Crisis country Venezuela: Travel professional warns of dangerous stronghold Caracas

Crisis country Venezuela: Travel professional warns of dangerous stronghold Caracas

In a strong appeal, Liz Parry, an experienced solo traveler, advises against traveling to Venezuela, especially the capital Caracas. According to Parry, who has traveled to 70 countries, Caracas is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. During her trip there, she felt so unsafe that she didn't leave her hotel and left after just one night. The fact that Venezuela has been under a state of emergency since May 2016 and is experiencing ongoing economic and medical supply shortages also heightens security concerns in that country Foreign Office reported.

In addition, Parry warns of the high level of violent crime in Venezuela, where kidnappings and robberies are commonplace. The risk for foreigners of becoming victims of crime is high. Travelers should therefore ensure that they store valuables carefully and prefer cashless payment methods. It is advisable to avoid demonstrations and crowds as these often turn violent. Transport options, especially to and from airports, should also be chosen with caution.

Travel recommendations and precautions

Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel warning for non-essential trips to Venezuela. Travelers who cannot forego a stay should definitely sign up on the crisis preparedness list and follow the instructions on emergency preparedness. Registering on the crisis preparedness list enables faster help in an emergency.

Infrastructure in the country is severely limited and emergency medical care outside of Caracas is virtually non-existent. In addition, the quality of drinking water is often described as inadequate. This means travelers must be well prepared to minimize health risks; Travel health insurance is therefore essential.

Risks and alternative destinations

In addition to her warning about Venezuela, Parry raises concerns about traveling in Lithuania, where she experienced aggressive driving behavior during a road trip. However, she also targets travelers looking for safe destinations and recommends countries such as Colombia, Guatemala and Panama, which offer rich culture and impressive nature.

The discussion about alternatives is supported by the Fodor's travel guide's annual list of destinations to avoid in 2025 due to overtourism. This list includes popular places such as Bali, Barcelona, ​​Mallorca and Venice, all of which are suffering from the effects of mass tourism and the resulting impact on the environment and the quality of life of locals.

Overall, these recommendations highlight the need for thorough travel preparation and a sense of responsibility when choosing travel destinations. Travelers should always keep cultural sensitivity and sustainability in mind to ensure their experiences are both enriching and responsible.