THE NATION'S TOP COUNTERTERROISM EXPERT WARNS TRAVELERS TO KEEP YOUR GUARD UP AND BE READY TO ACT NOT REACT" ***** For those who are making last minute travel plans, security is even more critical, because their mind is focused on just making it to the destination" said LAEDC Homeland Security Spokesperson Elsa Lee

Counterterrorism Expert Elsa Lee offers traveling tips and reminds the public the U.S. is still at War on Terrorism

(PRWEB) November 27, 2003 -- Los Angeles, CA - Whether its vacation or business travel that takes you outside of US borders, one of your priorities should be security planning. Its so easy to overlook if its not something people are in the habit of doing. But Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) spokesperson and Counterterrorism Expert Elsa Lee warns to keep alert, even while youre on vacation or traveling during the holidays.

For those who are making last minute travel plans, security is even more critical, because their mind more than likely is focused on just making it to the destination" said Lee. As for vacation planning it should include security. For example: families traveling overseas should have a three phase action plan. One for pre travel, a second plan while traveling, and a post travel action plan."

Elsa Lee is one of the few Americans who comprise the United States true-to-form counterterrorism experts. Lee is CEO, President, and founder of Advantage SCI, LLC (www.advantagesci.com) based in Redondo Beach, CA -- serving government and private industry clients globally. She has 23 years of public and private sector experience in anti-terrorism operations, counterespionage investigations, threat and vulnerability assessments, and information systems security in the United States, Asia, Central America, and Europe.

Lee offers tourists and travelers these international safety and security tips:

•During pre-travel, a family member or companion should conduct a quick scan of news for that region, identify where hospitals are located, make a note of the address and phone number to the nearest US Embassy, and if possible, have an idea of where the police stations are located.

•Plan to take only the bare essentials. Leave your valuables and non-prescription medications at home.

• Take clothing that allows you to blend in with the local environment and that does not immediately identify you as an American. You dont know where the terrorist sympathizers are these days so you dont want to become a target or victim of terrorist or criminal activity by showing your patriotism in uncharted territory.

•Give a copy of your itinerary to a friend or family member and make arrangements to check back in with them when you return from your trip. Let them know when to worry and at what point they should consider taking some form of action.

•Visit the Department of State website for a travel advisory about the region youre visiting.

This fall Lee contributed to a new Homeland Security Study with terrorism experts from the RAND Corporation and LAEDC. The Study revealed what America has learned since 9-11, and what Homeland Security should address in the near future. The study findings could become a model for California and the rest of the nation.

In addition to her military experience Lee also was a consultant to the Pentagon and several Latin American Governments on security and several corporations including SKECHERS USA, Inc. (apparel and footwear). Lee speaks Spanish and German fluently. While in the military, she served in the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), U.S. Army Europe, the Pentagon, U.S. Army Intelligence Center & School, and the Defense Nuclear Agency and is a member of the FBI Los Angeles Infraguard.

About Advantage-SCI
Advantage Security Competitive Intelligence (SCI), LLC, Redondo Beach, CA, is a woman-minority-veteran owned company that provides services to government, law enforcement, and private industry. Advantage SCI provides security consulting, training, and e-learning to protect people and corporate assets from sabotage, espionage, cyber attacks, and terrorism. Advantage SCI was recently featured on Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, Telemundo, CNN radio, several newspapers in Northern and Southern California, and ROBTV in Canada.

[Editors: For interviews and more travel tips from Elsa Lee contact George McQuade at
MAYO Communications at: 818.340.5300 or visit www.MayoCommunications.com.

Holiday Travel Tips 11-26-03