Should I be concerned about human trafficking when I travel?
If you want a short answer: YES!
As travelers, we often focus on our destination, the experiences we’ll have, and the memories we’ll make. But in the shadows of bustling airports, busy hotels, and tourist hotspots, a darker reality can exist—human trafficking. This global crisis involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or sex.
Traffickers often rely on the anonymity of travel networks to operate, making it essential for travelers to stay aware and play a role in combating this injustice. The International Labour Organization released Global Estimates of Modern Slavery in September 2022. This report estimates that, at any given time in 2021, approximately 27.6 million people were in forced labor worldwide, including in the United States.
In this blog, we’ll explore how you, as a traveler, can help disrupt human trafficking by recognizing warning signs and taking action.
1. Understand the Reality of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking affects millions of people around the world, including children, women, and men. Traffickers exploit travel infrastructure like airlines, buses, and hotels to move and conceal their victims. This crime doesn’t just happen in distant places—it occurs in our own backyards. As a traveler, understanding that trafficking can happen anywhere is the first step toward making a difference.
2. Know the Signs of Trafficking in Hotels and Public Places
When you’re traveling, there are several indicators that might signal human trafficking activity. By being observant, you can help identify someone who may be in danger. Here are some red flags to watch for:
Unusual behavior or appearance: Look for individuals who seem fearful, malnourished, or physically abused, or who avoid eye contact and exhibit signs of anxiety.
Lack of control over personal belongings: If someone appears to be traveling
without money, identification, or luggage, it could indicate they are being controlled by someone else.
Strange hotel behaviors: Multiple requests for fresh towels or linens without
allowing staff into rooms, individuals arriving with minimal belongings, or renting rooms for an unusually short or long period of time.
Signs of coercion: If you notice individuals being accompanied by someone who seems controlling or prevents them from speaking for themselves, it’s a potential red flag
Red Flags in Room Rentals: Guests who rent multiple rooms at a time and or rooms for either very short periods (hourly) or, conversely, for an extended time without a clear reason.
Check out these useful resources before your next trip:
3. How You Can Take Action
The idea of confronting human trafficking can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to be a hero to make a difference. Here’s how you can help:
Report suspicious activity: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Most hotels and airlines train their staff to recognize trafficking, so report any concerns to them or call the local authorities. In the U.S., you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733.
Stay informed: Before you travel, research anti-trafficking organizations in your destination. You can also download apps like "TraffickCam" that allow you to upload photos of your hotel room, which helps law enforcement track trafficking locations.
Choose ethical companies: Support businesses that are committed to anti-trafficking efforts. Many hotels and airlines partner with organizations to train staff and implement safeguards against trafficking.
4. Be an Advocate Beyond Your Travels
Even when you're not traveling, you can continue the fight against human trafficking. Support organizations, like the i-5 Freedom Network that work to train hotel staff and provide Survivors with resources and training. Raise awareness by sharing information with your network, or volunteer with local and global anti-trafficking initiatives. Every Action Counts!
5. Together, We Can Make a Difference
Traveling the world allows us to expand our horizons, but it also comes with a responsibility to protect those who are vulnerable. By staying vigilant, informed, and ready to act, we can help disrupt the cycle of human trafficking. Your eyes and ears could make the difference in saving a life.
Our goal isn’t to discourage you from traveling or enjoying your vacation — quite the opposite. By staying informed about the risks of human trafficking and following our safety tips, you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re taking steps to stay safe. Combating human trafficking is a global effort that involves everyone, from organizations and governments to vigilant travelers like you. Together, we can be the eyes and ears that help identify and report suspicious activities, contributing to the fight against traffickers worldwide. Saving people doesn’t need to be a heroic effort. The fight against human trafficking continues with you: how will you answer the call?
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