Travel Safely

In December, three westerners were kidnapped in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen (link). Another recent kidnapping that has made the news is the capture of a French national in Mali in mid-November. Although the recent situation in In Amenas, Algeria wasn't "travel-related", the folks involved were certainly working in a high risk area where things can go pear-shaped in relatively short order.

I don't know the specific details of these kidnappings, and it's tough to get solid information about the In Amenas incident, so I don't want to speak specifically to whether they could have been avoided, or what the folks in question could have done differently. However, there are things you can do when travelling that will reduce your risks of becoming a victim of terrorism. It's also worth noting that many of the same techniques that will make you a difficult target to kidnap can also reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime. Here are a few resources you should consider using.

OCJCS PC 5260 Antiterrorism Individual Protective Measures: This card is a bit dated, but the information is still good. Everyone travelling abroad, particularly to countries in which security is a concern, should review this pamphlet before each trip.

State Department Travel: One of the best sources of current information about any potential destination is the State Department's travel website. The State Department issues periodic Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as offering the STEP program. If you're headed abroad, you should definitely visit this site before you do.

State Department Country Reports on Terrorism: The State Department's Country Reports on Terrorism are updated annually, and are a great resource for gauging the terrorist threat at your destination, as well as the host nation government's level of commitment in addressing terrorist threats.

CIA World Factbook: The World Factbook has additional information about every country in the world. While not specifically directed at security threats, information on the World Factbook can be helpful when planning your trip.

Last January, I went to Bahrain, Muscat, and Beirut. Before I went, I reviewed the State Department and CIA information listed above. It improved my experience in the countries in question, but also helped me to understand the security environments that I was going to find myself in. Obviously, Muscat was less dangerous than Bahrain, and both were less dangerous than the situation in Beirut. This information helped me to make choices that kept me safe, and that helped me to enjoy my trip.

No matter what your reason for travel may be, ensure you embark with security in mind. By making yourself a difficult target, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to terrorists or criminals.