[Chgogal]

I have traveled all over (from the Arctic Circle to the Medinas of Morocco to the temples of Bali) admittedly without a driver, and I have never searched out an Embassy to register. I most likely will not do it when traveling to Europe, Thailand, Bali, Australia, Singapore or the Caribbean. I would think about it when traveling to the Mid East, Africa and Indonesia. Each to his/her own.

You do have to keep in mind when traveling in risky areas (risk defined by one's own parameters) that when things go south, they go south fast and hard.

[MiniCooperChick]

One more post:

I wouldn't register in those places, either. Possibly in Indonesia in light of the Muslim takeover. I haven't been there since the mid 90's.

You have to assess the risk. If I had found myself held hostage by extremists in Tanzania, I'd expect lots of Freepers to post about what an idiot I was to go to Dar es Salaam, but at least the US would know I exist!!

Those of us who suffer from wanderlust accept the risk. The benefits of world travel far outweigh the drawbacks, even in this day and age. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to travel so much and live overseas, although I miss the USA.

Good night!!