by Scott Hayden

Created on: May 16, 2008   Last Updated: November 18, 2010

We are living in an extraordinary period of human history. It is one filled with the joy that comes from the exploration of new places as well as fear of common individuals. Muslim extremists have rained on the parade of otherwise enthusiastic globetrotters, and there is more uneasiness than ever before because these radicals operate with impunity in many countries.

Despite all of the horrific and nightmarish terrorist attacks in the United States and elsewhere, many areas can offer a worry free vacation. Keep up to date with the latest travel warnings and advisories published by the U.S. State Department and the Canadian Office of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. If you're going abroad check those websites. There's lots of information about which places are safe and which ones to avoid.

If you are still unsure about where to go, buy a world map then take it home and look at it very carefully. Now, obviously you'll want to avoid several countries in the Middle East and possibly Africa. Most of these places are always in some kind of trouble. Europe still has many attractive destinations, and most of Asia is relatively free of insurgent activity apart from Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and some areas of the Philippines.

Of course, if you really want to get away from it all you can choose one of the South Pacific islands. Nothing bad ever seems to happen in these countries, and the same goes for Australia and New Zealand. Budget travellers can stay here for bargain prices.

Unfortunately, terrorism will likely be a danger for some time to come. There's nothing we can do to stop or even to lessen the number and severity of these attacks. What we can do is make better decisions about where we go for that next holiday. Stay away from the countries which are considered dangerous. Some people would argue that every nation is unsafe to some degree, but that's not true. You have to keep your eyes and ears open, and use your common sense.

There are some folks who don't have a choice. If they are working for one of the big oil or mining companies, they will be sent to some of the worst places whether they want to go or not. Logistical problems must be resolved, dams and bridges must be built and minerals have to be extracted from the ground.

If you're not comfortable about going abroad, staying in your own country is another good option. I haven't seen very much of my own backyard, yet I've visited five continents. In fact, many people are choosing to stay at home so they don't encounter too many difficulties with language, customs and other dos and don'ts. We can still enjoy ourselves. The globe is still beautiful and filled with wondrous places.

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