How To Prepare For A Multi-Day Hiking Trip

BY  Ankita Mar 12, 2024

Savannah, Georgia, is a beautiful and historic city that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is known for its charming architecture, culture, and cuisine. But is Savannah, Georgia, safe for tourists? How does it compare to other cities in terms of crime and violence? What are the best practices to stay safe and enjoy your trip to Savannah? In this article, I will answer these questions and more. I will show you the facts and figures about Savannah's crime rate, the safest and the most dangerous areas, the common scams and threats, and the tips and resources to protect yourself and your belongings. By the end of this article, you will better understand Savannah's safety situation and how to make the most of your visit. So, if you are interested in getting into this journey, keep reading this blog until the end… Is Savannah Georgia Safe? The first question that many travelers ask is: is Savannah Georgia safe? The answer is not so simple, as it depends on many factors, such as the location, the time, the activity, and the personal perception. Savannah is a large and diverse city, and like any other city, it has its share of crime and violence. However, it is not fair to label the whole city as unsafe or dangerous, as many areas are very safe and peaceful and many people are friendly and helpful. According to the latest data from the FBI, Savannah had a total of 3,559 violent crimes and 12,374 property crimes in 2019. Additionally, this means that the violent crime rate was 6.4 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate was 22.3 per 1,000 residents. These rates are higher than the national averages of 3.7 and 21.1, respectively. However, they are lower than some of the other major cities in Georgia, such as Atlanta, Augusta, and Columbus. The most common types of violent crimes in Savannah were aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder. Furthermore, the most common types of property crimes were larceny theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Most of these crimes occurred in the downtown area, especially in the west and south parts, where there are more poverty, drugs, and gangs. The eastern and northern parts of the downtown area and the suburbs and islands are generally safer and quieter. How to Stay Safe in Savannah? Now that you have a general idea of the safety situation in Savannah, you might wonder: how can I stay safe in Savannah? What are the best practices to avoid trouble and enjoy my trip? Here are some tips and resources that can help you: Plan Your Trip in Advance Firstly, research the areas you want to visit, the activities, and places you want to stay. Check the reviews, ratings, and recommendations from other travelers and locals. Therefore, avoid the areas that are known to be unsafe, especially at night. Use a map or a GPS to navigate the city and avoid getting lost or wandering into unfamiliar places. Be Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings Pay attention to the people, the signs, and the situations around you. So, avoid distractions, such as your phone, your headphones, or your camera. If you see something suspicious, strange, or threatening, move away or report it to the authorities. Besides, trust your gut feelings, and do not ignore any red flags or warning signs. Protect Yourself and Your Belongings Do not carry or display any valuables, such as money, jewelry, passport, or electronics. Keep them in a safe place, such as a hotel safe, a locker, or a hidden pocket. Use a secure bag, such as a backpack, a crossbody, or a fanny pack, and keep it close to your body. Do not leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment. Lock your doors and windows, and do not open them to strangers. Furthermore, use a reliable transportation service, such as a taxi, a bus, or a ride-sharing app, and do not accept rides from strangers. Additionally, do not drink or use drugs, and do not accept any food or drinks from strangers. Do not get involved in any fights, arguments, or confrontations. And most importantly, do not break any laws, rules, or regulations. Seek Help and Support When Needed Lastly, if you are in trouble, need assistance, or have an emergency, do not hesitate to contact the authorities, such as the police, the fire department, or the ambulance. The emergency number in Savannah is 911. Additionally, you can also call the non-emergency number, which is 912-652-6500. You can also visit the nearest police station, hospital, or tourist information center. Moreover, you can also ask for help from the locals, such as the hotel staff, the shopkeepers, or the bystanders. Most of them are friendly and willing to help. Top 10 Safest Places to Visit in Savannah Savannah is a beautiful and historic city that has many attractions and experiences to offer. However, some travelers might be concerned about the safety situation in Savannah, as it has some areas that locals call unsafe or dangerous. Fortunately, there are also many places in Savannah that are very safe and peaceful, where you can enjoy your trip without any worries. I will show you the top 10 safest places to visit in Savannah. These are the places that have low crime rates, high security measures, and positive reviews from other travelers and locals. Let's get started! 1. Tybee Island Firstly, Tybee Island is a barrier island 18 miles east of Savannah. It is a popular destination for beach lovers, who can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and boating. The island also has a pier, a pavilion, a lighthouse, a museum, and a marine science center. Tybee Island is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it has a low population density, a friendly community, and a dedicated police force. The island also has many hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater to visitors. 2. Forsyth Park Second, Forsyth Park is a 30-acre park in the heart of the historic district. It is famous for its iconic fountain, which was built in 1858 and resembles the one in Paris. The park also features a fragrant garden, a playground, a cafe, and a bandshell. Forsyth Park is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is well-maintained, well-lit, and well-patrolled. You can enjoy a picnic, a stroll, or a bike ride in the park, or catch a concert or a festival that takes place often. 3. Wormsloe Historic Site Wormsloe Historic Site is the former plantation of Noble Jones, one of the original settlers of Georgia. It features a majestic avenue of live oaks that leads to the ruins of the colonial estate. You can also see a museum, a theater, a nature trail, and a demonstration area that recreates the life of the 18th-century Georgia. Wormsloe Historic Site is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is in a secluded and scenic area, away from the city's hustle and bustle. You can appreciate Savannah's beauty and history in a serene and secure environment. 4. Telfair Museums Telfair Museums are the oldest public art museums in the South. They consist of three buildings: the Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center, and the Owens-Thomas House. The Telfair Academy houses a collection of 19th and 20th century American and European art, including works by Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and Robert Henri. The Jepson Center showcases contemporary art and features a glass atrium, a sculpture terrace, and an interactive gallery for children. The Owens-Thomas House is a historic house museum that displays the lifestyle and furnishings of the early 19th century Savannah. Furthermore, Telfair Museums are one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as they are in the east and north parts of downtown, which are generally safer and quieter. They also have high security standards and professional staff. 5. Savannah Botanical Gardens Savannah Botanical Gardens are a hidden gem that is located on the south side of the city. They are a 10-acre garden that features a variety of plants, flowers, trees, and ponds. You can also see a rose garden, a camellia garden, a fern garden, and a children's garden. Savannah Botanical Gardens are one of the safest places to visit in Savannah. This is because it is surrounded by a fence, a gate, and a security system. You can relax and enjoy the nature in a tranquil and protected setting. 6. Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private university that offers degrees in various fields of art and design. It has several campuses and buildings in Savannah, as well as in Atlanta, Hong Kong, and Lacoste. SCAD is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it has a low crime rate, a strict code of conduct, and a comprehensive security program. You can visit some of the SCAD facilities, such as the SCAD Museum of Art, the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion and Film, and the SCADshow Theater. You can also attend some of the SCAD events, such as the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, the SCAD Fashion Show, and the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival. 7. Skidaway Island State Park Skidaway Island State Park is a state park that is located on Skidaway Island, which is 15 miles southeast of Savannah. It is a 588-acre park that offers hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching. You can also see a nature center, an observation tower, and a boardwalk. Skidaway Island State Park is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This ensures the safety and the quality of the park. You can enjoy the outdoors in a clean and secure area. 8. Savannah Children's Museum Savannah Children's Museum is a museum that is designed for children and families. It is located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop building, which is part of the Georgia State Railroad Museum complex. It features over a dozen exhibits and activities that are interactive, educational, and fun. You can also see a maze, a slide, a sandbox, and a garden. Savannah Children's Museum is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is supervised by trained staff and volunteers, who ensure the safety and the enjoyment of the visitors. You can have a great time with your kids in a safe and stimulating environment. Read More: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? – Let’s Find Out! 9. Cathedral of St. John The Baptist Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a Roman Catholic cathedral that is located in the historic district. It is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia, and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah. It is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture, with its twin spires, stained glass windows, and ornate interior. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is a sacred and respected place, where people come to worship, pray, and admire. You can visit the cathedral during mass times or take a guided tour of the cathedral. 10. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Last but not least, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, along the Savannah River. It is a 31,551-acre refuge that protects and preserves various habitats and species, such as marshes, forests, wetlands, and islands. You can see animals such as alligators, deer, otters, bobcats, and over 300 species of birds. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and photography. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is regulated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which ensures the conservation and the security of the refuge. You can experience wildlife in a safe and responsible manner. Wrapping It Up! Therefore, the answer to the question of is Savannah Georgia safe is: it depends. Savannah is not a dangerous city, but it is not a crime-free city either. It has its safe and unsafe areas, its good and bad times, and its risks and rewards. The key is to be aware, informed, and prepared, and to use your common sense and intuition. Following the tips and resources I have provided in this article, you can stay safe and enjoy your trip to Savannah. Have a great time in Savannah! Read Also: Is San Francisco Safe? THIS Is What You Should Know! Is Barbados Safe? Why Do People Question The Safety In Barbados? Exploring Paraguay’s Culinary Delights With Travel Insurance In Mind

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Even if you don’t believe it, Canada has many locations and abandoned sites with ghostly stories and a dark history.  Haunted places like the Fort Edmonton Park and Princess Theatre in Edmonton or the Disaster-struck Alberta Frank Slide are a few examples of how dark tourism in Canada offers a vivid experience.  Further, sites like Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources) show how mining asbestos has caused long-term health hazards to Canadian people and victims beyond borders. Also, there is Halifax, where an explosion took the lives of around 2000 people in 1917. So, let’s explore the sites that are scary and unusual.  THESE Are The Best Sites For Dark Tourism In Canada  In 2020, the small town of Asbestos changed its name to Val-des-Sources or the Valley of the Springs. However, the name change could not wipe off the history of diseases and suffering as it once had the largest asbestos mine in the world.  So, like the nuclear plantations that pushed numerous human lives to death, Asbestos in Canada was also a town of breathing poison. Today, it is one of the most prominent destinations for dark tourism in Canada.  Regarding dark tourism, Canada has many sites that tell the tale of human tragedy or are infamous for spooky experiences. Let me share brief accounts on these sites If you want to walk into the shadows.  Asbestos  Asbestos, a town in southern Quebec, once epitomized health-hazard horrors. Asbestos mining is not done here today, but breathing problems and other hazards caused by that “magic or miracle mineral” persist in the town.  The town had an open-pit mine for mining chrysotile asbestos, and it boomed for a century. However, in 2011, the mine stopped its operations.   Unfortunately, the use of asbestos became huge by the mid-20th century. It was a chosen material for roofing, insulation, and fireproofing. Slowly, it was discovered to cause many health hazards for people working in the industry or residing near an asbestos plant or mine.  Despite the drop in global demand and many other countries banning the use, import, and export of asbestos, Canada kept at it until 2018. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, banned the use, sale, import, and export of asbestos in 2016, and the ban came into effect in 2018.  Nevertheless, today, the town of Asbestos, or Val-des-Sources, is a popular dark tourism site with an abandoned mine. The mine now looks like a gigantic playground. Halifax  In June 2016, the Canadian Government designated the Halifax explosion as a “national historic event.” Halifax was a busy port for the loading and unloading of food, aid, relief, and other essentials during World War I. On an unfortunate day, 6 December 1917, the French ship SS Mont-Blanc and SS Imo, a Norwegian ship, collided. Both were carrying explosives, and the collision caused a major explosion. Almost 2000 people died, and many were injured, registering it as the biggest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb disaster.  This human tragedy, however, was a milestone in changing the medical scenario of Halifax. The improvement in pediatric surgeries and the establishment of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind were the two most prominent examples in this regard. Today, the Fort Needham Memorial Park is a prominent site for dark tourism in Canada. The commemorative plaque there gives you a brief account of the incident. Also, the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower here has an annual memorial service for the explosion on 6th December. Edmonton: The Hub Of Dark Tourism In Canada  Edmonton has many destinations for paranormal encounters, and Fort Edmonton Park is one of them. At the paranormal tours here, you can explore many paranormal equipment and encounter many experts for some otherworldly experience. You can also visit the haunted buildings of Edmonton. The stories of these buildings will scare you to the bit. Also, you never know when an unknown entity gets close to you, and you can feel the breath.  Princess Theater: The Most Haunted Place In Edmonton Another important haunted landmark here is the Princess Theater. In the 1920s, the theater was about to have an additional rental space. A bride-to-be rented that space, but her fiance left her on their wedding day.  So, she committed suicide by hanging by the neck. When the staff of the hotel found her, her body was swinging from the rope.  She was wearing a beautiful wedding gown. Legends have it that her ghostly figure is still seen at the theater. She is seen climbing down the stairs, wandering the theater halls, and moving around the projection room.  Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum: Meet The Restless Spirit Moreover, when in Edmonton to experience haunted activities,  Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum should be your destination. Many people have experienced a sense of choking, being grabbed, or disturbed at this place. It is said that a construction worker called Peter fell from a third-floor window during renovation work in 1912. His restless spirit still lives here, and many informal investigations have captured strange silhouettes and erratic electromagnetic fields recorded here, which also vouch for paranormal activities here.  The Museum of Fear and Wonder https://www.instagram.com/p/CxsrNX5L7Al/?hl=en&img_index=1 It is unusual to find a rural museum of horror in the Southern Alberta rural valleys. It is eerie to the bone with Ouija boards and ventriloquist dummies.  The little jack o’lantern dollhouse, Kiddo, leather doll, and the haunted doll, Robertina, are the most prominent collectibles here. Also, the artificial human body parts and life-like human bodywork made of wax are the creepiest things you will come across.  All the collectibles in the museum are carefully placed to create a sense of fear. The aim is to show how people emotionally react to certain things. Also, Brendan, one of the founders of the museum, does not believe that things can be haunted or they can be related to paranormal activities.  According to him, things, at the most, can cause a sense of uneasiness. Thus, all the items in the museum provoke discussion about the psychological impacts of different objects on different people. For example, an adorable doll can be an object of fear or discomfort for a person who has suffered childhood trauma.  Even dolls or toys can get old and develop an eerie appearance through wear and tear. They can look messy or dirty, creating repulsive feelings. Thus, the Museum of Fear and Wonder is not about paranormal experiences or activities. It is a place to understand the human psychology behind fear and wonder.  Saskatchewan Ghost Towns – Insinger As India has Kuldhara, Canada has Saskatchewan, where time stands still, and the deserted town lives in the shadow of the past. Unbearable winter in the Prairie region made the residents desert the place. In the 1800s, many European people came to Canada and got free land to set up a working farm within a year. Thus, this prairie became a bustling residence of farmers and their families. Visiting Saskatchewan And Its Many Wonders In Saskatchewan, you will notice a Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The old church with a domed roof stands as a witness to the bygone era. Do you know that Saskatchewan has so many ghost towns (more than 30) that there is a “Ghost Town Trail” here? You can drive around the route to explore the towns individually. As you walk through the ghost towns of Saskatchewan, you will never feel alone. There is a constant feeling of someone following or walking with you. Even looking at the most dilapidated structure, you will feel like someone will come out of it any moment. I had plans to get inside some of the structures. However, a knotty feeling in my stomach stopped me. As hours passed, I started feeling anxious and left the place. The Ghost Towns of Alberta – Rowley If I were to decide, I would name Alberta the capital of dark tourism in Canada. If the haunted places of Edmonton are not enough, you can explore Rowley.   The small hamlet of Rowley in Alberta has deserted railway cars and buildings. However, it also tells some inspiring stories. Rowley used to be a town with 500 inhabitants in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit the place, making the residents leave. A lack of rain led to the drying up of the crops.Moreover, a fire destroyed many of the small buildings.However, only eight surviving residents of Rowley did a commendable job of transforming Rowley into a heritage site in the 1980s. They transformed some of the buildings.  Very few people know that movies like Bye Bye Blues or Legends of the Fall have some of these buildings as their locations. Visit Rowley in the summer, as it offers free tours in the season. Also, the pizza parties here on the last Saturday of every month are fun! These pizza parties are fundraisers for restoring the buildings and preserving history here.  THESE Are The Places You Can’t Miss At Rowley The historical buildings to visit in the ghost town of Rowley are: Rowley Trading Post (Built in the 1920s) A Printing Press A School Now Abandoned Former Hospital Abandoned Railway Tracks A Saloon with Swinging Doors (Dedicated to the memory of a previous owner) Municipality of Starland Office Canada National Telegraphs Building Along with these historical structures, you will also find a building labeled Funeral Home and Embalming. Going inside, you will find paraphernalia and historical artifacts used in Bye Bye Blues. The only thing I find creepy about Rowley is the mannequins. The residents have used mannequins in many places to recreate the scenarios of the 1920s.  So, if you have a faint heart, avoid peeping through the glass windows of the historical buildings. It is not very pleasant to find a mannequin looking back at you.  However, overall, the experience was like being at the location of a classic Western movie.  Alberta Frank Slide  Alberta Frank Slide is one of the most tragic spots for dark tourism in Canada. 121 years ago, this place witnessed the deadliest slide in Canada. The tragic incident took the lives of 100 people. What Happened At Alberta Frank Slide? It was 4:10 am on 29th April 1903. The 600 people in the mining community were still asleep as Mount Turtle crumbled down and released 110 million metric tonnes of rock. This incident took the lives of around 100 people.  Even today, if you pass through Highway 3 of Alberta or visit Frank Slide, you will find bodies and various belongings still buried under rocks.  “It was loud enough they could hear it up by the town of Cochrane, 200 kilometers away,” said Joey Ambrosi, the facility supervisor of the Alberta Frank Slide Interpretive Center. This interpretive center, built in 1985, tells the true stories of human tragedy and dismisses the myths around it.  However, the intrigue around this biggest slide does not end here. The mountain moves a few kilometers from each other, and scientists suspect it will come down again.  Having said that, there is still time for such an incident, and it will not be as deadly as the one that happened in 1903.  When at Alberta Frank Slide, don’t forget to visit The Crowsnest Pass. A landslide and a mine explosion in 1910 badly hit the area. Again, at a stone’s throw away is the Hillcrest town where 189 miners died of a coal-dust explosion on 19th June 1914.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  sagnika May 16, 2023

There are a lot of security measures that a person has to go at the airport, prior to boarding a plane. These strict measures are set in place so that the passengers on board can have a safe and secure travel experience. There’s nothing more the ask other than compliance with these rules. In this article, I will discuss - can you bring a razor on a plane and much more on the prohibited items on a plane. Keep reading till the end to find out more information on the same! A Secure Travel Experience To ensure the passengers’ secure and reliable travel experience - here are some classified items that are prohibited to be taken on a flight, such as dangerous goods and weapons. If the airline security catches you with any of these items in the carry-on baggage, then the person would need to surrender the items at the screening point. The surrendered items are then dealt with in accordance with the relevant territory and state legislation. If you are still determining whether an item is eligible to be carried onboard, then make sure to check in with your airline - before arriving at the airport. In a few cases, a passenger is able to carry such items in their checked baggage. In just a bit, I will be talking about can you bring a razor on a plane! Prohibited Items There are a lot of items that are prohibited to be taken while onboard a flight. It varies significantly from airline to airline, hence you should make sure that you are checking in with your airline before arriving at the airport with said materials. Below, I will list a few categories of objects that generally fall under “prohibited items” for almost all types of flights. Items With Sharp Edges That Can Injure A Person Here are a few list of items that are capable of injuring a person and hence would not be allowed on flights: axes, hatchets, or similar utility knives crampons box cutters drills darts ski poles ice skates ice axes and ice picks meat cleavers knives or even knife-like items open/straight razors metal cutlery saws screwdrivers, crowbars, hammers, pliers, and wrenches Scalpels Tip: Can you bring a Gillette razor on an airplane? Well, Razor blades are actually very easy to remove, and hence safety razors are definitely not permitted to be carried in carry-on luggages with the blade. They are absolutely fine to be packed in the carry-n without the blade. One must also remember that the blades must be stored in the "checked-in" luggage. Items That Are Capable Of Causing Harm By Penetration Here is a list of items that can, with or without modification, cause harm to a person by penetration: razor blades letter openers hypodermic needles (if it is for medical purposes, then proof needs to be shown) pointed metal scissors, manicure scissors bodkins Tip: Can you bring a shaving razor on a plane? The answer to this question is a “no,” as that can be used as a potential weapon to harm people. Now you might be wondering - can you bring an electric razor on a plane? You certainly can! They are permissible to carried in both carry-on and checked bags. Blunt Items That Can Be Used To Threaten A Person Here is a list of a few blunt items that cannot be carried on flights. Blunt items are not sharp, but they can be used nonetheless to threaten to bludgeon a person: pieces of wood, metal, or any other materials which are big enough to be able to threaten a person baseball, cricket bats, and softball golf clubs hockey and lacrosse sticks billiard, pool, or snooker cues Tip: In the earlier section, I answered can you bring a razor on a plane? If you haven’t read that, you can return and read it. Weapons Here is a list of the weapons which are not allowed on the flight at any cost: gun powders, flares, and firearms star knives, throwing irons, sabers, stars, and similar things like swordsticks incapacitating or disabling chemicals, sprays or gases, capsicum or pepper spray animal repellant sprays and acid sprays blackjacks, billy clubs, or blackjacks martial arts equipment tasers, stun guns, and cattle prods explosives, dynamite, or any other form of fireworks smoke cartridges infectious substances and biotoxins chemical warfare agents Read More: Can You Bring Cigarettes On A Plane? Know Your Answer Here! Some Tips Regarding Airport Security Here are a few tips, following and compliance with which would make you get through the airport security lines much quicker: 1. Put Your Laptop In A Separate Bin TSA agents are known to examine laptops for explosives that appear harmless, but could very well have explosives hidden within their body. The TSA can check your laptop more easily if it is placed in an isolated bin. 2. Place Liquids, Gels In Clear Ziplocked Bags The majority of the people wouldn't understand how their small bottles of liquid could seem dangerous. But there have been many dangerous incidents where, people were caught with small-liquid explosives who threatened to blow up many air vessels with them. After such instances, the TSA thoroughly checks the small liquid compartments as well. You need to make sure that you are keeping the liquids that you are carrying together for the screening process to go more quicker and efficiently. 3. Remove Shoes, Jackets, Hats, And Belts Any form of small weapons or hazardous items can be very easily hidden in these items. TSA nowadays screens loose items separately. Even metals, belts, and other accessories cause metal detectors to ring with false alarms. After removal of them, the alarm gets to detect the other prohibited metal items on a person. Read More: Can You Bring A Lighter On A Plane? Know It All Here! To Wrap It Up! That was all for information regarding the prohibited items on a plane. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. Read Also: Avelo Airlines Reviews You Were Looking For! Everything About Breeze Airways: Breeze Airways Reviews, Features, And More! Using Flightscanner To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know!