Travel Advisories provide information regarding the present status quo in other countries.
Smart travelers usually check travel advisories for news on disease outbreaks, security issues and/or other things which could result in travelers having a difficult time abroad.
In the UK, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office has travel advice by country. These are separated into different categories: countries where the FCO advises against all travel, parts of some countries where the FCO advises against all travel, countries where the FCO advises against all but essential travel and parts of some countries where the FCO advises against all but essential travel to.
As an example, here's the current travel advise for travel to Somalia, the only country which the FCO advises against all travel to.
"We advise against all travel to Somalia because of the recent conflict between the Transitional Federal Government and the Union of Islamic Courts, the dangerous level of criminal activity and general internal insecurity. Although the Union of Islamic Courts is now largely defeated, tension remains high. We advise any British citizens in Somalia to leave."
Apart from an overview of the country's status quo, they also inform travelers what kind of help they can expect if needed. In addition to the contact information of the nearest embassy or consulate.
Be smart. Check FCO's travel advisory before you decide where you really want to go.