As a traveler who loves to explore the areas surrounding the popular tourist spots, it’s important to know which neighborhoods are safe and which should be avoided. Being a tourist often makes you a target for criminals, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the areas that may not be as safe.
There are several tools and techniques you can use to identify the ‘bad’ neighborhoods in each city. Hotels are often willing to provide a map of the city, marked with areas that should be avoided. Additionally, Strava Global Heatmap is a useful resource for identifying areas that may be dangerous. It shows where people are exercising outside, such as jogging or biking. While it’s not perfect, it can provide some insight into areas that may be safe or unsafe.
It’s important to remember that oftentimes, ‘nice’ parts of cities are right next to ‘bad’ parts of town. This means that it’s important to use a variety of tools and techniques to identify unsafe areas. It’s also important to use your judgment; if a place looks off, it probably is.
Finally, it’s important to remember that the people who live or work in the areas that you are avoiding are fully worthy of respect. This is not about passing judgment on the worthiness or humanity of the people who live in those areas. It’s about being a smart traveler and avoiding places that may put you at risk.