Needless worry serves no real purpose other than to reinforce stereotypes of overprotective parents. However, failure to recognize warning signs of potential threats and not worrying enough may result in heartache. Unfortunately, if a child does become a victim, this grief is often multiplied if the incident is later identified as preventable.

Given the above, how does a concerned parent know when it is time to worry about a proposed trip or when to take a step back and allow a trip to continue?

To answer the above, we must first look at some yearly averages for travel abroad:

• Approximately 250,000 American students travel internationally;
• Approximately 30,000 Americans are injured during auto accidents;
• Thousands of Americans report being robbed or assaulted;
• An average of 2,500 Americans are arrested by a foreign security force;
• An average of 30 Americans are killed each year by terrorists, with many more injured;
• An average of 90 individuals are sexually or physically assaulted on cruise ships;
• Approximately 40 Americans, but estimates suggest higher numbers, are abducted; and
• Reporting often lists Americans as victims of foreign plane crashes.

Based on the above, a parent should exhibit reasonable concern for the well-being of their children with international travel is planned. However, how does a parent distinguish between potential threats and corresponding influential threat factors within the country of planned travel?

The first resources parents often turn to for information are travel agents or tour operators facilitating the trip. Unfortunately, in many instances, travel professionals lack the education and training to adequately assess risks associated with planned travel. While great at organizing a trip, often travel agents fall to recognize potential pitfalls associated with the planned travel.

Parents searching for answers also review resources provided by the U.S. government, such as Department of State Travel Warnings, for analytical insight. While the Department of State does a satisfactory job of informing the traveling public of clearly identifiable threats, a lack of consistent predictive analysis often fails to provide true indications and warning of potential perils associated with travel.

Schools, churches, clubs and organizations planning the travel also play a key role in determining resources which identify the level of threats within a country. Similar to concerned parents, representatives from these groups normally utilize the same informational resources noted above.

Many people utilize internet search engine queries in an attempt to find threat information associated with travel. However, with a simple search returning over five million results, deciphering the massive results is virtually impossible.

Alternatives to the traditional resources supporting the traveler are available. In the post 9/11 world, organizations have been created with the goal of providing increased understanding of the threats posed against international travelers. Through the use of advanced analytical techniques, threat analysis conducted by private risk management companies often far exceeds what is readily available from government sources. Further, the “one-stop-shopping” provided by these organizations allows potential travelers to view potential threats at a glance, rather than having to wade through an endless number of web pages. Some companies also provide the critical information for decision makers to judge "go" or "no-go" criteria for their travel.

Individuals who are equipped with knowledge of potential threats increase the chances of avoiding hazardous situations as wells as recognizing and reacting to developing untoward events during travel.

So, it is okay for parents to worry. However, a better course of action would be to allow the professional worriers of the world to provide qualitative country assessments to allow parents to make a truly informed decision about planned travel.

The bottom line, a little proper planning goes along way to ensuring a great trip abroad is the adventure of a lifetime and not the last adventure of a lifetime.

About the Author:

Joseph Suldo is President of Travel Threats which is a major provider of risk analysis services to corporate, industry and private travelers worldwide. The company provides unmatched expertise and produces comprehensive country analysis, coupled with personal security recommendations, to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim while traveling internationally.
Mr. Suldo possesses extensive expertise within the U.S. Intelligence and Security communities. With over 25 years experience as an Intelligence Officer and Counter-Terrorism Analyst, his experiences have taken him to 75 countries. He can be reached via e-mail at josephsuldo@travelthreats.com.