Traveler’s Notes ...

The State Department last month updated its earlier public announcement on Colombia. Citing a worsening security situation after peace talks between the government and rebels collapsed, it urged U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the South American country. Recent warnings by the department include Iran, Liberia, Madagascar and Pakistan. For an updated list, call (202) 647-5225 or visit www.travel.state.gov.... After the completion of millions in engineering work, London’s Millennium Bridge reopened. The pedestrian bridge, which spans the Thames between St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, was shut shortly after it opened in June 2000 when it began to sway, wire services reported.... In what must be a milestone in the transformation of cruising from elite to mass-market transportation, discounter Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has begun selling cruises on the Internet at www.walmart.com. (Click on “Wal-Mart Vacations.”) It’s promising to refund the difference if you can find a better deal for the Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Seabourn or Windstar cruises it sells.