Choose Adventure

Safely Navigating the Challenges of Third World Travel

Terrorism and Travel
Terrorism and Travel 787 218 Greg Ellifritz

This link provides an important batch of resources for researching terrorism trends in other countries. I find much of the information provided by the US government to be fear mongering.

 

I don’t pay too much attention to the US State Department Travel Warnings. I find that similar warnings from the governments of Australia and Great Britain to be far more accurate.

 

“Terrorism kills more people than sharks, but it still doesn’t kill many: your odds are 1 in 25 million worldwide (in the US, it’s even less likely). When you travel, it’s far more likely (1 in 5,862 in the US) that you’ll die in a plane crash than you will in an act of terrorism.”

 

Everything you need to know about terrorism and travel

How Not to Look like an American in Foreign Lands
How Not to Look like an American in Foreign Lands 1000 667 Greg Ellifritz

I’ve traveled in more than 50 countries and on all seven continents.  Despite what lots of folks believe, foreign citizens DO NOT hate Americans.  Many people from other countries really dislike our governmental policies, but they don’t extend that hatred to the average American person who is traveling in their country.

 

To put things in perspective, think of Cuba.  You may disagree with the communist  government, but would you treat the average Cuban person badly because of your dislike for communist politics?  Most of you would not.  It’s the same way when people from other countries meet Americans.

 

Then why would you want to dress to avoid looking like an American?  Mostly it’s because Americans are considered wealthy by third world standards.  As an American, you will be targeted by more scams, solicitations, and even robbery attempts.  Try to blend in as much as possible when you travel.  This article gives you some good starting points.

 

How Not to Look like an American in Foreign Lands

 

Back Injuries in Remote Environments
Back Injuries in Remote Environments 150 150 Greg Ellifritz

Your companion slipped and fell while hiking.  He may have a back injury.  How do you decide whether it is safe for him to walk out or if you need to medically evacuate?  This article gives some good suggestions for field level spinal clearances if help is far away.

 

Anyone who participates in athletic pursuits in third world countries without a quality EMS system should understand this information.

 

Backcountry Emergencies: Why You Should Learn How To Identify Spinal Injuries

 

 

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Understanding the Kidnapping Business
Understanding the Kidnapping Business 300 200 Greg Ellifritz

When I teach travel safety classes, I always get lots of questions about kidnappings.  One must be alert to the possibility, but there are lots of tactics that you can employ to reduce your risk.  I have an entire chapter on the topic in Choose Adventure: Safe Travel in Dangerous Places.

 

 

In addition to the mitigation tactics I describe in my book, I also find it helpful to understand how kidnappers get paid and their general business structure.  The article linked below provides some fascinating insight.

 

Kidnapping for ransom works like a market. How it is organized is surprising.

 

Latin American ATM Scams/Thefts
Latin American ATM Scams/Thefts 1920 2560 Greg Ellifritz

In my book Choose Adventure: Safe Travels in Dangerous Places, I cautioned tourists to avoid “helpful” locals at the ATM machine and to shield the keypad from view while you are entering your PIN number.  Watch this short video to see real-life examples of ATM scams and thefts.  It’s very well done and you can see how smooth many of these criminals are.

 

Watch Out for Scammers at the ATMs in Mexico

 

Discounted Books
Discounted Books 313 500 Greg Ellifritz
If you are looking at getting my book as a holiday gift, now is the time!
I’m putting Choose Adventure on sale for the next three days.  The Kindle edition is half price.  The hardcover is $5 off.  This is the first and only sale I’ve ever done on these books.
This is the book for the traveler in your life.  There aren’t many books that average 4.9 stars on Amazon with over 150 ratings.
If you want a copy, get one in the next three days.  After Tuesday, prices go back up. Thank you all for your support.
https://amzn.to/3D0JgiA

Political Turmoil
Political Turmoil 1024 663 Greg Ellifritz

A long form article that contains good information.  With that said, it might be a little much for the casual traveler.

 

What If You’re Stuck in a Country Consumed by Political Turmoil

 

 

Mexico Compendium
Mexico Compendium 480 640 Greg Ellifritz

Now that we are outside of hurricane season for Mexico’s Caribbean coast, it’s time to post some travel guides to Mexico.

 

I’ve been to Mexico more than 25 times in the last 15 years.  I lived in Playa del Carmen for two months last winter.  It’s close, cheap, beautiful, fun, and has no Covid restrictions.  I really think it’s one of the best places for Americans to travel this winter.

 

I’ve compiled a list of the best articles on the internet for visiting and/or moving to Mexico.  If you are curious about life south of the border, you’ll find all the information you need in the links below.

 

Riviera Maya (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum)

 

26 Unexpected Things to Do in the Riviera Maya, México

 

 

The Ultimate Guide To Nightlife In Playa Del Carmen

 

 

19 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting Tulum

Playa Del Carmen: The absolute guide for gay travelers

 

 

Digital Nomad Communities Booming In Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Cozumel

 

 

5 Things You Should Know About the Hotel Zone of Cancun

 

How To Get To Cozumel – Cancun To Cozumel

Everything You Need To Know About Traveling To Cancun This Summer

 

 

The Best Time To Visit Tulum

 

 

Other Areas, Trips, and Travel Tips

 

Travel Tips For Mexico

 

 

The 24 Most Beautiful Places in Mexico

 

 

Complete Guide To Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico

10 Best Mexico Cities (and Worst) to Work Remotely in 2021

 

Solo Female Travel in Mexico – Your Essential Guide

 

Best Mexico Tours: Ancient Ruins, Sun & Spicy Food!

 

Mexican Food Bucket List: 60+ Traditional Dishes to Eat from Mexico

 

Top 7 Places To Visit For Adventure Tourism In Mexico

 

Living in Mexico

 

Living In Mexico City: A Guide (For Digital Nomads)

 

 

15 Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico

 

 

Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Playa del Carmen

 

3 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Moving to Mexico

 

I hope you enjoy Mexico as much as I have.  Please contact me if you have any questions.

 

 

Vacation Emergency Gear
Vacation Emergency Gear 703 401 Greg Ellifritz

The answer is absolutely “YES”.  I really like the ice bucket idea here.  Going to start filling mine at every hotel as an always available emergency water source.

 

Should You Pack Emergency Gear While on Vacation?

Insulting Hand Gestures
Insulting Hand Gestures 680 508 Greg Ellifritz

How to insult people from every country.

 

The Global Guide to Hand Gestures