The most dangerous time in your life, when you are most likely to be attacked is when you are traveling in an unfamiliar area.

Tourists are the favorite prey of the goblins of the world for the following reasons:

They are easy to spot. Tourists make the mistake of not blending in, wearing clothes that stand out. Shorts in a climate where everyone else is wearing pants. Brand-new clothes with bright colors. A camera around the neck, and a generally lost look on the face.

They're not armed. It is illegal to carry most weapons on common carriers such as airliners. Goblins know this and purposefully go after the tourist.

Tourists make the mistake of flaunting wealth. They wear expensive jewelry, and carry large amounts of cash.

False sense of confidence. When people travel from developed countries such as Japan, the United States or England to third world countries they incorrectly assume the country they are visiting has the same overall safety as the developed country. Those tourists are often unpleasantly surprised at how dangerous the country is that they are visiting.

Tourists are assumed to be rich. People in most third world countries do not have the money to travel. So they think that anyone who can travel must be rich. They often resent that supposed wealth, and are willing to take drastic action to take it from tourists.

So, what is the answer? Never travel to new areas? No, that would be an awful way to live your life. Travel is fun and exciting, and no matter what the possible threats are, you shouldn't let a few dirt-bags ruin your fun.

The key is to avoid trouble by not standing out as a lost, vulnerable tourist.

Learn about the area you will be traveling to. The more familiar you are with the new area, the more confident you will be as you stroll down the street. Use the Internet to get maps of the area, and information on the sights you want to visit. Find out as much as you can about the culture of the people you will be visiting. Your primary goal is to blend in.

Find out what people usually wear in the area you will be visiting.

Hopefully you will already have similar clothes. It is best not to wear brand new clothes.

Go with a group if possible. There is strength in numbers for tourists.

Being with a group is especially important if it is your first time to the new country. A tour group is a great way to go because the tour guide will only take you to areas that are "safe" for tourists. Do not venture out on your own, unless you know for certain the area you are going to visit is relatively safe. Stay in the neighborhoods that are set up for tourists.

Consider arming yourself with weapons that can be carried on common carriers. A good solid three foot walking stick is an example. A goblin would think twice before trying anything with you carrying such a weapon.