Thinking Ahead

I'll never forget my first experience with a more militant state of mind: setting down in Singapore, the airliner distributed custom cards with a half-inch warning in bold red letters:

WARNING: DEATH TO DRUG TRAFICKERS UNDER SINGAPORE LAW.

It was the first time I'd seen such a thing first hand. When we set down in Singapore International Aiport -- one of the world's largest and most elaborate -- the first thing I noticed was not the sauna, shower facilities, or sparkling clean floors, but the guards with machine guns.

Notice that there's no caveat there. It's not death to SOME or DEATH IS ONE OF THE PUNISHMENTS. It's a simple, direct statement. If you're carrying drugs, your life is over.

With that in mind, don't you think it's worth being careful? We've all heard of unscrupulous criminals who slip their drugs into some unsuspecting passenger's backpack. That's why they always ask if you've left your baggage unattended.

Here's a tip: DON'T.

Some other ways to keep from becoming a victim:

-Don't trust anyone you meet while traveling

-Seal your carry-on baggage: either put a lock on it or even a twist tie -- whatever will slow someone down. They're looking to stash and run, and they don't want to be bothered undoing seals.

-Mark your bag, especially if it's nondescript. It's too easy to switch one bag for a similar one.

-Keep your baggage with you at all times -- don't leave it while you go to get a coffee, not even for a second. Check it in as soon as possible.

It's unfortunate that we have to be so careful, almost paranoid, when traveling. On the other hand, it's better to take a few too many precautions than to become a statistic.