Is it safe to travel there? Why this question bothers me

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In recent years I have traveled to dozens of countries, and a recurring question arises when I mention my next destinations: Aren't you worried when people say that place is dangerous? My usual response is to ask them if they have visited that destination. The answer is almost always "No, but they told me that ..." or "No, but I read that ..."

So, I wonder: Is the world really as unsafe as we are often led to believe? The answer is a resounding no.

I have found that the world is safer than many think. Most of the strangers we encounter on our travels are much friendlier than we might imagine, and cultural differences are often exaggerated.

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I remember once running out of gas in a remote village in Vietnam. The locals, without knowing me, offered to help me. In Myanmar, after I ended up moving on foot at 1 a.m., a group of strangers helped me get to my hotel. In Rwanda, my safari vehicle broke down while on my way to see gorillas, and a family of strangers offered me transportation to my accommodation. These experiences have shown that the world is, in many ways, safer than we are led to believe.

I have visited places with cultures and traditions completely different from my own, and I have never felt threatened by the diversity that, for some, can seem intimidating. Specifically, those guided by prejudice tend to view safety through a distorted lens.

But that does not mean there are no unsafe places. They exist, and the key is to apply the common sense you would use in your own neighborhood. The main rule for staying safe is to inform yourself about your destination in advance, use the same common sense you would apply anywhere to protect yourself, talk to locals about what you need to know, and avoid behaviors that would put your safety at risk anywhere else.

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I don't want to overlook the fact that, as a solo man, I enjoy a privilege that is not always available to female travelers, who often have to take extra precautions because of the prevalent machismo in many parts of the world. Travel content creators should give space to women to share their own experiences and safety challenges rather than occupying that space without having the same perspective.

In short, when deciding to visit a new destination, it is essential to leave prejudices behind. Check out the experiences of other travelers who have found these places are safer than they were told.

Don't let prejudice limit your travels.

Wilson "Wil" Santiago Burgos is the founder of Mochileando.com, one of the largest travel platforms in Puerto Rico and the Latin American market in the U.S.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Destination dangers are often exaggerated