by Marcus Brooks

Created on: July 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 06, 2009

This April, we are re-visiting the disappearance of Natalie Holloway. In 2005, the Alabama teen disappeared while on her graduation trip to Aruba. She left with two locals after a night of partying at a bar. She hasn't been seen since.

The Holloway tragedy has reminded Americans about the dangers of traveling abroad. During Spring Break, thousands of adolescents are going to party spots all over the Western Hemisphere. Cabo San Lucas, South Padre Island (Texas), Daytona Beach, Baja, Acapulco, and West Indies are just few of the destinations expecting precocious and rambunctious visitors.

Parties are going to be everywhere and everyday. But, when the beer bongs and shots stop pouring, personal safety must be considered. In Mexico, kidnappings are the most frequent crimes committed against foreigners. Guests are held for ransom and released. Others are taken, and then dumped on desolate beaches. Since 1990, 20 Americans have died at the hands of kidnappers and thugs.

You don't have to be a victim. You don't have to be taken against your will. There are ways to protect your person and your property from theft or tampering. Heed these warnings.

Tip 1: Don't bring cash. Every nation in the world knows our American dollar is among the strongest currency anywhere. Men love to flaunt their wad in authentic Mexican or Italian restaurants in their respective countries. However, bravado and carelessness makes you target for pickpockets or even, strong-arm robbers. And if you didn't know, American tourists are the most victims of kidnapping in foreign countries than any other group.

Tip 2: Get two certified documents of each item. The bureaucratic red tape may suck, but before traveling abroad get a duplicate original of your social security card, driver's license and birth certificate. If your passport gets lost or stolen, you will have a horrible time boarding any plane. Post 9/11 policies require travelers to have documents identifying them at all times. You may spend some cash on the back end, but at least with you'll get home.

Tip 3: Buy a phone card and pack a cell phone. If an emergency happens at your vacation spot, you can call home to have items sent overnight, faxed or hand-delivered to the hotel you're staying at.

Tip 4: Don't leave with the locals. Call this the Natalie Holloway rule. Stay within your group always.

Tip 5: Get to know the local police precinct. Find out what the police do when a theft or a crime occurs on your person. Stay away from countries with questionable, law enforcement practices.

Tip 6: Take special precautions when storing "sensitive" documents in the hotel's safe. When it comes to your travel documents, take special care to see the hotel manager personally. Birth certificates, social security cards, debit cards and driver licenses are easy tools criminals use to steal one's identity. Have them walk you to the safe and place your items inside with you present. Also, ask for a receipt saying that they have the documents in their possession.

Be proactive in protecting your life and property.

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