What Destinations Are Safe?

What Destinations Are Safe?

Determining whether an area is safe or not can be a complex process that requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Keep in mind that safety is also subjective and differs based on our cultural norms. The United States has an astronomical amount of gun violence compared to most of the world yet many of us feel perfectly safe shopping, going to school, and walking in the park. The United Kingdom has a warning for British travelers visiting the United States, “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA.” We’ve put together some tips that can help you assess the safety of a particular area to determine what destinations are safe.

1. Research warnings from the US Department of State: The website is travel.state.gov and you can search countries. They rank countries based on four levels. Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. Level Two: Exercise increased caution. Level Three: Reconsider travel. Level Four: Do not travel. Elevated warnings are sometimes region-specific. You can used Google Maps to determine if that region is anywhere near where you are traveling within the country.

2. Pay attention to your surroundings: When you're in the area, take note of your surroundings. Are there a lot of people around? Are there any signs of suspicious activity, such as broken windows? Do you feel uneasy or unsafe?

3. Talk to locals: If possible, talk to people who live or work in the area. They may be able to provide you with valuable insights into the safety of the area and any potential issues to watch out for.

4. Consider the time of day: Some areas may be safe during the day but become more dangerous at night. Be sure to take into account the time of day when assessing the safety of an area.

5. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or unsafe, trust your instincts. It's better to err on the side of caution and avoid an area that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Remember that no area is completely safe, and it's important to take precautions no matter where you are. Stay aware of your surroundings, be cautious when traveling alone, and trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.