What to do when the State Department issues a travel alert

Do you still use travelers' checks? They work like dollars, but can be replaced if lost or stolen. They're best for those who don't want to use credit or ATM cards—or carry large amounts of cash. At your destination, you have to swap each check for local currency. You'll be charged fees of up to $9 to do that. That's not convenient, as we reported in our recent story, "What Your Bank Won't Tell You About Currency Conversion," where we found that $100 typically buys €63.11. The best time to use travelers' checks is if you're visiting China. As we reported: In China, traveler's checks are an excellent value. Fees are low, and the exchange rate is regulated by the Chinese government, making this one of the safest and most inexpensive ways to exchange U.S. dollars for yuan (especially in more rural locations, which are less likely to have ATMs). But elsewhere, travelers' checks are becoming outmoded. Many stores and hotels in Europe now refuse to accept them. Even if they're denominated in euros. You now have to go to a bank yourself to pay the fees for cash. In the United Kingdom, a major government oversight would like to ban all paper checks by 2018. American Express is the major seller of travelers' checks and says its business is healthy. But its main rival in the market, Travelex, stopped selling checks four years ago. If security is the main issue, wearing a security pouch is the best measure—whether you use travelers' checks or not. It's the most important item on your packing list, besides any medicine you might need. A great value security pouch is the Rick Steves Silk Money Belt (from $10, Amazon). It's lightweight, fits around all sorts of body types comfortably, and has a moisture-protection pocket. But back to travelers' checks. Do you still use them? Why or why not? Let us know! MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL What your bank won't tell you about currency conversion Confessions of... a hotel housekeeper London: Tours led by the homeless

New site Bagcheck.com invites people to share what's inside their bag. Travel bags are a major category, of course. People also reveal what's inside their bags for other hobbies and activities, such as cooking, photography, and parenting a baby. Here are some travel-related examples: Jake Cressman, who's traveling across the globe with his girlfriend, showed off several items in their shared pack. Of particular interest: two Eagle Creek Pack-It Sacs (one for electronic items and the other for large toiletries) and a Petzl Zipka 2 Headlamp, which they say is relatively lightweight. Kara McCain, who is on a plane every 2 to 3 weeks, also had interesting items in her bag. To combat the dry eyes that accompany flying, she uses Visine Totality Multi-Symptom Relief Eye Drops. To avoid that "I- swallowed-a-lizard"-taste of a long international flight, Kara pops an occasional Colgate Wisp Peppermint in her mouth—until she's able to get to a clean rest room and brush her teeth properly. Her favorite travel socks? SmartWool Trekking Heavy Crews. "They are super thick, warm, soft and comfy…perfect for long, cold flights." All of this made us wonder: What's typically in your carry-on bag? Post a comment! MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL Breeze through security with TSA-friendly fragrance products A genius travel beauty tool for just $15 Gear: TSA-friendly sneakers

The debate rages on—should the government invest in high-speed rail? As plans move forward in China to cover the country with nearly 16,000 miles of new tracks in the next few years, just the opposite is happening stateside. Last month, Florida Governor Rick Scott rejected $2.4 billion in federal funds for a high-speed line that would have connected Tampa and Orlando. He follows in the footsteps of Ohio’s John Kasich and Wisconsin’s Scott Walker, who similarly turned down money. Politics aside, one fact remains clear: Americans are far behind other countries when it comes to train technology, new track construction, and green rail initiatives. Actors Rich Sommer and Vincent Kartheiser from the hit AMC series Mad Men have teamed up with public-interest advocacy group U.S. PIRG to release a humorous look at the benefits of train travel. The two characters discuss ways to sell the idea of high-speed rail to a car-loving country. Among the many ideas: “No parking, no mechanics, no traffic jams!” The implications are clear. Little, if anything, has changed in American train travel since this scene takes place—in 1965. Watch the video below and let us know if you find their ideas convincing. Weigh in on the high-speed rail debate. Mad Men On Trains from Rich Sommer More from Budget Travel: Will trains replace planes in the next century? China to build high-speed rail link to Europe America's Most Scenic Train Rides

An 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the northeast coast of Japan on Friday triggered a massive tsunami, which was threatening to hit Hawaii and numerous regions around the Pacific Ocean, including the west coast of the U.S. The hardest hit by far has been Japan, where hundreds died in the aftermath of the devastating quake, according to news reports, as water surged across northeastern Japan. Other regions and countries along the Pacific Ocean, from Australia to Russia and Alaska to Chile, waited to assess the possible threat, but it appeared by Friday afternoon that the impact of the tsunami beyond Japan was relatively minor. Those who are in Japan or planning to travel there soon, the U.S. State Department cautions, should be aware that strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a quake as large as this one. The State Department has issued a travel alert for Japan, advising American citizens to avoid tourism and nonessential travel there for the time being. Tokyo airports are currently closed, and other airports across the country might shut down or limit access to flights, the State Department reported. Several airlines have posted notices about canceled or changed flights into and out of Japan; travelers should check with their airline for flight details. American Airlines stated on its website that due to the earthquake, the airline will waive a one-time change fee for flights into and out of Tokyo for the next week. Delta Air Lines also advised customers that the cancellation or significant delay of any flight entitles them to a refund, or affected customers can make a one-time change to their ticket without a fee. American citizens in Japan or elsewhere who need information or assistance regarding the earthquake and tsunami can contact the State Department at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov, or at 888/407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or at 202/501-4444 from outside the country. Google has launched a Person Finder tool to help people who are looking for someone or who have information about someone possibly affected by the quake. Travel insurance provider Access America advises travelers who sustain an injury on their journey to call their provider’s assistance department immediately to learn about their emergency medical coverage and to obtain a referral to a local doctor or hospital, as well as to find out about medical air-evacuation options. In the aftermath of the political uprising in Egypt, insurance providers advised that travelers with "cancel anytime" coverage had the best options for assistance. And just last month, travelers faced with the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in New Zealand were also left scrambling to figure out whether to continue with their trip. More from Budget Travel: Is Egypt ready for tourists? Rebuilding Sri Lanka one house at a time Australia goes on sale, Oprah tries to help