Travelling is one of the best ways to expand your horizons, but there is no denying that safety concerns are often on our minds. We’ve all heard the stories: dangers lurking in places like Rio, pickpockets in Barcelona, or civil unrest in Budapest. But are these fears truly justified, or are they just misconceptions fuelled by media and hearsay?
When planning our next trip, most of us do some research – checking travel blogs, reading forums and looking at reviews, and there’s always that one destination that pops up on the ‘avoid’ list. For me, that destination was Marseille. Last summer I had a girl’s trip planned there with friends. The flights were a bargain, the Airbnb was charming, and the city promised good nightlife and beautiful coastlines. Sure, there were some warnings about petty crime, but nothing that felt too alarming or different from the places I’d visited before.
Weeks before our trip, riots broke out across France, with Marseille right in the middle of the unrest. Naturally, we were concerned. Should we cancel? Should we change plans? Despite the unsettling news, we decided to go ahead with it. But once we arrived, the situation was far more intense than we expected. As we drove from the airport, the city was unrecognisable. We passed burning fires and smashed windows, and an eerie sense of chaos filled the air. When we reached our Airbnb, we couldn’t even access the street, as it had been barricaded by fire damage. It was clear that this wasn’t the Marseille we imagined and had seen on social media.
For many, this would be a dealbreaker; at first, it was for us. We found ourselves in a tense situation – stuck in an unsafe area with no clear plan. But here’s the thing: danger is often tied to specific circumstances, not the place itself. With some quick thinking and a lot of trust, we turned to Toulon, a peaceful town about an hour away. It wasn’t on our itinerary, but Toulon turned out to be the highlight of the trip.
Travel safety often hinges on perception rather than reality. Destinations can gain reputations for danger based on specific events, but these don’t always reflect the day-to-day experience. Often, it comes down to timing, preparation, and mindset. Brazil, for example, is infamous for crime, yet millions of travellers visit safely every year by staying alert and understanding local customs. Similarly, Barcelona is often avoided due to pickpocket warnings. Having lived there this summer, I found it no more threatening than any large city as long as I remained mindful.
Media coverage tends to amplify risks, focusing on negative stories while overlooking countless positive experiences. The truth is many ‘dangerous’ destinations hold incredible opportunities, rich cultures, and unforgettable memories. So, instead of letting fear dictate your travel choices, take time to research, assess the risks, and go prepared. You might just find that the places others avoid are the ones where your best adventures await…
Words by Wiktoria Alicja Gabara
Featured image courtesy of Micaela Parente via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.