Before I hit the bike path for a long sightseeing excursion in Tel Aviv, Israel, I wore a nondescript baseball cap, a cheap watch and shoes, and had no idea that I was going to get sunburnt.
As a national security journalist who has traveled to some of the world's most dangerous places, I have learned that I have to be careful not to become a target for thieves, terrorists, or kidnappers.
The gray man, who blends in and doesn't alert the world to their American citizenship and assumed wealth, is called "being the gray man" by Central Intelligence Agency operatives. I learned about this safety tip when I took many Hostile Environment Training courses over the years.
We have to be on guard a lot.
There are risks and benefits to plastic surgery tourism.
I was about to brush up on my travel safety tips when I came across a new CIA web posting with advice from its officers on how to travel safely and with confidence.
According to an official at the CIA who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal tradecraft, the agency is trying to demystify its work by releasing travel tradecraft tips.
The CIA's best practices, culled from the experience of its officers in the field, are very useful and relevant to Americans in these fraught times.
There is a way to think like a spy on the ground overseas with some annotations based on my travels.
The CIA suggests that you make a paper and digital copy of your passport. It might be your ticket home if there is a problem while you are abroad. If the hotel desk clerk asks you to hold on to your passport, you should be able to get a paper copy. Emergency contacts and the local U.S. embassy should be written down on the hard copy of the book.
If your phone goes missing with your passport, Josh suggests you email yourself the digital copy.
You should register with your embassy. It's a way to establish communications with your home base. If there is an emergency, you can be contacted by embassy staff. The State Department has a program for US citizens.
The CIA suggests learning some local jargon. You can get key words and phrases with a phone app.
Josh has a tip about his go-to essentials. If you think you might be getting robbed, and if someone is hurt, yelling out "no cash" is helpful.
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The CIA says to know your destination. If you want to get a sense of the place and the issues that are playing out there, bone up on travel books. Basic information can be found in the CIA World Fact book. Special travel briefings have been created by the CIA.
Josh said to look up the State Department Travel Advisories for your destination.
Ask the airport official or travelers' aide how much it will cost to catch a public shuttle to your hotel. You can check online sites as well. You need to negotiate the taxi price before you load your baggage. Only use cabs from the official queue that have a functioning meter and the driver's ID on display.
Josh suggests asking if they use credit cards or American currency before the event. You can use a credit card at an ATM that will give you a better rate than the moneychangers at the airport.
Josh said to keep all your luggage close. Getting to and from your hotel is an example of this. There are a lot of places where bags can disappear.
There is a continuing story below.
You should know your escape route from your hotel room as well. Prepare yourself for an emergency. To find the number of doors between your room and the nearest stairwell, do a run-through. Is it possible to find it in the dark. Is it possible to hold your breath in a haze?
The CIA says to use the elevator if there is an emergency.
Being on the ground floor can leave you vulnerable to break-ins, but emergency responders aren't equipped to reach higher than a few floors off the ground.
If you're worried about car bombs or terrorist attacks, Josh suggests you stay in the back of the hotel. Bad actors will target hotels and other places where tourists gather.
The CIA says to lock it up. If there is a deadbolt, use it. The rubber door stop is cheap and easy to use.
The CIA advises against being knocked on by strangers. Unless you know who is on the other side of the building, don't open the door. Unrequested special delivery, maintenance calls, turn down service, and room service are things to be wary of. It is a good idea to call the front desk to confirm.
The CIA said to lock it down. If you sense danger, lock the doors and keep the windows rolled up, whether you rent a car or take a taxi. Simple mistakes, like an open door or window, can be used by carjackers and snatch-and- grab thieves.
Josh's tip is to make sure you get into the correct car when using ride-sharing services. Don't get in if something doesn't feel right.
CIA officers are trained to be constantly aware of their surroundings. If you pay attention to what is happening around you, you will be able to spot telltale signs if something goes wrong.
If you need to get out quickly, you don't necessarily need to sit with your back to the wall, but you do need to see the entrances and exits.
When drinking adult beverages, be aware. In an unfamiliar country, alcohol can impair judgement and put you at risk, even if you drink martinis in the movie. Follow the local customs and restrictions on alcohol use.
Josh's tip is to make sure you can see your drinks being poured and transported to you so that you don't get drunk. Locals insist that recreational drugs are safe and legal, so don't use or purchase them.
The CIA says to walk the walk. You won't look like an easy target if you are the gray man or women. Don't look confused, lost, or distracted to get noticed. If you're in a busy area, don't look over maps and phone apps. Don't be boring. Flaunting extravagant watches and cash will draw thieves and opportunists.
Prepare in advance by planning your route and changing it if necessary. Don't go to the potentially dangerous areas of town. Don't walk alone at night, stick to well lit areas that aren't too isolated, and know the number of the local authorities just in case. Crowd commotion could be a distraction designed to help someone target you.
Josh has a tip for scaring off potential attackers.
The city of Tel Aviv is home to a vibrant multiethnic community of Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Is it safe to travel? While on vacation, how to think like a spy.
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