When I first started high school, my dad and I made a deal. If I could get straight A's throughout all four years in honors/AP classes, he would pay for a friend and I to go anywhere on vacation after graduation. Well, after I worked my butt off in school, the time finally came for my friend and I to go on our trip. We chose Jamaica.
Initially when we were choosing a location, my dad made it very clear that our destination had to be in a safe country. With recent terrorism attacks, theft, sex trafficking, and wars occurring everyday in the world, my dad was easily skeptical on various locations we chose, stating that he didn't want us going anywhere where those events took place. Now, to share some of my frustration when I was in the decision process of where to go, let me make myself clear that I'm not entirely sure that a "safe country" truly exists where none of these things occur. With quick research, it is easy to find that in Europe, Ariana Grande's concert was recently bombed.
In the Middle East, wars are being fought over religion and government. In South America, sex trafficking is at an all time high, along with the selling of illegal drugs. In Africa, poverty and disease destroy the lands beauty. In Asia, dangerous animals threaten any tourist's desire to explore the continent's allure. In North America, there are countless known terrorist attacks that have happened sporadically. Which basically leaves us with Australia and Antarctica, but Southwest doesn't fly there, so I was presented with a large problem.
I finally looked through the Caribbean islands for a nice tropical destination. Upon choosing Jamaica, I was told many stories from relatives and friends that went to Jamaica that they saw kids walking around with AK-47s. As a 5'2 girl just out of high school, I started to regret booking my trip there. Nevertheless, my best friend and I followed through with the trip. Without boring you all with hasty specifics on the trip, all I have to say is that it was the best experience of my life.
There's something about the feeling of uncertainty that creates a door of potential for things to happen. Call me crazy, but I loved the fact that I was walking off of a plane into an airport where I had no clue where anything was exactly. Obviously I was prepared with the knowledge of having a bus to my resort, knowing the location of the resort, and all that type of stuff. But, being in a brand new environment with no resources besides my own will to discover things is incredible and like no other feeling.
During the trip, I never once felt like I was in danger or in a bad situation. Despite the common cat calls from guys and vendors being pushy to sell things, I was pretty much comfortable the entire time. I discovered that if you use common sense along your ventures and do your research well enough, you will have a better sense of security. Of course nothing really assures your complete safety in this world with unpredictable tragic events occurring all the time. But nevertheless, I fully stand by and support those who wish to travel and learn about everything the world has to offer. Fear should only control people by motivating us to overcome it, and that's exactly what I did.
