Biggest danger for travelers? Don’t even mention terrorism

With Mexican drug killings and recent unrest in the Arab countries, most travelers can be forgiven for worrying about their security while away from safe homes. But the truth is if you are worried about getting back home alive, forget terrorism.

Well, you can’t really forget it. But it’s hardly likely.

The odds of a traveler abroad being killed by a terrorist are about 1 in 12 million vs. 1 in 45,000 chances of dying in a car, according to Bruce McIndoe, president of iJet.

Another sobering statistic: you are three times more likely to commit suicide while abroad than be killed by terrorists.

McIndoe has compiled with the help of Forbes Magazine a list of the five biggest dangers of travelers. A hint: Terrorism is not among them (more on that later).

In the meantime, consider OneBag, a self-described site on “The art and science on traveling light.”

It has some safety suggestions.

It says there are three variables when thinking of safety and security: individual circumstances, areas of travel, and personal perceptions:

Individual Circumstances: “Generally speaking, a woman is more at risk than a man, a weak person more at risk than a strong one, and a tourist more at risk than a local; these are things that we can do little about, other than recognize them as risk factors and adjust our expectations — and preparations — accordingly,” the site says. Paying attention to your surroundings always helps, the site says.

Areas of travel: Keep up with changing political winds in countries by checking consular offices, for example, about the latest in any political unrest or travel warnings.

Personal perceptions: The site advises taking the time and trouble to investigate the real and updated risks of any country you are looking to visit. “An example: the concerns that many have about terrorist aviation threats are, quite simply, irrational,” it says. However, “Few people these days take the trouble to educate themselves as to the true nature of any risks presented by the various scenarios that are being sold to them,” it says.

Back to the five most dangerous things about travel and what to do about them.

“In reality, the dangers facing most Americans traveling abroad are far more mundane and usually preventable,” says Forbes Magazine.  McIndoe says hotels are a common problem area, so here are his five top tips to avoid trouble.

1. US hotels require smoke detectors, sprinklers or both. Many overseas hotels, and especially older ones, have neither. Stay in a Western style hotel that adheres to international standards, he advises.
2. Some of the most common mishaps involve petty crime or crimes of distraction such as pickpockets. Avoid ground floor rooms where thieves or even worse offenders have easy access. Also, avoid floors above six or seven because many fire department ladders can’t reach them.
3. Slips and falls are among the most common problem for travelers. So simply watch out for slippery surfaces in hotel bathrooms.
4. Most crimes in violent cities tend to be concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Check friends and associates or social media for areas to avoid. If you really want to be secure, check the local police department.
5. Watch your diet. How is this helpful? Water-borne illnesses (particularly stomach ailments) are common in developing countries such as India and Latin America. One rule: if you can peel it, you can eat it. Avoid street food to be safe, however.

By David Wilkening