Travel Jones

Dispelling Myths About Travel Safety and Embracing Adventure

“Why would you want to go there? It’s dangerous!” These are the words of people I meet in passing. Most of them have never left the city, county or state in which they live. Or if they have, they have 1 or 2 places they visit. I personally know people that only visit Florida or Las Vegas every year. On the surface this isn’t so much a problem as it is people becoming mind numbingly comfortable in routine. So why would people shy away from exploring a new location? Is it truly dangerous?? These things make me laugh as it just seems ignorant and ill-informed to draw these conclusions.

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it’s lethal.” – Paul Coelho

Debunking Travel Safety Myths: A Personal Experience and Perspective

Allow me to preface the following by telling you that I once had someone say to me that they were glad I made it home safe (after I returned from a stint in Brazil). In response I told them that it really isn’t as bad as you think it is. Their rebuttal? A very stern, “Yes. It is.” The conversation ended there. I thought to myself, are you kidding me, right now? I’ve just returned from a place you have never been to but, somehow it’s more dangerous there than any other major city/ country in the world? I have a rule for myself. Don’t debate people who haven’t lived what you’ve lived or experienced what you’ve experienced. Especially if you’re very much more traveled and cultured than they are. These type of people are committed to thinking they will always be right even if truth is starting them in the face. Granted, every country has its own set of issues and hang ups (and Brazil easily falls in that category). But how do you know if you don’t see it for yourself? I’ve met some of the most kind, thoughtful and caring people I’ve ever known in my life, in Brazil.

Those people in the photo are just a few! Does this look like a group of people who are in fear of their lives? So contrary to what I was told, my experience in Brazil was more than pleasant. Here’s a little food for thought. Brazil happens to be just behind the United States on the Global Peace Index. So how much more dangerous can it be than being in the United States? I digress… this post isn’t about Brazil. It’s about why you should throw caution to the wind (with in reason) and see the places you’ve always wanted to see. More on Brazil in another post!

“Don’t listen to what they say, go see.” – Chinese Proverb

Researching and Balancing Safety Precautions with Adventurous Spirit

Okay so here’s the proverbial meat and potatoes. Yes, you should do some research about a location you’re interested in traveling to. The first site I visit when researching a new location/ country is the U.S. Department of State. Here you can look up passport, visa and vaccination requirements. But if you’re still reading this, what you want to know most is maintain safety and security. There’s a section, on the aforementioned site, that goes in to detail on how to stay safe and what to watch out for during your stay. But here’s the thing about that, take it with a grain of salt. Reading some of the warnings can strike an element of fear in you causing you to have second thoughts about traveling. I’m not trying to convince you to travel to war torn regions of the world. Definitely don’t do that! I only want you to consider that not every place is as bad as it seems.

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

Discovering the Truth: Exploring Beyond Stereotypes for a Balanced Perspective

A prime example of this is my home town of Flint, Michigan. According to the FBI, it’s constantly ranked amongst the top 10 most dangerous cities in the United States. On occasion it even tops out at number 1! While it’s true Flint does, in fact, have many problems. The crime isn’t quite as bad as it’s made out to be. Are any of you familiar with the saying “if you’re not from the ghetto, don’t come to the ghetto”? The idea behind this is why would you want to go to an impoverished area? What are you looking for? Unless you’re a developer or someone who contributes to the community there is absolutely nothing for you there. So to say, if you’re looking for trouble, you’ll certainly find it. But here’s the thing, Flint also has nice areas and this is the point I’m trying to make. There’s good parts of town and there’s bad parts of town. Read up on the culture, don’t make yourself a target and just be aware of your surroundings. The same principals apply anywhere you are and everywhere you go.