Did anyone else catch the Liam Neeson film on Film 4 recently? ‘Taken’ follows the determined efforts of a father to track down his daughter stolen by Albanians and sold as a sex slave. Needless he saves but not before killing loads of creepy men, her friend is raped and ODs etc etc. You can read about it on Wiki (as all good things can be including me no less!)

Whilst I could go on and on about the vile illegality and brutality of the sex trade it was something else that struck me about the film. It was how easy all the information on the two girls was extracted in the film. yes I know it is scripted but having travelled aboard a lot this is not simply Hollywood being lazy getting a plot going.

Whether you are a seasoned traveller or not you should never divulge information about where you are going/staying etc unless you know that person. Its surprising how easy it is to find out vital information.

Example of a conversation between my mate and a waiter:

Waiter: can I have your card [paying for a meal]?

Mate: yeah. Here it is. [hands card over] Mark is gonna kill me when it gets home. Two new pairs of shoes… [to me].

Whilst this seems harmless anyone listening will know my friend will be alone at some point tonight and may be easily tackled away from her handbag as she has shopping to take home. Ok..not a great example but the world is not so fluffy and lovely. There are people out there who’s sole ambition is to part you with your goods or worse.

Be vigilante out there. Be safe. Just because some one is friendly doesnt mean they are.

That doesnt mean turn into a paranoid wreck but be aware more. Safety first.