Ingrid Centurion recently interviewed Carrie Pasquarello, founder of Global Secure Resources, a threat-mitigation company dedicated to keeping travelers safe abroad.

During their conversation, Pasquarello addressed the growing complexity of global criminal activity and how it impacts international travelers—from opportunistic street crime and organized theft rings to cyber exploitation and politically driven unrest. She emphasized that modern travel risk is no longer limited to high-risk regions; even traditionally “safe” destinations are experiencing spikes in crime targeting tourists.

Key insights she shared include:

• Pre-travel intelligence is critical. Travelers should understand local crime trends, cultural norms, transportation risks, and safe zones before arrival.

• Situational awareness is your first line of defense. Criminals often target distracted individuals—those visibly unfamiliar with their surroundings.

• Digital security matters. Public Wi-Fi exploitation, SIM-swap fraud, and device theft can escalate quickly into financial or identity crimes.

• Layered protection strategies work best. This may include vetted drivers, secure lodging selection, itinerary tracking, emergency response planning, and real-time monitoring.

• Corporate responsibility is increasing. Organizations have a duty of care to protect employees traveling internationally, especially in volatile regions.

Pasquarello underscored that preparation—not fear—is the goal. By combining intelligence, planning, and professional support, individuals and companies can significantly reduce exposure to risk while maintaining confidence in global travel.