History and our perception of the world changed dramatically with the 9-11 attacks. Today's travel is fraught with fear, delays, and racial profiling as the authorities try to prevent a reoccurrence.

Most travel and transport facilities have added special safeguards meant to combat terrorism:

* Staff have received extra security training.

* Sophisticated scanning equipment has been installed.

* Regulations have been expanded regarding prohibited items in luggage.

The ultimate objective is your safety and security. Has it worked? Do you really feel safer?

Whether you answered 'yes' or 'no', you must comply with current regulations when you travel or commute.

Different countries and transportation carriers have varying requirements. You won't find a single master list. However, searching wisely on the internet will provide you with the information you need before you plan your next trip.

In the USA, try http://www.tsa.gov and search for 'restricted items' or 'prohibited items'.

In Canada, visit http://www.tc.gc.ca, performing the same searches.

For other countries and carriers, use your favorite search engine and try some of the following searches. http://www.triple1.com/searchen.htm has a good list of engines.

* Germany 'restricted items' air

* Mexico 'restricted items' air

* Europe 'restricted items' rail

* Greyhound 'restricted items'

and so forth. Notice that 'restricted items' should be enclosed in quotation marks to produce the best results. (Because of the way various websites display articles, quotation marks have not been used in this article.)

Your search efforts should produce appropriate websites in the first search results page of any major search engine.

A partial list of items you should avoid in carry-on luggage would include:

* Most metal knives

* Large metal scissors

* Fuel of any kind

* Lighters and lighter fluid

* Weapons and ammunition

* Anything that looks like a weapon

* Starting pistols

* Liquid bleach

* Aerosol products

* Spray paint

Some items that are not permitted in carry-on luggage are allowed in checked suitcases.

Do your research - make sure you have the required documents - and pack carefully. http://1000tips4trips.com has hundreds of packing tips that will help you.

Now lose the fear, find your confidence, and enjoy your next trip!