As a frequent traveler, my travel habits raise some eyebrows in my friend and acquaintance group. Mostly, it’s due to the sheer number of times my family travels each year, which seems crazy to “normal” people. If they don’t know that I use miles and points for all our flights and some of our lodging, they assume we are either rich or incredibly irresponsible.
But in addition to that, people often question my judgment when they hear where we are traveling. This happened when I traveled to Russia (pre-war), Hong Kong and China. And lately, I’m getting a few concerned comments about my next travel destination, Guatemala.
Is it safe to travel there?
I won’t try to convince anyone to travel somewhere that would make them feel so worried or stressed that they couldn’t enjoy themselves. But, everyone has a different comfort level with risks. Personally, I like to review the travel advisories published by the U.S. Department of State.
The travel advisories are:
1: Exercise Normal Precautions
2: Exercise Increased Caution
3: Reconsider Travel
4: Do Not Travel
I won’t travel to any country with a level 4 travel advisory. Currently, this includes countries like Russia, Afghanistan, Burma, Gaza, Iran, Iraq, and a few more.
However, I will consider traveling to a level 3 country after reading more information about specific regions and safety precautions to take. Guatemala has a level 3 travel warning, but the detailed travel advisory report lists 4 specific areas with the highest risk. I won’t go to any of those areas. I also plan to follow other recommendations included in the report like:
- “Do not travel outside Guatemala City at night because the roads are poorly lit, and there is a high risk for serious traffic accidents.”
- “Do not hike trails or volcanoes without a qualified local guide, as robberies can happen and getting help can be difficult.”
- “Avoid using public ATMs, and do not show signs of wealth like wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Also, try not to use your phone in public.”
I’ve been to Guatemala before (although it’s been a long time), and I didn’t feel unsafe. But, I understand this type of travel environment isn’t for everybody.
Do your travel destinations raise some eyebrows?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I’d be interested to know how you use points for ALL travel and lodging for a family for multiple trips per year, including overseas travel. AFAIK, there is absolutely no way to accumulate that many points without paying for them SOMEHOW.
@Alex I agree, it’s difficult to use points on ALL travel including flights and lodging for a family of five with multiple trips per year. But my post said all flights and some lodging. When my entire family of 5 travels, we’ve been relying on vrbo and Airbnb rentals, which we pay for with cash. We also don’t travel as a family of 5 on all trips anymore. One of my kids is away at college, and my husband can’t always get the time off to travel. My most recent trip to Guatemala was just me and my daughter. We used miles for flights but paid stayed at an Airbnb on cash. Our travel definitely isn’t completely free, but it costs less than paying out of pocket for everything. As far as accumulating the miles and points, we have 3 players in my family who sign up for multiple credit cards a year for the welcome bonuses. We charge our monthly bills and pay off our cards in full every month. Still, I know that we travel more than most “normal” families, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
Some folks just find it too uncomfortable to do some things in places they aren’t familiar with.
Especialistas em importação medicamentos no Brasil. A Farmatra atua há 18 anos com segurança, legalidade e suporte personalizado.
Most people seems to feel uncomfortable of idea of renting a car and driving around in a completely new place. They just can’t see themselves to travel on their own – without tour group, arranged transports and pre-booked accommodations and a translator – even if they agree to go to a foreign country. It’s fine with us as it leaves more room for independent (or call it more adventurous) travelers like us.
And I’ve seen more danger-prone areas in the USA compared to other countries. Some neighborhoods in the states are looking very scary to step out the car, so one does not venture there. Do the same in other part of the world to avoid unnecessary risks, that’s all.
Happy travels!!
@Aleks Good points!
It depends on the audience, but yes, some destinations raise eyebrows while others don’t. I met people who not only never left America, but didn’t even know how to make an international phone call. And I’m talking about people with a good education and with white collar jobs.
In terms of safety, I’d say that for the independent travelers like me, who like to rent a car and explore a bit, some destinations are definitely iffy. Puerto Rico comes to mind, due to the bullet proof glass and rebar cage surrounding the cashiers, at gas stations. Mexico is a place I’m avoiding, bc I believe I’d encounter some unnecessary risk outside resort areas.
Also, a small correction. There is a difference between territories and countries. Kosovo, Transnistria, Gaza etc are from the former category.
@Techon U. I’ve met many people who have no desire to travel outside of the U.S. They don’t know what they’re missing!
I’m sure we raise eyebrows at the frequency/quality of trips. I haven’t seen it outwardly, but I’m sure it’s there. I mean… I haven’t met any family in my circle that spends two weeks in Hawaii or two weeks in Europe. That is not normal.
I have had some interesting conversations about things we do. “You rented a car… in Costa Rica?!” And the look becomes even more bewildered when I just respond with “yeah, why not?” LOL
@projectx We are not normal! 🙂