The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL, January twenty-fourth, with strategies for security on the road.

Recent acts of political and religious terrorism have set off travel security alarms worldwide. Yet despite the mid-East turmoil, the odds of average the traveler being caught up in any terrorist situation are statistically minute. Even still, it's good to keep basic security precautions in mind no matter where you go.

First, get familiar with your destination before you get there. Become aware of its current events both when you make plans and again as you depart. U.S. State Department consular briefing sheets, available for free by fax and online, provide quick overviews. CIA Worldbook Fact Sheets are also online. For other points of view, check websites maintained by the governments of Australia, Britain or Canada. Many commercial websites offer targeted security briefings, and another good way to check a destination is to visit sites maintained by its local newspapers. The website of the Centers for Disease Control is a good resource on health conditions and precautions world-wide. You'll find links at our website: travelersjournal.com

When considering visits to dangerous destinations, savvy travelers do try to schedule trips to avoid politically-charged events and anniversaries. Once in a country, they keep current with world and local events via TV, newspapers, the internet or short-wave radio. If serious trouble should ever erupt, they're ready to beat a quick path to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Finally, remember two travel maxims: no place is perfectly safe, and it always pays to be prepared.

FMI For U.S. State Department briefing sheets call 202-647-5225 or visit their website http://travel.state.gov/travelwarnings.html. The CIA's web site is www.odci.gov/cia. Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel briefings at www.fco.gov.uk/travel. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs at www.dfat.gov.au/travel.

For Canadaian Government's Travel Information and Advisory reports http://voyage.defait-maeci.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm.

For the Federal Center for Diease Control has a hotline 404-639-2572 or http://cdc.gov/travel/travel.html

For currency fluctuations check www.olsen.ch/cgi-bin

For a map try www.mapquest.com or weather reports http://cirrus.sprl.umich.edu/wxnet/

For a look at local newspapers around the world, try www.newslink.org

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