I am affraid to leave the U.S.... what tip would you give me about your country?

United States
August 18, 2012 1:16pm CST
I have spent hours on Google Earth and on the Internet looking at and learning about other countries around the world. I am so curious about different people and cultures. But there is one major thing stopping me (other than money restrictions). I am terrified to leave the United States. I do not know or understand much about governments from around the world. The different structures of government-particularly those that are not a Democracy-and laws greatly intimidate me. If you are from the United States, please, share with me your feelings on leaving the country. If you are from a country other than the United States, please, share with me tips you would give me about your country or country's government that would help me? Are there certain things to avoid?? Or not to avoid?
3 people like this
13 responses
@deazil (4723)
• United States
18 Aug 12
I would not travel outside this country. Mostly because I've never had the desire to travel any further than Maine. Although I would like to go to Alaska. But, not counting the fact that I couldn't afford to go abroad, I don't think it's very safe to travel in certain countries. Mylot is quite a friendly place with people from all over the world making friends. But these are not the people I worry about. Look what has happened to travelers in some countries. I'm speaking of terrorist type incidents. You never know where they are or who they are. I think the majority of people will think I'm foolish for feeling like this but that's the way I feel. Almost everyone I know has traveled out of this country more than once. And nothing ever happened to them. I'm not sure why you're afraid but I do understand being afraid to leave the country. I think you will get many positive responses to your discussion rather than negative (as mine is). And researching the way you are is an excellent idea. Here is a good link www.travel.state.gov/visa/americans/americans_1252.html If you get all the information you need and don't break any laws and respect the countries you visit you'll probably have a great time. I'm old and suspicious. You're young and should enjoy life.
• Canada
19 Aug 12
Dear Dea, How unfortunate that you feel this way. I am also old (73 years old) and careful but I have travelled extensively and alone. I prefer to be a solo traveller, but this requires some extra care and research. Just this year I took a trip to the Azores (volcanic islands part of Portugal) and had a wonderful time even though I do not speak Portuguese. I agree with you that there are certain countries that are not safe for tourists from any place. So I would stay away from those. Alaska is also on my bucket list but I think it will remain a dream since the single supplement on cruise ships is just too expensive for me.
@deazil (4723)
• United States
19 Aug 12
I've never had the "travel bug" so it doesn't matter much to me. From the time I was a little kid I spent my summers on the coast of Maine. That's the place I love. But what struck me about your comment was that my niece and her husband took a trip earlier this year to the Azores! I think it's wonderful for you that you travel like you do. I hope you enjoy many more years of hopping around the world. And thanks for the comment.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
18 Aug 12
Well, I am from the US as well. I have been to Canada a couple times in my life, and would Love to travel abroad someday. I have always had dreams of going to England Scotland and France. I would also Love to go to Africa someday as well. But as it does take money these do have to wait. All I would say is start reading up on other countries, and learn about their customs, etc. and find one that would work for you. Start with something small like maybe a Cruise and go from there.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85496)
• United States
18 Aug 12
Bahamas! My parents went to two cruises to the Bahamas (was a gift). Of course this was years before my mom lost her mind. They loved it and couldn't say enough good things about the people.
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
24 Aug 12
I have visited Canada and any American I feel would like it there. I think there would be more of a culture shock going to Mexico if your flew to Mexico City for example. I have been to Cancun and further south in Mexico. My favorite trip was the one to Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. The Caribbean Islands are gorgeous. I visited St Lucia and it was glorious My home country is the United Kingdom and I live in the part which is called England. If you visited London its capital city you would think it is very big. You would think it beautiful and very interesting. You should wear a money belt under your clothing. I would advise in booking train tickets in advance to get the best prices. You could sight see in the day time and go to your accommodation before it gets dark.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
18 Aug 12
hi sweetaprillynn I am also in the US and while I have no money for traveling if I could I would suggest if you are female take a companion with you into some countries. I really would not go to places as an American that are still fighting wars.It is not safe for Americans in those zones. I suggest the United Kingdom as England and France and Wales wo uld be a little more welcoming to an American traveler.Ireland wou ld be another really interesting country to visit.As an American I really would avoid Moslem and Muslims, too risky for lone female American. for me if I could afford to travel I would just visit the states here in the US that I have never been to myself.really I would not visit countries that are anti American as you will just be asking for trouble.
@deazil (4723)
• United States
19 Aug 12
@silverfox09 (4708)
• United States
24 Aug 12
If you should travel to my country its best to stay with the tour guide and used what the hotel have to offer . The capital of my country is similar to new york you have to know what you doing . But you can stay in the tourist capital its like paradise , I live in that part , whenever my family from the US visit they never want to leave . People from my country normally very nice to tourist even in the capital but its best to stay where you can handle because its also very crowded in the capital but it would be great experience if you have a local to show you around .
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
20 Aug 12
I live in Denmark and my country is generally a safe place to visit. Like anywhere else there is crime, but you wouldn't have to worry about our government and you can travel around in our country without problems. Our local language is Danish, but most people understand English and it is not hard to find hotel staff, waiters, shop assistents etc who speak English. The bad thing about a trip to my country is the price, compared to many other countries my country is relatively expensive. It is not like Switzerland or Japan, but it is not a cheap place to visit either.
@AmbiePam (85496)
• United States
18 Aug 12
Best advice I could give you is stick with a country whose main language is English. That way if anything happens you'll know for sure how to communicate with everyone. Certainly there are other countries that would be perfectly safe, but you know for sure you're good in the English speaking ones. You can try Mexico too if you want. Sure, the government's corrupt, but if you go to the right parts of Mexico, it's gorgeous and pretty safe. I have been to Australia and New Zealand. I'd highly recommend them. Also, since you're in America, how about Canada? If not those England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, those sound good? There are a couple of countries I'd tell you to stay away from, but since those countries also have mylot members I'm not going to start a fight by naming them.
@eagletrek2 (5499)
• Kingston, New York
19 Aug 12
Hi if I had the money I would go to Israel I know of a lot of people Who go there every year And have no problems All so other place I like to Go to is Perth city Australia if you are a female even in the Us you should travel with Some one or in a group to be safe.
@natliegleb (5175)
• India
19 Aug 12
as far as i am concerned,i will ask you to stay calm and choose with the culture and also with people around you, my government would be so friendly for sure,we must think about advice and also how it feels and also how to navigate to most pat of the area.i would advice you to get stay connected and also feel that we have to stay connected and also explore different place.its not about leaving place
• Philippines
20 Aug 12
I'm from the Philippines. Though we're not as progressive and developed as you have in your country but one good thing about us is that we're also an English-speaking country. You can read and understand everything you see on public areas, like traffic signs, street names, route directions etc. We are known to be hospitable and friendly though often times we're being involved on cases such as terrorism and kidnapping BUT I'd be confident to say with a straight look in your eyes that it's only a misconception. It's only happening in the southern part of the country which is called "Mindanao"- done by a terrorist group dubbed as "Abu Sayaff". But it's now being contained since the Government has put a brigade of armies in the said area. Philippines has also the same kind of government as yours there. There's totally nothing to worry about our country.
@Bluedoll (16774)
• Canada
18 Aug 12
I guess having insurance is good for health and money in case something goes wrong. I think most of the tourist places are protected relatively from crime in poorer countries but they are the ones going to give you a good return on your dollar. I heard Cuba and many isle and central American Countries have some nice prepaid travel packages you can buy before leaving. I’m in Canada, we don't bite but don’t know if this is what you want in vacation though. Try bed and breakfast and maybe an attraction to visit to your liking.
@BabyCheetah (1911)
• Australia
19 Aug 12
OK I am from Australia. I have many friends around the globe so I have traveled to many countries in Europe and also been to Canada and the US. For me as long as I'm meeting a friend or have a friend to travel with me it's not so scary. But let me tell you your country was the biggest pain to get into than any other country Australia is easy and safe to visit. You couldn't possibly do anything wrong to get arrested unless you do something really extreme and illegal
@mikej143 (309)
• Philippines
19 Aug 12
Choice where you could enjoy and not looking for all the negative part on any country either political issue etc... where you can spend time to relax and stay on it.