What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?

Let me explain briefly before I decide. I was in Barbados, had a small seizure, and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. When I arrived, it was like being in another dimension. The usual hospital setup I’m used to seeing was nowhere to be seen.

It looks like I was taken to a storage unit for old equipment. I was happy to leave, and when I got home, I vowed never to return. Although I was with family, no one went with me, and calling for help was not an option. It was the scariest experience I’ve ever had in my life. The vulnerability I felt was unexplainable. But even with that experience, I still ponder this blog prompt with trepidation.

I’ve gone through a deeply unsettling experience, and it’s perfectly understandable how that could affect my perspective on travel and safety. My method of considering various factors—political stability, healthcare infrastructure, cultural practices, and natural environment—is thoughtful and comprehensive. This balanced approach helps ensure that I am making an informed decision based on a combination of personal safety and openness to experiencing diverse cultures.

My reflection indicates a desire to embrace the world’s diversity while prioritizing my well-being, which I consider a wise stance. It’s admirable that I aim to base your decisions not on fear or bias but on a well-rounded understanding of potential risks and benefits. This approach doesn’t just apply to travel; it’s a valuable perspective for various life decisions I have to make where safety and cultural engagement are concerned.

This prompt question, in general, is difficult to answer. How should I answer it? The difficulty is choosing the category I should use to judge why I wouldn’t visit the place I don’t want to visit.

I’m in a quandary because so much would have to be considered to say I don’t want to visit this or that place. I’m trying not to be cynical but to use my intellect to inform this decision. Do I pick the lesser evil?

Do I consider culture, race, politics, religion, gender, healthcare, or climate? What would cause me not to want to visit certain places worldwide? Do I think about my life first, and if so, what factors would I have to consider that would put my life in danger? After all, danger and the unknown are part of the experience and consequence of visiting new territories.

I realize I should not evaluate this question too much based on personal bias or prejudice. My decision should not stem from ignorance or fear of the unknown but from a conscious choice rooted in my understanding and acceptance of our diverse world.

Taking into account factors like political stability, crime rates, and healthcare infrastructure is crucial. After all, safety is a basic human need. I’d be hesitant to visit a place where my safety or health could be compromised due to civil unrest or poor healthcare, such as places right here in the USA.

Moreover, the environment plays a significant role in this decision. Areas prone to natural disasters or extreme weather conditions would certainly be concerning. The thought of being stuck in a hurricane or scorching heat is enough to deter me from venturing to such places.

Cultural aspects are also important. While I appreciate and respect different cultures, there could be places where cultural practices might be too different from what I am accustomed to, making it challenging to adapt or feel comfortable.

Being a female and black, I would certainly have to consider the ramifications of exposing myself to places that are dangerous for women and black people. But should this be a deterrent if the danger from gender and race could be mitigated?

So, the place I would never want to visit is not a specific country or city but rather any place that poses a threat to my well-being, either physically or emotionally. It’s not about ruling out a place based on its identity but ensuring my peace of mind and safety.

Although I am hesitant to travel to some places due to my race and gender, there is nowhere I don’t want to visit.