day or two to venezuela

[moose]

Any suggestions on a day or overnight trip from Aruba to Venezuela?
Some say dangerous some not. What would be the best way to go?what to see?
Thanks in advance.
Leave Canada in the morning,will see everyone by Sat
By the way here in northern Canada today was -36 c without the windchill.-42 with....
Need heat

[Andrea J.]

there are direct flights from aruba to venezuela.
there are warnings for americans traveling to venezuela.
unsure if canada has any warnings for its citizens.

i personally know an american family that spent a week in june in venezuela.
they loved the countryside, felt uncomfortable in the cities.
loved the hotel/resort where they stayed.

[Arubalisa]

Venezuela Travel Advice and Advisories | Government of Canada
"Exercise a high degree of caution
There are identifiable security concerns; travellers should be alert and vigilant to their surroundings.

The security situation is serious due to increased criminality, especially on the Araya and Paria peninsulas. A high degree of caution should be exercised at all times. Travellers should remain in groups and in tourist areas. There is a serious threat of kidnapping as well as security concerns related to drug trafficking at both the Brazilian and Guyanese borders. Security forces in these areas are scarce."

Venezuela Country Specific Information Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State

"Safety and Security: Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The country’s overall per capita murder rate is cited as one of the top five in the world. The Venezuelan National Counter Kidnapping Commission was created in 2006, and since then, official statistics have shown alarming increases in reported kidnappings throughout the country. In fact, kidnappings in 2009 have increased anywhere from 40-60 percent from the previous year. Surveys show that the overwhelming majority of kidnappings and other major crimes are not reported to the police. Armed robberies take place throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. Well-armed criminal gangs operate widely, often setting up fake police checkpoints. Only a very small percentage of crimes result in trials and convictions. "

"Crime: Venezuela and its capital, Caracas, are reported to both have among the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Most murders and other violent crimes go unsolved. Armed criminal gangs often operate with impunity throughout the urban areas. The poor neighborhoods that cover the hills around Caracas are extremely dangerous. These areas are seldom patrolled by police and should be avoided. Armed robberies are common in urban and tourist areas throughout Venezuela, even areas presumed safe and visited by tourists. Crimes committed against travelers are usually money-oriented crimes, such as theft and armed robbery. Incidents occur during daylight hours as well as at night. Many criminals are armed with guns or knives and will use force. Jewelry of all sorts, even inexpensive but flashy jewelry, and expensive electronics attract the attention of thieves. Travelers are advised to leave jewelry items, including expensive-looking wristwatches, at home. Gangs of thieves will often surround their victims and use a chokehold to disable them, even in crowded market areas where there is little or no police presence. Theft from hotel rooms and safe deposit boxes is a problem, and theft of unattended valuables on the beach and from rental cars parked near isolated areas or on city streets is a common occurrence. A guarded garage or locked trunk is not a guarantee against theft. Pickpockets concentrate in and around crowded bus and subway stations in downtown Caracas. Subway escalators are favored sites for "bump and rob" petty thefts by roving bands of young criminals. Many of these criminals are well dressed to allay suspicion and to blend in with crowds using the subways during rush hour. Travelers should not display money or valuables. "

Venezuela ( 1 2)

[Aruba4ever]

I am thinking there could be a better place to take a day trip, Bonaire, Curaco .....much safer.

[Bill]

I have a very close friend from Venezuela living here in USA and every-time I go to Aruba I ask her about going over. She says stay away! As a matter of fact when she goes home she has a family member that is in there armed forces escort her. I always take the advice but would love to get over there one day.

[moose]

Well I finally arrived in Aruba and am very impressed. Clean and friendly.
Thanks all for the advice and I will respect it.Maybe a trip to an island and the rest of my two weeks go looking for some fish to catch and release.

[Aruba4ever]

Moose- enjoy your stay, glad you are enjoying yourself so far. Best of luck fishing.

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by moose

Well I finally arrived in Aruba and am very impressed. Clean and friendly.

Enjoy

Thanks all for the advice and I will respect it.Maybe a trip to an island .

Curacao or Bonaire

[charles]

Hey MOOSE, have a great time on Aruba. As a last VENEZUELA note, a friend of mine is a Cuban musician working on Aruba, and he has to go there regularly to have papers updated or visas put in place. The last time he went, as he exited his taxi to the US Embassy, no more than 15 yards from him a guy was shot in the dead and as the shooter was leaving another guy killed him and ran off. Two dead bleeding bodies on the sidewalk in front of the embassy building. AND... It didn't make the papers or radio or TV. I would have wondered about the entire thing but there was another local couple there that saw it as well.
Would I go to Venezuela?? Only if I was mortally ill and in debt beyond relief and in my late 90's.

be well
charles

as an interesting additional note:

Chavez has offered untold amounts of monies to production companies to go to Venezuela and make movies. No matter what the situation, the country side is outstanding,


NO SERIOUS TAKERS

be well
charles

[Edronenburg]

Hi Moose: I am so glad tht you are taking the advice of so many of our "Forum Members." Lisa, as always, gave you a comprehensive report on what could and does often happens if you were to take the trip to Venezuela. Also, Charles, who is a native of Aruba, definitely knows and advises as well. Have a wonderful vacation in Aruba. You will find that "Paradise" is definitely there; and you will be happy and content to stay were people are extremely friendly and love to have you as a guest..."One Happy Island."

Ed