International Travel

27 Nov 08

International travel?

In view of terrorist incidents in India going on right now, let me reiterate my advice on international travel:

1) Don't! All but critical off-shore travel should be immediately suspended. Westerners, particularly Americans, are extremely vulnerable to attack right now, and are being specifically targeted by terrorists.

2) Don't stay in "tourist hotels." Don't even stay in that part of town. Likewise, don't dine in restaurants, nor hang out in bars, that cater to foreign tourists. To be especially avoided are tour buses and tourist "groups." Instead, make some local friends, and then impose on them!

3) Eat the local food. It won't kill you!

4) Work on being invisible. Do your best to blend in with locals. Don't " stand out"

5) Get personally acquainted with the RSO (Regional Security Officer) at the American Embassy. He is the one who will be on top of local security issues and can provide you with solid advice.

6) When you get wind of a significant increase in local terrorist activity, or of an impending terrorist attack, drop whatever you're doing andget on the next flight out of there!

The security situation, as it applies to international travel, will not improve any time soon. To the contrary, it will almost certainly get worse. For example, the detonation of an above-ground nuclear device, anywhere in the world (an event that is probably inevitable within the next few years), will instantly ground most international flights and simultaneously seal most borders, indefinitely. If you're off-shore at the time, it may be months before you can get back to CONUS.

Best advice, for the present, is to stay within US borders. Even here, we' re likely to have more than our share of excitement!

Be prepared. Have a plan. Be armed. Be ready for the fight of your life!

/John