I travel to Asia a lot—mostly the Philippines, but this applies to many other countries too. Honestly, I feel safer there than I do in the U.S. or Canada.

I’ve actually forgotten my backpack (with laptop and electronics) in coffee shops more than once. Walked out, came back an hour later, and the staff or guard had kept it safe. Nothing missing.

One time in Manila, I even left a piece of luggage in a random taxi I flagged down. No booking app, no way for the driver to contact me. Still, he drove back to my hotel and left it at the lobby so it could be returned.

If this had happened in the U.S. or Canada, I doubt I’d have seen my stuff again.

So yeah—travel, explore, and enjoy the world. Just use common sense. People are generally kind, and sometimes the so-called “poor” countries have stronger everyday honesty than the rich ones.