Travel and Terrorism

With yet another shooting, Mass Shooting in the USA.. The issue of travel safety comes to mind.

Let me explain, I have traveled to many countries that are not considered the safest. I have traveled to westernized countries where crime and petty theft is rampant... And I hear from relatives and friends from around the world sharing their concerns and gracious words as they watch the United States struggle with more gun violence. For many years, people would ask if the USA was safe, because we broadcast all our crime on international T.V. and other cultures would see our Good guys vs. bad guys movies as a picture of our "American" Culture. The fear of those considering a trip to the USA is now shared by those that live here.

There are some countries that are inherently not safe due to political strife. North Korea, Syria and many more... There are some countries that are safe if you do not go to specific areas,Thailand and Mexico come to mind. Both beautiful and safe if you stay away from the identified areas.

It is only in the U.S.A. that the safety issues cannot be addressed with a map or simple tips. The shootings are in rural areas, expensive neighborhoods, schools, and everywhere in between. 

The tools to stay safe while traveling are easier to follow in other countries then our own. We wonder how others travel to these unsafe regions.. Yet most of the world is fearful of coming here, not knowing where (not when) the next shooting will occur.

Explore the world... Do not let fear stop you.. Right now it may be easier to stay safe abroad then here in the U.S.A.

Switzerland by Rahel Buergin Guest writer from Swtizerland

Switzerland is a very small country in the middle of Europe. It is surrounded by the countries: Germany (northward), France (westward), Italy (southward) and Austria (Eastward).
     Switzerland has 26 cantons. Every canton has it's own dialect. Traditional Swiss meals are mostly with cheese or chocolate. The chocolate is very good.. Every canton also has a special delicacy. An example in the canton of Thurgau (the name comes from the river Thur), the apples are very popular. This canton has a second name called Mostindien, in English is means Cider India. Another example is the canton Aargau. very popular here is Aargauer Rueblitorte (Carrot Cake)!.
     The 26 cantons are always in competition, but not too much. Just like every canton has it's own meal, they also each have their own flag. My canton "Thurgau" has a lion and a woman on the flag. In the winter-time. most people go to the mountains for skiing.
     In Switzerland, skiing and ice hockey are very popular sports. During the summertime a lot of people spend their vacations here. Some of people go to other countries while many stay in Switzerland. We are lucky because we have a minimum of 4 weeks vacation but most have 5 weeks.
     Swiss people are not the most open and it is not normal to greet strangers on the street. BUT, when a Swiss person opens his hear, then they are very friendly and warm. And this person will do alot for you!.

Rahel  is a  Swiss world traveler and has been staying in Carlsbad, Ca. before she begins a month long journey thru several of the National Parks through out the South-West. She is currently writing an article on her experiences in Carlsbad, Ca.

From Budget Travel: 38 Great Travel Quotes! Which one will you travel by?

I apologize for the commercial but you can by pass it. The list is wonderful. Please chose your mantra..

It will entice you to travel more and travel more Fair Dinkum!

38 Great Travel Quotes by Budget Travel.

Bed and Breakfasts... the best way to really get to know a city or town...

When writing.. I always research what else has been written,  opposing ideas and other peoples perspectives .. While doing this about the reasons for staying in a bed and breakfast.. I did not find much... so here we go...

Many people think of BnBs (Bed and Breakfasts) as romantic get aways or for special occasions... that is true and they can be very romantic.. but there are so many other reasons to stay in a BnB...

I think that they are the number one way to really appreciate and immerse yourself in another culture or country.

We have stayed in BnBs in California, Hawaii, London, Greece, Belize Australia , Turkey and more...

Each time, we have had the pleasure of getting to know a town from the locals, eating well prepared local foods and feeling like we belong...

This may be offensive.. but I have never understood a person that travels around the world and chooses to stay in a 5 star resort... They have nice perks.. obviously.. but.. you can get those perks closer to home...

For the more adventurous there are home stays and home exchanges.. we can talk about those at another time.

Going to a well researched BnB guarantees a clean, safe hospitable lodging that is excited to see you and knows how to provide you with local insights, directions and suggestions...

Food wise, you have a personal chef that knows easy simple dishes and the best locals places to dine.

Concierge: The Innkeeper of a BnB will help you make reservations, provide maps and directions and give you a heads up regarding local etiquette and safety.

As we travel to Akumal.. we are following our own advice...

In some areas, specialty accommodations will be more plentiful... these are usually small family run properties... in our upcoming adventure, this is the option we have chosen...
Playa Caribe, Here we come!

Fair Dinkum Travel as parenting;; it starts with the simple sleep over...

I was asked the other day why I am so passionate about travel as an everyday part of our personal growth and family values...
Here is a small version of the gains made when traveling outside your personal community and welcoming others into yours.

When kids are young.. Sleep Overs are essential.. they are the first step in learning how to travel..
You learn that there are different ways, styles , cultures and beliefs about how things are done or thought of.. New foods to try and conversations to have... different churches or religions to be exposed to...

Host exchange students.. not only share your culture but participate in theirs.. We have developed wonderful friendships, explored local markets we never would have gone and learned to cook foods from around the world..

 Up next Camping (or for me motor home) next to other families: everyone is on the same playing field, meeting new people , sharing resources and exploring nature... (always take advantage of Ranger talks and programs..) Sit next to someone different... ask where they are from...

Formal travel.. even from with in the 50 states can open your world view.. and see how many different ways people choose to live...

NOW take that on a grander scale, International Travel.. Stay in bed and breakfasts, spend breakfast talking to your hosts (with children present) about current local issues and topics.. Go to a local park (let the children play), before leaving home, study or watch a movie about where you are going.. If the children are studying something in school, apply it or compare it to how it is done where you are visiting...

There are so may ways travel and living outside your personal world is educational and enjoyable...

FAIR DINKUM!!