Dreaming of Exotic Getaways? Calgarians, Let's Talk Travel Safety (Seriously)
The Gist
Here at Hot Minute Calgary, we usually keep our ear to the ground on local issues – from new developments to Deerfoot traffic snarls. But when we hear about Calgarians contemplating travel plans that could put them in serious harm's way, our local duty compels us to speak up. We recently heard a Calgarian expressing excitement about a family trip to Barcelona, Venezuela, planning to fly into Caracas and rent a vehicle for a drive down. While the allure of beautiful vistas is understandable, the reality on the ground is starkly different.
Impact on Calgarians
For any Calgarian planning an international trip, your safety is paramount. The U.S. Department of State maintains a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for Venezuela, a classification reserved for destinations with the highest level of risk. This isn't just bureaucratic red tape; it signals severe dangers including wrongful detention, violent crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest, and a critically poor health infrastructure. Imagine being thousands of kilometers from home, facing these threats, and realizing the U.S. government, whose embassy in Caracas suspended operations back in March 2019, cannot provide emergency services or consular assistance to U.S. citizens there. This reality check applies equally to Calgarians, meaning if things go sideways, you're largely on your own.
The Reality Check
The proposed drive from Caracas to Barcelona, Venezuela, which typically covers about 309-311 km and takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes, is fraught with peril. Travel advisories strongly recommend against road travel due to significant dangers like armed robbery, carjacking, and illegal roadblocks; nighttime travel between cities is considered especially risky. Even if you secure an International Driving Permit and have your valid home country license, common fuel shortages can leave you stranded in vulnerable situations. Beyond the roads, the entire country is experiencing heightened geopolitical tensions. As of December 2025, Venezuela's airspace and borders are subject to potential sudden closures following an announcement of a "state of external commotion" in September 2025, with reports of a U.S. blockade against oil tankers further complicating the situation. This means your travel plans could be disrupted or cancelled without warning, and your safety compromised.
The Flip Side
It's true that Barcelona, Venezuela, is known as a gateway to natural beauty, specifically Mochima National Park, an area celebrated for its islands and beaches such as Isla de Plata, Conoma, and Arapito. However, even the most stunning landscapes pale in comparison to the urgent need for personal safety. The severe and pervasive risks make it virtually impossible for a family to enjoy these attractions without constant fear for their well-being. What looks beautiful in photos is currently inaccessible to safe, worry-free tourism.
The Bottom Line
Before any Calgarian considers booking that exciting, far-flung trip, we urge you to consult global travel advisories. For Venezuela, the message is unequivocally: Do Not Travel. While routine vaccinations are always a smart move for international travel – including Yellow Fever (required if arriving from or transiting through Brazil for more than 12 hours), Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Polio – these precautions are secondary to the immediate and severe threats present in Venezuela. Prioritize your family's safety above all else. There are countless other beautiful and safe destinations in the world where you can create cherished memories without putting yourselves at extreme risk.
