Jetting off on an adventure can spark adrenaline like nothing else, yet holidaymakers must navigate a minefield of potential pitfalls. From cunning cons to audacious thieves and pricey tourist traps, Britons abroad are prey to many perils.
Recently, one traveller highlighted an all-too-common concern: perilous tourist spots. Ishaq Patterson found himself navigating Tenerife‘s notorious “most dangerous strip” and decided to share his observations with others in a TikTok video.
He provided some insights, declaring: “Right now, I’m solo travelling, and a lot of people were saying in the comments that Tenerife is not as bad as I put it out to be.”
He further explained, “Guys, what you have to remember is, for different people, they’re going to find scenarios different. For example, if you’re a girl by yourself it’s going to be very dangerous but, if you’re a guy with a group of people, you’re going to be completely fine.”
Ishaq left puzzled since the dreaded hotspot was far from what he had anticipated, detailing: “Right now, it’s completely safe.
*Please note, the below video may feature language some find offensive.
“It’s daytime. No places are open right now. You got the kebab shop, you got Veronica’s, Oasis – all closed right now,” reports the Mirror.
He added a caveat about the presence of hustlers during the day, noting: “And a lot of the people who are potentially going to rob you, or offer you like weed and stuff, they’re working right now so they’re selling random fake stuff. It’s absolutely safe here in the daytime.”
Acknowledging the area’s contrasting atmosphere after dark, he confessed it can turn “dangerous”. However, his personal experiences led him to deem it extremely safe during daylight hours. Ishaq underscored that such experiences are subjective and online opinions vary widely.
Someone claimed: “I’ve walked past Veronica’s all times of day and night by myself. Never felt unsafe once.”
Another concurred: “It’s safe bro,” while a third person commented: “Done it by myself in July. Never felt scared.”
Despite these assurances, tales from the strip sometimes paint a troubling picture. Travel warnings on TripAdvisor about “drug dealers” and “pickpockets” advise against solo nocturnal visits.
Still, not everyone finds the area intimidating, with some arguing vigilance is key. Indeed, the spectrum of tourist experiences in Tenerife is broad.
A comment on Tripadvisor claims: “There are a lot of scare stories kicking about but, to be honest, Veronica’s is not that bad. Yes, there are a few dealers hanging around, but they don’t bother you. If you don’t have mobile phones or valuables on display, then the pickpockets won’t be interested.”
Another visitor claimed: “People can harp on and say there are drugs, muggings and so on everywhere, but remember that you are in a foreign country where the rules are different to the UK. Personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable allowing any of my family to spend a late night on Veronica’s, but the choice is yours.”
A third chimed in with a stark caution: “Avoid this place – it’s hell. Full of criminals ready to pounce on some unsuspecting young person.”