I'm always amazed to hear how people avoid traveling to Rio de Janeiro because they think it's just ridden with crime. It's certainly curious, for example, that the flight attendants I spoke with on the way down told me to remove every last piece of jewelry I had on -- and I wasn't wearing gold or diamonds, that's for sure -- because well, it's Rio. They also told me to now go bicycling or jogging alone. Oh, and be careful of the traffic, especially at night when you'll encounter drunk drivers. It's a good thing I didn't listen to any of this advice.
You can listen (below) to my recent interview with Pat Boyle on the Travel Show at KPAM 860 radio in Portland, Oregon where I dispel these and other myths associated with this vibrant and welcoming city.
To listen to the show, simply click on the audio player below:
This happens to me all the time with Mexico; people go on and on about how dangerous it is and then it turns out they've never been there or just heard a news report about the drug wars on the border or something. Always best to ask the people who actually live in a town if there are areas to avoid or things to watch out for!
Happens to me all the time in Turkey and Morocco . People think these are countries filled with terrorists but it's just not true. Listen to the experts and then do the oppossite for a good time.
Hi Melanie, Yes, I've found the same misconceptions with Mexico and so many places. I also travel to Mexico and have found no problems. Asking the locals in these and other places is always the way to go to avoid problematic areas.
Hi Vago, It seems that almost no matter where you travel there are often myths and rumors about crime or terrorism. I always evaluate the situation on my own and in consultation with locals to sort out the facts from the myths.
I have been to Rio, three times in the last 10 years, and I never once have feared for my safety. I think 99.9% of the world is safe for tourist, so far as you use common sense and don't offend anyone. Don't make yourself an easy target with where you go or how you dress.
That's some great advice Steve. As JT said - it's important wherever you go to be aware of the locals, especially in a nation that has a high level of poverty.
7 comments:
This happens to me all the time with Mexico; people go on and on about how dangerous it is and then it turns out they've never been there or just heard a news report about the drug wars on the border or something. Always best to ask the people who actually live in a town if there are areas to avoid or things to watch out for!
Happens to me all the time in Turkey and Morocco . People think these are countries filled with terrorists but it's just not true. Listen to the experts and then do the oppossite for a good time.
Hi Melanie, Yes, I've found the same misconceptions with Mexico and so many places. I also travel to Mexico and have found no problems. Asking the locals in these and other places is always the way to go to avoid problematic areas.
Hi Vago, It seems that almost no matter where you travel there are often myths and rumors about crime or terrorism. I always evaluate the situation on my own and in consultation with locals to sort out the facts from the myths.
I have been to Rio, three times in the last 10 years, and I never once have feared for my safety. I think 99.9% of the world is safe for tourist, so far as you use common sense and don't offend anyone. Don't make yourself an easy target with where you go or how you dress.
Hi Steve, I agree completely. You need to be able to blend in with the locals in terms of how you dress and how you behave.
That's some great advice Steve. As JT said - it's important wherever you go to be aware of the locals, especially in a nation that has a high level of poverty.
Post a Comment