Case of American Missing in Ecuador Highlights Difficulty Obtaining Reliable Travel-Safety Information

[Jeff Dunsavage]

"Everyone's baffled, because it's not a dangerous place. There's no rebels or something like that who kidnap people. I can't come up with a scenario that could make sense." 
- Chris Reiger, father of August Reiger, missing in the jungle outside Banos, Ecuador (CNN International)

"When I read that it happened in Banos near the look out I was equally shocked and relieved it was not me. Friends who traveled there before me said to make sure I did not go to the look out alone as it was very dangerous (rapes, kidnappings, etc.)" 
- Kim Willis, an American traveling in Ecuador the week August went missing (from a Facebook conversation)

The disconnect between the reactions of Chris Reiger - father of the 18-year-old Oklahoman who, as of this writing, has been missing in Ecuador for 21 days - and Kim Willis - a 43-year-old digital strategy consultant who was traveling in the same area as August went he missing - highlights the difficulty travelers face in obtaining current, reliable safety information. This is a particular challenge when researching destinations in developing countries.

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[Tanya Quisenberry]

I better understand now thanks Jeff but I will admit I got a lump in my throat ...  it doesn't sound good for him...so sad people travel and are ignorant to the dangers... He is a bright young child... I pray they find him safe... I am surprised that his parents are not more distraught they seemed void of emotion when talking about there sons disappearance... I have always said though people show emotions differently and who am I to say what is the right way to greave or show fear or......   but I would be SICK and broken and would not be able to speak without tears. They are holding up and keeping there head about them and that is for the better of there son. They are more effective that way.  I just really want him found, he has so much to offer. If anyone has any news please keep me posted.  and THANKS!