Debunking the Myth of Total Security

People often ask me whether I think a trip they are planning will be safe. Most of the time, I don't mind offering travel security advice, and I appreciate people's efforts to understand the environment they are going to visit. After all, foreknowledge goes a long way toward avoiding unpleasant surprises. But I suspect that my responses to this kind of question often surprise the people asking. This is because in reality no place is truly safe from every possible threat; the idea of total security is a myth. Risk is inherent in every single thing we do – or don't do. And, of course, the same goes for travel. ...