The Truth About Travelling Guatemala... (not what you think) 

This video is sort of a spoiler because it shows moments from Lake Atitlan and Antigua, even though I haven't published those videos yet. They will be coming soon... starting with a video from Lake Atitlan later this week! Just wanted to publish this first so we could help our buddy Isaac out with his homework. More travel vlogs coming soon!! 😎✌ DID YOU KNOW... • This video has subtitles available in Spanish and French? • You can get more updates from my travels over here : instagram.com/thenewtravel • You can send ideas or request to be in a video over here: forms.gle/jqjGwmYj9CuL9s4o9 • Your generous support helps keep this show on the road: (monthly) www.patreon.com/thenewtravel (one-time) www.paypal.me/danvineberg • I've got a 2nd channel with more random and raw videos: ru-vid.com/show-UCS1RbrMgMas37BD4ELZNCHQ • You are awesome and capable of more than you think :D

Thank you, Dan! I cannot tell you how excited my student was to receive this video answering HIS questions. You are very well spoken and truly see the positivity and beauty in the people and places you travel. Thank you again taking time to give your insight and make the day of a 5th grader. This is a memory that will always live with him! :)

Always appreciate your words and storytelling, Dan. Thank you.

As a guatemalan, I appreciate how you delicately answered those questions. Guate like any other country In the world, has its social issues. But it’s a beautiful country that has so much to offer.

I lived 25 years of my life in Guatemala and I was robbed only once. I can say that where I was robbed it was a place that I shouldn't have been. Guatemala it's a safe place to visit as long as you use common sense. The best asset Guatemala has it's the people. Guatemalan's are one of the most friendly and warmest people on earth. This is coming from someone who has travel a lot all over the world. If you have ever wanted to go to Guatemala but you are concern about your safety please go ahead you won't regret it. Like I said just use common sense, specially in the Guatemala City.

About going out at night in Guatemala. It's a cultural thing. Guatemalans don't have the habit of going out at night, it's not just a security reason. Guatemalans enjoy staying at home with their families after dinner, and they usually go to bed early. Like compared to Canada, people go out late at night.

Thank you for your non-biased and objective perspective in this video Dan! As a Guatemalan, I appreciate it a lot. Sometimes we overlook the bad side of some travel destinations and countries, where in reality there are parallels to it in most places. Just like Guatemala (where you have very safe areas and also very dangerous ones), these can also be found in other cities. This is a lot more apparent in Guatemala, as there is only one major city in the country (Guatemala City), so you get all contrasts right next to each other in one place. As for the going out at night part. Both for safety reasons and cultural reasons. Guatemalans don't have a culture of going out at night to eat and spend significant amounts of time with friends. After work hours are normally reserved for family members, errands, or simply resting at home. In contrast to this, we have a culture of starting our day earlier than most people. On average, Guatemalans start their day at around 5 AM or sometimes before that, all over the country. Waking up after sunrise is pretty much sleeping in! Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here!

I love how you talk about my country (Guatemala) ☺️, thanks for that. Have a nice stay in these days here 👋🏼

An old soul, that's how I see you, a young person, yet with a lot of wisdom, and we all have something to learn from your perspective of traveling. Congratulations on doing such a great job on giving info to the young ones, I hope Isaac gets to learn a lot from your points of view, not to be scared of traveling just being aware of the different situations that may arise from doing it, and taking precautions to enjoy safely your trip. Drugs and crime are not problems of a country or city, they're everywhere, I've lived in different places, cities, countries and it'd be unfair to only focus on the negative side of, as it wouldn't be wise to not even mentioned them. As a 🇬🇹Guatemalan🇬🇹 myself, I thank you for visiting, "el pais de la eterna primavera" (the country of the eternal spring). Thank you for being wise and fair and for being a great embassador of the places you visit. 🙏🙏🙏

I love how you look beyond the dark side of my country! Guatemala has a lot more to offer than just violence, thanks for making this videos and making us Guatemalan’s proud of what we got!

Really appreciated this balanced perspective and your great way of directing your wisdom to young learners.

Bang on as always! I am in Belize City at the moment and it’s the same thing. Most people say don’t’ stay here because of crime but I have met nothing but friendly welcoming people. Treat people with respect. Amazing how that works!

As a Guatemalan who has lived in the USA for more than 21 years, I appreciate what and how you answered those questions. I also think that you might have inspired a Fifth grader to become a traveler. First time I came across with one of your videos and I think that I will watch the others. Gracias por viajar y mostrar al mundo tus descubrimientos!

you are right actually, been living here all my life and might be dangerous in some areas at night, but the reality also is what you focus on. Highly recommend you to go to Irtra de Reu, go to those hotels, stay for a week, better if you take people with you to enjoy fully all the adventure there. And reserve with anticipated time. I have plenty more places to suggest but I will let life pick those for you. Enjoy

Wow!! You have pin pointed what people should reflect on what Guate is all about! Keep on enjoying your trip!

Hi Dan, that was great. Well Done. You did well with your answers. And a very kind action to answer via video so everyone can watch it, and not just read some text response to themselves.

Guatemala, home of Pollo Campero (fast food chicken restaurant). From California to Spain you can find them.

This video proves when you travel, you learn a lot and I really liked what you said about school and the experience of traveling. I have experienced the same myself. I am guatemalan and I have travelled alot. Last time I was robbed or experienced something related to security here in Guatemala was more than 12 years ago. And the last time I was actually robbed was 2 years ago, just before the pandemic, when I was in San Francisco, CA. Funny thing right? what I am saying is, all countries are unsafe, it is just a matter of common sense and a little bit of luck, if it is meant to be, you will be robbed in Europe or in any country in Central America, do not let the fear prevent you from experiencing the beauty of the world.

Another great video! Love the backdrop :) And I like the wisdom to the children: learn from books and classrooms but also from getting outside the classroom and experience the world! 🙌

I really enjoyed and appreciated how you explained things to students. I teach, and I always try to find appropriate videos that show real things. I appreciate you being real, in appropriate ways. Thanks.

Amazing responses....... True, it is what people focus on that makes or breaks a country and their citizens. Correct, the choice to be reasonable, positive, and pleasant is theirs only based on their personal experiences and how they were raised at home. Yes, I enjoy your great content. The sceneries, the beautiful landscape, the people you interviewed, and your thoughtful and pleasant approach at life. Dan, great work! Your videos are educational, inspiring, and great masker pieces.

Dan, I’ve seen and liked many of your videos, but this one did it for me. The care you took in responding to a child moved me. It revealed your soul, beyond your enthusiasm for travel and adventure. You made it not about you, which made you even more attractive. Now I wish we could be friends. But the videos will be a nice substitute.

I just love the way you express yourself and the honest answers given! so glad you are a Canadian I am a guatemalan/canadian and so so so proud of both countries, specially Guatemala. I am always surprise about what people only say and think about bad things about Guatemala, but is just like any other country it has it's goods and bads, but one thing I am so proud of my people, is that we are with out any doubt the MOST welcoming people and we want any foreigner to feel at home! You are doing a great job!

Thanks for your video about Guatemala dan you are so kind 🙂 stay here the long as you want , I would love to visit canada in the next year 2022 or 2023 for sure

Excellent, Dan !!!

What an amazing video. Thank you so much for visiting Guatemala

Your sincere and thorough answer to this 5th grader's questions is exemplary. Not only the information, but the significance/respect you gave to his questions. You would make a good teacher.

Excellent explanation, thank you very much.

Loved this video and that you made it to help a student in his studies! Que bueno amigo👌

Great point of view !! I missed my Country ❤️🇬🇹 Blessings!!!

Hi Dan, I'm from Guatemala and loved your answers.

love your answers to the questions

Muy profundo tu análisis amigo, Gracias por Compartir a nuestro país!! Bendiciones en Tus viajes :)

As a Guatemalan this is really nice to see people do this and I think more people should do stuff of gutemalans

Excelentes respuestas, solo viajando con mentalidad y aptitud abierta al mundo se puede tener una vision objetiva de la realidad. Ojala los jovenes e infantes que ven tus videos adopten tu sabiduria; solo asi como tu dices, se pueden vencer los estereotipos y enriquecer la apreciacion de la diversidad de culturas, geografias, entendimiento entre los seres humanos. Felicitaciones Dan eres grande!! 👍👍👍

Love your videos and this video is well explained about Guatemala

Those were very diplomatic answers . Good on you!

Hi, Daniel! It’s good to know that someone have that perspective from Guatemala thank you for let the people know the good part from my country, but let me explain that “rellenitos” don’t have chocolate. It is sweet fried black beans. ☺️ The next time your going to Guatemala tried to do it on Easter. ☺️✨

Thank you Dan, great responses. I think I saw you walking in Antigua at the market, was going g to I invite you to see a ace but you were recording and didn't want to to interrupt (typical Guatemalan but home is both here and Calgary).

Just a lovely video how you answered the questions of the fifth grader. Thanks. I’m heading to Guatemala for 11 days with two of them in Guatemala City.

thanks for the info Dan.

Man! You are so smart giving that little kid the answers he needed to know about our country. Thanks again for visiting us. You are a professional young man who makes that kind of beautiful videos that most people enjoy watching. We love you amigo.

A video of my heritage country!

like your videos bro. keep them coming

Amazing, i like your video. Welcome to Guatemala

Well done Dan.

I loved the answer to question 3, it depends where you are focusing on, thank you for making Guatemala be seen with different eyes. I like your videos. 👌❤️

hey Dan -great work on your video. Love your insights and advice for the students of Molly. Your attitude to travel and adventure is spot on. I lived in Guatemala for 10 years with many amazing experiences both good and bad.thanx..(subbd to your channel.)

I love you saying "it depends what we want to see." 😊

thanks for your honest answers

You are absolutely right, buddy!

SUPER IDEA for a video!

You are wise beyond your years Dan . Your Videos are great especially for those of us that travel is no longer an option ( no , I'm not in jail ) Some health problems and old age . Keep them coming . Cheers !

WELL DONE EXPLENATION , DANGER IS ALL OVER THE WORLD , THANK YOU TO CLEAR THOSE QUESTIONS ABOUTH MY CONTRY .

Really good analogy of Guate, your advice on the city at night is spot on. Around Atitlan it is much safer .

Everything you say is true..nice video my friend

Excelente trabajo

Hey there, I live in Corona CA, but I was born in Guatemala, Thankyou for your good opinions about that beautiful country.

Yes Guatemala is a great place to live ..I love it ♥️♥️👍👌

Man, I loved your video, the cheese analogy is the best, To Isaac (I think is the name of the kid) if you and your family ever have the oportunity to visit Guatemala I would like to invite you to a nice dinner and show you this beautiful country.

Thank you so much for your perspective on Guatemala! I decided to book a trip there during my spring break in March. I'm a teacher, so it was cool to see you answer the student's questions. I'm praying that the COVID surge will die down soon, otherwise I may have to postpone my trip. However, this will be my first international solo trip, so in the meantime, I'll be trying to learn as much as I can about Guatemala City and the nearby cities like Antigua. My primary concern was safety, but the safety precautions I'm hearing pretty much apply to anywhere. I'm from the Chicago area and there are so many people who believe our city is unsafe but there is SO much more to Chicago!

I really enjoy how you explain my country to others. I truly believe Guatemala’s biggest asset is their people. Some of the most servicial people in the world. Cheers!

Thanks for visit My country Guatemala... From Lexington Kentucky usa🇬🇹👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇺🇸

I come from Guatemala . in my personal point of view, I think you are right about the Guatemalan perspective

About going out at night in Guatemala. You're right, and I've been in the USA too, New Jersey and New York City to be specific. And I find this interesting. You can go out at night in Guatemala to certain places which have a lot of security like Ciudad Cayala for example. But in NJ and NYC you feel safe at night in some specific streets. My point is that, just like every city you should be careful at night. It's just that in Guatemala it is more obvious because of how small the country is. There are some towns in Guatemala in which you can go out at night because there's 0% rate of violence and crime, like El Chol, Baja Verapaz. So it all depends, and everyone should feel safe at night but the reality is that we might not be, it doesn't matter which country you live in. But the smartest thing to do is to always be careful and not alone at night :)

Wow very powerful video I was born in Guatemala and yes there is danger like any place in the WORLD and I live in Los Angeles and i been robed 2 times None , in Guatemala , for those who want to travel to Guatemala i will say do it it is safe lots of places to see and the culture OMG , you will not be disappointed, Thaks for the effort and the way you articulated the narration of the content

very good comentaries.Saludos de un Guattemalteco

Super 👌

I really appreciate your words and storytelling, Dan . Being so close to chiapas mexico,is there similarity of culture and food? Thank's again From Tijuana , Robert

Guatemala

I like your video guys liked 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Great video as usual, Dan. Knowing where the kid's perspective was coming from, I would have only added that there are also places in the US that you shouldn't visit at night and where there's a lot of drugs. For "some" reason people often forget that, and that only contributes to certain perceptions of exceptionalism and to other places looking way more than dangerous than they actually are.

There is no way you can be safe in the whole world, for example new York, California, Chicago are very risky at night

Nice video

Love it

I'm from Guatemala and the capital is divided into 26 zones. Definitely you are to avoid certain ones. The more secure are zones are 9. 10, 13, 14, 15, 16. The ones considered as "The reds", they are a no, no. But people can always tell you where those are. Ciudad Cayalá is the safest, however is pretty expensive to live (Although they also have a hotel for visitors by the way). If you visit that city you are free to shop and stroll around. Zone 1 is fun at night with its opened bistros and bars but always be careful and try to remain with your crowd. Taking a taxi or an Uber like Dan said is the best advice. A friend from Russia enjoyed his time during the day on 6th. Ave. (The walking promenade) because you can see people playing musical instruments, doing magic tricks, singing, etc. and you can safely walk among the crowd as well. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OL3UjXmYUV8.html

hello!! I am Guatemalan and I live in Guatemala, I love your videos and you are very right about security in our country. Even I, who am Guatemalan, do not go out unless it is to a safe place, in fact I live in a private place, it has a security checkpoint and policemen who are always on the lookout for neighbors, in this type of place it is called "Residenciales" there are several In Guatemala due to security and in these places if you can go out at night without any problem since there is a lot of security but outside of them it is complicated. Thank you very much for highlighting the beauty of our country. 💖🇬🇹

Im a guatemalan and you are right about everything! Walking at night might be dangerous at some areas! And if you think about it most travelers get more of the overall experience of how the country is! As a citizen we always go to the same places, eat the same food, work the same place. So you actually might have a better overall idea of how safety and everything works here! Ggs bro! Love your videos

As guatemalan myself, you’re right.!

*What's YOUR favourite Guatemalan food?* 👀

*Your fan from India !*

BY THE SAME TOKEN... IT'S NOT SAFE AT NIGHT IN MANY U.S. CITIES! I LIVE IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA AND I WILL NOT GO WALKING AT NIGHT!

hey, i inadvertently hit 'dislike' when i meant 'like' and they said you would be notified, so just ignore it - love yr videos!!

Rey anitos? Haha rellenitos saludos my friend enjoy Guatemala.

Yes You all ways have to watch out where You going special late at night any where on they world even in USA like Stockton ca. Oakland ca or Pittburgh city and as You probably know Detroit and so on. Turist is easy Target if you get someone local You Will enjoy moré and the best places to visit at least You know where You going

Hello ! I am a Guatemalan watching this video, I am from Panajachel and I want to tell you something: As a native of the lake atitlan I am really happy when people from other countries come to the lake atitlan but the true is that many American, Canadians, Europeans, people from Israel etc. come here and do drugs so much, thinking that we are “open mind “ or feeling so freedom to do all these things and the true is that we are so angry and about that, we want to welcome everybody but Isn’t nice that people think that they can use the towns around the like atitlan as a “drug dump”. Unfortunately many many foreigners traffic drugs as well as consume them a lot… we don’t like to be “a drug destiny “ for no one.

Uploaded!

I’m currently in Guatemala, and I went to the cinema in Oakland mall yesterday. Can someone explain the process? There was no one to purchase a ticket from, and when the movie was over everyone remained seated. I was so confused..lol. Also, I love it here and the people are lovely!

Dan, My name is Herbert who's a native born from Guatemala but I've lived in U.S. for over 30yrs. and I've loved to travel back to my country for ages and I used to love spending Christmas how ever it's been always been kind of dangerous to be out on your own at night and if this was back in the 80's no doubt it is like that now days as most Latin American countries are however I learned by my own mistakes which I don't even want to mention them so you definitely will enjoy your staying there but you better watch out because back in the 80's zone 10 wasn't as dangerous as it is now days so just be very careful and enjoy your staying...

#GUATEMALA IS PRETTY AND GREEN CLEAN

awsome video plis try to go to xela and flores island in peten you can go by airplane

Guatemala 🇬🇹❤

San Marcos is where my mom from 🙌🏽🙌🏽 wish to make a impact for my country 🤝🙏🏽

I am Guatemalan and you hear about being dangerous walking in the dark in Guatemala City specifically, that’s true, can be dangerous in certain areas of the city but once you get out of Guatemala City and other surrounding cities around there and travel into the departments like Huehuetenango, Quiché, Totonicapan, is pretty safe and of course you still have to take precautions. In other words, Guatemala City specifically can be dangerous but getting out of Guatemala City is safer.

Excellent answers and examples. Come to the Republic of Panama.

What do want to focus on? 👍

Everything was well said, I'm from Guatemala and wouldn't dare to go out at night, but I think that goes for all latinamérican countries.

👍

Zone 10 a Friday Night, dude i don’t know if you like to party but is very nice place to meet people and i think is not dangerous at all. Of course is not the same if you go to zone 18 or Villa nueva, you want to be as far as you can because of the same reasons that you’re telling right now.

One fact about Atitlán, it is not the most beautiful place in Guatemala if you visit it at noon. When I traveled in Guatemala, we went there around noon and it was not pleasant, thers is a legend about that. The wind chill, the waves, we were soaked wet, freezing... Anyway I hope I will return to Guatemala to see the beautiful Atitlán one day.