Travel hot spots may not be where you think

Did you know that you're more likely to be killed in Caracas, Venezuela, than in Baghdad? I didn't, before I read this article in USA Today. For planners with meetings in destinations that may have a less-than-stellar rep that isn't deserved, get some facts about just how safe the city really is from the local police department or newspapers, as risk management expert Peter E. Tarlow explained during a session on "safe" travel at the recent National Business Travel Association annual conference. He also said:

"The last place to call is the national tourism office or convention and visitors bureau," he told the audience. They're always selling and may not provide accurate information.

While I'm sure CVBs would object to that characterization, I would hazard a guess that he's probably right.