Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, followed by defiant threats from Islamic militants and a public announcement urging Americans to "exercise much greater than usual caution," have put a new spotlight on how the State Department informs travelers of danger abroad.

Last week, the State Department lifted travel warnings to Kenya and Tanzania, two of the continent's most popular tourist destinations. East African and U.S. tourism promoters had argued that the countries had been unfairly singled out, and the six-day warning generated a small number of cancellations from skittish U.S. tourists.

But the State Department's "worldwide caution," issued Aug. 7 and updated Thursday after the U.S. launched military strikes against Afghanistan and Sudan, is giving some would-be foreign travelers pause.

"Clients today are much more savvy. They read more, they pull up information on the Web," notes Dallas travel agent Nancy Strong. Nevertheless, a State Department travel warning "is like a decree coming down from God."

Even a nonspecific worldwide caution "can be enough to make people back off," adds Strong, whose company lost $50,000 in East Africa bookings after the Aug. 7 bombings.

The current caution, which advises Americans to "review their security practices" and "remain alert to the changing situation," may make travelers "think about whether now is the time to take a trip," says State Department spokesman Lee McClenny.

But it should also prompt Americans to be more aware of their surroundings, avoid large demonstrations and "use common sense, which is lamentably not very common," he adds.

Americans who opt to cancel or postpone overseas trips on the basis of State Department information find a mixed response from travel firms.

Most members of the United States Tour Operators Association will offer full refunds if the United States issues a travel warning, says USTOA chairman David Herbert.

But, adds San Francisco travel lawyer Alexander Anolik, "as a matter of contract law, (companies) don't have to provide refunds unless travel to the area is prohibited by government authorities."

 With few exceptions, trip cancellation insurance covers security-related claims only if a destination is experiencing war or insurrection, he says.

Despite a heightened level of anxiety, Americans should remember that the risks of politically motivated violence remain small, says Frank Johns of Pinkerton Global Intelligence Services. The Arlington, Va., firm publishes daily intelligence reports for travelers.

"You're still more likely to be hit by lightning than be the victim of a terrorist attack," Johns says.