South (United States of America) travel safety advice
South (United States of America) travel safety advice
As is the case in other regions of the United States, common sense is enough to keep you safe. Be aware of situations that are obviously dangerous -- unlit or isolated locations, rough bars, and impoverished neighborhoods. If you are an international traveler, keep your passport secure and handy at all times; passport theft is uncommon, but identification is important if you need help from the authorities.
Gun ownership is relatively common in the South, especially in rural areas, but it is still unusual to see a gun in everyday life. The likelihood of encountering one is remote, but still a possibility. Gun owners are generally responsible with their weapons, however. Exercise caution in places like nightclubs, where shootings are not unheard of. Do not approach or cut through a stranger's property at night if you are in a rural area or the outskirts of a city: most people who have bought a gun have done so for protecting their family.
Outside of a few big cities, it is likely that people will realize that you aren't a local. Whether you hail from Cleveland or from Uganda, some will stare in curiosity, especially in small towns and villages where visitors are rare. Relax.
The targeting of non-whites or ethnic groups for serious harassment is rare. If you feel threatened or intimidated, immediately seek assistance from the police. Use your best judgment to protect your safety along with your civil rights.
The South had been traditionally socially conservative when it comes to homosexuality. However, such negative attitudes towards gays and lesbians are changing and diminishing and now varies depending on where one travels (rural areas would hold more conservative views towards homosexuality). Regardless, the South is relatively safe for gays and lesbians, as violence against gays and lesbians is rare and South does offer a few gay friendly destinations (such as New Orleans, Nashville, and Atlanta).
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about South (United States of America)
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in South (United States of America) - updated Apr 2024
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South (United States of America) Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
