The slowdown in travel at Medtronic and other firms, caused by the volatile economy and the war, has begun spreading throughout the travel industry. Travel agency bookings, both for leisure and business, have decreased dramatically at some agencies.

The war wasn't a direct cause of Medtronic's new travel policies, but it was a factor as the company conducted a normal review of corporate travel procedures, Hanvik said. "It was done as a way to slow down the travel-booking process and ensure it's essential business."

Whether for safety or fiscal restraint, other large metro-area companies have put similar policies in place this spring. The St. Paul Cos. Inc. and Little Canada-based St. Jude Medical Inc., for example, are monitoring world events, limiting international travel to essential trips and respecting the feelings of anxious employees.