Since the attacks on America of September 11, 2001, most travelers are concerned about safety, particularly if they travel by air. Both government and the airlines have acted to improve security at airports and on aircraft, though it must remain true that there can never be too much security in either place. Moreover, there has been a sea change in the attitude of what passengers should do in an emergency. For decades, governments and airlines have unanimously ordered passengers to stay in their seats, do nothing in cases of attempted hijackings and the like. Now, however, passengers are taking matters into their own hands, as was proved in the December 2001 case of would-be bomber Robert Reid, who was subdued before he could destroy the American airline jet on which he was a passenger. Alert fellow passengers and a brave flight attendant stopped him before he could ignite his shoe bombs. (It is generally believed that passengers on Flight 93, the fourth plane taken over by Al Qaeda terrorists on September 11, fought with the criminals, causing the plane to crash before it could destroy its presumed target of either the Capitol Building or the White House in Washington DC.) Report any suspicious activities, not just physical appearances, to authorities the minute you spot it. Better to be inconvenienced than risk a hijacking or even just to sit there worrying about a possible hijacking throughout your flight.
On the ground, you should be alert, also. In countries where there is a chance of guerrilla activity, stay in well-recognized tourist areas, but keep away from crowds, especially political rallies. Don't sit next to plate glass windows in hotel lobbies or restaurants in these countries. In developing countries, take taxis from your hotel rank, ensuring that the doorman approves the taxi and opens the door for you. Returning to the hotel, phone and ask for them to send a cab to get you, with the cab's number for you to verify. In such places, use public transport only when you are sure of the destination and the stops en route.