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I IGNORED THE US GOVERNMENT’S WARNINGS AND FLEW TO LEBANON ANYWAY

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FLEW TO LEBANON

I flew to Lebanon to meet up with friends, even though Lebanon is considered dangerous.

What precautions did the author take before and during their trip to Lebanon?

The United States government issues travel warnings for a reason. They are intended to protect citizens traveling abroad from potential harm, whether in the form of natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other dangerous situations. However, despite these warnings, there are some individuals who choose to ignore them entirely.

One such individual is me. I recently traveled to Lebanon, despite the travel warning issued by the U.S. State Department. The warning advised U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon due to numerous security concerns, including terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

As someone who had never been to the Middle East before, I understood that the situation in Lebanon was somewhat precarious. However, I had no specific plans to engage in high-risk activity and felt that I could mitigate any risk by taking appropriate precautions.

I had always wanted to visit the beautiful country of Lebanon – with its stunning Mediterranean coastline, world-class cuisine, and rich cultural heritage – and I was not about to let a travel warning deter me from experiencing all that it had to offer. I approached the trip with a sense of caution, doing my research in advance and staying alert throughout my travels.

I was amazed by the warmth and genuine hospitality of the people I met, from the shopkeepers in bustling Beirut to the monks living in seclusion in ancient monasteries. I was struck by the sheer beauty of the country, from the seaside town of Byblos – said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world – to the stunning mountain vistas of the Chouf Biosphere Reserve.

While I did encounter some tense moments during my travels – including a brief period of civil unrest in Beirut and a military checkpoint on the outskirts of the city – I never felt in immediate danger. I remained vigilant throughout my trip, avoiding areas known to be dangerous and staying in communication with friends and family back home.

Looking back, I realize that flying to Lebanon in spite of the U.S. government’s warnings was a somewhat reckless decision. I do not recommend that others follow my example, particularly those who are not experienced travelers or have connections in the country.

However, I also believe that travel can be an enriching and rewarding experience, even in areas of the world that are considered dangerous. By taking appropriate precautions and making informed decisions, it is possible to safely explore places that might seem off-limits.

In the end, my trip to Lebanon was an eye-opening and life-changing experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to have traveled to such a beautiful and unique country, and I hope that others can learn from my experience and make informed decisions about their own travels, taking into account the advice and warnings of their governments.