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If you haven't noticed, the number of bear warnings and campsite closings in the Smoky Mountains continues to increase. Since early spring, a new warning or closing has popped-up almost every week. In fact, two new warnings have been added just this week. Expect to see more bears this year according to bear expert.

The number of closings and warnings posted at campsites, shelters and trails in the Smokies has increased to 16. A research ecologist from the University of Tennessee has stated that visitors should expect to see more bears this year. To emphasize this point, a bear broke into a house this week - in Knoxville!

We all love to travel. But sometimes world can be a scary place due to uncertain events like civil war, terrorist activity, strikes, natural disasters etc. The US State Department has an excellent tool "the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts" (listed on www.travel.state.gov) to help us determine whether a destination is too risky to visit. If you are planning to travel outside the United States, checkout and understand the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts issued by State Department.

Racking your brain for the perfect birthday present this October? Here's something for your consideration. WARNING: It's to die for.

Traveling abroad? Enrolling your trip in STEP - The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, helps you receiving important information from the Embassy about travel alerts and warnings for your destination country. This program also helps Embassy to contact you in case of emergency, confirm your safety and arrange for evacuation. It also makes it possible for the Embassy to contact the traveler's family back home with updates. Stay safe and connected with enrolling your trip in this free service. To gather more information about STEP, read the article here.