Security Tips For Travelers

Security Tips for Travelers

By Joseph Parish

Life since 9-11 has never been the same for many people. Some citizens have flatly refused to board an aircraft after that frightful day in September, while others live in constant fear every time they leave their homes. These are unnatural feelings, and should not be controlling factors in one's life.

The events which happened in New York City, could take place at just about any location around the globe. Although we may not be capable of prophesying where the terrorists may strike, we can presume the necessary measures to safeguard ourselves, and our loved ones. If your job or avocation is of the nature where you must travel extensively around the world, or just within the American continent, you can perform certain actions which would be drastically beneficial to your safety.

I receive daily emails from the state department outlining which countries around the world are currently posing risks to American travelers. These travel alerts warn the casual visitors to foreign countries of potential terrorist attacks. These are not merely educated guesses put out as eye candy by the government, but the combined efforts of both law enforcement agencies, and Intelligence networks in the United States, and within Europe. The major issues presented include potentially targeted airports or hotels, where there is a high probability of terrorist activity. Everyone from the students who may be camping their way across Europe, to the business leaders attending conferences in foreign nations, should take the necessary steps to ensure that the risks associated with their travel are minor.

All safety should naturally begin at the airport, which is considered the most dangerous place of all. Frequently, airport attacks occur in locations which are unsecured and out of the immediate range of security surveillance. For your added safety it is recommended that you quickly arrive at the airport, check yourself and your baggage in, and then pass directly through and into the secured area. The unsecured locations of several airports are usually mentioned as the potential targets in most terror alerts.

You should secure your luggage with some sort of tie strap. The transportation security personnel often disapprove of locks, but are usually accepting of the ties. These security measures serve several goals. They discourage the baggage thieves, but above all else a broken tie will be a visual clue that someone has tampered with your luggage.

Travelers are usually at their most vulnerable point as they travel by car, or public transportation such as bus or train. When being picked up at the airport, know precisely who will be sent to pick you up upon your arrival at your destination. If possible, try to obtain a photo of your driver in advance of your arrival. An old covert trick you could use, is to have the driver employ a pseudonym to address you and not your actual name when he approaches you as you are holding up the placard. Always be aware of your surroundings as you walk to the waiting vehicle. Never get tied up on your cell phone as it is too distracting.

Choose your hotel wisely and avoiding the international chains, as terrorists frequently favors the high-profile hotels to attack. Try selecting one of the local hotels in its place. The same goes into selecting your room. Select a room where you can easily get out of if necessary, in an emergency. Choose one that is located between the 2nd and the 7th floors, as most fire department ladders will not reach any higher than that. Try for a room with a view of the courtyard as opposed to the front entrance to preclude involvement in car bombings.

The next hint may sound strange, but you should always carry a small flashlight anywhere you go. I like to use the small keychain versions. These can be a lifesaver in getting you out of a hotel in the event of a blackout. The newer LED models are great for momentarily disorienting a terrorist when shined directly into his eyes. It may only be a second or so, but perhaps enough to complete your actions.

Learn to read. Reading could be the largest factor to save your life in an emergency. At the hotel read emergency information in your room, and adequately plan an escape route. While aboard an aircraft listens carefully to the safety instructions, where the emergency exits are and mentally plan your escape.

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