials and told that no permits would be issued for Tibet nor for three surrounding provinces where ethnic Tibetans live. The closure extended throughout March and would possibly continue...