First, we do not pull the collective comforter over our heads and stop traveling. One traveler's disappearance -- even the disappearance of a presumably experienced and savvy traveler -- does not alter the fact that if you are an American, you are more likely to encounter foul play at home than on the road.

Yet Americans are particularly skittish travelers, and when something untoward happens in the world, we tend to indiscriminately avoid that whole region. Should we keep away from Jamaica -- or the Caribbean in general? What lessons should we take from Kirschhoch's still unresolved tale?

I spoke with a number of travel professionals -- agents, writers and editors -- and all agreed emphatically that this one case is no reason to avoid the Caribbean or Jamaica.

"This is a unique case," said Chris Lofting, president of the Society of American Travel Writers, "and travelers shouldn't draw any general conclusions about Jamaica from it. Indeed, until we know exactly what happened to Claudia, it's hard to draw any really specific lessons from her case. But broadly speaking, I think travelers should always keep five safety tips in mind:

"1. If you have any questions about the social or political stability of a place you're planning to visit, check the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs site, where notices are regularly updated advising travelers about countries the U.S. government feels pose risks to Americans.

"2. Remember that tourists are targets. Be aware that people may be targeting you for pickpocketing or something even more severe, and take appropriate precautions.

"3. In a strange city, ask your hotel's concierge or other locals which streets and areas you should be sure to avoid. If you want to walk back to your hotel from a restaurant, for example, ask what the safest route is. In New York, just to take one city, a difference of a few blocks can make all the difference in the world.

"4. Don't carry unnecessary valuables -- passport, jewelry, etc. -- and when you do carry valuables, make sure they are in secure places. Remember that an American passport is like gold in some places.

"5. Avoid local political rallies and demonstrations. Even if you're sympathetic with the demonstrators, attending a rally just invites trouble. Know the local hot spots and avoid them. Be a tourist -- go to the monuments and museums instead."

Kristina Rundquist, spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Agents, ticked off her "basic tips I always pass on to clients":

"Don't let yourself slip into a vacation mentality -- always use the same common sense you use at home.

"Don't go around flashing jewelry, cameras, etc. -- try not to call attention to yourself.

"Leave traveler's checks and credit cards in your room's safe or, even better, in the hotel's main safe.

"Take a matchbook from your hotel. If you get lost, you can show it to a local to find your way back.

"Follow your gut. If you don't feel comfortable in a place or a situation, get out of there.

"And finally, if you're not comfortable with the thought of going somewhere, then look at a different destination. That first place will always be there; just choose a different destination in the interim."

Bob Jenkins, vice president of the SATW and travel editor of the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times, addressed the same issues and concerns in a thoughtful e-mail:

"Because most people see their vacation travel as an escape from the workaday world, its stress and sameness, they tend to suspend some actions they regularly take in their usual world. Among these is being careful about their selves and their possessions.

"Most of us do not get pickpocketed at home, especially by bands of cute but pestiferous children pressing against us on a street demanding money, or by someone who takes advantage of the confusion caused when a stranger smears his hot dog mustard on our shirts. When we go through the 'security' checkpoint at an airport gate, the last thing we think about is that someone is going to steal our laptop computer from the X-ray conveyor belt.

"More importantly, in the excitement of being someplace different and special, we get swept up in a feeling of adventure and thus ignore or forget the age-old advice about not walking down dark streets, or venturing into neighborhoods about which we know nothing. We have another drink at the bar with someone we have only just met. We open our wallet, displaying all of that colorful foreign money we think we need to carry, and thus we let strangers see what's there.

"And perhaps we think that a new acquaintance is actually a friend-to-be, with whom we hope to spend more time and in whom we place our trust. The idea that this stranger might make his living from taking advantage of tourists does not prevail.

"So, should we choose to not travel because of safety concerns? Only when the U.S. State Department has issued warnings about the general safety of visitors to a region, due to criminal problems or significant civil unrest.

"What we need to do is research a destination -- check newspapers, magazines, Web publications and destination Web sites. If there is still a desire to be there, then go, but check at the American Embassy or consulate in that city or country to get fresh, on-site advice.

"And take the usual common-sense precautions:

"Don't flash your money; carry only enough for the day's expected costs, leaving the rest in the hotel safe or else hidden below your clothing in money belts or neck pouches.

"If you have to put down your suitcase or your day's purchases, place them between your legs or directly in front of your legs.

"Don't wear showy jewelry or watches or casually carry expensive-looking still or video cameras.

"If you need to move about a city after dark, have your hotel clerk call a reputable cab company.

"And don't be too quick to bond with a stranger in a new place."

Recent Stories