Is visiting Venezuela a good idea

[106206 15]

With my wife getting her GC and having been away from home since August of 2009, it's time for her to visit.

From what I have read on travel.state.gov and other sites, me going to Venezuela sounds like going to Iraq or similar.

She is from Ciudad Ojeda and we would either fly to Maracaibo or take a boat from Aruba to Punto Fijo.

I stick out like a sore thumb 6'1" red hair and fair skin. I speak Spanish but from 100' away I'm clearly not Venezuelan.

I am self-aware and have defense training, but I am not sure I'm looking for a 'live' final exam in that area. Was hoping more for a vacation.

Are my concerns misfounded (I hope the answer is yes) and if so what ideas can you share? I do not want to spend a week sitting in her family's house, hiding from public view, and not seeing or doing anything. But I feel an obligation to visit my new family there. I just don't want to do anything that is avoidably stupid by going there if its an extremely bad idea.

Maybe we can rendezvous in a safer area nearby such as Aruba.

Thanks in advance....

[skiptex 225]

i was just there in August/sept. for 2 weeks.. it was safe to me... my gf was more uptight about me using my cell phone as my camera.. she kept saying the motorcyle guys would rob me.. BUT my camera did get stole from car.. cuz she left window wide open at the airpot... LOL.. that could happen anywhere..

but i did not feel threaten what so ever.. i flew AVANICA to Bogota to Caracas..from Miami.. $475!!

just watchout for traffic.. NOBODY obeys traffic laws.. and you will see a million motorcycles.. they are everywhere.. and they FOR SURE do not obey traffic laws..

if you were going alone.. maybe be cautious.. but you will be with your wife she knows her way..

i spent time in Caracas and Rico Chico... East of Caracas..

it was a great time.. can't wait to go back!!

ps.. they love POLAR BEER and ARepas!! lol.. have fun!!

[J y Mariana 0]

$475? WOW. Ive been there (Caracas) 3 times this year and it was $1600-$2000 each time coming from Detroit =(. Honestly I am a little freaked out sometimes with all the stats and info, and knowing from my wife there the things that have happened to her and her friends (crime wise). But I think if you are with someone who knows the place, and you are cautious and not a gringo (do not be 'flashy' and look like you have money), you should be fine. Assuming you arent wandering around in the slums. I would suggest using a known taxi service though, and not just grabbing a random taxi, from what Ive been told by locals that can be dangerous.

Me gusta arepas! =)

i was just there in August/sept. for 2 weeks.. it was safe to me... my gf was more uptight about me using my cell phone as my camera.. she kept saying the motorcyle guys would rob me.. BUT my camera did get stole from car.. cuz she left window wide open at the airpot... LOL.. that could happen anywhere..

but i did not feel threaten what so ever.. i flew AVANICA to Bogota to Caracas..from Miami.. $475!!

just watchout for traffic.. NOBODY obeys traffic laws.. and you will see a million motorcycles.. they are everywhere.. and they FOR SURE do not obey traffic laws..

if you were going alone.. maybe be cautious.. but you will be with your wife she knows her way..

i spent time in Caracas and Rico Chico... East of Caracas..

it was a great time.. can't wait to go back!!

ps.. they love POLAR BEER and ARepas!! lol.. have fun!!