Comments on: How Travel Beats the Media Fear Machine

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:09:38 +0000

@Susan: You’re very welcome! We often tell people that the times along our journey where we have felt must unsafe were in places like DC or New York instead of countries like Iran, Uzbekistan or Egypt. Not sure when we’ll be back in Egypt next, but we’ll be sure to let you know!

By: Susan Ryan

Susan Ryan — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:33:27 +0000

BIG thanks from Egypt for this. I am still telling people that parts of New York (or anywhere in their home country) can be more dangerous than here, and it helps to have positive stories like this one to explain to them. We hope to see you back in Egypt some time.

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:06:06 +0000

@Sky: To your point, I suppose that some people enjoy the state of comfort that is the constant state of fear. Glad to hear about your experiences in Guatemala. Our experience there was similar, however we did have a run-in with our own sense of fear there:
https://uncorneredmarket.com/road-trip-banditos-dose-of-fear/

By: Sky

Sky — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:21:27 +0000

YES. This is something that I have to keep explaining to people over and over and over because no one really gets it. The media launches on to our biggest fears and rarely show the full story or anything good that’s happening. When I traveled to Guatemala, I had at least 4 people say “But that’s so dangerous! There’s drug wars and cartels! Haven’t you seen all the news stories about Mexico?!” and honestly, I felt the need to bang my head off of a wall. I’ve been to Guatemala twice now and I’ve yet to run into ANY “bad” activity or get myself into a bad situation. I wish more people would think this way but more prefer to just live in a constant state of fear, I think.

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:26:30 +0000

@Erin: Thank you. Enjoy your travels. We’re glad our perspective was helpful.

By: Erin Marie

Erin Marie — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:12:31 +0000

Loved this post and couldn’t agree more! I’m headed to Egypt in August and while others think I’m crazy, your post made me feel…normal. Thank you!

Enjoy Mexico!

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:12:13 +0000

@Simon: I think you are in good company. Mothers the world over are worried about their traveling children. Based on reader feedback (“I sent my mother your article on _____ and now she feels a lot better.”), balanced real-world personal experiences from people you can trust seem to help moms understand.

@Ron: Glad you liked the piece and that it’s one of your favorites. It’s one of those pieces that best characterizes our travel ethos and philosophy. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to connect in Oaxaca. We’ll just have to stay in touch and make sure we connect in person next time we get the chance.

By: Ron Mader

Ron Mader — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:51:03 +0000

This is one of my favorite essays of the year! I’m sorry our paths did not cross in Oaxaca.

By: Simon P

Simon P — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:20:42 +0000

I completely agree. Now, if only my mother could get on the same page… she’s the one who worries the most when I travel to supposedly “dangerous” places!

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:58:22 +0000

@Megan: We couldn’t agree more with the idea that people are just people living their lives, often with similar goals as us. But people are afraid of difference or other, which is why travel is such a great way to break down stereotypes and build bonds.