One of the most useful sites that I look at is Wikitravel, the Wikipedia equivalent for travelers. The information there is peer-contributed and edited, and it serves as a useful amalgamation or as a start point to get key pointers before you branch into country-specific sites for more details.
Just for fun: I took a look also at what’s generally regarded as some of the world’s most dangerous cities, and to see what Wikitravel has to advise for travelers to those places. Not that I intend to go there, ever, of course – but it’s still humorous to read what they have to say, and they certainly don’t mince words. All quotations from Wikitravel.:)
“At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the easiest method for staying safe in Somalia is not to go in the first place, as it is a dangerous country. Kidnappings and warlordism are all common in this country.”
“As of 2007, independent analysts said were no more than 2,000 separatist combatants still fighting. By traveling to Chechnya you are taking a serious risk. Kidnappings and unexploded mines and munitions are widespread, while terrorist activity and shootings still occur on a lesser scale. Throughout the region, local criminal gangs routinely kidnap foreigners, including Americans, Canadians, and UK nationals, for ransom.”
Just for comparison’s sake, even nearby Jakarta gets a warning. I certainly don’t regard the country as nearly as dangerous as the first two, and this is what Wikitravel says.
“The high-profile terrorist bomb blasts at the JW Marriott in 2003, the Australian Embassy in 2004 and the JW Marriott (again) & Ritz-Carlton in 2009 mean that security in Jakarta tends to be heavy, with car trunk checks, metal detectors and bag searches at most major buildings. Statistically, though, you’re far more likely to be killed in the traffic.”
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How about Singapore? Wikitravel says:
“Singapore is one of the safest major cities in the world by virtually any measure. Most people, including single female travellers, will not face any problems walking along the streets alone at night. But as the local police say, “low crime does not mean no crime” — beware of pickpockets in crowded areas and don’t forget your common sense entirely.”
So far so good – though the next bit perhaps explains exactly how that reputation is reached:
“Singapore’s squeaky cleanliness is achieved in part by strict rules against activities that are tolerated in other countries. For example, jay-walking, spitting, littering, and drinking and eating on public transport are prohibited (even forgetting to flush the toilet will subject you to a great fine). Locals joke about Singapore being a fine city because heavy fines are levied if one is caught committing an offence.”
All too true, though I can’t remember when was the last time someone got fined for not flushing a toilet.:)
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