The Vulnerable Traveler; Are You An Easy Target?

I recently sat next to a highly respected government official.

My lengthy flight went quickly as we talked for hours, actually he talked and I listened. All he asked was to keep his position and identity confidential when writing this article, which I will.

I have rarely felt unsafe or vulnerable anywhere I have traveled though I am aware that traveling makes you somewhat vulnerable.

Lets face it, being alive makes you vulnerable.

Petty theft is the biggest risk a tourist faces.

Do you think you are a tough or easy target?

Whether you are male or female, are you well dressed?

Are your hands well manicured?

Are you wearing anything shiny?

Is your purse or briefcase worn, or new? Does it look expensive?

Even if your watch is fake, would someone staking you out across the street know that?

Are your glasses this year’s style?

Are your clothes elegant and appropriate?

When the man I was talking with pointed out I was quite the target, I thought he was joking.

After all, before I left home I took off my engagement ring.

I replaced my good watch with a watch that I bought for under a hundred dollars.

I changed my normal red nail polish to a neutral color.

And I changed from my designer handbag to a non-descript one.

He shook his head explaining that my entire persona screamed ‘target.’

Would a thief know my shiny watch wasn’t real gold?

My rootless blonde hair and recently manicured hands say ‘well-kept.’

Designer or not, my purse didn’t have a scratch on it.

My shoes were clean and looked new, as did my clothes.

The style of my eyeglasses was current as any eyeglass ad out there.

I guess you have to be extremely vanilla to not be targeted.

Forget that manicure before you travel.

Things you wouldn’t be caught dead in at home might be perfect for traveling,

unless of course you are taking pictures.

But carrying that expensive camera also makes you a target!

Look for significant insight in the upcoming series called Better Safe Than Sorry at www.travelersanonymous.com