10 “Safe” Travel Destinations That Are Actually the Most Dangerous

Some people pack their bags to travel, dreaming of trekking down exotic streets, gawking at famous landmarks, and letting the wonderful local flavor wash over them without realizing the dangers of their destination. Some popular destinations around the world have a much darker side that travelers don’t expect.

The safety standards at these places certainly do not match what you might presume. Not all postcard-perfect places are as safe as they look and these 10 most deceptively dangerous travel locations will prove that.

Brazil

Nice beaches, vibrant festivals, and great culture – Brazil is a dream destination for many. However, the reality behind the flaunted Carnival and Copacabana action deserves to be exposed: the high crime rate of the country and violence has become a terrible problem, particularly in urban places like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Muggings are common and target tourists and neighborhoods with gang violence are just a stone’s throw away from tourist hotspots.

Russia

Russia is an impressive country, with relative grandeur in architecture with cities rich in culture, history, and beauty. But it also has a reputation for being dangerous. There is rampant crime and corruption, particularly in the biggest cities: Moscow and St. Petersburg. On top of that, tourists have to cope with inconsistent police and a rough political environment. Throw in the icy cold winters and it loses some of its charm.

Syria

Once rich in its ancient history and its architecture, Syria has been torn to bits by years of civil war. In the country’s continuing struggle, many are displaced and in great danger, and the country has been wrecked. Humanitarian workers have to tread very carefully amidst the ‘very volatile’ situation.

Ukraine

Its war with Russia is the current focus of much of the world. Despite having cities like Kyiv and Lviv, which are full of history and culture, the constant conflict, especially in the eastern parts of the city renders it a dangerous travel destination. Instability extends even to areas miles from the front lines and the risks are great. The possibility of things turning dangerous isn’t that rare, even if tourists are still visiting.

Yemen

Another place that has been heavily affected by conflict is Yemen, a country with ancient cities and rugged landscapes. Yemen is a country with an ongoing civil war, a severe humanitarian crisis, and terrorist activity, making it among the most dangerous places on Earth. Given these tragic circumstances, the U.S. government considers a visit to Yemen a bad idea.

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, little has changed in leadership over time, the country remains unstable, with decades of tension and conflict. Tourists would have to endure the threats of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, political unrest, and many other such hazards. Although surrounded by beautiful mountains and a rich cultural history, the risks surpass any potential reward. It’s one of those places that even the most seasoned travelers should avoid.

Argentina

At first glance, Argentina doesn’t look like a dangerous place with its vibrant culture, amazing tango music and beautiful landscapes. However, Buenos Aires is no different than other cities around the world during an economic crisis, in which crime has increased. Scams, muggings, and even violent robberies occur with the prime targets being unsuspecting tourists.

India

India is beautiful, bustling, and vibrant. Tourists often flock to it for a glance at its ancient temples, bustling markets, and serene backwaters, but the country can also be intimidating and unsafe for newcomers. You are likely to face petty crime and harassment. Also, according to the National Institutes of Health, there is a disturbing risk of sexual violence toward women.

Somalia

Somalia is often associated with images of pirates and civil war. This war torn, sparsely populated country on the Horn of Africa is one of the most dangerous places you can be anywhere, anytime! According to the U.S Department of State, the country is flooded with kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and extreme poverty is the order of the day. The landscapes may be beautiful, the culture intriguing, but it’s not worth playing Russian roulette with your life for a visit to Mogadishu.

Iraq

Iraq is home to some of the world’s most important historical sites — like Babylon and Ur — but it has been ravished by war and terrorism for years, especially in Baghdad and other major cities. Bombings, kidnappings, and general violence are a daily threat. The country has certainly made some progress in recent years, but there’s still too much danger for tourism.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

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