When Travel Stories Skip the “Not‑So‑Great” Parts
When we talk about travel—or read the glossy blogs and glowing travelogues—we mostly hear how wonderful a place is. Sure, someone might mention bad weather or a disappointing meal, but the overall tone is usually sunshine and rainbows. I’m guilty of it myself. Except for my Road to Hana misadventure, I sing Hawaii’s praises every chance I get.
But every now and then, a little reality check is healthy.
The Comfort of a Timeshare… and the Trade‑Offs
For nearly twenty years, I traveled through my timeshare. It was one of the hardest things to give up when
I retired, but the maintenance fees just didn’t fit my fixed income. While I had it, though? I traveled in style. Beautiful accommodations, attentive staff, and a sense of security—especially important because I often traveled alone.
Timeshares get a bad rap, and yes, getting out of one is neither painless nor easy. But if I ever hit the lottery, I’d consider it again. And here’s a tip: you can sometimes get the same perks without ownership by checking Redweek.com, where owners rent out their weeks to offset costs.
When a Destination Doesn’t Match the Hype
Even with all that comfort, not every trip felt safe. New Orleans is the one that stands out. Friends raved about the energy, the food, the parades—even outside Mardi Gras season. What they didn’t mention was the grime, the chaos, and the aggressive hustlers who thought nothing of following you down the street. I never felt unsafe anywhere else quite like I did there.
Other cities come with their own cautions. Detroit requires you to be mindful of the neighborhood you wander into. St. Louis consistently ranks among the most violent cities in the country. Oakland has seen a rise in break‑ins and street crime.
Nature Has Its Own Hazards
It’s not just cities. Even the most iconic outdoor destinations can be dangerous if you’re unprepared. Death Valley, for example, is one of the deadliest national parks due to extreme heat and dehydration risks.
Yellowstone has dangers from geysers to wildlife. If you have any doubt read about my encounter with the Bison of Yellowstone . I was sure I was going to be flattened to roadkill before I was through.
On the South Rim, Grand Canyon 2008
A Little Research Goes a Long Way
I’m not saying you should stay home. Travel is still one of the most exciting, enriching things you can do. But a bit of research before you go—and a few simple precautions—can make the difference between a great adventure and a stressful one. Know the risks, plan accordingly, and you’ll come home with memories worth keeping.
Quick, No‑Nonsense Travel Tips That Actually Help
- Know the vibe before you go — Not just the “Top 10 Things to Do” list. Look up neighborhood safety, recent news, and what locals say. Every city has great areas and “maybe not after dark” areas.
- Trust your spidey sense — If something feels off, it probably is. Change direction, duck into a store, or call it a night.
- Stay where the people are — Wandering is fun until it isn’t. Stick to well‑lit, busy areas, especially if you’re solo.
- Keep your stuff simple — Crossbody bag, zipper closed, nothing dangling. Leave the “I’m a tourist!” clues at home.
- Have a “just in case” plan — Screenshot directions, save the hotel address, and keep a backup way to get back.
- Hydrate like it’s your job — Especially in places with heat, altitude, or long trails.
- Don’t overshare in real time — Post the photos after you leave the location.
- Ask locals the right question — Not “Is it safe?” but “Where would you go or avoid after dark?”
- Give yourself permission to bail — If a situation feels sketchy, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
So go forth, intrepid adventurer, and make memories worth keeping… safely, of course.
Alaska 2013
Aye Calypso, I sing to your spirit
vacation in paradise. The scenery takes your breath away but that’s not why I’m having trouble breathing now. No, I’m sitting in my rental car, a jeep SUV, with the chassis balanced on a large rock; a boulder really. My left front tire is up in the air and my right fender is flush with a solid wall of dirt and clay. There’s a 100+ foot drop off to my left.
Don’t go on the