The Five Biggest Travel Safety Myths

Many travel blogs outline the laundry list of dangers travelers must avoid before taking part in their next trip. However in reality, traveling isn’t all that dangerous. Some tips can be useful, but it is important to be able to distinguish the facts from the myths.

Hostels are Unsafe

Modern horror moves have led some to believe the common myth that all hostels are seedy dumps where predators search for their next victim. The truth is, all hostels are different, and while some might not be as cozy as others, they are almost always safe.

It is Dangerous for Women to Travel Alone

While it is true women’s rights are not recognized in some areas, in most first-world countries women are treated more or less equally to men. All cities have their dangerous areas, and travelers of any sex should avoid these neighborhoods at night.

You Need to Speak the Language

It is true countries like Japan do treat speakers of the native language with more respect. However, even in these areas it’s not impossible to enjoy yourself if you don’t speak the language. Many first-time travelers are surprised that in almost any region of the world, most locals are friendly and willing to use alternate forms of communication.

Flying is Too Expensive These Days

One of the most common excuses for refusing to travel is the high cost of plane tickets. However, prices have actually dropped 50 percent since the 1980s.

Using Your Phone Does Not Cause Radio Interference

While this was a popular story on nearly every local news outlet during the 1990s, it has since been debunked. Each year, fewer and fewer airlines enforce the “airplane mode” rule.