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Most Dangerous Countries for American Tourists
Most Dangerous Countries for American Tourists 700 633 Greg Ellifritz

 

A deep dive into the statistics about total tourist deaths, tourist deaths per capita, and how US government travel warnings don’t often tell the whole story about which countries are “safe” to visit.

 

For what it’s worth, I’ve traveled extensively in 15 of the top 25 countries where American tourists most commonly get killed.  I am obviously still alive.  Most of these countries are no more dangerous than any big city in the USA, some are much safer.  As a tourist, you are far more likely to die in a car crash than be killed by a terrorist or criminal.

 

The most dangerous countries for American tourists, ranked

Burning Man
Burning Man 2560 1920 Greg Ellifritz

For many people, Burning Man is the ultimate bucket list travel destination.  The physical event was cancelled last year because of the Coronavirus.  With hope, the event will be open for 2021.

I’ve been lucky enough (or maybe foolish enough) to attend Burning Man on five different occasions.  It takes a tremendous comittment and a lot of enduring brutal weather to have a successful burn.

 

If you are thinking of going to the event (the week before Labor Day) in Nevada, you should probably start planning soon.  Getting tickets is difficult in the lottery system.  Renting RVs that week is insanely expensive.  The tent might be a better option (probably 2/3 of burners are sleeping in tents and 1/3 are in RVs).

The following articles provide good information for any of you planning your first burn.  Photos taken from my Burning Man adventures.

 

The Beginner’s Guide to Burning Man

 

How could I pass up a flame thrower shooting gallery?

 

First-Timers Guide To Burning Man (Everything You Need To Know)

 

Some of the amazing art before it gets burned to the ground.

 

The Ultimate Survival Packing Guide for Burning Man

Fireworks before the man burns

 

First-Timer’s Guide

 

The man on fire

 

Everything you’ve been wanting to know about Burning Man, the wild 9-day arts event in the Nevada desert frequented by celebs and tech moguls

 

The man looks different every year

 

Surviving Burning Man

You’ll need a bike to get around. Be ready for daily sand storms.

Al Shabaab
Al Shabaab 884 663 Greg Ellifritz

I find it useful if travelers have at least passing familiarity with the terrorist groups operating across the world.  Learn something new.  Read this very comprehensive article about the fastest growing Islamist terrorist group in the world.

 

 

First They Attacked A Mall, Then They Repelled SEAL Team Six: The Rise of Al Qaeda 2.0