The U.S. Department of State issued a rare travel warning that encompasses not just one country or region, but advises citizens to take precautions regardless of their foreign destination.

"Current information suggests that (ISIS, al Qaeda), Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions," the department noted. "These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests."

The State Department noted that its travel alert would be in effect through Feb. 24, 2016. It encouraged citizens to follow the instructions of the authorities, monitor local media in their destination countries, and to stay in touch with family members in case of an emergency.

"U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation," the travel warning urged. "Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events."

The document further listed five countries -- Denmark, France, Mali, Nigeria and Turkey -- as locations where individuals unaffiliated with the terrorist groups it had enumerated may be inspired to commit violent acts, USA Today detailed. Two of those destinations, France and Mali, suffered attacks in the past few days that resulted in the deaths of almost 150 people and hundreds more wounded.

Typically, State Department warnings are focused on specific reasons, such as terrorism threats in Afghanistan, crime threats in Honduras, Ebola outbreaks in Sierra Leone or earthquake aftershocks in Nepal, the newspaper pointed out. Monday's alert, on the other hand, has a global reach and follows a "Worldwide Caution" notice issued in July.

"The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas," the agency had warned in the earlier document, listing the advances of ISIS, as well as the broader civil war in Syria, as key points of concern.