Boston, Mass.– As college students head out on spring break to popular locations this month, it is important to be aware that a real threat to personal security exists in many international locations. This threat can be minimized if individuals are prepared to recognize the risk, adjust their lifestyle and routines, and follow simple, sensible precautions. Personal security is ultimately an individual responsibility and any advice given to individuals will only be effective if taken seriously.

Crisis response firm Global Rescue offers these 5 tips to help keep safety a priority:

1. Be vigilant Do not discuss personal matters with strangers, including your itinerary, place of lodging or mode of transportation. Limit knowledge of your travel plans and daily activities to those who need to know. Be aware that excess consumption of alcohol increases your risk of being a target of crime. Do not accept food or drink from strangers; would-be criminals often try to drug their victims through food and drink consumption. Ignore attempts by locals to provoke an argument. Change the topic of discussion and, if possible, remove yourself from the situation. Maintain an appearance of purpose and awareness. Do not look lost or refer frequently to a map in plain view. Walk as if you know where you are headed even if you do not know.

2. Exercise caution with taxis Taxis ordered by phone are safer than those hailed on the street; ask for the cab number when ordering. Use only properly marked taxis and beware of unmarked cabs. Do not get into a taxi if there is a person sitting in the front passenger seat next to the driver. Know the route or general direction to your destination. If you’re unhappy about the direction in which the taxi is traveling, speak firmly to the driver. If there is no positive response from the driver, get out at the next stop. It is always safer to travel with an acquaintance than alone.

3. Be hotel-savvy Request a room using the following criteria: –Located on the side of the hotel farthest from the entrance (reduces the amount of traffic around your room) –Located on the lowest floor above ground level (makes it difficult for entry from the outside, while maintaining a lesser distance for travel in the event of an escape becoming necessary) –Without balcony, decreasing the number of entry points –Not overlooked by another room, lessening the number of opposing vantage points into your room

Say as little as possible to overly curious hotel staff. When you get to your room, check all available escape routes. Identify a simple evacuation route in the event of an emergency. This will greatly increase your survivability during an emergency situation. Lock the windows, and door(s) using the double lock system, if available use security chain. Check to ensure that the telephone works. Always keep a flashlight handy. Never leave important documents such as passport, air tickets, or money anywhere visible. Utilize the hotel or room safe when storing all unneeded personal documents and excess cash.

4. Take steps to prevent crime Avoid carrying a purse or a wallet. If carrying a wallet is a must, something as simple as wrapping a rubber band around it helps prevent theft; this creates friction making it more difficult to pickpocket. At night only take sufficient money and one identity card. Leave the rest of the contents of your wallet in a secure place (hotel, apartment, etc.) Criminals seek out those they feel are the weakest targets. A person travelling alone is extremely vulnerable to attacks. Individuals who are out of place, do not fit in, or have an apparent weakness are often targeted (i.e. intoxicated foreigners, female, handicapped). If you are being followed on a well-traveled street, indicate to your pursuer that you are aware of being followed. Then go straight for help or to a public area.

If confronted, stay calm, cooperate and surrender your valuables (at minimum producing a large monetary note hidden somewhere on your person). Do not attempt to fight your attacker as many robberies can end without violence. Safety is the most important thing. Attempt to study your attackers without being obvious, so that you can provide information to aid in identifying them to the police.

Kidnapping is a real threat to travelers everywhere, especially those who are perceived as wielding significant power or wealth. There are many actions that can be taken to decrease the chances of becoming a kidnap victim. Don’t become a creature of habit. Avoid predictable behavior by departing at different times and taking different routes. Be cautious. Be suspicious of anything unusual, and don’t be reluctant to report all such observations to the corporate security manager. Avoid obvious danger. Stay away from such as areas at night and locations with a reputation for being unsafe. If travel in a dangerous area is unavoidable, keep your awareness at the highest level.

5. Research before you go Be familiar with security concerns relevant to your destination. Visit the US State Department site for travel alerts and warnings. Global Rescue offers the travel intelligence tool GRID, providing information and resources necessary to ensure travelers’ health, safety, and security. GRID offers comprehensive details to help travelers prepare in advance and to stay informed once they have arrived at their destination. Travelers can view information by filters including environment, health, infrastructure, unrest and violence. Security assessments include a security risk rating, security risk overview, details on events of terrorism or civil unrest, and advice for staying safe.

To learn more, visit www.globalrescue.com or call +1-617-459-4200.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is a worldwide provider of integrated medical, security, intelligence, travel risk management and crisis response services to corporations, governments and individuals. Founded in partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, Global Rescue’s unique operational model provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to potential threats. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to clients during every globally significant crisis of the last decade. Memberships start at $119 and entitle members to rescue and transport services to their home hospital of choice.

For more information, call +1-617-459-4200 or visit www.globalrescue.com.