4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Things you should consider when travelling internationally, October 28, 2003
One thing that can be said of all international travel these days is that there is much more risk involved than any time in the recent past. From common crimes like pickpockets, thieves, muggers, and robbers to terrorists, kidnappers, and even murderers, the travel climate has changed drastically.
What can you do about it? The best thing you can do is be as informed and prepared as possible. That way you can avoid as many difficult situations as possible. "The Personal Travel Safety Manual" comes to the rescue of the concerned traveler with a concise primer on everything you need to know. Some of the suggested information includes the obvious such as learning about the background, geography, politics and people of the country, checking with the State Department about travel advisories, and learning the relevant laws. Others are just as important, if not more so, but are easily missed. For example, medical preparations, making flights as non-stop as possible, and selecting a secure hotel. The author goes into detail on how to select a secure hotel, things you can do to make yourself appear to be less of a prime target, what to do at home before you leave, how to deal with communications, how to think defensively, dealing with banks, secure vehicles, trains, buses, laptop computers, special concerns for women, and traveling with children.
The final section of the book covers what you can do when things do go wrong. It includes what to do in the event of sickness or injury, if you are arrested, or if you have a traffic accident. The author also covers much more severe situations such as kidnapping or hijacking. Finally, the appendices include suggested items in a first aid kit, duplicate copies of documents that should be kept at home in case yours are lost or stolen, a thorough pre-travel checklist, and other miscellaneous items.
Given the current international political situation and the normal dangers of international travel this book should be in the hands of anyone planning a trip out of the country. A highly recommended read for international travelers, I can't imagine planning a trip out of the country without consulting it first and following the detailed advice inside.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Travelling Safely: Harder Than it Used to Be, October 28, 2003
Christopher Barnes's Personal Travel Safety Manual is filled with useful and potentially life and property-saving advice. Most experienced global business travelers have evolved their own packing and security procedures, but all of us are likely to benefit from this comprehensive tune-up. For any novice traveler Barnes's no-nonsense compendium will be an invaluable eye-opener and resource. And yes, you can follow his recommendations and still have fun.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
TERRIFIC ADVICE FOR TRAVEL ANYWHERE!, April 21, 2004
Christopher Barnes hits the nail on the head with this handy guide to safe travel. Take it from a criminal defense private investigator: Travel today is almost always inconvenient, usually difficult, and often dangerous! Barnes covers the risks - and remedies - so well that it should be required reading for anyone hitting the road. Topics include trip preparation, intelligence gathering, what to take and how to take it with you, blending-in (critical!)and how to behave; also,important tips on what to do when trouble occurs. Simply "using your head" isn't good enough anymore, this book provides a skill set worth learning. Easy reading, useful info, what could be better? Well, it also makes travel more fun - and safer. Barnes hit a home run this time!
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