Throughout recent years, I have explored numerous countries, and a common question arises whenever I share my upcoming travel plans: “Aren’t you concerned about that place being dangerous?” This query is frequently echoed, and my typical reply is to ask if they have ever traveled to that location. Typically, the response is “no, but I’ve heard that,,, ” or “no, but I’ve read that,,, ”

This leads me to contemplate: Is the world truly as perilous as we often think? The answer is a definitive no.

In my travels, I’ve discovered that the world is generally safer than many perceive. Most people we meet during our journeys are far more welcoming than we expect, and cultural differences tend to be overstated.

Once, I found myself out of gas in a small Vietnamese village. The locals offered their assistance despite not knowing me. In Myanmar, after I was left walking at 1 a.m., a group of strangers helped me find my way to my hotel. In Rwanda, my safari vehicle broke down on the way to see gorillas, and a family of strangers kindly gave me a ride to my lodging. These experiences illustrate that the world is, in numerous aspects, much safer than we are led to believe.

I have explored regions with customs and traditions that are vastly different from mine, and I have never felt threatened by such diversity, which may appear daunting to some. Often, those guided by prejudice tend to view safety through a warped perspective.

That said, unsafe locations do exist. The key is to apply the same common sense you would use in your own neighborhood. The primary guideline for staying safe is to research your destination beforehand, use the same caution you would in any locale, engage with locals to gather necessary information, and refrain from behaviors that could jeopardize your safety anywhere.

It’s important to acknowledge that, as a solo male traveler, I have privileges that many female travelers do not enjoy, who often must take additional precautions due to the prevailing machismo in various parts of the world. Travel content creators should amplify women’s voices, allowing them to share their experiences and the safety challenges they encounter instead of overshadowing them.

In conclusion, while considering a trip to a new destination, it is vital to shed biases. Look into the experiences of other travelers who have found these places to be safer than anticipated.

Don’t let bias restrict your travel opportunities.

Wilson “Wil” Santiago Burgos is the founder of Mochileando.com, a leading travel platform in Puerto Rico and the Latin American market in the U.S.