In general I think they’re mostly referring to the fact that the U.S is ridiculously BIG. Like, most visitors freak out at how long you can drive through almost nothing here, when going between major population areas.
Driving through wilderness without a lot of extra water and a cellular connection, and maybe a spare tire, for example, is foolhardy.
Along the way, especially in “The South”, you’ll find the loveliest, kindest people, but you’ll also find various, (probably politically motivated, lately) sadists/racists/bullies, some of which may be small-town law enforcement looking for excitement.
The law can be more “flexible” without major oversight in such places, and with the cult of the orange tyrant emboldening the prejudiced lately, that could spell trouble.
There’s also various kinds of unsavory types as you’d find in any other country; I’m talking criminals, swindlers, and various weirdos of ill intent, and some stretches of the country are remote. Like, “no signal and it goes on and on in all directions until you see the earth curve” remote.
The vast majority of people are lovely, and would probably welcome and appreciate foreigners, the worst you’d deal with is getting a migraine from stupid but friendly questions about your accent or where you’re from.
But like anywhere else, you need your wits about you.
In short:
Lovely place where many sights and adventures can be had! The biggest dangers are the roads and wilderness, basically.
Don’t mess with wildlife.
Don’t go off exploring remote areas in which you have no business
Don’t underestimate the wilderness and go unprepared.
Practice the same street smarts as you would anywhere else, like don’t go getting into strangers’ cars or accepting random open beverages.
Setting aside the anomalous political tensions right now, the biggest danger to travelers to this country is seeing it as a big theme park where they can’t possibly put themselves in any danger. Your average park rangers have plenty of horror stories about that, I’m sure, like idiots trying to selfie in front of buffalo or stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, or falling into Yellowstone’s tranquil but literally boiling hot springs…
Don’t be that tragic idiot . . .and you’ll likely have a fantastic time.
Thanks a lot, this is super helpful actually! Couldn’t imagine driving through areas for hours without reception or any signs of civilization, sounds kinda exciting and scary at the same time. Will definitely keep this saved
In general I think they’re mostly referring to the fact that the U.S is ridiculously BIG. Like, most visitors freak out at how long you can drive through almost nothing here, when going between major population areas.
Driving through wilderness without a lot of extra water and a cellular connection, and maybe a spare tire, for example, is foolhardy.
Along the way, especially in “The South”, you’ll find the loveliest, kindest people, but you’ll also find various, (probably politically motivated, lately) sadists/racists/bullies, some of which may be small-town law enforcement looking for excitement.
The law can be more “flexible” without major oversight in such places, and with the cult of the orange tyrant emboldening the prejudiced lately, that could spell trouble.
There’s also various kinds of unsavory types as you’d find in any other country; I’m talking criminals, swindlers, and various weirdos of ill intent, and some stretches of the country are remote. Like, “no signal and it goes on and on in all directions until you see the earth curve” remote.
The vast majority of people are lovely, and would probably welcome and appreciate foreigners, the worst you’d deal with is getting a migraine from stupid but friendly questions about your accent or where you’re from.
But like anywhere else, you need your wits about you.
In short:
Lovely place where many sights and adventures can be had! The biggest dangers are the roads and wilderness, basically.
Setting aside the anomalous political tensions right now, the biggest danger to travelers to this country is seeing it as a big theme park where they can’t possibly put themselves in any danger. Your average park rangers have plenty of horror stories about that, I’m sure, like idiots trying to selfie in front of buffalo or stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, or falling into Yellowstone’s tranquil but literally boiling hot springs…
Don’t be that tragic idiot . . .and you’ll likely have a fantastic time.
Hope this helps. :)
Thanks a lot, this is super helpful actually! Couldn’t imagine driving through areas for hours without reception or any signs of civilization, sounds kinda exciting and scary at the same time. Will definitely keep this saved