In light of the disappearance of Alabama high school student Natalee Holloway in Aruba this May, it’s a good time to review the dangers of travel and how to avoid them. Basic principles of personal safety are easy to understand and implement, and will greatly reduce the likelihood of your becoming a victim of crime or violence.

Travelers are at risk for crimes ranging from robbery and assault to kidnapping and murder. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Many of the crimes that most often affect travelers, however, can be prevented by following basic safety rules. Be aware of your environment, paying attention to your surroundings at all times. Make observations and draw reasonable conclusions based on those observations. Remain in a relaxed state of alertness.

Also, reduce your visibility by keeping a low profile. Dress and behave conservatively. Wearing expensive clothing and a lot of jewelry makes you a prime target for thieves. Avoid routine patterns, as criminals select victims who follow regular and predictable schedules. Train yourself to vary your route and time of travel.

Avoid large gathering places. Always check emergency exits to be sure they are functional. Many foreign countries do not have strict codes enforcing emergency evacuation plans, as we do in the United States.

Check the State Department Web site (www.travel.state.gov) for warnings about any instability at your destination, including terrorist activity and criminal activity. If the State Department issues a warning, heed it. The site also provides travelers with basic information about every country in the world, including the availability of emergency medical care.

Do not forget to contact your insurance company to make sure you are covered while abroad.

The single greatest danger to Americans traveling abroad is motor vehicle crashes. More Americans are killed by car crashes abroad than by terrorism and criminal acts combined. When driving in a foreign country, be aware of the laws of that country and make note of such simple things as whether you must drive on the right or on the left side of the road. Anticipate that roads in some countries may not meet the standards we’re used to in the United States, and make sure that everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt. The Association for Safe International Road Travel (www.asirt.org) is a good resource, containing information about road conditions, traffic patterns, local statistics and traffic fatalities.

Research airline safety records, and book flights on carriers with high safety ratings. Book connecting flights through destinations that are considered safe — avoid airports that are not secure. As soon as you check in for your flight, move into the secured areas of the airport. Prearrange your airport transports, so you don’t look “lost” upon arrival at your destination. Many hotels have airport shuttles located at the airport, so check their locations before arriving.

Book your stay at a reputable hotel with good security. Call your local embassy or consulate for suggestions regarding safe hotels. Opt for hotels with secure parking areas, or use the hotel’s valet. Note the locations of the emergency exits. Choose a room location at least one floor above ground level, but not above the seventh floor, the highest level within reach of most professional firefighting equipment. Avoid meeting anyone, including your business associates, in your room.

If you’re driving, be sure your car is in optimum condition, or rent only from a reputable rental agency. Avoid renting a car that will clearly identify you as a tourist or affluent driver. Remove all rental identification from the outside of the car. From a security standpoint, it is good to have a car with power locks and power windows. You’ll want to drive with the doors locked and the windows up, so make sure the climate-control system works. Check to see that the gas tank is full and the tires are properly inflated. Remove all valuables from view. Many criminals post themselves at heavily traveled intersections to scan the interiors of passing automobiles for “smash-and-grab” robberies. Do not pick up hitchhikers and do not stop, for any reason, in an unpopulated area.

Commonsense Safety

Wear comfortable, flat shoes.
Keep busy. You’ll look less vulnerable.
Stand in a group while waiting for a cab or subway.
Request a room with a peephole, dead bolt and chain lock.
If you are expecting takeout food or a business package, have it delivered to the desk or to the concierge.
Request a call five minutes before any delivery is made to your room.
Never give out your room number. If the clerk announces it aloud, request a room change.
Whenever possible, make arrangements to travel before dark.
In a restaurant or bar, never leave your drink unattended.
Record the name and license of your cab and driver.
Know the route you want to take, and instruct the driver to follow that route.
Leave a copy of your travel itinerary at home with a friend or family member.
Trust your instincts. If you have a “gut feeling” that you are in an unsafe situation, you’re probably correct.