Adventure is worthwhile

Aesop

If you’ve been following the news lately the United States, it might seem like a terrifying place to visit. With the travel warnings, mass shootings, and a president that seems to fear and chastise anyone who seems different than himself, I can’t say that I blame you.

We seem to live in a time that is filled more with hatred and fear of anything “other”, and the acceptance seems few and far between. I want to fill that void the best way I know how, with my actions and my writing.

Welcome

Whether you just want to visit or dream of living here, I hope I’m not the first to welcome you. I also hope I’m not the first person to say I’m glad you’re here or thinking about coming. As a fellow traveler and decent human being, I want to make your experience one to remember, in a positive way.

Everyone deserves a safe place to land. Whether or not some people like to admit it, diversity brings success and enhances society. It challenges you to learn, to listen, to change, and while that can be difficult and scary, it is usually for the better. So, welcome to my country. I’m glad you came.

There Are Decent People Everywhere

We might not be shouting it from the rooftops, but we’re here. We might hold a door open for you, say good morning to a complete stranger, or offer to help you with directions. The rudest people can often be the loudest, but they are not the majority, it just might seem like it when they are given a platform.

Most Americans want others to see what incredible sites, food, and events our country has to offer. There’s a whole lot of space to explore here and I promise it isn’t completely filled with jerks. From all of us to you, I’d love it if you came to visit or stay.

Take Precautions

Whenever I travel, I always look for the safest places to visit in whichever country I’m visiting and plan my trip somewhat around that. Talk to the locals on social media. We will let you know hidden gems, areas to avoid, and what a place is really like.

While mass shooting have become more prevalent, it’s not something you can really plan for when you travel, other than to be vigilant and respectful and sometimes that isn’t even enough. The world is filled with crazed people. We need to show the world there are more decent people who truly care about preventing tragedy than there are those who cause it.

Travel safely. Learn as much as you can about the area you are staying in. Carry mace (if it’s legal) or take a self-defense class. I hope you never need it. In my 30 years of life, I’ve never (knock on wood) needed those tools or skills, but I do have them and I’ve lived here all of my life.

Don’t Let Them Bring You Down

Live your vacation to the fullest as well as your life. You never know when someone will try to ruin that for you and others. It’s important to be safe, but at the same time, never let fear get in the way of truly living and making your life better because of it.

There are tons of places I would LOVE to go, but aren’t considered safe right now, especially for an American. Eventually, I will go to these places, but in the meantime, I am going to all of the other places on my list and you should too.

If you aren’t ready to come here yet, that’s okay. There will be plenty of great people you will meet when you do decide to come. Plan the trip of a lifetime so it’s ready to go when you do feel safe and ready to visit or move. Just remember, there will always be people in the USA that welcome you with open arms. Myself included.