As I sit here reflecting on our ever-evolving world, I’m struck by how often I hear variations of the same concern: “Is it safe to travel anymore?” It’s a question that comes up regularly in our Wheel & Anchor community, and I think it’s pretty obvious why. Turn on the news or scroll through social media, and it can feel like the world is becoming increasingly unpredictable.
But here’s what three decades in the travel industry has taught me: the world has always been in transition. What’s changed isn’t necessarily the level of risk – it’s how we perceive and process that risk in our hyper-connected age.
We live in an era of unprecedented access to information, yet this abundance can sometimes cloud rather than clarify our judgement. The 24-hour news cycle thrives on drama and urgency, often amplifying rare events while overlooking positive developments. A single incident in a distant country can dominate headlines for weeks, creating an impression that danger lurks around every corner.
Consider this: statistically, we’re living in one of the safest periods in human history for travellers. Yet many of us feel more anxious about travel than our predecessors who ventured forth with far less information and infinitely fewer safety protocols.
The key is learning to distinguish between perception and reality. That dramatic headline about unrest in a capital city might represent an isolated incident in a country the size of France, yet it can colour our entire perception of that destination.
Yesterday’s No-Go Zones, Today’s Hidden Gems
Some of the most rewarding destinations I’ve experienced were once considered off-limits. Colombia is a perfect example – and one close to our hearts, given our successful Sojourn program there. Twenty years ago, suggesting a leisure trip to Colombia would have raised eyebrows and genuine safety concerns. Today, it’s one of South America’s most exciting and accessible destinations, offering incredible biodiversity, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
The transformation has been remarkable. What was once known primarily for conflict is now celebrated for its coffee culture, vibrant cities like Medellín and Cartagena, and some of the continent’s most pristine national parks. Our members consistently return from Colombia with stories of unexpected discoveries and genuine human connections.
This pattern repeats itself around the world. Myanmar opened its doors to tourism for a brief, magical period that I and some of our members were lucky to experience… sadly, that is no longer the case. On the other hand, Rwanda has become a model for sustainable tourism and conservation. Even places like Iran and Cuba have welcomed travellers during certain periods, offering glimpses into cultures that were previously inaccessible. (We offered a trip to Iran during the early days of Wheel & Anchor only to shelve it as things became ‘dicey’).
The Art of Informed Decision-Making
The challenge isn’t avoiding risk entirely – that would mean never leaving home. Instead, it’s about making informed decisions based on reliable sources and current realities rather than outdated perceptions or sensationalized reporting.
When evaluating a destination, I look beyond the headlines to multiple sources: government travel advisories (which I take with a big grain of salt), European tour operators (because they go to places most of us never think of), and of course recent traveller reports. And yes of course, our own network of guides and partners on the ground all over the world. Often, the picture that emerges is far more nuanced than what you’ll find in mainstream media.
It’s also worth remembering that risk is relative and personal. A political demonstration in a capital city might make headlines, but it may have zero impact on travellers exploring national parks hundreds of kilometres away. Similarly, petty crime statistics that sound alarming might be concentrated in specific neighborhoods that tourists rarely visit.
The Wisdom of Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages of travelling with a smaller community like ours is the ability to adapt. We’re not bound by rigid itineraries booked years in advance. If conditions change in one region, we can pivot to alternatives that offer similar experiences with greater peace of mind.
This flexibility has served us well. When certain areas become temporarily unsuitable for leisure travel, we’ve discovered incredible alternatives that often exceed our original expectations. Some of our most beloved programs emerged from exactly this kind of adaptive planning.
Perhaps the most important shift in how we approach travel in changing times is moving from reactive to proactive thinking. Rather than asking “Is it safe?” we might ask “How can we travel thoughtfully and responsibly?”
This means choosing destinations and timing that benefit local communities rather than overwhelming them. It means travelling with operators who understand local conditions and maintain strong relationships with communities. It means being flexible with our expectations and open to experiences that might differ from our original plans.
The Reward of Courage
Some of my most meaningful travel experiences have come during periods of transition – witnessing a country emerging from isolation, experiencing the optimism of communities rebuilding, or simply being among the first to discover a destination before it becomes mainstream.
Yes, the world is always changing. But change brings opportunity alongside challenge. For those willing to travel thoughtfully and stay informed, there has never been a better time to explore our remarkable planet.
The key is remembering that behind every headline is a complex reality filled with ordinary people living extraordinary lives, eager to share their corner of the world with thoughtful visitors.
After all, isn’t that what travel is really about?