Human trafficking and travel are connected in two major ways.
Trafficking often relies on transportation systems to recruit, move, and exploit victims. Airports, bus stations, train terminals, and ride-share services can be used by traffickers to transport their victims throughout the trafficking process.
In addition, traffickers can also use the vulnerabilities associated with travel to target people who are unfamiliar with their surroundings and separated from their usual support networks.
Understanding how traffickers use transportation and why travel can increase vulnerability can help travelers recognize risks, take precautions, and identify potential signs of trafficking.
“I ran away via Greyhound bus to a big city. I did not know anyone there and after running out of money, being homeless and hungry, I was approached by a young man who offered to help me. He sounded sincere and because I was naïve and in a bad state, I took him upon his offer.” –Chiquita Tillman, survivor of human trafficking
Travel and Vulnerability
It is important to understand the reality, dangers, and necessary precautions related to human trafficking when traveling.
The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as “the crime of compelling a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts.” related to human trafficking when traveling.
Sometimes, traffickers present themselves as a helpful local, a possible romantic partner, job recruiter, taxi driver, travel guide, online connection, or hospitality workers. Tourism destinations naturally draw traffickers because travelers can be unfamiliar with their surroundings and distracted by their destination and activities, which can create opportunities for traffickers to approach and exploit vulnerable individuals.
Practicing smart travel habits can improve your overall safety and may reduce opportunities for traffickers and other criminals to take advantage of vulnerable situations:
Register your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate when traveling internationally.
Research your destination before departure, including local laws, customs, emergency contacts, and high-risk areas.
Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid becoming distracted in unfamiliar environments.
Be cautious when interacting with strangers who offer unsolicited assistance, transportation, employment opportunities, or accommodations.
Limit the amount of personal travel information shared publicly on social media.
Keep friends or family informed of your itinerary and regularly check in with them.
The Role of Transportation in Human Trafficking
Transportation hubs increase vulnerability to trafficking due to travelers’ unfamiliarity with local customs, language, transportation systems, and available resources. The U.S. Department of Transportation warns that traffickers may exploit these circumstances by approaching stranded, distressed, or newly arrived travelers and offering lodging, employment, food, companionship, or other forms of assistance as a means of gaining trust and exerting control.
Transportation can also play a significant role throughout the trafficking process. The NGO United Against Slavery conducted a National Outreach Survey for Transportation (NOST) in 2021 which found that 81% of 107 survivors of human trafficking used transportation during their recruitment, 76% used transportation during the time of their exploitation, and 52% claimed that transportation enabled their exit/escape from their trafficking situation.
While transportation systems can be exploited by traffickers, they can also provide victims with opportunities to seek help, escape dangerous situations, and access support services.
What to Watch
According to Savannah/Hilton Head National Airport travelers are in a unique position to spot signs of human trafficking. Warning signs may include:
Unusual behavior such as anxiety, fear, eye contact avoidance, discomfort, controlling company, signs of physical abuse, and malnourishment.
Children or adults traveling with someone who appears unfamiliar to them.
An individual who is unaware of or provides contradictory information about their travel details or purpose, including their destination or travel plans, or who relies solely on their companion for travel information.
When the traveler is dressed inappropriately for the weather or destination.
The traveler has little to no luggage and personal belongings.
These signs alone do not necessarily indicate human trafficking. However, recognizing multiple indicators or a situation that causes concern can help travelers determine when they may need to seek assistance or report their concerns.
For situations involving missing children or child sexual abuse material specifically, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or through its Cybertipline.
Bella Kent is a current student majoring in journalism, focusing on writing, editing, and reporting, while minoring in business. Her long-term goal is to attend law school to further advocate on behalf of trafficked/abused individuals, especially children. She is a devoted Christian with hobbies including running, writing, reading, thrifting and cooking. Through her involvement at Stop Modern Day Slavery, Bella looks to develop a stronger understanding of what trafficking looks like, ways in which it can be prevented, implementations to be made by the Government, and after-care.
