I'll admit I went to those over twenty years ago, but selected one or two with caution. There is a definite difference between what was working there then and what I see on fb pages nowadays. Even then, there was the potential for a problem because the fact is every one of those women is in a relationship with someone very unkind. Most are practically their pimps. Throw in alcohol, and the men there can be as crazy as those in any other bar.
Totally agree, being an RN working ortho trauma nights, crazy bad stuff after 0:01 and especially with a full moon. I keep an lengths away and stay out of "bite zone" if taking vitals etc. especially since its nearly impossible to get an order for patient restraints at 0300. I keep eyes in the back of my head always too. I don't mess around with the nuts and they know it first 30 seconds when I enter the patient room. Peace and stay safe.
@@JasonHansonSpyBriefing You forgot one more country in there nothing good ever happens in the USA, just look at all the crime and murders here. SO definitely there are parts to stay out of the USA. But I agree your place in Utah looks pretty safe and a good place to raise a family.
@@luisromanlegionaire He sort of made this point in a roundabout way by bringing up Baltimore. It reportedly used to be a beautiful city 3-4 decades ago. And the only time I ever visited when on a business trip to DC…it was a fun day to go down to the water front & spend with my pops. Nothing out of the ordinary happened but then we didn’t go anywhere except the tourist traps & a nice restaurant. It’s easy to maintain the illusion of civility in certain pockets if there’s enough money flowing around. But undoubtedly he’s correct this is not a city anyone in their right mind would want to live in unless you have enough money to set up shop in a gated community (preferably with armed guards). And really, if one has that kind of money there are literally hundreds if not thousands of better places to settle. Anywho, yeah, Murica is quickly degrading - especially in the urban areas - so it seems that should be part of the discussion of “places I’d never go”. I’m thankful I grew up in the Pacific Northwest on a farm & ranch, so am lucky enough to be able to return home to the country now that I’m a little older. Even cities like Portland & Seattle which I once loved are becoming crime infested S-holes I wouldn’t want to raise a family in. But hey at least it makes for great TV. Without Baltimore swirling the drain for decades on end we’d have never gotten The Wire!
As a Canadian, I have had great experiences in Mexico and Cuba. That said, situational awareness is important and being aware of the dangers present in the places one visits is a really good idea.
I've lived in Tijuana, MX for almost all of my life (57 years), and the only time I've gotten into trouble is precisely when going to "bad places"" and yes, after midnight. So I agree with Mr. Hanson on that. But I will also add that most tourists that get into trouble here in Mexico are those that think that because they are in Mexico they can behave rowdy, get uber drunk or go looking for drugs to continue to party. So come to Mexico enjoy the food, wine valleys, beaches and culture. If you behave like you would usually do in your own country, you will be fine.
Same from Tijuas 35 years, never been in trouble or any of my family members, and I've been very reckless. My dad is from D.F. and never been in any harm. But we both know what States or cities we should never go to.
@@you0nlylivetwice @videoarmenio I'm from US and have been to TJ and DF a lot. I feel safer in DF than LA, that's for sure. I like Hanson's advice, but I think the Mexico fear is way overblown. Mexico is our neighbor and we should be best friends.
@@craigshannon6011He is giving his own opinion, that of course anyone can disagree with. I wouldn't go so far as to say he's clueless. He gave out some very good advice here.
I am a retired 21 year military veteran. I have traveled and lived all around the world. I currently live in Costa Rica. I blend into the cultures, and speak several languages. Safety is relative, no matter where you are. You must also keep situation awareness! When I worked in various cities in the U.S. as a federal employee, I felt comfortable knowing I was armed, and had combat training.
CR is a good place to understand how "opportunists" work. Not having Spanish language skills, I wasn't a fan of San José. Very enjoyable country overall.
This video seems more aimed at stroking the ego of the "true american patriot🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇲". No one anywhere cares about a man with no name, who will pay his ransom or what information could he possibly have? If they know something, it's because they were told. I'm not gonna step out of a plane in countries that are conveniently former cold war 'opponents' or aren't the greatest ally to american hegemony and become public enemy #1
All of the places he named were and probably still are restricted for a lot of former military. But the most dangerous place I been in is Los Angeles. Also the wrong side of K street in DC. Wisconsin and 42nd. There was a great ethnic fast food place there. Pulled in with a full .gov van and people scattered like roaches when the lights came on. You take off the brassard and somehow they still know?
As a consultant who's been all over the world, please remember to 1. Always have cash hidden on your body with emergency contact phone numbers. 2. Never eat anything that tastes bad or wrong as you will get horribly sick if you do, just get something else. 3. Don't ever drink alcohol in excess outside of your hotel unless you are with trusted friends. 4. Trust your instincts about people! If you get a bad feeling about something avoid them don't listen or follow them no matter how charming they may seem.
1st floor rooms also allows for people to enter the room w/o coming through the front entrance. That's why we always we housed females at least the 2nd or 3rd floor. If you hear an explosion, stay away from the windows. The initial explosion may be bait to bring you to the window and then they set off the second, larger explosion.
I recall that colleagues of mine based in Israel were bemused to see top managers desks right in the front of the building nearest the windows. Because of terror risk the senior people in Israel seat themselves as far from the windows as possible, exactly the opposite to my home country. I also recall a salesman who used to stay in our family guesthouse who always packed a rope in his suitcase and always checked the escape routes and fire escapes every time on his visits.
A country I'd never go back to is Jamaica. The resort was beautiful but the beach wasn't private so there were a lot of sketchy people around. When I went to the airport to come back home to U.S., they dumped my luggage out twice. The crushing poverty you see on the ride from the airport to the resort is horrible. Chris Rock does a set about this, it's hysterical.
I travelled to China and Cuba. Not even 1 minute I felt unsecured. However, the fact that I need gun to protect myself in the US tells me which country is safe and which one is not. As a CIA agent, I don’t think I would dare to leave US knowing how popular CIA is in general nowadays.
I love Greece. What an amazing country. The people are friendly ... and the food is out of this world. The most nutritious food on the Planet. And their mediterranean sea is exceptional. I loved the Greek Islands, and also Mainland Greece, driving with a manual car through their mountains, and the expressways connecting their cities is spectacular. You drive off their expressways and you enter ancient towns that have been modernised for 21st Century living standards ... like the island, Hydra, where there are no cars, but donkey drivers on their 5G mobile phones ... a clash of the millennials life styles.
Greece is one of the most safest places in the world and the people are unbelievable, and the food the coulter the weather is almost as perfect as it can get. Most of the Greeks will do almost anything to accommodate you and a good portion speak English and a few other languages, Yes every place in the world has some sort of sketchy spots but overall I fell more safe in Greece then another I spot I been at before.
I've lived in 40 states and it's always bugged me that so many Americans, always want to talk about how great other countries are and have NEVER seen their own! This is the ONLY country where you can go from tropical to arctic circle, from well below sea level to over 20,000ft, from plains to deserts canyons to wetlands. All here. We have more national parks than anyplace in the world and that's not counting some of the incredible state parks. Great food from around the world is here. I did bring my original phone and laptop to Shanghai, China, but I also put software on it for extra security and put spy cameras in my room to watch anybody coming into my room, which I do at ANY hotel, as I don't trust staff. I also try to check for bugs, as I've been bugged before. It's harder as the bugs are smaller , but I do make a sweep in each room.
I started seeing National Parks after a Chinese colleague told me he took bus tours to US national parks while he was a grad student in Canada. I felt embarrassed that he had seen more of America than I had!
All the beautiful geography in America cannot compensate for the fact that the USA is no more. Major demographic shifts are rendering the once great nation to a third world wasteland.
Most of America's cities have areas not to go to. Then there are some of the rural areas in America not to go to. Avoid Memphis, Tn. Avoid parts of St.Louis. Then there are areas in Chicago to avoid. The tares of the earth like to congregate mainly in urban areas, but it's not always the case.
All the major cities in America have been chewed up and barfed out by the current state of affairs. The only places in any city that one can go to are the most expensive and out of financial reach of anyone with an average income.
This is true, but at least as an American you can kind of sniff them out and avoid, language is the same, corrupt police won't target you, most foreign justice systems will jail you while they investigate \ favor their citizens in any dispute with you...
As someone who lives an hour away from Memphis, I'm kinda honored in a weird, twisted way to see it make the Do Not Go list. Makes me feel all gangsta and hardcore. Also, this person is absolutely right and I haven't actually been in Memphis proper in ages. The rest of Shelby county is still fine to visit, though.
@@DolFan316 Yep. Actually, most of Tennessee is cool. We drove through a couple years ago; knew to avoid Memphis proper... but there was a lot of cool places to visit along the way through. We actually broke down there, and some locals were incredibly friendly and helpful to us and got us towed, helped us find a good repair shop, and a decent hotel to stay at while the car was being fixed up. And absolutely gorgeous scenery!! Despite our car problems (and to a certain extent, _because_ of them), we had a wonderful time in that State!!!
I am fluent in Spanish, I only felt unsafe in Mexico in rural areas when being followed by large packs of stray dogs, I would always pick up a stick in case I had to defend myself. I never did get attacked. Downtown Vancouver and Toronto has no go zones.
My Dad was in the Army when I was a kid. We lived in Germany from 1953 to 1957 and travelled all over Europe and it was a blast for an 8 year old. He was transferred to France in 1964. I had to go to school on Sunday night to Verdun and returned home on Friday night. It too was a blast for a 16 year old kid. The night I graduated, we had to move to Germany because DeGuelle would not let the U.S. military bases be in France. Again, Germany was a blast. However, at 74, I would not leave my home in North Carolina.
I'm basically the way you are at 74, but I'm 43. The world is different now. Your life sounds like a precious experience. I don't have the same colorful story, but I'm continually grateful I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and had an overall normal and traditional college experience (as opposed to nowadays).
That's what we get for saving France not once but two times. When my dad was in the Army, he landed on Omaha beach in WWII. Not on the first wave nor the second or even the third. He was with the Army Corp of Engineers assigned to build bridges (and blow them up). When he landed, he said the sea was red... red with American blood. It was worse than just that but he wouldn't talk about it. Some of his war time buddies are buried there.
@@alant383ohhhh CANADA very big country North of US ,empty country, nothing happens in Canada. Donald Trump has a plan of buying Canada, making its states dull boring Alberta, dull Manitoba,Quebec,Ontario etc all US states and its oil for US.. ohh common Trump
@@wtconroe879 France has had riots and protests the last few weeks. Macron was sent a "finger" in the mail, saw it on the news yesterday. Later determined to be taken from a "live" person.
@@MrFunnyDad2024 I wouldn't go to Europe right now period. Tyranny is literally and completely taking over all of it all at once. Sadly, my older nephew is headed to the UK later today on a 'class trip". Right at the time when the UK has declared open war on children and whites. Yay.
Sadly, there's countries out there that say the same thing about the US... and I agree. Glad Jason mentioned Baltimore. Considering sightseeing travel usually involves visiting other US cities, and those cities usually have high crime- which is wayyyy out of control....
Yes and... DC, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, LA Portland, Seattle to name a few. You could sum it up by saying don’t go to a city. Nothing good happens after midnight could be paired with nothing good happens downtown.
I just come back from a Pacific sea side town in Mexico for surfing. I really enjoyed it. I always felt safe. I have not seen or heard a single bad thing happening. There are bad people and bad places everywhere. Especially in the United States where people get killed randomly.
How long ago was that, because I watched a documentary last week, and I struck Mexico off my list of countries to visit. Tourists are getting kidnapped all the time in Mexico.
I have been to Mexico and Cuba. I live on the Philippines Island of Mindinao and there is a State Dept warning against going there. I agree with most things. There are parts of Mexico I wouldn't go to, and I wouldn't go to Cuba alone. I don't go into shady establishments, or out late at night.
Anywhere that doesn't allow easy access to CCW permits is a place to consider avoiding. And conversely, anyplace that gives out CCW permits pretty much on demand - or that has Constitutional Carry laws is a place that is probably pretty safe. You don't even have to be the one carrying. You just know that criminals are at least a little less likely to FA if they think there's a chance that they will FO.
All the Democrat controlled US cities have too much crime, defunded their police force, release felons without bail and the homeless bums on the sidewalks shooting up heroin, ingesting Fentanyl, etc. In other words, they have turned into shite cities.
@@matthewbecker6553unfortunately that’s not all true now. The latest stats show many of the Southern states including Florida are in the top 10 of violent crime which is a shock to many.
Hi, with all due respect, I think it's unfair to generalize not to go to some of these countries. Maybe in some parts, there are unsafe areas, but to really write them off as not to go there even to visit (for a few days), I think it's too much. Just try to practice due diligence and research for safe areas before coming anywhere in the world. I would still love to visit Greece, Mexico, and even China once in my lifetime. And I've been to Russia and have no regrets. If you think about it, there is really no 100% safe place in this world. Just be safe and mindful. Peace!
It certainly is, there was a cartel battle on the road out from the airport at Acapulco, and tourists in a cab were stopped so the winning survivors could bug out because the vehicles involved were ruined. The cabbie had his head hacked off with a machete, and the tourists were shot.
@@mrslcom You need a visa for all types of travel to North Korea. If you arrive without a valid visa, you may be arrested. p.s. Travelling to North Korea completely alone is not permitted. Private tours can be organised, but you will always be accompanied by tour guides, even if you are just one person travelling. Wandering alone through the streets is not allowed.
Going to different ports while in the Navy our port brief (in part) warned us not to take unmarked taxi's for the very reason that Jason mentioned about what happened to his greek speaking friend. A lot of gentlemen's clubs in different countries are also ran by gangsters and you may be unwittingly supporting human trafficking if you go there. The women at these "clubs" may be there against their will. Something to consider.
I've never had any scary experiences with the Russian or Ukrainian speakers but listening to them while they're totally oblivious to the fact that you understand every word they're saying is such fun.
There are a number of cities in the US Nation that I would feel uncomfortable going to by myself especially after dark. I was an over the road semi driver and would stop at a Truck Stop sometimes as far away from delivery destination as an hour out to avoid sleeping in bad areas. What is safe in the daylight may be hazardous at night.
You know as a person of Mexican ancestry whose parents were born in mexico I can tell you that there is no comparison between USA worst cities and mexicos tourist destinations. USA has laws and they are expected to be followed and people do follow them. Mexico 60% of its economy is informal!!!!! EVERYTHING IS DONE UNDER THE TABLE YES EVEN LEGIT BUSINESSES. So yes I feel safe even in baltimore cause if something bad happens I can trust the baltimore police why? Because it is in the US
@@dianabenavides2913 Oh, dear. I spent most of my life in Baltimore. There are lovely areas, but a lot of bad ones. Drug dealers keep streets clear when it snows, not city plows. BPD refused to take a report when my car was stolen. They said it must have been repossessed. I could go on.
In 2023 there were 1.8 million US citizens living in Mexico and Mexico received 11 million US visitors, it would be good to know how many of them had any inconvenience.
A local rancher took several family members to Mexico. The granddaughter broke her neck diving into the water. The family had to pay $23K to get her out of the hospital. The Mexican consulate set up a private flight & spine surgeon to come get them. Flew the girl & mom to a hospital in Florida, for surgery & recovery. If you can’t afford a ransom, do go there.
As long as your cool and don’t be traveling to places where you shouldn’t be or belong you’ll be good man. The news is full of fear mongering. In Mexico stay in the tourist spots. Don’t explore if you don’t know any locals. Stay your ass at a swanky resort. Russia well I’m sure if you mind your business you’ll be good but since the war they hate Americans more so yeah that is a hard pass. Cuba all day long. I have friends that go every summer. Use common sense and as long as your not some political American spy you’ll be good. But yeah we have plenty to see here in The states 👍🏻🙌🏻🔥🔥
I love Mexico. I go there every year and never had an issue. I mix with the locals in small towns and villages and know a lot of people. I am more afraid of the town I live in right now in the US.
For many years I worked in bars and clubs around the UK and alcohol is one of the biggest drivers of violence. To this day I am always aware of two things in my environment: 1. The location of pubs, bars and night clubs 2. The time of day in relation to opening and closing hours. Personally I avoid being on the streets after about 2000hrs because thats when people are starting to get really hammered. The later it gets, the worst the customers get. Similarly if a pub kicks out at 2300hrs, NEVER be on the streets during the witching hour, where all the drunks get thrown out onto the streets, mill around, and settle arguments that have been brewing all night. When you travel abroad you need to check this information out for your own safety. You might innocently book a cab from a certain location at a certain time, and unwittingly find yourself standing outside a bar at kickout time, and end up in some situation with a drunk guy who is trying to steal your cab.
@ctam79 the cia is far more secretive and obscure than the mafia. Are you 15 or something? I'll bet you 100 he doesn't talk on it. Cia are involved in trafficking you naive soul.
Go to Ireland, safest most pro American country I’ve ever visited outside US and Canada… No brainer you will be safe pretty much 24 hours a day no matter what you do, I’ve lived there for 2 years and in college I’ve met so many other Americans who live there, felt safe and enjoyed it, other countries in Europe i did not feel fully safe and had some bad experiences were the UK, France, Italy
@@trevork.d8227 Lol, bit of a myth tbh, I have lived here 57 years, never had a friend or family member or met anyone ever who was hospitalised or seriously hurt from any kind of insect/animal attack.
And in Queens, New York an EMT worker goes to a local bodega to get something to eat and ends up being stabbed 15 times. But John Gotti is no longer running Queens so I guess everything is ginger peachy!
Besides- in 2014 I've seen with my own eyes what our so called Congresspeople and Senators are capable of. Believe me- " Teresa Mendosa " is a naive kid playing with Barbie dolls compared to Blinken and Nudelman.
As an engineer I've traveled to and worked in 29 countries so far. I've spent the most time in China, Mexico, and Malaysia...but also two stints in Russia (before the current war), Singapore, Peru, Japan and all over Europe. I've never once had a problem in any of those countries. Never been robbed. Never had my identity stolen. Spent plenty of time out late. Oh...I did get stabbed in Chile when two men attempted to steal my bike...but that was kind of my fault because I fought back...saved the bike but ended up with a knife stuck in my hip which I had to pull out myself. I have a couple cool scars. But other than that...never once had a problem. I feel like you're the emergency room doctor that's afraid of trampolines and swimming pools..
Same. Lived in China for years and am much safer as a woman here than in the US. Much better pay for teachers here too than the red states Jason likes. But I also don't do drugs or go to seedy places, have traveled all over the US alone as well as abroad and perhaps have just been lucky/smart. To each his or her own, but I do think that fear-mongering isn't the best.
I’m an engineer too and have traveled tons. I have had a second home in Cabo for 17yrs and have never had a problem. Been to Cuba and it’s a fantastic country! The rest of the Caribbean is not bad but the panhandling and scams are atrocious. Places like Egypt even worse. I find people in Utah kind of scary but more in a Children of the Corn kind of way…..plus I like to drink too much :) This guy trains people to be what….paranoid enough that they think Las Vegas is better option 😂
@@martin4819 Ha ha! We currently live in Utah. We love it. We’re at the ski resort nearly every weekend. I think the “Children of the Corn” reference is a bit unfair though…considering less than 50% of Salt Lake City is Mormon and there are bars everywhere. 🤷♂️
I went to Playa del Carmen, Mexico back in 2021 just as soon as they opened things up. Had a blast! Just don't go looking for trouble and trouble won't find you...95% of the time.
We went in 2017, before we had kids and before I got hooked on self defense vids on TH-cam. While it was fun, the fact that we spent little time outside of the resort which was gated and protected by armed guards makes me prefer a place that doesn’t need such measures.
Thanks for share it! I'd like to add one more: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I Live here and i know what i am saying! There are many places here in Rio that are safe, but most of them are dangerous! Hope i have helped...Stay Hard and safe people!🙏💪
I’ve spent a lot of time in China, Mexico and a little time in Cuba. I feel that China is safe, but his advice on bringing dummy electronics couldn’t hurt. In China I did have one issue photographing military types in Tiananmen Square, but he cooled down and I remain free. I know Mexico can be dangerous, but I’ve spent about 5 weeks there in the last few years. I would just say that you need to show caution in where you choose to go. I spent about a week in Cuba and it felt totally safe. In Cuba the people were very nice. I talked to other travelers and they felt like it was safe as well. I went to Colombia on a job and almost got robbed or kidnapped on the beach. The guy I was working with and I had 5 guys come up to us while another native tried to distract us. Both of us have had large lock blades visible and stared them down. Eventually the 5 guys walked away, I feel pretty lucky with that one. The DEA officer that was our host told us it would generally be robbery or kidnapping in Cartagena. After that we traveled in armored vehicles and ate with DEA people watching over us in restaurants. We were doing a documentary on drug smuggling for the discovery channel.
China, I made sure to carry lighter than the already light I even carry in my home country. Mexico... nope. Cuba, yes. Russia, not even gonna try to get a visa there. War, major conflict and proxy war zones, nope.
Speaking of hotels, i ALWAYS stay on the 2nd floor, maybe 3rd. I dont have people walking by my window outside, and i can get out quickly in an emergency.
Good advice. I have travelled to 30+ countries on six continents. Most of the time, I take burner phones with me. I also register my travel plans with the State Department and make sure I have both digital and printed copies of the contact info for the U.S. Consulates or Embassies where I am traveling. I always provide family members precise locations of where I am staying and the names of key people who always know my schedule. I’ve been to Russia, China and Mexico multiple times each without incident. The countries that he didn’t mention - and it depends upon where you go within these countries - are Honduras, Colombia and Malaysia. Honduras has one of the highest, non-engagement (war zone) homicide rates in the world. It’s the drug cartels. In the video, the best practical advice he gave was about relying on your contacts (primarily) and hotel management (secondarily) to make arrangements for ground transportation. On several occasions when I have finished dining at an established restaurant, I have asked the manager to call for a trusted transportation associate of theirs. Major hotels and restaurants guard their reputations by making sure their guests are protected. In short, if anything ever occurs that seems off or suspicious, you have to trust your gut. Be prepared. Get to safety.
Absolutely agree with most of this list. There's some scary things out there. The beach experience in Cuba is pretty hard to match though. You don't need to be rich to be treated like you are. Just stay in the tourist only areas. Cayo Coco is highly recommended. But he is absolutely correct, there are many amazing beaches in America. You might spend more, but you know where you are.
After hearing stories from a Cuban father/son team that was working on my house, I'll never go there. For example, they had never tasted lobster until coming to the U.S. because it's illegal for them to harvest for themselves. It's only for the tourist. Besides, your tourist dollars only support the continued oppression of Cuban citizens.
Remember, people from other nations feel that way about the US. The news has them thinking there's a mass shooting every 10 minutes, crime is WWIII levels, etc.
Not every 10 minutes but, seriously, twice a day. The news report it only when there are kids involved or a politics, or a large number, but they still happen about twice a day. And, after traveling the entire world, including Russia, Palestinian territories and more, the place where I feared the most for my life was in USA, in Memphis. PS: I just checked Wikipedia. List of mass shootings in the United States in 2024: as of July 31, a total of 473 people have been killed and 1,528 people have been wounded in 372 shootings. That's about twice a day.
I’m in Arizona and there are so many places to visit in my state. I’ve been to the south rim of the Grand Canyon 3 times. Going to the north rim next month. With the crazy going on in the world, I like to stay close to home.
I love Arizona! I am one of those trying Mexico for a while for several reasons but may return to Texas (home) NM or AZ. Not sure why all these expats here say they feel safer than US. I do not; although granted I’m not in a big expat destination either. ✌🏼
Is the situation improved since the economic collapse? Do you have fuel at the gas stations? is it still politicly tense? would you recommend to visit now?
There is a high level of paranoia in much of this advice. Lived in a South East Asian country for over 8 years and never had any problems visiting so called shady establishments.
Well said but not one made it clear if they spoke a 2nd language .Few speak good English ---They are prone to be loud and dressing a way that makes them stand out .
My older brother lived in Central Mexico for many years, but about 10 years ago he was advised by friends in the local church to move back to the US. We are members of the same church that Jason goes to. They told him that the cartels were looking at that area as another corridor for the movement of drugs and people to the north and it would no longer be safe for him to live there. He moved to Texas.
Money talks and as Americans, it yells "come see what I have that you can steal from me!". These are just the facts and we always have to be cognizant of that.
My husband’s office goes to Mexico every year. I quit going 10 years ago because I don’t trust it. I told him if they went anywhere in the U.S. I’ll be happy to go. He tries to guilt me every year. My stepson and his wife go all the time because they live in San Diego.
I've been living in Mexico for 43 years and I've never heard a shot fired, been assaulted or kidnapped. For work I've also travelled South America for 20 years.
Russia's not that bad. Griner went there with drugs. If she had gone to Singapore or China, she would've been punished way more severely. Singapore executes people who bring in drugs, once against the protest of the Australian government when it was an Aussie citizen, though Griner didn't have enough to be executed in most countries including Singapore, but the point is it's a very bad idea to bring illegal drugs or any contraband through airports. I'm in South Korea, a great place, but there was a Locked Up Abroad episode where some Americans mailed a box of marijuana from the Philippines to Korea. They went to pick it up at the big post office near Jonggak station and the boy was arrested and did a few years in prison, more than Griner. Had they gotten busted at the post office in the Philippines, they would've been executed. I agree Ukraine is a bad idea right now, and going there specifically to fight is an even worse idea. Americans of fighting age have never been in a war like that one. A guy from my homestate, Tennessee, went there and left behind a wife and baby. Horrible idea. I agree about taxis, even legit taxis. Here in South Korea, being a taxi driver is one of the few jobs ex-convicts can get. People get raped in them all the time, even a 19-year-old American female soldier who got into one at Incheon International Airport. The taxi driver in his late 40s didn't get convicted since the courts said his rape victim didn't fight him off hard enough so it was consensual. South Korea is an extremely safe country for men, but women get roofied a lot. Especially in bars and nightclubs, especially B2. Foreign women are often brainwashed by K-dramas, K-pop, or assume the "flower boy" look a lot of Korean men sport means they're weak. I mean, you could put lipstick and pink panties on Mike Tyson and he'd still be able to easily beat the hell out of nearly anyone. Foreign men are naive about the women here. They're not submissive at all, and they're very vindictive after breakups. So are the men. Koreans are a very vindictive people. That being said, it's my favorite place to live. You just have to use good judgment (just like anywhere else). Speaking of needing to use good judgment, I've been robbed a time or two by local women, both times in Turkey. I'm lucky I was in Turkey and not Colombia or I might not be here to type this. Colombia is a very dangerous place for naive foreign horndogs, simps, or guys like me who are easily tempted by good-looking women who approach them. A lot of guys go in a room with their girl, get roofied, and wake up with a lot less than they had before they took a sip, or "wake up dead." I thought China was pretty safe (for a male, at least), and WAY safer than any black neighborhood in the USA, but the danger in China is the hospitals. They're really bad for turning away foreigners who aren't of Chinese descent. There was an African who was turned away by five hospitals during the pandemic and died. African women were giving birth on the sidewalks because they weren't allowed into the hospitals. As far as violent crime goes, it's quite safe. One more thing about China, if you break up with a girlfriend, leave the country because hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and they're able to bring the full weight of their families and the Chinese government to bear. The USA is great, but the blacks and also drug addicts irrespective of race make the USA very dangerous. I've had some harrowing experience in cities by the former and harrowing experiences in rural areas by the latter.
Prior to the war, Ukraine was an awesome and most beautiful country. There were areas where you thought you were in Kansas and the next minute, you would think you were in Colorado. The north looked like Gothic Europe. Ashamed what has happened to it. For the record, I lived in Utah as well.
I've been all over Ukraine and it is more like Kansas than Colorado. The only (small) mountains they have are the the Carpathian mountains in the extreme southwest which sit at under 7000' and were stolen from Romania (Romania still claims them), and some hills in the southern part of the Crimean peninsula.
Interesting. I’ve been to plenty of countries, been to three continents, and the USA is the 2nd most dangerous country (personal safety ranking wise) I’ve ever been to.
Hey Jason, how about we flip your list. What are the top countries that for you, would be the safest to travel to or you'd most likely to take your family to?
I was in Moscow in 01, actually stayed in Pavlovsky Posad, between Moscow and Vladimir a month with a family. Great country and people in a trip that completely changed my world view having grown up in the last 10 years of the Cold War. Was in Mexico in 96 for the mandatory Ft Huachuca trip to Nogalas. I refuse to judge Mexico off Nogalas, but have a high school friend that has been living in Cancun for a few years now, before that several years in Ensenada. He loves it, and don't think he's coming back to the US. China, I doubt I can get into. I've referred to Xi as Winnie the Pooh to many times I think. Plus given my past former employment, not the best choice. Plus my 12+ years working ESL in Vietnam I've learned to not like China.
No, hell no- Xi is an Alpha predator. Unlike Putin he's for real. There was a point in his life when his family fell out of favor and I guess to break him they had the little Party prince wash toilets. And then he became the President of China. So when I was homeless and staying at the Maple Street Shelter in Redwood City I told this story to some of my friends and they used to tease me like we were back in Junior High. " Oh, Tati is on the shower/bathroom duty again. She's dreaming about becoming the President of Ukraine. " But Xi is one of the very few people I really wouldn't want to cross- and I'm practically a true Gambina who matured in South Ozone Park, Queens.
Everyone I know who lives. Ex-Pats, lived there before, have no problems traveling in Russia. I'd much rather walk around in Moscow than LA, Chicago or NYC. I'm not surprised a former CIA Officer list them as one of the most dangerous places and also mentions fighting for Ukraine in the same breath. LOLOLOL!@@tatianalyulkin410
From Russia here. It might feel very safe there until it's not. Unlike US where you sort of have very safe and very dangerous neighborhoods, Russia is all sort of different shades of gray areas - it doesn't really has truly dangerous areas and it doesn't really has safe areas. You can get robbed anywhere but with a relatively low chance vs say Oakland, CA. I had knife to my throat twice in Moscow and couple of dozen very dangerous encounters, including running away from homicidal russian cop. Had only one such incident in the US in 2 decades and only because I walked into black neighborhood unknowingly, being young naive foreigner. But on average you're more than twice more likely to die of violent crime in Russia vs the US. Or almost 10 times more likely vs EU. And that is if you're Russian and know how to behave and what to do. If you're an American I'd multiply it by at least 2. So no. Do not go to Russia, especially not right now, but even if they get a democracy in the future I'd still think twice before going there.
I live in Texas, the last time I went into Mexico was in '83 or so. I have friends that still go there and think they're safe because they "have friends there" or "Its safe because the "xyz" cartel runs things and they want everything running smoothly.". I can only shake my head...
Got to be a reason why there are 1.5 million Americans living in Mexico and feel safer than in the US. And they don't return and state they never will. Like any city, you know where to travel and where not to.
Indonesia can be extremely dangerous. I’ve been there twice. Spent a total of six months. Despite being very aware and careful I almost died there each time and was robbed each time also. More corruption than Mexico. People’s Republic of Congo is another place I darn near died. In my 70s now and I like traveling around the USA a lot more than heading overseas.
Which part of Indonesia are you talking about? I've been here in Jakarta for just over 15 years ( apart from 2 years back home in Australia during Covid ) and never had any problems. In fact I feel much safer here than back in Melbourne with all their street gangs, most of whom carry weapons, and of course the escalating road rage problems, to name just a few.
Great advice. I used to travel overseas on business. Europe, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, southeast Asia, Middle East. In China, my company laptop got “scanned” by a company security team for “viruses” they claimed. I would wear European sport coats and shoes and never flash my US passport. The reason I wore clothes purchased in Germany was once In a bar in Tel Aviv, a woman walked up to me and said, “you are American”. She proceeded to tell me how bad America was. Apparently, my business casual clothes screamed “I’m American.” After that, I tried my best to downplay my US appearance and “blend-in” when traveling overseas. I’m glad that I no longer have to travel overseas anymore. Perfectly happy traveling around our great country wearing jeans and polo shirts...
If you were born in Ireland and are a naturalized American I've been told that as long as you're not going to a majority Islamic state, it's a good idea to travel on you Irish passport.
I live in Los Angeles area and believe me I feel safer in Mexico big time than here! And I go to Tijuana frequently. I'm originally born and rise in Mexico and been in dangerous places in different cities but nothing like Los Angeles. Don't know why but I guess it's my own perspective.
Lived in China for 7 years and work there often. I am sure they have all my info but still a great country and extremely safe. Lived in Shanghai and traveled extensively in the county, working in 30 plus cities. Never ever felt like I was in danger. People are friendly and crime is almost non existent. Singapore the same....
Having lived and traveled all over Asia for several years I agree with your tips. My boss, his girlfriend and myself went to Shanghai for business. When we got out of the airport we wound up in the parking garage and these two big shady looking chinese guys offered to take us to our hotel. There were signs in English warning people to not use private taxis. My boss was ready to go with these guys and they had these expressions on their face like they had landed a big one I stood my ground .In the least we would have been grossly overcharged or worse "Shanghaied". When went to The island where our company had a plant we went and bought Chinese SIM cards for our phones. I had a lot of street smarts coming in but its amazing how naive some people can be when travelling abroad. I had some run ins in Burma, Laos, and Sri Lanka when the civil war was going on there. BTW I was not a spy just an American businessman but many times was suspected of being one.
Been to Cuba over a dozen times, you'll love it. It's beautiful and the people there are just so friendly, it's also very safe, I recommend you set aside geopolitics aside for Cuba and give it a chance!
Would love to visit Cuba, and even China. Mexico is beautiful as well. Don't go looking for trouble and you'll be fine. You could still get mugged in Salt Lake City UT. Still a lot of meth heads there.
Thank you for the information, I especially thank you for your views on Mexico. I happen to live very close to Mexico, and at times, it is very tempting to go there. As I get older, I am losing my desire to travel abroad for various reasons, and there is so much to see here in the US. I have been to 49 of the 50 states (I've never been to Hawai,) but seems that I have only scratched the surface.
You could check Baja California as many expats have. I think it would be good to follow Hanson's advice about avoiding stripper clubs and stuff like that but you are really missing on a beautiful country if you don't set foot in Mexico. Check out Tangerine travels, especially the first videos where an American couple arrived to Mexico. Now they have split but the channel remains and the woman created another channel (Maddiegold). They even have some safety tips. I would only advice not to stay in the towns right at the border because they attract a lot of Americans who want to do there what they don't in their home country, so that affects the culture.
Nice job Jason! Well, we all have our perspectives and experiences. I have had the good fortune to have so far visited 42 countries, including 3 of 5 you mentioned not to visit! And the only country I got robbed in (pickpocketed) was Greece! 😊😊. Great stuff. I especially will use the hotel floor strategy. Thanks! John R.
I went to Cozumel. Strictly tourist areas are usually not that bad. Worst thing I had to deal with were the absolutely most obnoxiously badgering salespeople Ive ever met anywhere in the world who would pester you constantly to buy from them and sometime even follow you around outside their shop still trying to make a sale. Neat looking place but the salespeople made it much less enjoyable than it should have been.
Been throughout the Baltic, including Russia (but that was 05!), England, Scandinavia, and Spain (Estonia, Norway and Spain high faves). Spent 5 weeks in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Stayed in a ABB. Walked to the grocery store 20 min away, and backpacked home full and carrying 5 gal water jugs in each hand, sometimes taking busy and sometimes quite desolate streets. Low income doesn't immediately equate to danger and violence. Never trouble. You always stay aware. Simply a smile and an "Ola!" can go along way. We took the little Collective vans from the city down the coast to beaches and cents, being dropped off on the main highway and walk 2 km down a jungle road to the ocean - one time some guys stopped and offered us a lift in the back of their delivery truck, so we five adults and three kids 4 to 9 all jumped in amongst the vegetables and they took us down. "Gracias amigos!" and waved goodbye. We rented a car from a little place in town (it may sometimes seem a bit dubious because everyone there, even business, isn't loaded with cash or franchized fancy, but just doing business. We drove to places down the coast, and into the jungle on Jaguar Rd to Dos Oyos cenote (definitely go here). Casa cenote, Akumel, and Tulum. Ate at "home" mostly, but restaurants too, travelled across to the other side of the city for authentic food for a friend's Bday, once. Eat where the locals eat and you'll be glad you did. Less touristy as well. Into a jungle alternative housing development at Sac Bay. Absolutely beautiful, wild architecture homes. The best beach was a 30 min walk down the shore to Punta Esmerelda, a local's beach. People were friendly and sometimes curious. We did not go to dance bars or strip clubs. Wife and 9 year old son, we had a fantastic Experience, and we'd go back. Loads of my friends go to Cuba regularly, but I haven't been yet, maybe this March. Where I've felt potential danger was down in the United States, but that was later evening, in huge cities and you are 100% right that "nothing good happens after midnight" - anywhere really. If we treat each other with respect and don't expect everywhere else in the world to be like Canada-USA/our own country, we'll enjoy the differences; its sometimes difficult with language/getting around, etc, but that's one way we broaden our human experience. Resorts are boring as hell.
I'm born to lose autistic so I have been to Russia, E. Germany, DPRK. Mongolia and China. I lived in China for 4 yrs. I lived in Mexico for 2.5 yrs. The only country I wouldn't return to is Mongolia-cold desert not great-prefer Mexico's hot desert. The US gave me no great job offers so I never tried to live there. I am Cdn.
As French, I have been in Russia snd China without any fear. But I sure will not go to the US of A. Watching movies is enough to understand how dangerous it is, and how easy it is to be send to jail for no reason. Very unsafe, very dangerous, very violent.
France was very unsafe, very danferous, very violent in the early 1940's when lots of American boys came there and died to free your country from the nazis. But as is often so typical, here we have another rude, ungrateful Frenchman who hates the USA. He talks about how dangerous American cities are and ignores that France let in all the immigrants that are now burning your country whenever they don't like something. Paris has areas the police refuse to go. In 1940, the French army had as large of army as the Germans, and had even more tanks, more guns, and they still surrendered in 6 weeks. The French surrender faster than anyone in the world, and then hate us and treat us like dirt after saving you. Had we not, you would probably have been forced to only speak German by now. The allies even let Charles de Gaulle march triumphantly into Paris as if he had defeated the Germans. Ask your grandparents, they will explain to you what the allies did for France. The new French like this guy think they are superior and always forget and ignore what others sacrificed for them.
There are of course several other countries where I'd never go, like North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan etc, but no one in their right mind wold consider visiting them anyway, unless maybe if they had family there or maybe a critical business connection. I spent a month traveling all over Egypt and when I stepped out of the Cairo airport there were many taxi cabs soliciting their service. I can't say I used any intelligent specific way to choose other than intuition, but the driver I chose ended up being the right one who also served me as tour guide for part of the trip and even took my and my partner home to his family for dinner.
Glad you didnt mention North Korea, I was planning my family vacation there! Actually, I am obligated to go to Cancun for a wedding. We will be staying at an all inclusive resort. They pick us up and return us to the airport and we wont be leaving the hotel. Still, I'm not happy about it. We did do a family wedding their 2 years ago and had a wonderful safe time. Also all inclusive with pickup and drop off. It does help that my wife and adult daughter are from South America and speak fluent perfect Spanish.
You forgot iran, n. korea, venezuela, anywhere in africa, middle east, south America.....or and chicago, new york, portland, seattle, san francisco, LA. st.louis. I'm just staying home.
It's crazy how many Americans go to Mexico to vacation, and it's not even like the bad stuff happening in Mexico is under the radar or only known by some select people. It's on the news and all over the internet, all the time! Not a week goes by where some tourist isn't very publicly getting killed, kidnapped, caught in the crossfire, imprisoned etc.
I lived in black neighborhoods in Atlanta and Nashville, and visited my brother a few times when he went to medical school in Memphis. If you've survived black neighborhoods in the USA, Mexico is a cakewalk.
and we point at mexico all the time forgetting how many innocent people are killed in Chicago in one week end alone. Not to mention all the other deaths, shootings, kidnaps and crossfires in all the other dangerous areas of U.S. cities. And the random weekly senseless killings where crazy shooters go into businesses, walmarts, churches and schools and kill for no reason. Weve lived here in Mexico for 12 years and have never experienced or heard of such a thing. When we go to the states to see our grandkids we ALWAYS carry because you just never know when someone is mad at the world and wants to blow people away.....Some people fear mexico because they listen to others prejudice about it, or go to mexico for a vacation and experience crime. Crime happens everywhere. We always fear the unknown and since Mexico is another country and unknown it seems scarier. Im still proud to be a North American and love Texas, but the U.S. is falling apart. Weve stopped honoring God, family, and basic morals. Im 70 and have seen it change radically (all by design, but that is another topic)
Some countries are not dangerous, only the places Americans use to visit. You rarely see Americans in 5 star hotels, fancy restaurants, etc. What you see is Americans with a backpack visiting slums and jungles where not even our own Army dares to go.
There is history around the world that is too interesting and far older than anything here in the USA. There are places to go and ways to travel that are as safe as possible. St. Petersburg, Russia was a festival of gold and history and the people were great. Standing on the cliffs in Santorini and appreciating of the beauty of the white houses with blue domes, and seeing the power of the volcano that blew up the island is a must-see. Seeing Ephesus, Turkey with the Roman ruins and understanding the journey of St. Paul is a moving experience. Going into the Coliseum in Rome and envisioning the gladiators it makes it so real. Seeing Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii is a festival of history and volcanic power. Walking the D-Day beaches and seeing all the places in the books and movies is awe inspiring. There is much to see and do in the world, which can be done in a safe way. But the way things are going in the world, probably better to go sooner rather than later.
And one of my favourite spots, Rhodes, although they had a terrible fire last year. Before the recent war, there was a beautiful overnight train from St. Petersburg to Moscow (both ways). Moscow was just lovely. Talk as one wished in cafes, lovely restaurants, hotels, and the Museum of the Czars - Putin did such a tremendous task of making Moscow a desirable place to visit - as St. Petersburg always had been the jewel in Russia's crown. Why did he start this insane war? He did so much for Russia to waste it all - for what???
Hey Jason, What a great video. I used to own a big rig truck and like you, would wind up in Baltimore, several times each year. Dispatch and dock hands would frequently say to never have a date with a hooker around there. It was too dangerous. And the hookers around Baltimore with good teeth are cops. Be well. You give great advice.
I love the USA. I love the variety of our culture, geography, climate, and seasons. I love our national parks. But I also love seeing other places. This year, I have been to Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. I'm trying to add Greece, France and Turkey before the year ends. I've been in many Middle Eastern and North African countries. Both of my daughters have traveled extensively including Mexico, Honduras, Estonia, and many African nations. I have entered places in the USA where I faced threats. I could be in real trouble if I brought the wrong attitude. Understand that safety often follows attitude. I've walked into sporting events where police stopped me until I told them why I was there. I've walked into bars where I was not welcome. In each case, my attitude diffused the situation. I live near Atlanta and could easily have been in trouble tonight if I had said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I am an old, retired man. From my youth, I learned to bring casual ease into each situation. If that fails, be ready for things to go horribly wrong.
My parents visited Cancun in Mexico and a tout tried to rip them off. Beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery but it's the people you gotta be careful of there! Nice video, Jason!
Travelled through Russia for 6 years with a cattle truck bringing cows there from the Netherlands and never felt unsafe there. Walked the streets alone many times in different cities and met lots of nice people.
I used to. Then the 2014 coup happened and everything went to Hell in a handbasket. Zelensky, Nudelman and Kolomojsky are a wonderful cure for the Cold War fever. You take one look at the Gestapo/SBU and you're like, " Maybe the NKVD-KGB wasn't so bad after all? ".
Former Soviet state Kyrgyzstani here, in Russia if you are white you can freely travel if you are of other colors you might have problems with the local police trying to milk your money by dropping a small amount of marihuana into your pockets or by local thugs from southern regions of Caucasus trying to cut your car and making a fake claim on car damage.
As a former Uber driver, i can confirm that "nothing good happens after midnight" and "stay away from strip clubs" are solid advice!
Shady people come out at night
Every day happens after midnight. 🤔
@@walikhaled7739Shady people SHOULD come out during the day...when the sun is out...that's when you could use some shade...😜
Good thing to live by while travelling tbh.
I'll admit I went to those over twenty years ago, but selected one or two with caution. There is a definite difference between what was working there then and what I see on fb pages nowadays.
Even then, there was the potential for a problem because the fact is every one of those women is in a relationship with someone very unkind. Most are practically their pimps. Throw in alcohol, and the men there can be as crazy as those in any other bar.
Having been a paramedic for 35+ years, I can attest that “nothing good happens after midnight”, especially with a full moon.
Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and God bless!
Totally agree, being an RN working ortho trauma nights, crazy bad stuff after 0:01 and especially with a full moon. I keep an lengths away and stay out of "bite zone" if taking vitals etc. especially since its nearly impossible to get an order for patient restraints at 0300. I keep eyes in the back of my head always too. I don't mess around with the nuts and they know it first 30 seconds when I enter the patient room. Peace and stay safe.
@@JasonHansonSpyBriefing You forgot one more country in there nothing good ever happens in the USA, just look at all the crime and murders here. SO definitely there are parts to stay out of the USA. But I agree your place in Utah looks pretty safe and a good place to raise a family.
@@luisromanlegionaire
He sort of made this point in a roundabout way by bringing up Baltimore.
It reportedly used to be a beautiful city 3-4 decades ago.
And the only time I ever visited when on a business trip to DC…it was a fun day to go down to the water front & spend with my pops. Nothing out of the ordinary happened but then we didn’t go anywhere except the tourist traps & a nice restaurant. It’s easy to maintain the illusion of civility in certain pockets if there’s enough money flowing around.
But undoubtedly he’s correct this is not a city anyone in their right mind would want to live in unless you have enough money to set up shop in a gated community (preferably with armed guards). And really, if one has that kind of money there are literally hundreds if not thousands of better places to settle.
Anywho, yeah, Murica is quickly degrading - especially in the urban areas - so it seems that should be part of the discussion of “places I’d never go”.
I’m thankful I grew up in the Pacific Northwest on a farm & ranch, so am lucky enough to be able to return home to the country now that I’m a little older. Even cities like Portland & Seattle which I once loved are becoming crime infested S-holes I wouldn’t want to raise a family in.
But hey at least it makes for great TV. Without Baltimore swirling the drain for decades on end we’d have never gotten The Wire!
@@mjswoosh Is it necessary to say the "Pacific" Northwest?? Wouldn't the Northwest just suffice??
I am not American and don't understand.
Agree but the no go list should include Venezuela, Yemen , Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
See my comment above; stay away from any country that bases its laws on Islam!
As a Canadian, I have had great experiences in Mexico and Cuba. That said, situational awareness is important and being aware of the dangers present in the places one visits is a really good idea.
Americans not going there is why Cuba is a good destination.
True… Why would anybody trust any information from someone from the CIA 😅
Cuba is super safe!! Stuff this prick of a guy. But yes Mexico is dangerous.
@@mathieubordeleau150 Agreed, places where you can avoid a dick like this are top of the list.
survivorship bias
I've lived in Tijuana, MX for almost all of my life (57 years), and the only time I've gotten into trouble is precisely when going to "bad places"" and yes, after midnight. So I agree with Mr. Hanson on that. But I will also add that most tourists that get into trouble here in Mexico are those that think that because they are in Mexico they can behave rowdy, get uber drunk or go looking for drugs to continue to party. So come to Mexico enjoy the food, wine valleys, beaches and culture. If you behave like you would usually do in your own country, you will be fine.
Same from Tijuas 35 years, never been in trouble or any of my family members, and I've been very reckless. My dad is from D.F. and never been in any harm. But we both know what States or cities we should never go to.
@@you0nlylivetwice
@videoarmenio I'm from US and have been to TJ and DF a lot. I feel safer in DF than LA, that's for sure. I like Hanson's advice, but I think the Mexico fear is way overblown. Mexico is our neighbor and we should be best friends.
This guy is clueless, He chose Mexico over Venezuela or Papa New Guinea.
@@craigshannon6011He is giving his own opinion, that of course anyone can disagree with. I wouldn't go so far as to say he's clueless. He gave out some very good advice here.
@@kevinmalone3210 Fair enough, I didn't intend to come across insulting at the time, maybe saying I disagree would sound better.
I am a retired 21 year military veteran. I have traveled and lived all around the world. I currently live in Costa Rica. I blend into the cultures, and speak several languages. Safety is relative, no matter where you are. You must also keep situation awareness! When I worked in various cities in the U.S. as a federal employee, I felt comfortable knowing I was armed, and had combat training.
CR is a good place to understand how "opportunists" work. Not having Spanish language skills, I wasn't a fan of San José. Very enjoyable country overall.
Thank You for your service!
This video seems more aimed at stroking the ego of the "true american patriot🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇲".
No one anywhere cares about a man with no name, who will pay his ransom or what information could he possibly have? If they know something, it's because they were told.
I'm not gonna step out of a plane in countries that are conveniently former cold war 'opponents' or aren't the greatest ally to american hegemony and become public enemy #1
JASON, you’re the best! I would add a lot of South American countries
All of the places he named were and probably still are restricted for a lot of former military.
But the most dangerous place I been in is Los Angeles.
Also the wrong side of K street in DC.
Wisconsin and 42nd. There was a great ethnic fast food place there.
Pulled in with a full .gov van and people scattered like roaches when the lights came on.
You take off the brassard and somehow they still know?
As a consultant who's been all over the world, please remember to 1. Always have cash hidden on your body with emergency contact phone numbers. 2. Never eat anything that tastes bad or wrong as you will get horribly sick if you do, just get something else. 3. Don't ever drink alcohol in excess outside of your hotel unless you are with trusted friends. 4. Trust your instincts about people! If you get a bad feeling about something avoid them don't listen or follow them no matter how charming they may seem.
Thank you for that wonderful information!God bless you!
1st floor rooms also allows for people to enter the room w/o coming through the front entrance. That's why we always we housed females at least the 2nd or 3rd floor.
If you hear an explosion, stay away from the windows. The initial explosion may be bait to bring you to the window and then they set off the second, larger explosion.
I recall that colleagues of mine based in Israel were bemused to see top managers desks right in the front of the building nearest the windows.
Because of terror risk the senior people in Israel seat themselves as far from the windows as possible, exactly the opposite to my home country.
I also recall a salesman who used to stay in our family guesthouse who always packed a rope in his suitcase and always checked the escape routes and fire escapes every time on his visits.
A country I'd never go back to is Jamaica. The resort was beautiful but the beach wasn't private so there were a lot of sketchy people around. When I went to the airport to come back home to U.S., they dumped my luggage out twice. The crushing poverty you see on the ride from the airport to the resort is horrible. Chris Rock does a set about this, it's hysterical.
I travelled to China and Cuba. Not even 1 minute I felt unsecured. However, the fact that I need gun to protect myself in the US tells me which country is safe and which one is not.
As a CIA agent, I don’t think I would dare to leave US knowing how popular CIA is in general nowadays.
Jason: Go to Greece
Also Jason: Here's a terrible story about Greece
Greece is a fabulous tourism destination. I haven't had a bad security situation in any of my visits.
We have to be aware and careful no matter where we go....
I love Greece. What an amazing country. The people are friendly ... and the food is out of this world. The most nutritious food on the Planet. And their mediterranean sea is exceptional. I loved the Greek Islands, and also Mainland Greece, driving with a manual car through their mountains, and the expressways connecting their cities is spectacular. You drive off their expressways and you enter ancient towns that have been modernised for 21st Century living standards ... like the island, Hydra, where there are no cars, but donkey drivers on their 5G mobile phones ... a clash of the millennials life styles.
Greece is one of the most safest places in the world and the people are unbelievable, and the food the coulter the weather is almost as perfect as it can get. Most of the Greeks will do almost anything to accommodate you and a good portion speak English and a few other languages, Yes every place in the world has some sort of sketchy spots but overall I fell more safe in Greece then another I spot I been at before.
@@M7TOPGEAR Agreed. As an Aussie Greek, I loved Greece.
I've lived in 40 states and it's always bugged me that so many Americans, always want to talk about how great other countries are and have NEVER seen their own! This is the ONLY country where you can go from tropical to arctic circle, from well below sea level to over 20,000ft, from plains to deserts canyons to wetlands. All here. We have more national parks than anyplace in the world and that's not counting some of the incredible state parks. Great food from around the world is here. I did bring my original phone and laptop to Shanghai, China, but I also put software on it for extra security and put spy cameras in my room to watch anybody coming into my room, which I do at ANY hotel, as I don't trust staff. I also try to check for bugs, as I've been bugged before. It's harder as the bugs are smaller , but I do make a sweep in each room.
I bought my phone in China. 😉
But back then, we did have smart phones. The only info on my phone was contacts, mostly locals.
I started seeing National Parks after a Chinese colleague told me he took bus tours to US national parks while he was a grad student in Canada.
I felt embarrassed that he had seen more of America than I had!
Choices of climate and topography are not what all people are looking for.
All the beautiful geography in America cannot compensate for the fact that the USA is no more. Major demographic shifts are rendering the once great nation to a third world wasteland.
You know, we can love and appreciate America AND also acknowledge the greatness of other nations for a variety of reasons.
Most of America's cities have areas not to go to. Then there are some of the rural areas in America not to go to. Avoid Memphis, Tn. Avoid parts of St.Louis. Then there are areas in Chicago to avoid. The tares of the earth like to congregate mainly in urban areas, but it's not always the case.
All the major cities in America have been chewed up and barfed out by the current state of affairs. The only places in any city that one can go to are the most expensive and out of financial reach of anyone with an average income.
This is true, but at least as an American you can kind of sniff them out and avoid, language is the same, corrupt police won't target you, most foreign justice systems will jail you while they investigate \ favor their citizens in any dispute with you...
As someone who lives an hour away from Memphis, I'm kinda honored in a weird, twisted way to see it make the Do Not Go list. Makes me feel all gangsta and hardcore.
Also, this person is absolutely right and I haven't actually been in Memphis proper in ages. The rest of Shelby county is still fine to visit, though.
@@DolFan316 Yep. Actually, most of Tennessee is cool. We drove through a couple years ago; knew to avoid Memphis proper... but there was a lot of cool places to visit along the way through. We actually broke down there, and some locals were incredibly friendly and helpful to us and got us towed, helped us find a good repair shop, and a decent hotel to stay at while the car was being fixed up. And absolutely gorgeous scenery!! Despite our car problems (and to a certain extent, _because_ of them), we had a wonderful time in that State!!!
Yes, generally the parasites gather those places...
An american saying Chinese and Greece are not completely safe... 😂😂 it's hilarius.
Cuba is more safety than 95% of USA.
I know a Cuban family in Florida that would disagree.
I am fluent in Spanish, I only felt unsafe in Mexico in rural areas when being followed by large packs of stray dogs, I would always pick up a stick in case I had to defend myself. I never did get attacked. Downtown Vancouver and Toronto has no go zones.
My Dad was in the Army when I was a kid. We lived in Germany from 1953 to 1957 and travelled all over Europe and it was a blast for an 8 year old. He was transferred to France in 1964. I had to go to school on Sunday night to Verdun and returned home on Friday night. It too was a blast for a 16 year old kid. The night I graduated, we had to move to Germany because DeGuelle would not let the U.S. military bases be in France. Again, Germany was a blast. However, at 74, I would not leave my home in North Carolina.
I'm basically the way you are at 74, but I'm 43. The world is different now. Your life sounds like a precious experience. I don't have the same colorful story, but I'm continually grateful I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and had an overall normal and traditional college experience (as opposed to nowadays).
@@alant383 anyone that jumps to assumptions from the above conversation should stay in Canada.
That's what we get for saving France not once but two times. When my dad was in the Army, he landed on Omaha beach in WWII. Not on the first wave nor the second or even the third. He was with the Army Corp of Engineers assigned to build bridges (and blow them up). When he landed, he said the sea was red... red with American blood. It was worse than just that but he wouldn't talk about it. Some of his war time buddies are buried there.
@@alant383 You're obviously not an expert on North Carolina.
@@alant383ohhhh CANADA very big country North of US ,empty country, nothing happens in Canada. Donald Trump has a plan of buying Canada, making its states dull boring Alberta, dull Manitoba,Quebec,Ontario etc all US states and its oil for US.. ohh common Trump
I personally would add: the cities in US that are always in the news: San Fran, Chicago, etc... Also France (right now).
Why France? It was good enough for Richard Belzer.
@@wtconroe879 France has had riots and protests the last few weeks. Macron was sent a "finger" in the mail, saw it on the news yesterday. Later determined to be taken from a "live" person.
@@wtconroe879they have had riots for over 3 years now and they have recently become very violent. American news never covers the rest of the world.
@@wtconroe879 France is OK normally - but was major rioting there w/ alot of damage, might not be good time go. Wait till its clean up...
@@MrFunnyDad2024 I wouldn't go to Europe right now period. Tyranny is literally and completely taking over all of it all at once. Sadly, my older nephew is headed to the UK later today on a 'class trip". Right at the time when the UK has declared open war on children and whites. Yay.
I live near Baltimore and the street to avoid with all the strip joints is Baltimore Street. I would avoid the whole city nowadays
I went from being a chai boy to being a chai man on Baltimore street 🤷♂️.
Sadly, there's countries out there that say the same thing about the US... and I agree.
Glad Jason mentioned Baltimore. Considering sightseeing travel usually involves visiting other US cities, and those cities usually have high crime- which is wayyyy out of control....
Yes and... DC, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, LA Portland, Seattle to name a few. You could sum it up by saying don’t go to a city. Nothing good happens after midnight could be paired with nothing good happens downtown.
@@waltersistrunk4200 It's not like rural America is much safer either with its drug-addled citizens.
iwould avoid all democRAT run cesspools such as New York, Baltimore, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, L.A.,Portland, Seatlle.......
Political agendas are really obvious in this video and the comments. Living in this much fear must be hard.
I just come back from a Pacific sea side town in Mexico for surfing. I really enjoyed it. I always felt safe. I have not seen or heard a single bad thing happening. There are bad people and bad places everywhere. Especially in the United States where people get killed randomly.
I lived in Mexico for 13 years and never had a problem nor did any of my friends
Are you Mexican?
How long ago was that, because I watched a documentary last week, and I struck Mexico off my list of countries to visit.
Tourists are getting kidnapped all the time in Mexico.
@@wildnfree101 Name of documentary and producer, please.
Right? I think we all know why some of these countries made some of these lists. He doesn't sound like he has much experience in any of them.
I have to say I was unimpressed that he trains people from Mexico how to deal with living in Mexico,
but he's afraid to go to Mexico.
I have been to Mexico and Cuba. I live on the Philippines Island of Mindinao and there is a State Dept warning against going there. I agree with most things. There are parts of Mexico I wouldn't go to, and I wouldn't go to Cuba alone. I don't go into shady establishments, or out late at night.
Gingoog City Mindanao joins the ex pat chat
Great!Thank you for sharing!
When all the crime from Mexico moves up to the open border US, Mexico will probably be a great place to visit/live in a few years.
@@jamesrecknor6752 I had a great time in Mindanao. I met people there and became great friends with them. In Zamboanga, Cota Bato, Davao and Surigao.
i live in philippines and have been as far south as davao before but would never go that far south again, much less further south. hope you stay safe.
How about give us a list of U.S. cities you would not visit Jason? That would be interesting and informative.
Anywhere that doesn't allow easy access to CCW permits is a place to consider avoiding. And conversely, anyplace that gives out CCW permits pretty much on demand - or that has Constitutional Carry laws is a place that is probably pretty safe. You don't even have to be the one carrying. You just know that criminals are at least a little less likely to FA if they think there's a chance that they will FO.
All the Democrat controlled US cities have too much crime, defunded their police force, release felons without bail and the homeless bums on the sidewalks shooting up heroin, ingesting Fentanyl, etc. In other words, they have turned into shite cities.
@@matthewbecker6553unfortunately that’s not all true now. The latest stats show many of the Southern states including Florida are in the top 10 of violent crime which is a shock to many.
@@EvangelismforGodeither meth heads or blacks would be my guess doing all that crime you are referring to
Jacksonville, FL
Miami, FL
Houston, TX
Philadelphia, PA
Baltimore, MD
Los Angeles, CA
These are at the top of my list.
Hi, with all due respect, I think it's unfair to generalize not to go to some of these countries. Maybe in some parts, there are unsafe areas, but to really write them off as not to go there even to visit (for a few days), I think it's too much. Just try to practice due diligence and research for safe areas before coming anywhere in the world. I would still love to visit Greece, Mexico, and even China once in my lifetime. And I've been to Russia and have no regrets. If you think about it, there is really no 100% safe place in this world. Just be safe and mindful. Peace!
He’d never visit Mexico, but Afghanistan, Eritrea, and Yemen would apparently be great for a family vacation. That’s ridiculous!!
It’s totally a shame what’s become of Mexico.
@saltwatersaddletramp HEY! The post you sent in 1980 finally showed up!
It certainly is, there was a cartel battle on the road out from the airport at Acapulco, and tourists in a cab were stopped so the winning survivors could bug out because the vehicles involved were ruined. The cabbie had his head hacked off with a machete, and the tourists were shot.
How did North Korea not make the list? It was the first place I thought of.
Pretty much impossible to go there anyway.
A few years ago I saw lots of American tourists going to N. Korea.
@@mrslcom You need a visa for all types of travel to North Korea. If you arrive without a valid visa, you may be arrested.
p.s. Travelling to North Korea completely alone is not permitted. Private tours can be organised, but you will always be accompanied by tour guides, even if you are just one person travelling. Wandering alone through the streets is not allowed.
Most evil regime in the world, DPRK.
Going to different ports while in the Navy our port brief (in part) warned us not to take unmarked taxi's for the very reason that Jason mentioned about what happened to his greek speaking friend. A lot of gentlemen's clubs in different countries are also ran by gangsters and you may be unwittingly supporting human trafficking if you go there. The women at these "clubs" may be there against their will. Something to consider.
I've never had any scary experiences with the Russian or Ukrainian speakers but listening to them while they're totally oblivious to the fact that you understand every word they're saying is such fun.
There are a number of cities in the US Nation that I would feel uncomfortable going to by myself especially after dark. I was an over the road semi driver and would stop at a Truck Stop sometimes as far away from delivery destination as an hour out to avoid sleeping in bad areas. What is safe in the daylight may be hazardous at night.
Thank you for sharing. God bless!
You know as a person of Mexican ancestry whose parents were born in mexico I can tell you that there is no comparison between USA worst cities and mexicos tourist destinations. USA has laws and they are expected to be followed and people do follow them. Mexico 60% of its economy is informal!!!!! EVERYTHING IS DONE UNDER THE TABLE YES EVEN LEGIT BUSINESSES. So yes I feel safe even in baltimore cause if something bad happens I can trust the baltimore police why? Because it is in the US
@@dianabenavides2913 Oh, dear. I spent most of my life in Baltimore. There are lovely areas, but a lot of bad ones. Drug dealers keep streets clear when it snows, not city plows. BPD refused to take a report when my car was stolen. They said it must have been repossessed. I could go on.
In 2023 there were 1.8 million US citizens living in Mexico and Mexico received 11 million US visitors, it would be good to know how many of them had any inconvenience.
I'm surprised Egypt isn't on this list! I've heard nothing but bad stories regarding phones and cameras about it!
A local rancher took several family members to Mexico. The granddaughter broke her neck diving into the water.
The family had to pay $23K to get her out of the hospital.
The Mexican consulate set up a private flight & spine surgeon to come get them. Flew the girl & mom to a hospital in Florida, for surgery & recovery.
If you can’t afford a ransom, do go there.
do
Do NOT go there!
Are saying it was a random or something?? Hospitals are expense in the US so why would it be cheaper else where ??
As long as your cool and don’t be traveling to places where you shouldn’t be or belong you’ll be good man. The news is full of fear mongering. In Mexico stay in the tourist spots. Don’t explore if you don’t know any locals. Stay your ass at a swanky resort. Russia well I’m sure if you mind your business you’ll be good but since the war they hate Americans more so yeah that is a hard pass. Cuba all day long. I have friends that go every summer. Use common sense and as long as your not some political American spy you’ll be good. But yeah we have plenty to see here in The states 👍🏻🙌🏻🔥🔥
... and take out travel insurance before travelling abroad. For the young, it is incredibly cheap.
I love Mexico. I go there every year and never had an issue. I mix with the locals in small towns and villages and know a lot of people. I am more afraid of the town I live in right now in the US.
Exactly. I feel completely safe in Mexico.
Buen suerte
In small towns sure. You can't defend yourself with firearms and cartels run freely. No thanks.
Famous last words.
@@TheSportsPROgram7:22
Are you aware of the staggering number of people who have disappeared in American National Parks?
Yep. MISSING 411. Highly recommend those books.
For many years I worked in bars and clubs around the UK and alcohol is one of the biggest drivers of violence.
To this day I am always aware of two things in my environment:
1. The location of pubs, bars and night clubs
2. The time of day in relation to opening and closing hours.
Personally I avoid being on the streets after about 2000hrs because thats when people are starting to get really hammered. The later it gets, the worst the customers get.
Similarly if a pub kicks out at 2300hrs, NEVER be on the streets during the witching hour, where all the drunks get thrown out onto the streets, mill around, and settle arguments that have been brewing all night. When you travel abroad you need to check this information out for your own safety. You might innocently book a cab from a certain location at a certain time, and unwittingly find yourself standing outside a bar at kickout time, and end up in some situation with a drunk guy who is trying to steal your cab.
Could you review the movie Sound of Freedom? As a former CIA agent any insights on the film?
He won't be allowed to talk on that. There never ex cia. Still connected.
@@unknownuser-fv2lq Lol It's the CIA not the mafia. I'm sure he can say something about the accuracy of the movie.
@ctam79 the cia is far more secretive and obscure than the mafia. Are you 15 or something? I'll bet you 100 he doesn't talk on it. Cia are involved in trafficking you naive soul.
@@unknownuser-fv2lq
🤡
Oh, it's a lot worse than the Mafia darling.
Go to Ireland, safest most pro American country I’ve ever visited outside US and Canada… No brainer you will be safe pretty much 24 hours a day no matter what you do, I’ve lived there for 2 years and in college I’ve met so many other Americans who live there, felt safe and enjoyed it, other countries in Europe i did not feel fully safe and had some bad experiences were the UK, France, Italy
Ireland? You kidding? It's being flooded with 'refugees' who just so happen to be all males of military age.
have travelled the world, feel most safe at home in Australia.
@@JohnSmith-sj2dk yooo man it’s not the people you gotta worry about down there it’s the animals and insects 😂
@@trevork.d8227 Lol, bit of a myth tbh, I have lived here 57 years, never had a friend or family member or met anyone ever who was hospitalised or seriously hurt from any kind of insect/animal attack.
Suuuuuure. That’s what aussies say to trick us into going there.
I had Mexican colleagues tell me that even _they_ didn't feel safe working in some places in Mexico! 😀
And in Queens, New York an EMT worker goes to a local bodega to get something to eat and ends up being stabbed 15 times. But John Gotti is no longer running Queens so I guess everything is ginger peachy!
Besides- in 2014 I've seen with my own eyes what our so called Congresspeople and Senators are capable of. Believe me- " Teresa Mendosa " is a naive kid playing with Barbie dolls compared to Blinken and Nudelman.
As an engineer I've traveled to and worked in 29 countries so far. I've spent the most time in China, Mexico, and Malaysia...but also two stints in Russia (before the current war), Singapore, Peru, Japan and all over Europe. I've never once had a problem in any of those countries. Never been robbed. Never had my identity stolen. Spent plenty of time out late.
Oh...I did get stabbed in Chile when two men attempted to steal my bike...but that was kind of my fault because I fought back...saved the bike but ended up with a knife stuck in my hip which I had to pull out myself. I have a couple cool scars. But other than that...never once had a problem. I feel like you're the emergency room doctor that's afraid of trampolines and swimming pools..
Before the current war- meaning 2014 or 2022?
Exactly. Completely over the top. I hope his kids don't grow up scared of their own shadows.
Same. Lived in China for years and am much safer as a woman here than in the US. Much better pay for teachers here too than the red states Jason likes. But I also don't do drugs or go to seedy places, have traveled all over the US alone as well as abroad and perhaps have just been lucky/smart. To each his or her own, but I do think that fear-mongering isn't the best.
I’m an engineer too and have traveled tons. I have had a second home in Cabo for 17yrs and have never had a problem. Been to Cuba and it’s a fantastic country! The rest of the Caribbean is not bad but the panhandling and scams are atrocious. Places like Egypt even worse. I find people in Utah kind of scary but more in a Children of the Corn kind of way…..plus I like to drink too much :) This guy trains people to be what….paranoid enough that they think Las Vegas is better option 😂
@@martin4819 Ha ha! We currently live in Utah. We love it. We’re at the ski resort nearly every weekend. I think the “Children of the Corn” reference is a bit unfair though…considering less than 50% of Salt Lake City is Mormon and there are bars everywhere. 🤷♂️
B.S about China. My electronics were never looked at and I have never had any problems with the authorities in my 18 years of teaching here.
You were not a mystery to them. Boring and were long ago checked out. Plus how would you know. It can be done remotely anytime you’re on the internet.
Thailand. Super friendly people, great food, awesome beaches, not expensive. But, stay away from Russian and Chinese tourists.
I went to Playa del Carmen, Mexico back in 2021 just as soon as they opened things up. Had a blast! Just don't go looking for trouble and trouble won't find you...95% of the time.
EVEN STILL THINGS HAPPEN
@@lovly2cu725 Things happen everwhere. Mass shooting in USA aren't rare events.
We went in 2017, before we had kids and before I got hooked on self defense vids on TH-cam. While it was fun, the fact that we spent little time outside of the resort which was gated and protected by armed guards makes me prefer a place that doesn’t need such measures.
@@NotMeNaNaNachances are the actual gangs hired those guards to protect you believe it or not
Thanks for share it! I'd like to add one more: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I Live here and i know what i am saying! There are many places here in Rio that are safe, but most of them are dangerous! Hope i have helped...Stay Hard and safe people!🙏💪
I’ve spent a lot of time in China, Mexico and a little time in Cuba. I feel that China is safe, but his advice on bringing dummy electronics couldn’t hurt. In China I did have one issue photographing military types in Tiananmen Square, but he cooled down and I remain free. I know Mexico can be dangerous, but I’ve spent about 5 weeks there in the last few years. I would just say that you need to show caution in where you choose to go. I spent about a week in Cuba and it felt totally safe. In Cuba the people were very nice. I talked to other travelers and they felt like it was safe as well. I went to Colombia on a job and almost got robbed or kidnapped on the beach. The guy I was working with and I had 5 guys come up to us while another native tried to distract us. Both of us have had large lock blades visible and stared them down. Eventually the 5 guys walked away, I feel pretty lucky with that one. The DEA officer that was our host told us it would generally be robbery or kidnapping in Cartagena. After that we traveled in armored vehicles and ate with DEA people watching over us in restaurants. We were doing a documentary on drug smuggling for the discovery channel.
China, I made sure to carry lighter than the already light I even carry in my home country. Mexico... nope. Cuba, yes. Russia, not even gonna try to get a visa there. War, major conflict and proxy war zones, nope.
You forget about your country,there's guns everywhere and mass shootings everyday
Speaking of hotels, i ALWAYS stay on the 2nd floor, maybe 3rd. I dont have people walking by my window outside, and i can get out quickly in an emergency.
Good advice. I have travelled to 30+ countries on six continents. Most of the time, I take burner phones with me. I also register my travel plans with the State Department and make sure I have both digital and printed copies of the contact info for the U.S. Consulates or Embassies where I am traveling. I always provide family members precise locations of where I am staying and the names of key people who always know my schedule. I’ve been to Russia, China and Mexico multiple times each without incident. The countries that he didn’t mention - and it depends upon where you go within these countries - are Honduras, Colombia and Malaysia. Honduras has one of the highest, non-engagement (war zone) homicide rates in the world. It’s the drug cartels. In the video, the best practical advice he gave was about relying on your contacts (primarily) and hotel management (secondarily) to make arrangements for ground transportation. On several occasions when I have finished dining at an established restaurant, I have asked the manager to call for a trusted transportation associate of theirs. Major hotels and restaurants guard their reputations by making sure their guests are protected. In short, if anything ever occurs that seems off or suspicious, you have to trust your gut. Be prepared. Get to safety.
I appreciate you for sharing. Thank you for that. Stay safe and God bless!
@@JasonHansonSpyBriefing Bless you for providing sound advice for Americans traveling abroad!
Absolutely agree with most of this list. There's some scary things out there. The beach experience in Cuba is pretty hard to match though. You don't need to be rich to be treated like you are. Just stay in the tourist only areas. Cayo Coco is highly recommended. But he is absolutely correct, there are many amazing beaches in America. You might spend more, but you know where you are.
Thank you! God bless you!
All the money spent at a Cuban resort goes immediately to the Cuban Communist Government
@@JasonHansonSpyBriefing would you go to turkey
After hearing stories from a Cuban father/son team that was working on my house, I'll never go there. For example, they had never tasted lobster until coming to the U.S. because it's illegal for them to harvest for themselves. It's only for the tourist. Besides, your tourist dollars only support the continued oppression of Cuban citizens.
As a cuban, let me repeat it. Don’t go there. The moment you got into a legal issue you’re done: the make laws on the fly. You’re doomed
Good to hear France and Italy are ok. Been to Crete Greece, wonderful place and people.
In the US, be more cautious in Democrat run cities and states. Your welcome !
Remember, people from other nations feel that way about the US. The news has them thinking there's a mass shooting every 10 minutes, crime is WWIII levels, etc.
Thank you for watching, Will. God bless!
Not every 10 minutes but, seriously, twice a day. The news report it only when there are kids involved or a politics, or a large number, but they still happen about twice a day. And, after traveling the entire world, including Russia, Palestinian territories and more, the place where I feared the most for my life was in USA, in Memphis.
PS: I just checked Wikipedia. List of mass shootings in the United States in 2024: as of July 31, a total of 473 people have been killed and 1,528 people have been wounded in 372 shootings.
That's about twice a day.
I’m in Arizona and there are so many places to visit in my state. I’ve been to the south rim of the Grand Canyon 3 times. Going to the north rim next month. With the crazy going on in the world, I like to stay close to home.
me too and armed daily 24/7. cant do that in sweden or the netherlands😁
@@2nd-coming it’s like American Express. Don’t leave home without it! 😂😂
I love Arizona! I am one of those trying Mexico for a while for several reasons but may return to Texas (home) NM or AZ. Not sure why all these expats here say they feel safer than US. I do not; although granted I’m not in a big expat destination either. ✌🏼
I am a foreign national living in Sri Lanka for the past 28 yrs and found it to be the most beautiful and the safest place in the world.❤❤❤
Is the situation improved since the economic collapse? Do you have fuel at the gas stations? is it still politicly tense? would you recommend to visit now?
There is a high level of paranoia in much of this advice. Lived in a South East Asian country for over 8 years and never had any problems visiting so called shady establishments.
Well said but not one made it clear if they spoke a 2nd language .Few speak good English ---They are prone to be loud and dressing a way that makes them stand out .
My older brother lived in Central Mexico for many years, but about 10 years ago he was advised by friends in the local church to move back to the US. We are members of the same church that Jason goes to. They told him that the cartels were looking at that area as another corridor for the movement of drugs and people to the north and it would no longer be safe for him to live there. He moved to Texas.
Surprised he didn't mention Portland or San Francisco.
Memphis
The Donbass Rebel Queen-
" WHAT ABOUT San Francisco? " 😂
Personally, i think we have a target on our back no matter where we go, even places in our own country.
Money talks and as Americans, it yells "come see what I have that you can steal from me!". These are just the facts and we always have to be cognizant of that.
My husband’s office goes to Mexico every year. I quit going 10 years ago because I don’t trust it. I told him if they went anywhere in the U.S. I’ll be happy to go. He tries to guilt me every year.
My stepson and his wife go all the time because they live in San Diego.
I've been living in Mexico for 43 years and I've never heard a shot fired, been assaulted or kidnapped. For work I've also travelled South America for 20 years.
He was a CIA guy... Get it...?
I didn't like the way he trashed China...
when you make so many enemies around the world that you cant go anywhere without being worried about your well being, that's murica for you.
Russia's not that bad. Griner went there with drugs. If she had gone to Singapore or China, she would've been punished way more severely. Singapore executes people who bring in drugs, once against the protest of the Australian government when it was an Aussie citizen, though Griner didn't have enough to be executed in most countries including Singapore, but the point is it's a very bad idea to bring illegal drugs or any contraband through airports. I'm in South Korea, a great place, but there was a Locked Up Abroad episode where some Americans mailed a box of marijuana from the Philippines to Korea. They went to pick it up at the big post office near Jonggak station and the boy was arrested and did a few years in prison, more than Griner. Had they gotten busted at the post office in the Philippines, they would've been executed.
I agree Ukraine is a bad idea right now, and going there specifically to fight is an even worse idea. Americans of fighting age have never been in a war like that one. A guy from my homestate, Tennessee, went there and left behind a wife and baby. Horrible idea.
I agree about taxis, even legit taxis. Here in South Korea, being a taxi driver is one of the few jobs ex-convicts can get. People get raped in them all the time, even a 19-year-old American female soldier who got into one at Incheon International Airport. The taxi driver in his late 40s didn't get convicted since the courts said his rape victim didn't fight him off hard enough so it was consensual. South Korea is an extremely safe country for men, but women get roofied a lot. Especially in bars and nightclubs, especially B2. Foreign women are often brainwashed by K-dramas, K-pop, or assume the "flower boy" look a lot of Korean men sport means they're weak. I mean, you could put lipstick and pink panties on Mike Tyson and he'd still be able to easily beat the hell out of nearly anyone. Foreign men are naive about the women here. They're not submissive at all, and they're very vindictive after breakups. So are the men. Koreans are a very vindictive people. That being said, it's my favorite place to live. You just have to use good judgment (just like anywhere else).
Speaking of needing to use good judgment, I've been robbed a time or two by local women, both times in Turkey. I'm lucky I was in Turkey and not Colombia or I might not be here to type this. Colombia is a very dangerous place for naive foreign horndogs, simps, or guys like me who are easily tempted by good-looking women who approach them. A lot of guys go in a room with their girl, get roofied, and wake up with a lot less than they had before they took a sip, or "wake up dead."
I thought China was pretty safe (for a male, at least), and WAY safer than any black neighborhood in the USA, but the danger in China is the hospitals. They're really bad for turning away foreigners who aren't of Chinese descent. There was an African who was turned away by five hospitals during the pandemic and died. African women were giving birth on the sidewalks because they weren't allowed into the hospitals. As far as violent crime goes, it's quite safe. One more thing about China, if you break up with a girlfriend, leave the country because hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and they're able to bring the full weight of their families and the Chinese government to bear.
The USA is great, but the blacks and also drug addicts irrespective of race make the USA very dangerous. I've had some harrowing experience in cities by the former and harrowing experiences in rural areas by the latter.
Thanks for the insight. I guess North Korea, Burma and Iran are too obvious to mention avoiding.
Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Libya......
@@morethan3756 How these countries don't make this list but Mexico does. He lost any credibility with me.
Prior to the war, Ukraine was an awesome and most beautiful country. There were areas where you thought you were in Kansas and the next minute, you would think you were in Colorado. The north looked like Gothic Europe. Ashamed what has happened to it. For the record, I lived in Utah as well.
You don't have to be a Mormon, to appreciate having them for neighbor's.
I've been all over Ukraine and it is more like Kansas than Colorado. The only (small) mountains they have are the the Carpathian mountains in the extreme southwest which sit at under 7000' and were stolen from Romania (Romania still claims them), and some hills in the southern part of the Crimean peninsula.
Russia was fine before the war.
Why are you ashamed?
Ukraine was safe pre 2014 revolution
America would be one country I’d avoid. Mass shootings every day terrify me.
Interesting. I’ve been to plenty of countries, been to three continents, and the USA is the 2nd most dangerous country (personal safety ranking wise) I’ve ever been to.
Hey Jason, how about we flip your list. What are the top countries that for you, would be the safest to travel to or you'd most likely to take your family to?
Great idea!!
I was in Moscow in 01, actually stayed in Pavlovsky Posad, between Moscow and Vladimir a month with a family. Great country and people in a trip that completely changed my world view having grown up in the last 10 years of the Cold War. Was in Mexico in 96 for the mandatory Ft Huachuca trip to Nogalas. I refuse to judge Mexico off Nogalas, but have a high school friend that has been living in Cancun for a few years now, before that several years in Ensenada. He loves it, and don't think he's coming back to the US. China, I doubt I can get into. I've referred to Xi as Winnie the Pooh to many times I think. Plus given my past former employment, not the best choice. Plus my 12+ years working ESL in Vietnam I've learned to not like China.
Thank you for sharing. Stay safe and God bless!
You said it yourself darling- WITH A FAMILY! It makes a helluva difference.
No, hell no- Xi is an Alpha predator. Unlike Putin he's for real. There was a point in his life when his family fell out of favor and I guess to break him they had the little Party prince wash toilets. And then he became the President of China. So when I was homeless and staying at the Maple Street Shelter in Redwood City I told this story to some of my friends and they used to tease me like we were back in Junior High. " Oh, Tati is on the shower/bathroom duty again. She's dreaming about becoming the President of Ukraine. " But Xi is one of the very few people I really wouldn't want to cross- and I'm practically a true Gambina who matured in South Ozone Park, Queens.
Everyone I know who lives. Ex-Pats, lived there before, have no problems traveling in Russia. I'd much rather walk around in Moscow than LA, Chicago or NYC. I'm not surprised a former CIA Officer list them as one of the most dangerous places and also mentions fighting for Ukraine in the same breath. LOLOLOL!@@tatianalyulkin410
From Russia here. It might feel very safe there until it's not.
Unlike US where you sort of have very safe and very dangerous neighborhoods, Russia is all sort of different shades of gray areas - it doesn't really has truly dangerous areas and it doesn't really has safe areas. You can get robbed anywhere but with a relatively low chance vs say Oakland, CA.
I had knife to my throat twice in Moscow and couple of dozen very dangerous encounters, including running away from homicidal russian cop.
Had only one such incident in the US in 2 decades and only because I walked into black neighborhood unknowingly, being young naive foreigner.
But on average you're more than twice more likely to die of violent crime in Russia vs the US. Or almost 10 times more likely vs EU. And that is if you're Russian and know how to behave and what to do. If you're an American I'd multiply it by at least 2.
So no. Do not go to Russia, especially not right now, but even if they get a democracy in the future I'd still think twice before going there.
I live in Texas, the last time I went into Mexico was in '83 or so. I have friends that still go there and think they're safe because they "have friends there" or "Its safe because the "xyz" cartel runs things and they want everything running smoothly.". I can only shake my head...
you live in Texas… that says all😂
if you live texas you are still in Mexico lol
What do you want from me- an argument? I'm a huge Mexicophile- cartels and all.
I am an older American lady who has driven multiple times in multiple states of Mexico. I have lived in non-tourist area and have never had a problem.
Exactly, what is this guy talking about?
Cool story lady
Got to be a reason why there are 1.5 million Americans living in Mexico and feel safer than in the US. And they don't return and state they never will. Like any city, you know where to travel and where not to.
You forgot Brazil, South Africa, North Korea, Nigeria and Albania.
Indonesia can be extremely dangerous. I’ve been there twice. Spent a total of six months. Despite being very aware and careful I almost died there each time and was robbed each time also. More corruption than Mexico. People’s Republic of Congo is another place I darn near died. In my 70s now and I like traveling around the USA a lot more than heading overseas.
Thanks for sharing. God bless!
Which part of Indonesia are you talking about? I've been here in Jakarta for just over 15 years ( apart from 2 years back home in Australia during Covid ) and never had any problems.
In fact I feel much safer here than back in Melbourne with all their street gangs, most of whom carry weapons, and of course the escalating road rage problems, to name just a few.
Great advice. I used to travel overseas on business. Europe, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, southeast Asia, Middle East. In China, my company laptop got “scanned” by a company security team for “viruses” they claimed. I would wear European sport coats and shoes and never flash my US passport. The reason I wore clothes purchased in Germany was once In a bar in Tel Aviv, a woman walked up to me and said, “you are American”. She proceeded to tell me how bad America was. Apparently, my business casual clothes screamed “I’m American.” After that, I tried my best to downplay my US appearance and “blend-in” when traveling overseas. I’m glad that I no longer have to travel overseas anymore. Perfectly happy traveling around our great country wearing jeans and polo shirts...
Number 1 advertisement for being American, Levis. Number 2, Nikes, Adidas, Pumas, etc. Number 3, any American sports team related clothing.
Supposedly, some peeps wear a Maple leaf pin, to appear to be Canadian...
Hopefully more Americans will do like you.
Awesome!Thank you for sharing!
If you were born in Ireland and are a naturalized American I've been told that as long as you're not going to a majority Islamic state, it's a good idea to travel on you Irish passport.
I would add Burma, South Africa, the Philippines and many countries in the middle east to the list.
I live in Los Angeles area and believe me I feel safer in Mexico big time than here! And I go to Tijuana frequently. I'm originally born and rise in Mexico and been in dangerous places in different cities but nothing like Los Angeles. Don't know why but I guess it's my own perspective.
Democrats have turned LA into 3rd world hell hole. Well done Newsom
Cartels in Mexico won't target you because it's not necessary, American gangs will target you just because they were bored. That's the difference
Lived in China for 7 years and work there often. I am sure they have all my info but still a great country and extremely safe. Lived in Shanghai and traveled extensively in the county, working in 30 plus cities. Never ever felt like I was in danger. People are friendly and crime is almost non existent. Singapore the same....
Having lived and traveled all over Asia for several years I agree with your tips. My boss, his girlfriend and myself went to Shanghai for business. When we got out of the airport we wound up in the parking garage and these two big shady looking chinese guys offered to take us to our hotel. There were signs in English warning people to not use private taxis. My boss was ready to go with these guys and they had these expressions on their face like they had landed a big one I stood my ground .In the least we would have been grossly overcharged or worse "Shanghaied". When went to The island where our company had a plant we went and bought Chinese SIM cards for our phones. I had a lot of street smarts coming in but its amazing how naive some people can be when travelling abroad. I had some run ins in Burma, Laos, and Sri Lanka when the civil war was going on there. BTW I was not a spy just an American businessman but many times was suspected of being one.
After achieving a life long goal of visiting China, my goal now is to never step foot there again LOL.
The fact that you’ve said you are not a spy, you are a spy.😂
So that's where that saying came from. Getting ripped off in Shanghai, lol. 😅
At least he didn't say he's a " civilian ". Jason once slipped and actually did just that.
@@innnews6299 I was accused on more than one occasion of being a spy, my reply was usually if i was a spy I would have more money
Been to Cuba over a dozen times, you'll love it. It's beautiful and the people there are just so friendly, it's also very safe, I recommend you set aside geopolitics aside for Cuba and give it a chance!
I agree! Me and my daughter went in 2017 and we loved it and hope to go back someday.
You're welcome! God bless you!
Would love to visit Cuba, and even China. Mexico is beautiful as well. Don't go looking for trouble and you'll be fine. You could still get mugged in Salt Lake City UT. Still a lot of meth heads there.
Thank you for the information, I especially thank you for your views on Mexico. I happen to live very close to Mexico, and at times, it is very tempting to go there. As I get older, I am losing my desire to travel abroad for various reasons, and there is so much to see here in the US. I have been to 49 of the 50 states (I've never been to Hawai,) but seems that I have only scratched the surface.
Great! Thank you for sharing! God bless you!
You could check Baja California as many expats have. I think it would be good to follow Hanson's advice about avoiding stripper clubs and stuff like that but you are really missing on a beautiful country if you don't set foot in Mexico. Check out Tangerine travels, especially the first videos where an American couple arrived to Mexico. Now they have split but the channel remains and the woman created another channel (Maddiegold). They even have some safety tips. I would only advice not to stay in the towns right at the border because they attract a lot of Americans who want to do there what they don't in their home country, so that affects the culture.
4 thumbs down...if it's because of personal reasons , fine, bit this guy is the epitome of appeal to authority fallacy.
A prime kidnapping and "debriefing" target makes a list of countries HE wouldn't visit.
Nice job Jason! Well, we all have our perspectives and experiences. I have had the good fortune to have so far visited 42 countries, including 3 of 5 you mentioned not to visit! And the only country I got robbed in (pickpocketed) was Greece! 😊😊. Great stuff. I especially will use the hotel floor strategy. Thanks! John R.
That is awesome!Thank you for sharing!
I went to Cozumel. Strictly tourist areas are usually not that bad. Worst thing I had to deal with were the absolutely most obnoxiously badgering salespeople Ive ever met anywhere in the world who would pester you constantly to buy from them and sometime even follow you around outside their shop still trying to make a sale. Neat looking place but the salespeople made it much less enjoyable than it should have been.
where is that?
Usually. Only takes one cartel party.
@@memoraisedone4415 Mexican island just off the coast in the Caribbean.
@1x0x Either tourist area or cartel kidnap area, you pick.
whatever you buy, the airline luggage staff steal. apparently airlines hire career criminals.
Thank you for the travel safety tips, I don't want to go places where bad things happen either.
No worries!Thank you!
Been throughout the Baltic, including Russia (but that was 05!), England, Scandinavia, and Spain (Estonia, Norway and Spain high faves). Spent 5 weeks in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Stayed in a ABB. Walked to the grocery store 20 min away, and backpacked home full and carrying 5 gal water jugs in each hand, sometimes taking busy and sometimes quite desolate streets. Low income doesn't immediately equate to danger and violence. Never trouble. You always stay aware. Simply a smile and an "Ola!" can go along way. We took the little Collective vans from the city down the coast to beaches and cents, being dropped off on the main highway and walk 2 km down a jungle road to the ocean - one time some guys stopped and offered us a lift in the back of their delivery truck, so we five adults and three kids 4 to 9 all jumped in amongst the vegetables and they took us down. "Gracias amigos!" and waved goodbye. We rented a car from a little place in town (it may sometimes seem a bit dubious because everyone there, even business, isn't loaded with cash or franchized fancy, but just doing business. We drove to places down the coast, and into the jungle on Jaguar Rd to Dos Oyos cenote (definitely go here). Casa cenote, Akumel, and Tulum. Ate at "home" mostly, but restaurants too, travelled across to the other side of the city for authentic food for a friend's Bday, once. Eat where the locals eat and you'll be glad you did. Less touristy as well. Into a jungle alternative housing development at Sac Bay. Absolutely beautiful, wild architecture homes. The best beach was a 30 min walk down the shore to Punta Esmerelda, a local's beach. People were friendly and sometimes curious. We did not go to dance bars or strip clubs. Wife and 9 year old son, we had a fantastic Experience, and we'd go back. Loads of my friends go to Cuba regularly, but I haven't been yet, maybe this March. Where I've felt potential danger was down in the United States, but that was later evening, in huge cities and you are 100% right that "nothing good happens after midnight" - anywhere really. If we treat each other with respect and don't expect everywhere else in the world to be like Canada-USA/our own country, we'll enjoy the differences; its sometimes difficult with language/getting around, etc, but that's one way we broaden our human experience. Resorts are boring as hell.
I'm born to lose autistic so I have been to Russia, E. Germany, DPRK. Mongolia and China. I lived in China for 4 yrs. I lived in Mexico for 2.5 yrs. The only country I wouldn't return to is Mongolia-cold desert not great-prefer Mexico's hot desert. The US gave me no great job offers so I never tried to live there. I am Cdn.
As French, I have been in Russia snd China without any fear. But I sure will not go to the US of A. Watching movies is enough to understand how dangerous it is, and how easy it is to be send to jail for no reason. Very unsafe, very dangerous, very violent.
It’s funny you say this as rioters have been setting France on fire lately
France was very unsafe, very danferous, very violent in the early 1940's when lots of American boys came there and died to free your country from the nazis. But as is often so typical, here we have another rude, ungrateful Frenchman who hates the USA. He talks about how dangerous American cities are and ignores that France let in all the immigrants that are now burning your country whenever they don't like something. Paris has areas the police refuse to go. In 1940, the French army had as large of army as the Germans, and had even more tanks, more guns, and they still surrendered in 6 weeks. The French surrender faster than anyone in the world, and then hate us and treat us like dirt after saving you. Had we not, you would probably have been forced to only speak German by now. The allies even let Charles de Gaulle march triumphantly into Paris as if he had defeated the Germans. Ask your grandparents, they will explain to you what the allies did for France. The new French like this guy think they are superior and always forget and ignore what others sacrificed for them.
Yes 👏
There are of course several other countries where I'd never go, like North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan etc, but no one in their right mind wold consider visiting them anyway, unless maybe if they had family there or maybe a critical business connection. I spent a month traveling all over Egypt and when I stepped out of the Cairo airport there were many taxi cabs soliciting their service. I can't say I used any intelligent specific way to choose other than intuition, but the driver I chose ended up being the right one who also served me as tour guide for part of the trip and even took my and my partner home to his family for dinner.
Thanks for watching. Stay safe and God bless!
Glad you didnt mention North Korea, I was planning my family vacation there! Actually, I am obligated to go to Cancun for a wedding. We will be staying at an all inclusive resort. They pick us up and return us to the airport and we wont be leaving the hotel. Still, I'm not happy about it. We did do a family wedding their 2 years ago and had a wonderful safe time. Also all inclusive with pickup and drop off. It does help that my wife and adult daughter are from South America and speak fluent perfect Spanish.
To be an ex CIA agent this guy surely is a scardy cat.
I can name a few Cities in the United States I would not visit.
You forgot iran, n. korea, venezuela, anywhere in africa, middle east, south America.....or and chicago, new york, portland, seattle, san francisco, LA. st.louis. I'm just staying home.
THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER PLACES
Mexico will vary regarding the safety. Some areas are safer than others.
In overall it's not safe
It's crazy how many Americans go to Mexico to vacation, and it's not even like the bad stuff happening in Mexico is under the radar or only known by some select people. It's on the news and all over the internet, all the time! Not a week goes by where some tourist isn't very publicly getting killed, kidnapped, caught in the crossfire, imprisoned etc.
I lived in black neighborhoods in Atlanta and Nashville, and visited my brother a few times when he went to medical school in Memphis. If you've survived black neighborhoods in the USA, Mexico is a cakewalk.
and we point at mexico all the time forgetting how many innocent people are killed in Chicago in one week end alone. Not to mention all the other deaths, shootings, kidnaps and crossfires in all the other dangerous areas of U.S. cities. And the random weekly senseless killings where crazy shooters go into businesses, walmarts, churches and schools and kill for no reason. Weve lived here in Mexico for 12 years and have never experienced or heard of such a thing. When we go to the states to see our grandkids we ALWAYS carry because you just never know when someone is mad at the world and wants to blow people away.....Some people fear mexico because they listen to others prejudice about it, or go to mexico for a vacation and experience crime. Crime happens everywhere. We always fear the unknown and since Mexico is another country and unknown it seems scarier. Im still proud to be a North American and love Texas, but the U.S. is falling apart. Weve stopped honoring God, family, and basic morals. Im 70 and have seen it change radically (all by design, but that is another topic)
Some countries are not dangerous, only the places Americans use to visit. You rarely see Americans in 5 star hotels, fancy restaurants, etc. What you see is Americans with a backpack visiting slums and jungles where not even our own Army dares to go.
There is history around the world that is too interesting and far older than anything here in the USA. There are places to go and ways to travel that are as safe as possible.
St. Petersburg, Russia was a festival of gold and history and the people were great. Standing on the cliffs in Santorini and appreciating of the beauty of the white houses with blue domes, and seeing the power of the volcano that blew up the island is a must-see. Seeing Ephesus, Turkey with the Roman ruins and understanding the journey of St. Paul is a moving experience. Going into the Coliseum in Rome and envisioning the gladiators it makes it so real. Seeing Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii is a festival of history and volcanic power. Walking the D-Day beaches and seeing all the places in the books and movies is awe inspiring.
There is much to see and do in the world, which can be done in a safe way. But the way things are going in the world, probably better to go sooner rather than later.
And one of my favourite spots, Rhodes, although they had a terrible fire last year. Before the recent war, there was a beautiful overnight train from St. Petersburg to Moscow (both ways). Moscow was just lovely. Talk as one wished in cafes, lovely restaurants, hotels, and the Museum of the Czars - Putin did such a tremendous task of making Moscow a desirable place to visit - as St. Petersburg always had been the jewel in Russia's crown. Why did he start this insane war? He did so much for Russia to waste it all - for what???
Hey Jason, What a great video. I used to own a big rig truck and like you, would wind up in Baltimore, several times each year. Dispatch and dock hands would frequently say to never have a date with a hooker around there. It was too dangerous. And the hookers around Baltimore with good teeth are cops. Be well. You give great advice.
I love the USA. I love the variety of our culture, geography, climate, and seasons. I love our national parks. But I also love seeing other places. This year, I have been to Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. I'm trying to add Greece, France and Turkey before the year ends. I've been in many Middle Eastern and North African countries. Both of my daughters have traveled extensively including Mexico, Honduras, Estonia, and many African nations. I have entered places in the USA where I faced threats. I could be in real trouble if I brought the wrong attitude.
Understand that safety often follows attitude. I've walked into sporting events where police stopped me until I told them why I was there. I've walked into bars where I was not welcome. In each case, my attitude diffused the situation. I live near Atlanta and could easily have been in trouble tonight if I had said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I am an old, retired man. From my youth, I learned to bring casual ease into each situation. If that fails, be ready for things to go horribly wrong.
Casual ease, well said!
Thank you for sharing!
I also live in a small town in Utah. It's safe and peaceful. I've always intended to travel, but now does not seem like the time.
My parents visited Cancun in Mexico and a tout tried to rip them off. Beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery but it's the people you gotta be careful of there! Nice video, Jason!
Glad you liked it. Thanks for sharing too!
Travelled through Russia for 6 years with a cattle truck bringing cows there from the Netherlands and never felt unsafe there. Walked the streets alone many times in different cities and met lots of nice people.
He’s got Cold War fever lots of people his age do
I used to. Then the 2014 coup happened and everything went to Hell in a handbasket. Zelensky, Nudelman and Kolomojsky are a wonderful cure for the Cold War fever. You take one look at the Gestapo/SBU and you're like, " Maybe the NKVD-KGB wasn't so bad after all? ".
Former Soviet state Kyrgyzstani here, in Russia if you are white you can freely travel if you are of other colors you might have problems with the local police trying to milk your money by dropping a small amount of marihuana into your pockets or by local thugs from southern regions of Caucasus trying to cut your car and making a fake claim on car damage.