Having decided to spend some quality time with the family at the movies this past weekend, we picked "Taken", the new Liam Neeson film in which he plays a retired CIA agent hunting for his kidnapped daughter in Paris (read a review). After seeing what would be any parent's nightmare, my mother began to complain about how I need to be more careful when traveling, evidently convinced that this was going to happen to me.  I couldn't help but think to myself, "self, should I be concerned?"

The likely truth is that the average traveler has more chance of being struck by lightning, being in a plane crash or eaten by some ferocious animal, like a koala for instance, than ever winding up in a human trafficking ring or sadistic snuff fest like in "Hostel". That said, there are still plenty of bad things that can happen, but plenty of precautions we can take to avoid them.

Use Common Sense

The first piece of advice is simply not to do anything stupid. By stupid, I mean blatantly illegal, such as smuggling or buying drugs.  Probably at the top of anybody's list of travel nightmares would be incarceration. Throw in the likely icky condition of some Third World jails, and you have yourself a nasty pickle in which to find yourself. As a rule of thumb, don't do anything there that you wouldn't do at home.  

Don't call attention to yourself

Something else painfully evident in the movie was the image of the stereotypical American tourist. Calling attention to oneself seems to lead to imminent doom in these kinds of movies. Again, the reality is not nearly as extreme, but unnecessary attention can lead to problems, such as being targeted for petty crimes like pickpocketing. Depending on where you happen to be traveling, it's inevitable not to be noticed, but you don't have to further the situation. Don't be an ugly American. 

Attempt to use the language

Try to learn the language if at all possible. A little bit can go a long way, and is usually appreciated. Know as much as you can about local customs. Although most people are forgiving when a foreigner goofs, it makes it painfully obvious that you're not from around there. Try to blend in as much as possible.  In the case of European travel, you can always invest in some new clothes. They'll inevitably be popular here in the States before too long anyway. 

Leave the Rolex at home

Another way to call unwanted attention is to broadcast to the world that you have nice stuff worth stealing. Avoid a lot of flashy jewelry.  If you have an expensive cell phone, it's best not to go around talking loudly on it unnecessarily, nor to leave it in plain sight. For those of us who can't bare to be separated from our iPods, it's best to keep it out of sight, under your shirt for instance. You can always just take a cue from the people around you.

It's called Google

Another thing that never gets stressed enough is to do research. If you're going to a place where the crime rate is high, you should plan accordingly. This is where a good travel guide is indispensable. Most have really good information on where to go and where not to. A tidbit of helpful advice commonly seen here is to not carry more money or credit cards than needed. This is a good rule. Know it. Live it. Love it.

While I won't deny the entertainment value of these movies, I find it a bit irritating that they make the world outside seem like a seedy and dangerous place for us. The truth is that there is plenty of seediness and danger to be found here at home. Just because it's conceivable that you could be abducted and killed in any number of nasty ways while on vacation, doesn't mean you should let it discourage you. Movies about happy vacations wouldn't be as popular. Plan, take precautions as necessary, and get out there!