I'll admit I went to those over twenty years ago, but selected one or two with caution. There is a definite difference between what was working there then and what I see on fb pages nowadays. Even then, there was the potential for a problem because the fact is every one of those women is in a relationship with someone very unkind. Most are practically their pimps. Throw in alcohol, and the men there can be as crazy as those in any other bar.
Totally agree, being an RN working ortho trauma nights, crazy bad stuff after 0:01 and especially with a full moon. I keep an lengths away and stay out of "bite zone" if taking vitals etc. especially since its nearly impossible to get an order for patient restraints at 0300. I keep eyes in the back of my head always too. I don't mess around with the nuts and they know it first 30 seconds when I enter the patient room. Peace and stay safe.
@@JasonHansonSpyBriefing You forgot one more country in there nothing good ever happens in the USA, just look at all the crime and murders here. SO definitely there are parts to stay out of the USA. But I agree your place in Utah looks pretty safe and a good place to raise a family.
@@luisromanlegionaire He sort of made this point in a roundabout way by bringing up Baltimore. It reportedly used to be a beautiful city 3-4 decades ago. And the only time I ever visited when on a business trip to DC…it was a fun day to go down to the water front & spend with my pops. Nothing out of the ordinary happened but then we didn’t go anywhere except the tourist traps & a nice restaurant. It’s easy to maintain the illusion of civility in certain pockets if there’s enough money flowing around. But undoubtedly he’s correct this is not a city anyone in their right mind would want to live in unless you have enough money to set up shop in a gated community (preferably with armed guards). And really, if one has that kind of money there are literally hundreds if not thousands of better places to settle. Anywho, yeah, Murica is quickly degrading - especially in the urban areas - so it seems that should be part of the discussion of “places I’d never go”. I’m thankful I grew up in the Pacific Northwest on a farm & ranch, so am lucky enough to be able to return home to the country now that I’m a little older. Even cities like Portland & Seattle which I once loved are becoming crime infested S-holes I wouldn’t want to raise a family in. But hey at least it makes for great TV. Without Baltimore swirling the drain for decades on end we’d have never gotten The Wire!
As a Canadian, I have had great experiences in Mexico and Cuba. That said, situational awareness is important and being aware of the dangers present in the places one visits is a really good idea.
I've lived in Tijuana, MX for almost all of my life (57 years), and the only time I've gotten into trouble is precisely when going to "bad places"" and yes, after midnight. So I agree with Mr. Hanson on that. But I will also add that most tourists that get into trouble here in Mexico are those that think that because they are in Mexico they can behave rowdy, get uber drunk or go looking for drugs to continue to party. So come to Mexico enjoy the food, wine valleys, beaches and culture. If you behave like you would usually do in your own country, you will be fine.
Same from Tijuas 35 years, never been in trouble or any of my family members, and I've been very reckless. My dad is from D.F. and never been in any harm. But we both know what States or cities we should never go to.
@@you0nlylivetwice @videoarmenio I'm from US and have been to TJ and DF a lot. I feel safer in DF than LA, that's for sure. I like Hanson's advice, but I think the Mexico fear is way overblown. Mexico is our neighbor and we should be best friends.
@@craigshannon6011He is giving his own opinion, that of course anyone can disagree with. I wouldn't go so far as to say he's clueless. He gave out some very good advice here.
Hi, with all due respect, I think it's unfair to generalize not to go to some of these countries. Maybe in some parts, there are unsafe areas, but to really write them off as not to go there even to visit (for a few days), I think it's too much. Just try to practice due diligence and research for safe areas before coming anywhere in the world. I would still love to visit Greece, Mexico, and even China once in my lifetime. And I've been to Russia and have no regrets. If you think about it, there is really no 100% safe place in this world. Just be safe and mindful. Peace!
I am a retired 21 year military veteran. I have traveled and lived all around the world. I currently live in Costa Rica. I blend into the cultures, and speak several languages. Safety is relative, no matter where you are. You must also keep situation awareness! When I worked in various cities in the U.S. as a federal employee, I felt comfortable knowing I was armed, and had combat training.
CR is a good place to understand how "opportunists" work. Not having Spanish language skills, I wasn't a fan of San José. Very enjoyable country overall.
This video seems more aimed at stroking the ego of the "true american patriot🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇲". No one anywhere cares about a man with no name, who will pay his ransom or what information could he possibly have? If they know something, it's because they were told. I'm not gonna step out of a plane in countries that are conveniently former cold war 'opponents' or aren't the greatest ally to american hegemony and become public enemy #1
All of the places he named were and probably still are restricted for a lot of former military. But the most dangerous place I been in is Los Angeles. Also the wrong side of K street in DC. Wisconsin and 42nd. There was a great ethnic fast food place there. Pulled in with a full .gov van and people scattered like roaches when the lights came on. You take off the brassard and somehow they still know?
1st floor rooms also allows for people to enter the room w/o coming through the front entrance. That's why we always we housed females at least the 2nd or 3rd floor. If you hear an explosion, stay away from the windows. The initial explosion may be bait to bring you to the window and then they set off the second, larger explosion.
I recall that colleagues of mine based in Israel were bemused to see top managers desks right in the front of the building nearest the windows. Because of terror risk the senior people in Israel seat themselves as far from the windows as possible, exactly the opposite to my home country. I also recall a salesman who used to stay in our family guesthouse who always packed a rope in his suitcase and always checked the escape routes and fire escapes every time on his visits.
As a consultant who's been all over the world, please remember to 1. Always have cash hidden on your body with emergency contact phone numbers. 2. Never eat anything that tastes bad or wrong as you will get horribly sick if you do, just get something else. 3. Don't ever drink alcohol in excess outside of your hotel unless you are with trusted friends. 4. Trust your instincts about people! If you get a bad feeling about something avoid them don't listen or follow them no matter how charming they may seem.
In 2023 there were 1.8 million US citizens living in Mexico and Mexico received 11 million US visitors, it would be good to know how many of them had any inconvenience.
Most of America's cities have areas not to go to. Then there are some of the rural areas in America not to go to. Avoid Memphis, Tn. Avoid parts of St.Louis. Then there are areas in Chicago to avoid. The tares of the earth like to congregate mainly in urban areas, but it's not always the case.
All the major cities in America have been chewed up and barfed out by the current state of affairs. The only places in any city that one can go to are the most expensive and out of financial reach of anyone with an average income.
This is true, but at least as an American you can kind of sniff them out and avoid, language is the same, corrupt police won't target you, most foreign justice systems will jail you while they investigate \ favor their citizens in any dispute with you...
As someone who lives an hour away from Memphis, I'm kinda honored in a weird, twisted way to see it make the Do Not Go list. Makes me feel all gangsta and hardcore. Also, this person is absolutely right and I haven't actually been in Memphis proper in ages. The rest of Shelby county is still fine to visit, though.
@@DolFan316 Yep. Actually, most of Tennessee is cool. We drove through a couple years ago; knew to avoid Memphis proper... but there was a lot of cool places to visit along the way through. We actually broke down there, and some locals were incredibly friendly and helpful to us and got us towed, helped us find a good repair shop, and a decent hotel to stay at while the car was being fixed up. And absolutely gorgeous scenery!! Despite our car problems (and to a certain extent, _because_ of them), we had a wonderful time in that State!!!
@@wtconroe879 France has had riots and protests the last few weeks. Macron was sent a "finger" in the mail, saw it on the news yesterday. Later determined to be taken from a "live" person.
@@MrHandyDad I wouldn't go to Europe right now period. Tyranny is literally and completely taking over all of it all at once. Sadly, my older nephew is headed to the UK later today on a 'class trip". Right at the time when the UK has declared open war on children and whites. Yay.
I've lived in 40 states and it's always bugged me that so many Americans, always want to talk about how great other countries are and have NEVER seen their own! This is the ONLY country where you can go from tropical to arctic circle, from well below sea level to over 20,000ft, from plains to deserts canyons to wetlands. All here. We have more national parks than anyplace in the world and that's not counting some of the incredible state parks. Great food from around the world is here. I did bring my original phone and laptop to Shanghai, China, but I also put software on it for extra security and put spy cameras in my room to watch anybody coming into my room, which I do at ANY hotel, as I don't trust staff. I also try to check for bugs, as I've been bugged before. It's harder as the bugs are smaller , but I do make a sweep in each room.
I started seeing National Parks after a Chinese colleague told me he took bus tours to US national parks while he was a grad student in Canada. I felt embarrassed that he had seen more of America than I had!
All the beautiful geography in America cannot compensate for the fact that the USA is no more. Major demographic shifts are rendering the once great nation to a third world wasteland.
I am fluent in Spanish, I only felt unsafe in Mexico in rural areas when being followed by large packs of stray dogs, I would always pick up a stick in case I had to defend myself. I never did get attacked. Downtown Vancouver and Toronto has no go zones.
A country I'd never go back to is Jamaica. The resort was beautiful but the beach wasn't private so there were a lot of sketchy people around. When I went to the airport to come back home to U.S., they dumped my luggage out twice. The crushing poverty you see on the ride from the airport to the resort is horrible. Chris Rock does a set about this, it's hysterical.
Going to different ports while in the Navy our port brief (in part) warned us not to take unmarked taxi's for the very reason that Jason mentioned about what happened to his greek speaking friend. A lot of gentlemen's clubs in different countries are also ran by gangsters and you may be unwittingly supporting human trafficking if you go there. The women at these "clubs" may be there against their will. Something to consider.
I've never had any scary experiences with the Russian or Ukrainian speakers but listening to them while they're totally oblivious to the fact that you understand every word they're saying is such fun.
My Dad was in the Army when I was a kid. We lived in Germany from 1953 to 1957 and travelled all over Europe and it was a blast for an 8 year old. He was transferred to France in 1964. I had to go to school on Sunday night to Verdun and returned home on Friday night. It too was a blast for a 16 year old kid. The night I graduated, we had to move to Germany because DeGuelle would not let the U.S. military bases be in France. Again, Germany was a blast. However, at 74, I would not leave my home in North Carolina.
I'm basically the way you are at 74, but I'm 43. The world is different now. Your life sounds like a precious experience. I don't have the same colorful story, but I'm continually grateful I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and had an overall normal and traditional college experience (as opposed to nowadays).
That's what we get for saving France not once but two times. When my dad was in the Army, he landed on Omaha beach in WWII. Not on the first wave nor the second or even the third. He was with the Army Corp of Engineers assigned to build bridges (and blow them up). When he landed, he said the sea was red... red with American blood. It was worse than just that but he wouldn't talk about it. Some of his war time buddies are buried there.
@@alant383ohhhh CANADA very big country North of US ,empty country, nothing happens in Canada. Donald Trump has a plan of buying Canada, making its states dull boring Alberta, dull Manitoba,Quebec,Ontario etc all US states and its oil for US.. ohh common Trump
How long ago was that, because I watched a documentary last week, and I struck Mexico off my list of countries to visit. Tourists are getting kidnapped all the time in Mexico.
Sadly, there's countries out there that say the same thing about the US... and I agree. Glad Jason mentioned Baltimore. Considering sightseeing travel usually involves visiting other US cities, and those cities usually have high crime- which is wayyyy out of control....
Yes and... DC, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, LA Portland, Seattle to name a few. You could sum it up by saying don’t go to a city. Nothing good happens after midnight could be paired with nothing good happens downtown.
As an engineer I've traveled to and worked in 29 countries so far. I've spent the most time in China, Mexico, and Malaysia...but also two stints in Russia (before the current war), Singapore, Peru, Japan and all over Europe. I've never once had a problem in any of those countries. Never been robbed. Never had my identity stolen. Spent plenty of time out late. Oh...I did get stabbed in Chile when two men attempted to steal my bike...but that was kind of my fault because I fought back...saved the bike but ended up with a knife stuck in my hip which I had to pull out myself. I have a couple cool scars. But other than that...never once had a problem. I feel like you're the emergency room doctor that's afraid of trampolines and swimming pools..
Same. Lived in China for years and am much safer as a woman here than in the US. Much better pay for teachers here too than the red states Jason likes. But I also don't do drugs or go to seedy places, have traveled all over the US alone as well as abroad and perhaps have just been lucky/smart. To each his or her own, but I do think that fear-mongering isn't the best.
I’m an engineer too and have traveled tons. I have had a second home in Cabo for 17yrs and have never had a problem. Been to Cuba and it’s a fantastic country! The rest of the Caribbean is not bad but the panhandling and scams are atrocious. Places like Egypt even worse. I find people in Utah kind of scary but more in a Children of the Corn kind of way…..plus I like to drink too much :) This guy trains people to be what….paranoid enough that they think Las Vegas is better option 😂
@@martin4819 Ha ha! We currently live in Utah. We love it. We’re at the ski resort nearly every weekend. I think the “Children of the Corn” reference is a bit unfair though…considering less than 50% of Salt Lake City is Mormon and there are bars everywhere. 🤷♂️
I love Greece. What an amazing country. The people are friendly ... and the food is out of this world. The most nutritious food on the Planet. And their mediterranean sea is exceptional. I loved the Greek Islands, and also Mainland Greece, driving with a manual car through their mountains, and the expressways connecting their cities is spectacular. You drive off their expressways and you enter ancient towns that have been modernised for 21st Century living standards ... like the island, Hydra, where there are no cars, but donkey drivers on their 5G mobile phones ... a clash of the millennials life styles.
Greece is one of the most safest places in the world and the people are unbelievable, and the food the coulter the weather is almost as perfect as it can get. Most of the Greeks will do almost anything to accommodate you and a good portion speak English and a few other languages, Yes every place in the world has some sort of sketchy spots but overall I fell more safe in Greece then another I spot I been at before.
I love Mexico. I go there every year and never had an issue. I mix with the locals in small towns and villages and know a lot of people. I am more afraid of the town I live in right now in the US.
I have been to Mexico and Cuba. I live on the Philippines Island of Mindinao and there is a State Dept warning against going there. I agree with most things. There are parts of Mexico I wouldn't go to, and I wouldn't go to Cuba alone. I don't go into shady establishments, or out late at night.
I just come back from a Pacific sea side town in Mexico for surfing. I really enjoyed it. I always felt safe. I have not seen or heard a single bad thing happening. There are bad people and bad places everywhere. Especially in the United States where people get killed randomly.
I’ve spent a lot of time in China, Mexico and a little time in Cuba. I feel that China is safe, but his advice on bringing dummy electronics couldn’t hurt. In China I did have one issue photographing military types in Tiananmen Square, but he cooled down and I remain free. I know Mexico can be dangerous, but I’ve spent about 5 weeks there in the last few years. I would just say that you need to show caution in where you choose to go. I spent about a week in Cuba and it felt totally safe. In Cuba the people were very nice. I talked to other travelers and they felt like it was safe as well. I went to Colombia on a job and almost got robbed or kidnapped on the beach. The guy I was working with and I had 5 guys come up to us while another native tried to distract us. Both of us have had large lock blades visible and stared them down. Eventually the 5 guys walked away, I feel pretty lucky with that one. The DEA officer that was our host told us it would generally be robbery or kidnapping in Cartagena. After that we traveled in armored vehicles and ate with DEA people watching over us in restaurants. We were doing a documentary on drug smuggling for the discovery channel.
China, I made sure to carry lighter than the already light I even carry in my home country. Mexico... nope. Cuba, yes. Russia, not even gonna try to get a visa there. War, major conflict and proxy war zones, nope.
Anywhere that doesn't allow easy access to CCW permits is a place to consider avoiding. And conversely, anyplace that gives out CCW permits pretty much on demand - or that has Constitutional Carry laws is a place that is probably pretty safe. You don't even have to be the one carrying. You just know that criminals are at least a little less likely to FA if they think there's a chance that they will FO.
All the Democrat controlled US cities have too much crime, defunded their police force, release felons without bail and the homeless bums on the sidewalks shooting up heroin, ingesting Fentanyl, etc. In other words, they have turned into shite cities.
@@matthewbecker6553unfortunately that’s not all true now. The latest stats show many of the Southern states including Florida are in the top 10 of violent crime which is a shock to many.
I went to Playa del Carmen, Mexico back in 2021 just as soon as they opened things up. Had a blast! Just don't go looking for trouble and trouble won't find you...95% of the time.
We went in 2017, before we had kids and before I got hooked on self defense vids on RU-vid. While it was fun, the fact that we spent little time outside of the resort which was gated and protected by armed guards makes me prefer a place that doesn’t need such measures.
It certainly is, there was a cartel battle on the road out from the airport at Acapulco, and tourists in a cab were stopped so the winning survivors could bug out because the vehicles involved were ruined. The cabbie had his head hacked off with a machete, and the tourists were shot.
I live in Los Angeles area and believe me I feel safer in Mexico big time than here! And I go to Tijuana frequently. I'm originally born and rise in Mexico and been in dangerous places in different cities but nothing like Los Angeles. Don't know why but I guess it's my own perspective.
A local rancher took several family members to Mexico. The granddaughter broke her neck diving into the water. The family had to pay $23K to get her out of the hospital. The Mexican consulate set up a private flight & spine surgeon to come get them. Flew the girl & mom to a hospital in Florida, for surgery & recovery. If you can’t afford a ransom, do go there.
As long as your cool and don’t be traveling to places where you shouldn’t be or belong you’ll be good man. The news is full of fear mongering. In Mexico stay in the tourist spots. Don’t explore if you don’t know any locals. Stay your ass at a swanky resort. Russia well I’m sure if you mind your business you’ll be good but since the war they hate Americans more so yeah that is a hard pass. Cuba all day long. I have friends that go every summer. Use common sense and as long as your not some political American spy you’ll be good. But yeah we have plenty to see here in The states 👍🏻🙌🏻🔥🔥
Good advice. I have travelled to 30+ countries on six continents. Most of the time, I take burner phones with me. I also register my travel plans with the State Department and make sure I have both digital and printed copies of the contact info for the U.S. Consulates or Embassies where I am traveling. I always provide family members precise locations of where I am staying and the names of key people who always know my schedule. I’ve been to Russia, China and Mexico multiple times each without incident. The countries that he didn’t mention - and it depends upon where you go within these countries - are Honduras, Colombia and Malaysia. Honduras has one of the highest, non-engagement (war zone) homicide rates in the world. It’s the drug cartels. In the video, the best practical advice he gave was about relying on your contacts (primarily) and hotel management (secondarily) to make arrangements for ground transportation. On several occasions when I have finished dining at an established restaurant, I have asked the manager to call for a trusted transportation associate of theirs. Major hotels and restaurants guard their reputations by making sure their guests are protected. In short, if anything ever occurs that seems off or suspicious, you have to trust your gut. Be prepared. Get to safety.
Got to be a reason why there are 1.5 million Americans living in Mexico and feel safer than in the US. And they don't return and state they never will. Like any city, you know where to travel and where not to.
Speaking of hotels, i ALWAYS stay on the 2nd floor, maybe 3rd. I dont have people walking by my window outside, and i can get out quickly in an emergency.
Go to Ireland, safest most pro American country I’ve ever visited outside US and Canada… No brainer you will be safe pretty much 24 hours a day no matter what you do, I’ve lived there for 2 years and in college I’ve met so many other Americans who live there, felt safe and enjoyed it, other countries in Europe i did not feel fully safe and had some bad experiences were the UK, France, Italy
@@Chayton_Duffy Lol, bit of a myth tbh, I have lived here 57 years, never had a friend or family member or met anyone ever who was hospitalised or seriously hurt from any kind of insect/animal attack.
Remember, people from other nations feel that way about the US. The news has them thinking there's a mass shooting every 10 minutes, crime is WWIII levels, etc.
Not every 10 minutes but, seriously, twice a day. The news report it only when there are kids involved or a politics, or a large number, but they still happen about twice a day. And, after traveling the entire world, including Russia, Palestinian territories and more, the place where I feared the most for my life was in USA, in Memphis. PS: I just checked Wikipedia. List of mass shootings in the United States in 2024: as of July 31, a total of 473 people have been killed and 1,528 people have been wounded in 372 shootings. That's about twice a day.
Lived in China for 7 years and work there often. I am sure they have all my info but still a great country and extremely safe. Lived in Shanghai and traveled extensively in the county, working in 30 plus cities. Never ever felt like I was in danger. People are friendly and crime is almost non existent. Singapore the same....
I've been living in Mexico for 43 years and I've never heard a shot fired, been assaulted or kidnapped. For work I've also travelled South America for 20 years.
Thanks for share it! I'd like to add one more: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I Live here and i know what i am saying! There are many places here in Rio that are safe, but most of them are dangerous! Hope i have helped...Stay Hard and safe people!🙏💪
Prior to the war, Ukraine was an awesome and most beautiful country. There were areas where you thought you were in Kansas and the next minute, you would think you were in Colorado. The north looked like Gothic Europe. Ashamed what has happened to it. For the record, I lived in Utah as well.
I've been all over Ukraine and it is more like Kansas than Colorado. The only (small) mountains they have are the the Carpathian mountains in the extreme southwest which sit at under 7000' and were stolen from Romania (Romania still claims them), and some hills in the southern part of the Crimean peninsula.
Hi Jason. I know a lot of Americans that live in México and they tell me they feel safer here than in the USA. It depends where you live in México, is not the same border towns than well known cities like Mérida, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Valle De Bravo, San Miguel de Allende, the Mayan Riviera, Huatulco, Zihuatanejo, Guadalajara etc etc. You can visit México without your family for a few days and see what is like, remember México has been on the top 5 list of visited countries by tourists for many years. We have nothing to do with China, Russia, Cuba or Venezuela, México is a non socialist democracy, with many freedoms like in the US. Best regards.
For many years I worked in bars and clubs around the UK and alcohol is one of the biggest drivers of violence. To this day I am always aware of two things in my environment: 1. The location of pubs, bars and night clubs 2. The time of day in relation to opening and closing hours. Personally I avoid being on the streets after about 2000hrs because thats when people are starting to get really hammered. The later it gets, the worst the customers get. Similarly if a pub kicks out at 2300hrs, NEVER be on the streets during the witching hour, where all the drunks get thrown out onto the streets, mill around, and settle arguments that have been brewing all night. When you travel abroad you need to check this information out for your own safety. You might innocently book a cab from a certain location at a certain time, and unwittingly find yourself standing outside a bar at kickout time, and end up in some situation with a drunk guy who is trying to steal your cab.
I was in Moscow in 01, actually stayed in Pavlovsky Posad, between Moscow and Vladimir a month with a family. Great country and people in a trip that completely changed my world view having grown up in the last 10 years of the Cold War. Was in Mexico in 96 for the mandatory Ft Huachuca trip to Nogalas. I refuse to judge Mexico off Nogalas, but have a high school friend that has been living in Cancun for a few years now, before that several years in Ensenada. He loves it, and don't think he's coming back to the US. China, I doubt I can get into. I've referred to Xi as Winnie the Pooh to many times I think. Plus given my past former employment, not the best choice. Plus my 12+ years working ESL in Vietnam I've learned to not like China.
No, hell no- Xi is an Alpha predator. Unlike Putin he's for real. There was a point in his life when his family fell out of favor and I guess to break him they had the little Party prince wash toilets. And then he became the President of China. So when I was homeless and staying at the Maple Street Shelter in Redwood City I told this story to some of my friends and they used to tease me like we were back in Junior High. " Oh, Tati is on the shower/bathroom duty again. She's dreaming about becoming the President of Ukraine. " But Xi is one of the very few people I really wouldn't want to cross- and I'm practically a true Gambina who matured in South Ozone Park, Queens.
Everyone I know who lives. Ex-Pats, lived there before, have no problems traveling in Russia. I'd much rather walk around in Moscow than LA, Chicago or NYC. I'm not surprised a former CIA Officer list them as one of the most dangerous places and also mentions fighting for Ukraine in the same breath. LOLOLOL!@@tatianalyulkin410
From Russia here. It might feel very safe there until it's not. Unlike US where you sort of have very safe and very dangerous neighborhoods, Russia is all sort of different shades of gray areas - it doesn't really has truly dangerous areas and it doesn't really has safe areas. You can get robbed anywhere but with a relatively low chance vs say Oakland, CA. I had knife to my throat twice in Moscow and couple of dozen very dangerous encounters, including running away from homicidal russian cop. Had only one such incident in the US in 2 decades and only because I walked into black neighborhood unknowingly, being young naive foreigner. But on average you're more than twice more likely to die of violent crime in Russia vs the US. Or almost 10 times more likely vs EU. And that is if you're Russian and know how to behave and what to do. If you're an American I'd multiply it by at least 2. So no. Do not go to Russia, especially not right now, but even if they get a democracy in the future I'd still think twice before going there.
Absolutely agree with most of this list. There's some scary things out there. The beach experience in Cuba is pretty hard to match though. You don't need to be rich to be treated like you are. Just stay in the tourist only areas. Cayo Coco is highly recommended. But he is absolutely correct, there are many amazing beaches in America. You might spend more, but you know where you are.
After hearing stories from a Cuban father/son team that was working on my house, I'll never go there. For example, they had never tasted lobster until coming to the U.S. because it's illegal for them to harvest for themselves. It's only for the tourist. Besides, your tourist dollars only support the continued oppression of Cuban citizens.
Great advice. I used to travel overseas on business. Europe, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, southeast Asia, Middle East. In China, my company laptop got “scanned” by a company security team for “viruses” they claimed. I would wear European sport coats and shoes and never flash my US passport. The reason I wore clothes purchased in Germany was once In a bar in Tel Aviv, a woman walked up to me and said, “you are American”. She proceeded to tell me how bad America was. Apparently, my business casual clothes screamed “I’m American.” After that, I tried my best to downplay my US appearance and “blend-in” when traveling overseas. I’m glad that I no longer have to travel overseas anymore. Perfectly happy traveling around our great country wearing jeans and polo shirts...
If you were born in Ireland and are a naturalized American I've been told that as long as you're not going to a majority Islamic state, it's a good idea to travel on you Irish passport.
Been throughout the Baltic, including Russia (but that was 05!), England, Scandinavia, and Spain (Estonia, Norway and Spain high faves). Spent 5 weeks in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Stayed in a ABB. Walked to the grocery store 20 min away, and backpacked home full and carrying 5 gal water jugs in each hand, sometimes taking busy and sometimes quite desolate streets. Low income doesn't immediately equate to danger and violence. Never trouble. You always stay aware. Simply a smile and an "Ola!" can go along way. We took the little Collective vans from the city down the coast to beaches and cents, being dropped off on the main highway and walk 2 km down a jungle road to the ocean - one time some guys stopped and offered us a lift in the back of their delivery truck, so we five adults and three kids 4 to 9 all jumped in amongst the vegetables and they took us down. "Gracias amigos!" and waved goodbye. We rented a car from a little place in town (it may sometimes seem a bit dubious because everyone there, even business, isn't loaded with cash or franchized fancy, but just doing business. We drove to places down the coast, and into the jungle on Jaguar Rd to Dos Oyos cenote (definitely go here). Casa cenote, Akumel, and Tulum. Ate at "home" mostly, but restaurants too, travelled across to the other side of the city for authentic food for a friend's Bday, once. Eat where the locals eat and you'll be glad you did. Less touristy as well. Into a jungle alternative housing development at Sac Bay. Absolutely beautiful, wild architecture homes. The best beach was a 30 min walk down the shore to Punta Esmerelda, a local's beach. People were friendly and sometimes curious. We did not go to dance bars or strip clubs. Wife and 9 year old son, we had a fantastic Experience, and we'd go back. Loads of my friends go to Cuba regularly, but I haven't been yet, maybe this March. Where I've felt potential danger was down in the United States, but that was later evening, in huge cities and you are 100% right that "nothing good happens after midnight" - anywhere really. If we treat each other with respect and don't expect everywhere else in the world to be like Canada-USA/our own country, we'll enjoy the differences; its sometimes difficult with language/getting around, etc, but that's one way we broaden our human experience. Resorts are boring as hell.
Is the situation improved since the economic collapse? Do you have fuel at the gas stations? is it still politicly tense? would you recommend to visit now?
Been to Cuba over a dozen times, you'll love it. It's beautiful and the people there are just so friendly, it's also very safe, I recommend you set aside geopolitics aside for Cuba and give it a chance!
Would love to visit Cuba, and even China. Mexico is beautiful as well. Don't go looking for trouble and you'll be fine. You could still get mugged in Salt Lake City UT. Still a lot of meth heads there.
@@mrslcom You need a visa for all types of travel to North Korea. If you arrive without a valid visa, you may be arrested. p.s. Travelling to North Korea completely alone is not permitted. Private tours can be organised, but you will always be accompanied by tour guides, even if you are just one person travelling. Wandering alone through the streets is not allowed.
There are a number of cities in the US Nation that I would feel uncomfortable going to by myself especially after dark. I was an over the road semi driver and would stop at a Truck Stop sometimes as far away from delivery destination as an hour out to avoid sleeping in bad areas. What is safe in the daylight may be hazardous at night.
You know as a person of Mexican ancestry whose parents were born in mexico I can tell you that there is no comparison between USA worst cities and mexicos tourist destinations. USA has laws and they are expected to be followed and people do follow them. Mexico 60% of its economy is informal!!!!! EVERYTHING IS DONE UNDER THE TABLE YES EVEN LEGIT BUSINESSES. So yes I feel safe even in baltimore cause if something bad happens I can trust the baltimore police why? Because it is in the US
@@dianabenavides2913 Oh, dear. I spent most of my life in Baltimore. There are lovely areas, but a lot of bad ones. Drug dealers keep streets clear when it snows, not city plows. BPD refused to take a report when my car was stolen. They said it must have been repossessed. I could go on.
And in Queens, New York an EMT worker goes to a local bodega to get something to eat and ends up being stabbed 15 times. But John Gotti is no longer running Queens so I guess everything is ginger peachy!
Besides- in 2014 I've seen with my own eyes what our so called Congresspeople and Senators are capable of. Believe me- " Teresa Mendosa " is a naive kid playing with Barbie dolls compared to Blinken and Nudelman.
@ctam79 the cia is far more secretive and obscure than the mafia. Are you 15 or something? I'll bet you 100 he doesn't talk on it. Cia are involved in trafficking you naive soul.
Hey Jason, how about we flip your list. What are the top countries that for you, would be the safest to travel to or you'd most likely to take your family to?
It's crazy how many Americans go to Mexico to vacation, and it's not even like the bad stuff happening in Mexico is under the radar or only known by some select people. It's on the news and all over the internet, all the time! Not a week goes by where some tourist isn't very publicly getting killed, kidnapped, caught in the crossfire, imprisoned etc.
I lived in black neighborhoods in Atlanta and Nashville, and visited my brother a few times when he went to medical school in Memphis. If you've survived black neighborhoods in the USA, Mexico is a cakewalk.
and we point at mexico all the time forgetting how many innocent people are killed in Chicago in one week end alone. Not to mention all the other deaths, shootings, kidnaps and crossfires in all the other dangerous areas of U.S. cities. And the random weekly senseless killings where crazy shooters go into businesses, walmarts, churches and schools and kill for no reason. Weve lived here in Mexico for 12 years and have never experienced or heard of such a thing. When we go to the states to see our grandkids we ALWAYS carry because you just never know when someone is mad at the world and wants to blow people away.....Some people fear mexico because they listen to others prejudice about it, or go to mexico for a vacation and experience crime. Crime happens everywhere. We always fear the unknown and since Mexico is another country and unknown it seems scarier. Im still proud to be a North American and love Texas, but the U.S. is falling apart. Weve stopped honoring God, family, and basic morals. Im 70 and have seen it change radically (all by design, but that is another topic)
My husband’s office goes to Mexico every year. I quit going 10 years ago because I don’t trust it. I told him if they went anywhere in the U.S. I’ll be happy to go. He tries to guilt me every year. My stepson and his wife go all the time because they live in San Diego.
Glad you didnt mention North Korea, I was planning my family vacation there! Actually, I am obligated to go to Cancun for a wedding. We will be staying at an all inclusive resort. They pick us up and return us to the airport and we wont be leaving the hotel. Still, I'm not happy about it. We did do a family wedding their 2 years ago and had a wonderful safe time. Also all inclusive with pickup and drop off. It does help that my wife and adult daughter are from South America and speak fluent perfect Spanish.
My parents visited Cancun in Mexico and a tout tried to rip them off. Beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery but it's the people you gotta be careful of there! Nice video, Jason!
I’m in Arizona and there are so many places to visit in my state. I’ve been to the south rim of the Grand Canyon 3 times. Going to the north rim next month. With the crazy going on in the world, I like to stay close to home.
I love Arizona! I am one of those trying Mexico for a while for several reasons but may return to Texas (home) NM or AZ. Not sure why all these expats here say they feel safer than US. I do not; although granted I’m not in a big expat destination either. ✌🏼
Having lived and traveled all over Asia for several years I agree with your tips. My boss, his girlfriend and myself went to Shanghai for business. When we got out of the airport we wound up in the parking garage and these two big shady looking chinese guys offered to take us to our hotel. There were signs in English warning people to not use private taxis. My boss was ready to go with these guys and they had these expressions on their face like they had landed a big one I stood my ground .In the least we would have been grossly overcharged or worse "Shanghaied". When went to The island where our company had a plant we went and bought Chinese SIM cards for our phones. I had a lot of street smarts coming in but its amazing how naive some people can be when travelling abroad. I had some run ins in Burma, Laos, and Sri Lanka when the civil war was going on there. BTW I was not a spy just an American businessman but many times was suspected of being one.
I live in Texas, the last time I went into Mexico was in '83 or so. I have friends that still go there and think they're safe because they "have friends there" or "Its safe because the "xyz" cartel runs things and they want everything running smoothly.". I can only shake my head...
EXCELLENT ADVICE. Having lived in Japan for many years (not military...I had a business there and still do), I visited China because of my job. Jason gives spot-on advice regarding it. You are, quite literally, considered a 'threat' because you are an American. All eyes are on you, and you can feel it and see it. Quite the opposite in Japan and South Korea; very warm and welcoming there.
I also lived in Japan and visited China. Have no idea what you guys are talking about in China. I was never treated that way. The Chinese people in Chengdu were very nice despite the language barrier.
There is a high level of paranoia in much of this advice. Lived in a South East Asian country for over 8 years and never had any problems visiting so called shady establishments.
Well said but not one made it clear if they spoke a 2nd language .Few speak good English ---They are prone to be loud and dressing a way that makes them stand out .
Indonesia can be extremely dangerous. I’ve been there twice. Spent a total of six months. Despite being very aware and careful I almost died there each time and was robbed each time also. More corruption than Mexico. People’s Republic of Congo is another place I darn near died. In my 70s now and I like traveling around the USA a lot more than heading overseas.
Which part of Indonesia are you talking about? I've been here in Jakarta for just over 15 years ( apart from 2 years back home in Australia during Covid ) and never had any problems. In fact I feel much safer here than back in Melbourne with all their street gangs, most of whom carry weapons, and of course the escalating road rage problems, to name just a few.
There are of course several other countries where I'd never go, like North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan etc, but no one in their right mind wold consider visiting them anyway, unless maybe if they had family there or maybe a critical business connection. I spent a month traveling all over Egypt and when I stepped out of the Cairo airport there were many taxi cabs soliciting their service. I can't say I used any intelligent specific way to choose other than intuition, but the driver I chose ended up being the right one who also served me as tour guide for part of the trip and even took my and my partner home to his family for dinner.
I love the USA. I love the variety of our culture, geography, climate, and seasons. I love our national parks. But I also love seeing other places. This year, I have been to Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. I'm trying to add Greece, France and Turkey before the year ends. I've been in many Middle Eastern and North African countries. Both of my daughters have traveled extensively including Mexico, Honduras, Estonia, and many African nations. I have entered places in the USA where I faced threats. I could be in real trouble if I brought the wrong attitude. Understand that safety often follows attitude. I've walked into sporting events where police stopped me until I told them why I was there. I've walked into bars where I was not welcome. In each case, my attitude diffused the situation. I live near Atlanta and could easily have been in trouble tonight if I had said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I am an old, retired man. From my youth, I learned to bring casual ease into each situation. If that fails, be ready for things to go horribly wrong.
Jason, again good advise. We must have had the same kind of parents. Yes, Utah is a great place, I've lived here most of my life. When in the Army my Bishop told me the same thing "don't go to bad places & nothing good happens after twelve oclock" . This advise has saved me so much over the years.
I have had some friends with interesting experiences like those mentioned here. 1. The cabs. A friend in the middle east took a cab and they were suddenly taken off to a side road and robbed and left there. 2. Friend of friend. Went to Mexico (East coast). Anyway, they wanted to go explore but the locals said not to do that. Well they didn't listen and rented horses and wandered up into the hills. As one would expect, the locals were right. The banditos caught them and took EVERYTHING they had, except the horses. This was two couples so four people total were robbed. But here's the worst part. They came trotting back into town on their horses totally naked. The banditos took every single thing they had. 3. Another friend went to Mexico and almost didn't make it back due to local city was totally unprepared for rains from a hurricane. Cars everywhere were being swept down the streets, you name it. 4. Same friend was in the army and spent some time in a south american country that I don't recall. The local drug cartels were so bad that even with weapons the army would not go into certain areas. 5. A friend visited russia. Said the motel rooms were completely bugged. 6. Have a friend who visits Romania occasionally. He says he carries spare money to bribe to cops because you get pulled over for no reason and it is expected that you pay them if you want to go free.
@@ioanaa5608 Well I can only go by his experience. Oddly, considering how many Romanian friends I have, I'm surprised I've never asked them the details. I guess I'll have to make some inquiries.
I pretty much agree with everything Jason cites in this video. I will say that for those living in the deep south in Mexico in and around the Bahja Peninsula, where a lot of wealthy people stay to get away from the winter, that you'd be pretty safe. I've read accounts of this many times. If you go into the interior of Mexico, or some other South American countries -- could be big trouble. I would think Cuba would be OK, but don't know for sure. Great Video here :)
Money talks and as Americans, it yells "come see what I have that you can steal from me!". These are just the facts and we always have to be cognizant of that.
There is history around the world that is too interesting and far older than anything here in the USA. There are places to go and ways to travel that are as safe as possible. St. Petersburg, Russia was a festival of gold and history and the people were great. Standing on the cliffs in Santorini and appreciating of the beauty of the white houses with blue domes, and seeing the power of the volcano that blew up the island is a must-see. Seeing Ephesus, Turkey with the Roman ruins and understanding the journey of St. Paul is a moving experience. Going into the Coliseum in Rome and envisioning the gladiators it makes it so real. Seeing Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii is a festival of history and volcanic power. Walking the D-Day beaches and seeing all the places in the books and movies is awe inspiring. There is much to see and do in the world, which can be done in a safe way. But the way things are going in the world, probably better to go sooner rather than later.
And one of my favourite spots, Rhodes, although they had a terrible fire last year. Before the recent war, there was a beautiful overnight train from St. Petersburg to Moscow (both ways). Moscow was just lovely. Talk as one wished in cafes, lovely restaurants, hotels, and the Museum of the Czars - Putin did such a tremendous task of making Moscow a desirable place to visit - as St. Petersburg always had been the jewel in Russia's crown. Why did he start this insane war? He did so much for Russia to waste it all - for what???
My older brother lived in Central Mexico for many years, but about 10 years ago he was advised by friends in the local church to move back to the US. We are members of the same church that Jason goes to. They told him that the cartels were looking at that area as another corridor for the movement of drugs and people to the north and it would no longer be safe for him to live there. He moved to Texas.
Thank you for the information, I especially thank you for your views on Mexico. I happen to live very close to Mexico, and at times, it is very tempting to go there. As I get older, I am losing my desire to travel abroad for various reasons, and there is so much to see here in the US. I have been to 49 of the 50 states (I've never been to Hawai,) but seems that I have only scratched the surface.
You could check Baja California as many expats have. I think it would be good to follow Hanson's advice about avoiding stripper clubs and stuff like that but you are really missing on a beautiful country if you don't set foot in Mexico. Check out Tangerine travels, especially the first videos where an American couple arrived to Mexico. Now they have split but the channel remains and the woman created another channel (Maddiegold). They even have some safety tips. I would only advice not to stay in the towns right at the border because they attract a lot of Americans who want to do there what they don't in their home country, so that affects the culture.
Nice job Jason! Well, we all have our perspectives and experiences. I have had the good fortune to have so far visited 42 countries, including 3 of 5 you mentioned not to visit! And the only country I got robbed in (pickpocketed) was Greece! 😊😊. Great stuff. I especially will use the hotel floor strategy. Thanks! John R.
Honestly disappointed about your prejudice about Mexico and Cuba. It depends far more in not to go to bad places. I have recently visited Egypt and Kenia and for sure did avoid getting into trouble. 10 years ago Russia was no problem at all as a tourist, today things have definitely changed
You forgot iran, n. korea, venezuela, anywhere in africa, middle east, south America.....or and chicago, new york, portland, seattle, san francisco, LA. st.louis. I'm just staying home.
I went to Cozumel. Strictly tourist areas are usually not that bad. Worst thing I had to deal with were the absolutely most obnoxiously badgering salespeople Ive ever met anywhere in the world who would pester you constantly to buy from them and sometime even follow you around outside their shop still trying to make a sale. Neat looking place but the salespeople made it much less enjoyable than it should have been.
In February 2023 I visited Mexico for 2 weeks. I arrived in Guadalajara and visited León, Celaya and the city of Guanajuato. At no time did I feel in danger. I feel totally unsafe in LA, San Francisco, Miami or Washington DC
I used to process credit card authorizations to 30 different countries in 10 different languages every night. It was the most fun job I ever had. The best part was getting to know the people in all these places. I can't speak to safety, exactly, because I have been only to Canada and Puerto Rico (they were great!) but I can tell you who I found to be the nicest people in the world. Hands down, the Norwegians and Germans were the nicest I talked to. And it was not a matter of individuals. If I was calling Norway or Germany, they were ALL nice ALL the time. You may disagree, because we all have different experiences. The Greeks were terrific. The Turks were awesome AND had a great sense of humor. I loved those guys! As far as not-so-nice... I hate to say it, because it plays to the stereotype, but the Parisians were dead last. They weren't overtly NASTY, but they were strictly business. You got your authorization code and bang. The end. Cold would be a good way to characterize my interactions with them. Now I want to be specific. This was Paris. Some of the outlying areas, like Nice, Renne, and Dijon were all just fine. They didn't go out of their way to be amicable and personable, but they were just fine.
Hey Jason, What a great video. I used to own a big rig truck and like you, would wind up in Baltimore, several times each year. Dispatch and dock hands would frequently say to never have a date with a hooker around there. It was too dangerous. And the hookers around Baltimore with good teeth are cops. Be well. You give great advice.
My daughters were about to flee the nest, so we planned a "last family holiday". Chose Tunisia. Big mistake! I was doing some work for a branch of the military. Within days of my return I found I was the subject of an active security investigation. Took several months to get my security status back.