The red-gold tropical sun sinks over the ocean horizon, its last rays of light dancing across the surf-washed sand. A warm, friendly breeze blows across the shore, carrying with it the notes of a flute and deep drumbeats contrasted with the high call of seabirds. A sense of peace and isolation radiates from the still-warm sand, a feeling of blessed escape and adventure; but also of comfort and safety.

This undoubtedly appealing image, straight from the pages of a travel brochure, extols the benefits of tourism. It seems everyone wants to escape: couples, singles and families, students and teachers, workers of all classes and callings. And why not? A vacation to some far-off, exotic land (or even one not so far-off or exotic) is, literally, a breath of fresh air to those tired of the same monochromatic existence; the work, the stress, the weather. So, coos the siren...