Whenever you step onto a plane, you know that you’re taking something of a risk. Any number of mishaps can occur between walking through security and walking in the door of your home. It’s a big world and a lot can happen. In the wake of the March 22 terror attacks in Brussels, the world has become just a little bit scarier. As a traveler — whether you’re on the job or planning a getaway — these seemingly increased instances of violence can make your journey seem more treacherous than ever before. You might even be tempted to take a break from your wanderlust. That would be a mistake. Here’s a reality check to help you put things in perspective.
1. The Odds Are Significantly Against Terrorism
The US State Department has done the math and it turns out that over the course of a 12-year period (from 2001 to 2013), about 350 Americans died overseas as a result of a terrorist attack. That’s a pretty shocking number, until you consider the fact that an average of three-quarters of a billion air passengers pass through US airports alone on a yearly basis. When you’re traveling, you’re one anonymous cog in a big ocean of fellow targets. Your probability of being in the wrong place at the wrong time are minuscule and not worth orchestrating your life and travels around.
