It has been 40 years since the U.S. military dropped the last bomb on Laos, yet the effects of unexploded ordnance (UXO) are being felt today. Jerry Redfern is an award-winning photojournalist who moved to Cambodia with his wife, Karen Coates, in 1998. Both are senior fellows at the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism at Brandeis University. It was an anniversary … [Read more...] about Laos can be a dangerous tourist destination
travel tip
Two thriller authors—one travel tip
This week’s tip comes from two authors who told me they had no experience with being scammed while traveling. Neither had been the victim of a crime while traveling, but both travel extensively, including international flights. Interestingly enough, they both had similar experiences when it came to buying “discounted” tickets.Libby Hellman is a bestselling author whose … [Read more...] about Two thriller authors—one travel tip
Even travel pros fall for scams
The following story is provided by travel writer Janet Brown and illustrates just how easy it is for even seasoned travelers to be taken in, especially when their defenses are down.I was tired when I stumbled off the plane from Bangkok to Hong Kong and by the time my passport had been stamped by an Immigration officer, I felt bedraggled and ready to end my day.I had … [Read more...] about Even travel pros fall for scams
Think like a spy to avoid travel scams
Valerie Plame, the ex-CIA covert operative, may have had her cover revealed by the Bush Administration in 2003, but she says she’s never been the victim of a travel scam. For this Travel Scam Tip, Plame and another travel expert were interviewed. Plame said, “I pay extremely close attention to details. And when you’re traveling under cover, you need to be on the ball. I have … [Read more...] about Think like a spy to avoid travel scams