The ABC’s of travel security.

Gone are the days when the most a traveler had to worry about was communicating with the cab driver or knowing when and whom to tip.

Globalization of crime and the proliferation of terrorism have raised our anxiety about the people and situations we encounter. The key to conquering this anxiety—and importantly, the key to avoiding or stopping violence—is knowing what to look for.

• Can you spot the difference between a stranger just making conversation and a Bad Guy locking you into an interview?

• How do you know whether the creep on the train is in fact a mugger or kidnapper waiting for his opportunity?

• What are the signs that you are being followed?

• How about the signs that a person making terroristic threats might be escalating to terroristic action?

• Can you tune into your intuition to avoid an attack by a gunman?

• And if the unthinkable happens, do you know how to respond, both in the moment and in the immediate aftermath as you make your escape?

The main goal of this guide is to replace travel-related anxiety—much of which is likely unfounded—with a realistic understanding of which people and situations are (and are not) likely to pose a risk to your security and wellbeing while traveling domestically or abroad. In its pages, you will find most of the common situations in which you may be placed at risk and learn how to spot the warning signals of an impending attack or crime.

A timely (and timeless) primer for keeping yourself, your loved ones, and your fellow travelers safe.