Think about how much you trust mainstream news. Do you believe there’s an agenda, or is it genuine news?
When it comes to certain cities, the media hasn’t always been kind. But, to be fair, some cities haven’t done much to help their own reputations either. Any cities come to mind?
San Francisco might be one. It’s a beautiful and iconic U.S. destination. Another one could be Portland, Oregon. It’s a city with a lot of potential but seems to struggle with its image, according to various media sources. However, the Today Show believes that Portland, dubbed the ‘Austin of the Northwest,’ has improved enough to recommend it for solo travelers this summer.
Has Portland really cleaned up its streets? It might feel repetitive to mention the pandemic, but during that chaotic time, Portland was one of the cities you might have wanted to avoid. Alongside San Francisco, LA, and Seattle, Portland was highlighted for safety concerns, almost like a modern-day wild west. Now, with those days hopefully behind us, Portland is aiming for a fresh start. The city’s Tourism Board reports that crime rates are improving.
Safety is a top priority for solo travelers. As someone who travels alone frequently, I wouldn’t consider a place like Somalia for my next trip. Portland, however, is a fantastic place to visit, offering vibes similar to Austin. Both cities even share the slogans “Keep Austin weird” and “Keep Portland weird.” The issue is that locals feel their city got too weird with policies like drug decriminalization. It’s a complex situation, but the current mayor believes they’re on the right path to making the city, especially the tent-lined downtown, safer as foot traffic increases.
Portland isn’t just about downtown. The city’s urban sprawl is exciting to explore, but the Pacific Northwest is also home to some of the most pristine natural sites in the country. Portland is a quirky and cool city with a great arts and food scene, countless cafes, and it’s one of the most bike-friendly and walkable cities for enjoying the outdoors.
When we travel to a new place, downtown is often our base or starting point. In Portland, this is where most of the notorious eyesores are, which might make solo travelers hesitant. This is a valid concern, but speaking from my experience of living in downtown San Diego for eight years, I’ve seen it all—homeless encampments, car break-ins, shootings, and more. Yet, I was never harmed while walking the streets, grabbing coffee, or bar-hopping late at night. Safety can be unpredictable, and self-awareness is crucial when traveling alone.
So, whether you’re visiting the popular Pine Street Market, grabbing coffee at Society Cafe, or biking around the city, don’t let fear-mongering headlines stop you from enjoying Portland.
Portland is also a gateway to the Pacific Northwest’s breathtaking nature. Tourists can enjoy a scenic riverfront, waterfalls, hiking trails, and majestic mountains nearby. Safety has been a hot topic for Portland, but another misunderstood aspect is the weather. Cities like Seattle, Vancouver, and Portland have a reputation for constant rain, but that’s not entirely true. Summertime brings warmer weather and sunshine. A popular activity is driving the Columbia River Highway to see the stunning River Gorge and “Waterfall Alley,” especially the magnificent Multnomah Falls.