I think the truth is, woman play it that way to let us males feel useful <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Legal = Raped and Murdered.
Illegal = Alive and demanding to speak to your Ambassador.
Who if he has any sense, will let the local police chief know in no uncertain terms that prosecuting will result in a total travel stop on the citizens of his country. With the concommitment losses for the local tourist industry.
I am all in favour, under most circumstances, of being a law abiding citizen. But not at the risk of my, or anyone else's, life or person.
If any government thinks, or demands different. I can say only one thing:
"Viva La Revolution!"

Private message send. Anyone else wanting to discuss the gender thing (saga..) contact me directly.

I like your way of thinking

I strongly suggest, when visiting another country, you observe their laws and customs. Know the regulations before you leave. You are a guest, so please don't act the ugly American.
If your destination isn't safe, DON"T GO!
I'm sure the local police will quiver in their boots when you threaten to personally stop all US travel to their country. Please, leave the attitude home.

"There is nothing so frightening as ignorance in action."

I travel quite a bit, with a few trips internationally every year. One item that you should always carry: IMMODIUM.. Been there done that..

It is critical that the person understand the customs and law. Find out as much about the places you are going to. For example, in Mexico City or Bogota, for the most part, you cannot trust the police... They have commited murders, rapes etc. Mexico City is the crime capital of North America, and Bogota is the crime capital of South America. Try to avoid the police as much as possible, but sometimes it's unavoidable - random road stops.. Know the proper ways to bribe them as well as keeping money in several separate places..

In regards to the pepper spray, I would double, triple, quadruple check the local laws. Depending on the different penal systems, it might be a fine to many many years in jail, and please note, they are not American jails where you can reasonable expect clean food and cells.

For the most part, you should book your hotel prior to arrival. I tend to lean more towards US or European chain hotels (more on the higher scale). They can provide safety information. For instance, when travelling alone and obviously a visitor, you should never ever take a public taxi in Mexico City (the little old vw beetles). Thats a sure fire way of getting kidnapped. Oh, and kidnapping is a booming market in developing countries.

Pain killers and other drugs should be left at home, and purchased there. Bringing narcotics into most countries will result in the death penalty. Some places, it's practically immediate - No such thing as an appeals process.

Be smart, be aware, and understand the customs, cultures and laws. All the locals will know you're a vistior even before you talk. It can be as simple as the shoes you're wearing, or the plain fact that you are wearing glasses (sun or prescription).

Man, I wish I have your courage, but everytime I fly into Heathrow, I always talk myself out of bringing my firearms.. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I agree the attitude should be left at home, but I think Leigh was suggesting an excuse with the thought pattern surrounding the Holloway case in Aruba. Please note that this would probably work in a country where tourism is a large part of the economy. This won't work in most countries.

If, as is the case in the UK, they are more concerned with procecuting the victim, than hammering the perp then you will be in a lot of trouble. Unless the Magistrate decides to tell the CPS to take a running jump.
If you are anywhere that the local police force understands reality and the relationship between their income and tourists then you will probably be ok.

I disagree with the Pepper Spray inclusion, particularly if you are traveling by air. I don't want to start a flame on airline security and our (U.S.) TSA, but I know first hand that pepper spray will (if noticed) be removed by TSA at checkin. And often ANY aerosol will be removed from checked luggage. I usually agree spot-on with Leigh, but not regarding the pepper spray idea. The LEOs I know and have asked would clearly agree: If they want to hastle you about pepper spray (and ALL of the airport LEOs I've worked with WILL) they don't care a bit about your embassy.

Here's what has worked for me (even in Holland, by the way): I have a "coin purse" (let's not start the gender thing... I'm a guy.... this is a unisex coin purse) which looks like a leather sock (stocking/athletic sock size). As soon as I can upon arrival, I start my "coin collection" and keep a good load of coins in the purse. Also works when I'm just collecting small rocks for my rock collection.
... You know.. once when approached by a street thug I got so frightened that when I tried to give him my money I must have whipped the purse out of my hip pocket like a mace.. and it must have hit him on the side of the head. Unfortunate accident.