Ahh, Little Miss Sunshine.

Hey, where the heck are your people going? As I have said, I've been to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and there were most certainly not "machine guns on every corner." This sounds like the spewing of the "$hithole country' crowd. They need to get out more. But if their idea of travel is an all-inclusive resort that you don't leave, no wonder they are so ignorant. If all you want to do is drink all day, lay about, and eat at big buffets, you are "vacationing," not "traveling" and you most certainly are not doing anything for your worldview, peaking over the Margarita rim.

I was trying to think of where I have seen machine guns in my travels over the years. I even asked DH. All we can recall is isolated incidences. A remote island off of Borneo where Filipino rebels had beheaded tourists a few months prior (yikes). The Cuzco airport after a mass demonstration. Tulum highways after a land dispute. But you know where I see machine guns each and every time I go, at least once a week? Grand Central Terminal.

Lisa, Colonia is on my itinerary! How cool. That is so kind of you. If you don't mind, I do have a few questions (actually several).

1. Is Montevideo worth visiting?

2. It looks like there is almost no reason to go to Paraguay except to buy black market goods or get another passport stamp; am I missing anything?

3. Have they ever been to NW Argentina? Salta and environs? We have done BA before and are looking at this area because it is relatively close to Bolivia (another passport stamp) and has direct flights from Iguassu.

4. What do they know about Uyuni? Seems like the only luxury hotel there closed down during COVID.

One of my biggest pet peeves is the rarity of travel writer advising "not worth it don't go." You cannot easily get that info from googling.

I have relatives in Montevideo, although alas have never been there. It seems like a lovely city, with interesting architecture and a lot to do.

I wish I had relatives in interesting places!

I did see guys in trucks with machine guns in Tijuana--repeatedly--but isn't that essentially a suburb of San Diego?

The tiny airport I frequented flying Within PA had rifle armed guards (National Guard ?) for years after 911.

You're such a cutie Jilly.

I have never understood the attraction of a closed all inclusive resort in a foreign country, you might as well go to Florida...which I may never enter again, but that's a different story. But people go to NYC and eat at McDonald's or Applebee's too. I do know people in some South or Central American countries who live in secure compounds but I think that's a little different. And people do that here too. The methods of security are just more decorative.

Mom and Dad went to Iguassu Falls but it was so long ago if they were here for questions, the answers would be far out of date. Mother thought the falls were beautiful. She brought DD (4 y/o at the time) back a handmade, hand embroidered dress that was gorgeous. I know that is totally useless to your question, but thanks for giving me the opportunity to stroll down memory lane,

On our trip to St. Petersburg, Russia (mid-1990s) we stopped in Warsaw for re-fueling and provisioning. During the stop, the plane was protected (surrounded) by soldiers carrying machine guns.

Good lord. My employer also has an international presence, and we send people all over the world. I've never understood why some people seem to think every country out there is risking life and limb to visit, and yet have no qualms wandering around inside our own country where certain kinds of violence are just as rampant.

I am generally involved when any of our employees need emergency evacuation from any country. 99% of the time it's a medical issue where they want to come back home for ongoing care, rather than they've been assaulted or otherwise the victim of a crime.

If anyone pays any attention at all to Mtn's travels, somehow I find her more competent to judge those risks herself, over taking the word of someone who may or may not have ever even left the good ole US of A themselves.

I'd totally disregard the hearsay of "people I know who visit SA" from someone who clearly has little to no travel experience herself.

We were cautioned against visiting the heart of Panama City in 2016, so when we got off the bus that's the first direction we headed. If you aren't out there among the locals you aren't truly seeing another culture or even another city, and what a pity. I would not trade experiences among what's real for a single "I feel so safe here" moment. Life's entirely too short to negatively "other" what you've never personally explored.

I know this is veering even more OT, but the opportunity presents itself to recommend a couple of Facebook groups: "The view from my window" and "The view from your window". I rejoined FB recently to join a couple of community groups, and am really enjoying those two. Seeing through the eyes of others around the world is fascinating and heartwarming. A carport in Dublin used to dry the laundry. A red dirt courtyard in Ghana where a little child spins round, dancing happily. Views in Pakistan that are unbelievably gorgeous. There is so much more that unites us than divides us, and I love how so many across the planet recognize that too.

And Mtn, I do hope you get more responses that are relevant to your question! 😘

Ida those sound great, thx !

While I understand wanting to check off another country you've visited, my thought was Brazil. It's such a huge country that you could go there 10 times and still not see everything there is to see.

I was looking up recipes today and saw a recipe from Suriname for bruine bronen mit rijst, and had the epiphany that Suriname had been a Dutch colony. Clearly I knew nothing about Suriname.

On the subject of machine guns, the only country I recall seeing them in is Germany, when I studied abroad there in the 80s. My dorm was a block away from a government building that was patrolled by armed guards. And of course I've seen assault rifles here in the US.

No advise, but I'm sure you’ll find what is right for you.

My number one choice to get out of the cold is Costa Rica. I know you’ve been and and I know it's not exotic enough but.....you can't beat the weather there in January. I can see you getting in involved in one of the eco friendly volunteer programs.

I do understand the high crime rate concern. Very common to have armed security in Costa Rica.

I have never understood the attraction of a closed all inclusive resort in a foreign country, you might as well go to Florida..

The attraction is that there are very few, if any, all inclusives in the US.

I 100% agree with mtn's comment that it's not traveling. It's vacationing. At this point in my life, when I vacation, I need to vacation. Not so much travel. Right now that means lie on a beach, not do much other than a little snorkeling, and watch the ocean over my margarita ;-)

I assume when I retire (hopefully in 2 years), I will have a different attitude and it will become more travel and less vacation.

I don't have answers to your questions, mtn but I very much enjoy reading about your travels!

Raising my hand--- we went to Iguazu Falls ( oy, DD with the MOB dress from 9 years ago? did a semester in Buenos Aires so of course we had to visit).

So this was very long ago, maybe 2007 ? but we flew from BA to Iguazu and YES it was so totally incredibly worth it. We only stayed on the Argentinan side because to go to the Brazilian side you needed a visa which we did not have.

Trying to remember but we stayed right at the falls, and spent maybe 2 or 3 days there and thoroughly enjoyed. I 'm finding my flights from the trip but will look for the hotel.

We were going to take a ferry I think to Uruguay and somehow Colonia sounds right but we did not do it so never been to Uruguay.

Great! we are thinking the Belmond (we used them in Peru) but there is also a fancy eco lodge, both on the Argentinian side. We also thought about the ferry to U when were in BA and i don’t know why we didn't either!

Honestly I would be more afraid in some parts of the US than I would be in South America. As far as traveling vs. vacationing one of our best family holidays was when we rented a home in Chixilub, Mexico and lived among locals. We made so many friends and a lot of the locals were smitten with our tall-for-their-age red headed and blonde daughters. We were walking along a malacon one day when a line of private school boys, about the same age as out daughteres walked by. They politely kept their eyes down as we passed but then we watched each boys' head swivel around to take in the Amazon redhead and blonde. I've never felt unsafe for one moment in Mexico or Costa Rica or Belize. We had planned on going on to Panama after Costa Rica but Covid had other ideas for us. We have seen machine gun toting federales in Mexico but I am convinced that they are just there to make the tourists feel safe.

Great thread mtn! Agree 100 percent with your comments on travel.

I went to Venezuela on a cruise stop when I was 13, maybe we were on the same ship! lol

Part of our plan with building in CR is to house swap with people all over the world, but I’m mostly interested (in the short term at least) in covering SA, given proximity.

I’ve only been to Peru and Venezuela (sort of) but Bolivia is no. 1 on my list. Culturally and geographically fascinating. Plus it‘s just so remote it beckons me. I feel like I need to go soonish - my dad found out in his 60s (while in Quito) that his heart couldn’t take high elevations anymore.

Iguazu Falls is definitely on my short list too.

No advice from me though DH has been down there a lot and I can ask him if he's been outside of the places you've already visited. He was there for business but spent leisure time with his local hosts so maybe he went somewhere else that's worth seeing. Speaking of DH, he has traveled to many places around the world and he said the only place he's ever been concerned for his safety was Miami.

I've been to an all inclusive a couple times. The goal was to enjoy the warm weather, swim up pool room with ocean view and waterfront activities (sailing, waterskiing, etc.) I've been on many more self-guided trips which we enjoy more than the lounging around trips but there's a time for each. Some people just prefer what they know and are comfortable with. Others have more of a spirit of adventure. Each to their own - no need to pass judgment on those who might have different interests.

Safety. It can be a mindset.

On one vacation in Costa Rica, we walked down a path from our hotel to another for dinner. Didn't give it a thought. We became friendly with one of the waitresses and she.told us behind the scenes crime that are kept quiet. Walking down the path we took wasn't the best idea!

Yet still we always felt comfortable traveling around.

We always stayed in boutique local places, it felt more connected to nature.

3katz, You are right.

Anyone who claims, of an entire continent, that there are “machine guns on every corner” and you should not leave your walled compound, is a xenophobe and probably racist too.

However, that should not at all be conflated with vacationers who primarily seek pampering and relaxation, an entirely legitimate travel goal . I tried to allude to that in my reply but it did leave the wrong impression.

Sochi, wouldnt that be funny?

Forgot to mention earlier -- while on my non-travel vacation last September at a Mexico all inclusive lying on the beach looking over my margarita ;-), every day at least once a tractor would drive across the beach with a guy on the back holding a machine gun. So, to the person that thinks it's a reason not to visit a country, or you only see it if you leave the resort, think again,

However, that should not at all be conflated with vacationers who primarily seek pampering and relaxation, an entirely legitimate travel goal . I tried to allude to that in my reply but it did leave the wrong impression.

I do not think you left the wrong impression at all. Your point that there is a difference between travel/vacation to recharge/get out of the cold/forget about work and life and travel/vacation for an adventure and learn other cultures was clear. Each has its own place and each person decides what is right for them. There's no wrong answer as we all decide how we spend our discretionary income.

I have no problem with all-inclusives for their simplicity, their relaxing environment and so forth. Yes I get that kind of vacation. What I don't get is spending money to go to a foreign country, and not seeing anything but the hotel, being afraid to go see anything other than the enclosed resort you are in and being annoyed that English is not the first language of people in a foreign country. You know there are tourists just like that. If not getting why you would bother to leave America under those circumstances, to go to some microbubble on foreign soil, that is not really foreign, because you really Don't want to be in a foreign country, you're just there because it's cheap and available. . .if not getting that makes me judgmental, I guess I am.

I go to a specific all inclusive in Mexico because it's the perfect vacation for me -- couples only, quiet (not looking for a party atmosphere), great service and it's relatively affordable. I only know of one all inclusive that is similar in the Florida Keys but it's not in my budget (I also hear you on the stepping foot in Florida; I struggle with that but we're big baseball fans and go to spring training, and we take cruises from Florida).

The ugly American tourist you describe definitely exists, but not everyone that goes to an all inclusive in a foreign country and doesn't leave the resort is that.

I guess my point is that we don't go because it's Mexico. We go because we love the resort, the climate, the people that work there that provide phenomenal pampering service and it's in our budget.

I can never understand why people would want to go camping, but they do. Good for them. It's not for me, but it's also not for me to tell them how/where to vacation. There's a difference between not understanding the attraction and judging people that do it.

We are looking at spending two weeks each in Belize, Costa Rica and Panama this winter and going down into S. America the following year. We only briefly experienced Costa Rica, Panama and Columbia while on a cruise through the Panama Canal, but we really liked what se saw and would like to explore further.

One thing you might want to look into regarding Uruguay is that they are in the grips of the worst drought in decades. In the capital city, residents have found themselves drinking salt water and reservoirs are in danger of running dry. Here is a link to a CNN article, but I've seen mention of this in other news outlets as well.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/25/americas/uruguay-water-crisis-climate-intl/index.html

As far as machine guns go, they are quite common in the US, both by police departments and many gun owning citizens. I've heard they are fun for target practice among the gun set. On our travels, I've seen police carrying them in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. In Vietnam, our taxi was pulled over by a machine gun toting police officer. I'm not sure what that was all about, but the officer was quite upset with our cab driver. We were eventually allowed to go on our way, but that incident gave me a moment of pause.

People allow themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security in the US because they live here and are comfortable and familiar with both the language and the customs, but make no mistake, the US is a very dangerous place and there are countries that have put out travel advisories for their citizens who are thinking about visiting here.

The only time I've ever seen machine guns was in Ireland during "The Troubles". We turned the corner in Dublin and there were police with machine guns everywhere; it was terrifying.

Edit adding: there are places in the USA I will no longer visit because of open carry, stand your ground laws, and no permit carry. Talk about SCARY.

Since we retired, my husband takes great pleasure in seeking out last minute deals at all inclusives. If you are flexible, they can be a pretty cheap flight/vacation so no shade on all inclusives. That being said we have never gone to an all inclusive and not left the property. We use them as a cheap jumping off point and often do day trips or go off property to eat, because you can only do buffets for so long.

We did an all inclusive in FIji....and jogged the 5 miles into town daily. It was a hoot! Lots of Brits playing checkers all day, never leaving the posh surroundings...but...HEY...not us.

San Juan Puerto Rico has armed guards in the grocery stores. I love it there, so does the Safeway down the street where I used to live here, in the USA. I was in a Safeway grocery store the other day and had to ask for a key to the bathroom. Machine guns are a little larger....but it serves the same purpose.

I know nothing of the area where your going....would love photos and a report when you get back. Don't know if my traveling days are over...but for now I just don't have the bug.

My sister was in her neighborhood Publix when a woman accidentally discharge her gun while shopping for groceries. Luckily she only shot herself instead of someone else.

@nekotish Where do you find the last minute deals at the all inclusives? I would love to do that.

When we were in Florence, Italy 5 years ago, there were many MPs in the town square with machine guns. This is nothing new

To get back on track and answer your question I have visited Montevideo but just for a quick layover with DH who is a pilot. We went in February so it was warm. The city has a European feel to it and it was easy to navigate. DH said it was his favorite layover city in South America by far and he said he would actually live there. There are cruise ships that dock there so there must be some thing tourist related to do. We biked on the water and I shopped while DH slept!

How cool! when did you go?

Was in February and temperatures were warm 80s. DH no longer flies that route but we have often talked about visiting areas there outside of the city

On recent European trips I've seen military police with guns around the tourist spots, but no citizens with guns. I will not travel to any US state that allows everyone to carry guns.

“My sister was in her neighborhood Publix when a woman accidentally discharge her gun while shopping for groceries.”

Florida? Where everyone now has the right to accidently shoot themselves in front of children while grocery shopping.

Some info back from friend in Uruguay:

”Argentina: if they haven’t seen Iguazu Falls, they probably should. Argentina’s dirt cheap for foreigners these days, given their 130% inflation last year, but I’ve never been to the northwest like Salto. Were I to go to Argentina, I’d probably go south anyway, to Ushuaia, or to Bariloche. And of course, there’s always Cordoba and Mendoza - wine country. And Luis, who sold me this property, keeps saying I should come see him in San Martin de Los Andes, and many have confirmed it is a wonderful place, not far from Chile. (Actually Luis says I should sell here and go live there… isn’t happening: Argentinians in general believe laws exist to be broken; Uruguayans believe laws keep existence from breaking. Argentina doesn’t pay its bills, Uruguay does… Attitudinal differences. Argentina’s probably more exciting.)
Montevideo is worth seeing; I enjoy it, but it’s not as “vervy” as Buenos Aires can be. And then, of course, there is always Colonia del Sacramento, the UNESCO world heritage site where yours truly lives. “Heritage site” basically means that the cobblestoned streets in the old town are extremely hazardous to drunks and old people.

Never been to Bolivia, so cannot comment. Loved Colombia though, Barranquilla y Cartagena, which is like something out of a Garcia Marquez’ novel (not surprising, given he was from there)

Thank you so much , Lisa! I didn't ask about Colonia del Sacramento, because that is a definite! ... was just trying to decide if we wanted to add Montevideo. I think we will.

Cawaps, in re Brazil, you make a good point. The thing is, I wanted to go to Brazil to tour the Amazon (though I am not sure that is the best choice to access it or not), and it would be the wrong time of year for that.

I am on an FB group for women who travel solo. One of the participants is flying to Quito and getting in quite late. She asked recent visitors and residents if it were safe for her to go from the airport to her hotel at midnight alone in a taxi. The short answer was ”maybe but err on the side of safety.” The advice was to have her hotel arrange for a reputable car service to pick her up and deliver her to the front door of the hotel.

What I found most interesting about the comments, which were generally from Ecuadorians or recent visitors, was the nearly unanimous “don’t have your phone out in public.” There was the usual advice about not wearing jewelry or expensive watches in public, but the ”no phone” advice stunned me. Having just returned from a trip out of the country, I think it is safe to say that I used my phone daily for one thing or another: Google Maps, Google Translate, taking photos, etc.

The commenters went on to say that the ”no phone” advice was only for Quito. Once you are away from Quito apparently things are much safer.

Re: all inclusives

We use them as a cheap jumping off point and often do day trips or go off property to eat, because you can only do buffets for so long.

FYI, there are inclusives that have nice sit down restaurants. I do not do buffets. Well, maybe for breakfast if I have to. Do not like buffets but I love all inclusives. Yes they cost more, but it's worth it to me.

I love all inclusives. Yes they cost more,

I think it is the opposite, like for like. It's essentially a quantity discount for being locked in.

The safety thing reminds me of something DH and I were remembering the other day. Airbnb offers "experiences," which are basically tours with locals. I don't know how much vetting Airbnb does, but they are just independents freelancing. In Cartagena, we signed up for a salsa lesson experience for our family. We took a taxi to a modest rowhome in a non-touristy part of town. These two young guys greeted us. We walked into the house, and followed them, past family, up 3 flights of stairs and finally a ladder to the roof. The roof was decorated in a festive manner, with a small dance floor and a bar area. They served us some sort of local libation, and our private lesson began. They were very serious about it too, which I admired. They were really trying to teach. It was so much fun and hysterically funny, because we are pretty hopeless.

My point of the story is, with this and similar experiences, it never even occurred to us to think about safety. It's a mindset, I suppose. It might be how one is raised? I never even saw a housekey when I was growing up. Before someone yammers on about affluence, that is not the only issue. Plenty of affluent people are nuts about security (though I will allow that is it a luxury to feel that you have the choice).

I think it is the opposite, like for like. It's essentially a quantity discount for being locked in.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I meant all inclusives that have nice sit down restaurants cost more than all inclusives with only buffets.

Do you have a favorite, jsk?

I do. We go to Beloved in Playa Mujeres. It's for couples only. No groups allowed (as well as they can control it; they won't book a group, but they can't stop multiple couples from booking at the same time of course),

Pros - beautiful setting. Grounds are beautiful and well maintained. The staff and service is outstanding. The beach is beautiful with palapas with bally beds. No chair game (no need to wake at the crack of dawn to save a chair). Very small resort. I believe there are only 100 rooms. It was apparently at capacity (or close) when we were there last Sept and never felt crowded. It's very quiet. No pool games. No personal speakers allowed. Relatively affordable. I have not found another resort in this price range with the same service/size/quiet features I want. And I'm always looking.

Cons - the rooms are somewhat outdated. Didn't bother me. It was very clean. I hear they are going to renovate the rooms. I have mixed feelings about that. Would love a more up to date room but I'm quite sure the prices will go up. The food ranged from fine to very good. We're returning in December. They have since reduced the size of the menus in all the restaurants, so a little concerned about that as I am very picky eater. But if I'm on the beach every day and someone is brining me margaritas, I will survive! The water is not as spectacular as other places.

Note, it's part of the Excellence Resorts. In fact, at this location there are 3 resorts next to each other. This couples only, an adults only (much livelier with more activities), and a family resort.

www.belovedhotels.com

So many judgmental people here, specially those who don't think they are and point fingers at everyone else.
Now I remember why I was skipping this forum.

I was born/lived in South America, lived in Europe and Asia, and have lived in blue, red and purple states. By the way, I've seen machine guns in all of those places, usually carried by the local police or military police and it doesn't tell you anything about the safety of the location, for residents or tourists.

And those of you judging FL, you do know that there are 27 states in the USA that do not require permits, right? Yes, 27 states. I hope you are judging those residents and avoiding those states in the same way. Make sure you don't have any summer plans in ME, NH and VT! Google for the exact list of states, so you aren't also a hypocrite, along with being judgmental.

Some of you really need to take a long slow look in the mirror.

Wow, so judgmental in your critique of those being judgmental.

Carry laws are not the sole reason I might have qualms about visiting Florida. We all get to use our travel dollars how we see fit without judgment from, well, you.

JSK, I can see the attraction; it looks blissful.

Wow, so judgmental in your critique of those being judgmental.

I .LOL