MANAGING INTERNATIONAL RISKS

Horrific acts such as last month's bombing of two U.S. embassies in Africa make for vivid and enduring headlines. The subsequent State Department caution to U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad helped magnify the perceived menace. The situation has led numerous travelers to reconsider their upcoming itineraries and a few to cancel their trips altogether.  But the statistical truth is that the average traveler is more at risk of being struck by lightning than of being involved in a terrorist incident, either here or abroad. In 1997, only 21 Americans were injured in terrorist incidents abroad, with only seven fatalities. Virtually all of those were people living overseas or there on business. The embassy bombings will drive 1998's total higher, but not significantly, at least in relation to the millions of Americans traveling overseas.

That is not to imply, however, that there are absolutely no dangers awaiting travelers, that some travelers aren't more probable targets, or that some destinations aren't much riskier than others. Any trip to the more volatile countries of Africa and the Middle East should certainly be viewed with heightened caution. According to Christopher Marquet, director of the international security firm Kroll Associates, general crime and health problems are far more significant risks for the vast majority of travelers than any terrorist attack.  For example, ordinary "crimes of opportunity," from pickpockets and burglars to ATM abductions and actual armed robbery, have become endemic in major cities, both in the United States and abroad. It's no secret that local criminals often target travelers, both because they are easy to identify and are generally lucrative targets.  Yet, as Marquet maintains, these kinds of trouble can usually be avoided, especially if travelers make a point to familiarize themselves with possible criminal scams before they go and take appropriate precautions once they arrive.  For example, taxi robberies have become common in Mexico and Peru, so travelers should avoid unofficial or unmarked vehicles. Rather than hailing a cab on the street, have the hotel or a local contact call one for you. Some business travelers take the precaution of hir ing a driver to escort them around.  The U.S. State Department maintains Consular Information profiles on every country in the world.  Although these profiles are influenced by political considerations, they do provide lots of valuable insights and advice on subjects such as local crime and particular health risks, unusual immigration practices, and other matters of concern to American travelers.  If you are planning a trip and have concerns about the wisdom of going to your destination, it's wise to check the Consular Information Sheets. They can be can be accessed by telephone (202-647-5225)or on the State Department Web site (http://travel.state.gov).  It's equally important for travelers to take appropriate health precautions. That starts with obtaining vaccinations against any particular health hazards that may be endemic where you're going. Again, the government provides an excellent information resource at the Center for Disease Control Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/travel. html).  Whenever traveling, it's wise to exercise caution, not only in what you eat and drink, but also where you do it. Other health risks travelers commonly encounter include high altitudes and lack of adequate medical facilities. While these risks don't grab the headlines like a terrorist attack, they are vastly more likely possibilities.  The consensus of security experts in that while it's not necessary for travelers to be paranoid about these risks, there is a need to be aware of them, to constantly be alert to one's surroundings, to understand what steps to take to avoid trouble, and how to react appropriately to situations that unfold.  Forewarned is generally forearmed.  Kroll Associates posts an array of traveler safety tips at www.krollassociates.com/safetip. html or call 800-824-7502.  Pinkerton Global Intelligence also publishes a comprehensive World Status map every other month. For information 703-525-6111 or www.pinkertons.com/pgis

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