13 Vacation Spots That Are No Longer Safe for Tourists

Many view vacation as a form of travel that can open your horizons, allow you to experience different cultures, and fully escape from the daily grind. However, not every destination has become the haven it once was. Some places that were idyllic or unknown to tourists until recently have become better places to skip now, either because of political instability, natural disasters, or increasing crime rates.

In this article, we will consider vacation destinations that are very popular with tourists but are becoming more dangerous. These destinations, once busting beach paradises or historic wonders, now come with a cautionary tale.

Venezuela

Venezuela used to be a gem of South America, with fabulous beaches, fabulous cities, and Angel Falls, a natural wonder. The country is suffering from crippling economic collapse, political turmoil, and crime rates being driven through the roof. Today, tourists in this destination face theft and kidnapping, and even today, the most adventurous travelers would be foolish to go.

Honduras

Honduras may be a great travel destination for its amazing beaches and old ruins, but its high crime rates — including gang violence and street crime — will worry tourists. While Roatán continues to be alright for the most part, the overall risk is high enough to warrant you reconsidering.

Syria

Syria was a magnet for tourists for decades, with its ancient cities and cultural landmarks. The country, unfortunately, is entirely unsafe as the civil war has completely destroyed its core. The ongoing conflict has a devastating economic impact on the country and causes humanitarian crises.

Egypt

Egypt’s ancient monuments and rich culture are a big draw, but parts of the country, particularly around the Sinai Peninsula, have seen increased risk. It is a tourist magnet, but terrorist attacks have blighted the lure of historic wonders and ongoing security issues have led many governments to warn against travel to certain areas.

Somalia

Sadly, Somalia’s beautiful coast and extensive cultural heritage are shaded by severe security risks. There is ongoing conflict, piracy, and terrorism, and many governments strongly discourage travel there, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world.

North Korea

North Korea has always been a strange destination because of its secretive regime and its tight control of who can enter and leave. With recent reports of foreign nationals being detained and political tension, the country is a much more dangerous place to be. The dangers have to do with the lack of transparency and the unpredictability of the government.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, with its natural beauty and wildlife, is currently unsafe as civil conflict, armed groups, and widespread violence persist. It should be avoided, at least for now, because it lacks stability and security.

Libya

Libya was once the last travel frontier, with its stunning desert landscapes and now derelict ancient ruins. Libya today faces ongoing conflict, political instability, and a high risk of violence, especially in its principal cities, it is today.

Pakistan

Pakistan has breathtaking landscapes and many cultural experiences, but terrorism, sectarian violence, and kidnappings make parts of the country dangerous. In particular, areas around the Afghan border and some parts of Balochistan are very dangerous, so travelers will need to do extra homework and avoid those areas.

Mexico

Indeed, countless tourists still venture to Mexican territory, but some parts of the country have become much more dangerous over the last couple of years due to drug cartels and violent crime activity. Guerrero and Sinaloa are high-crime areas that most travelers will not venture into.

Colombia

Some regions know that safety and drawing tourists have improved greatly in recent years, but others still suffer high levels of crime and violence, mostly due to drug trafficking and armed groups. Today, Bogotá and Medellín are safer, but you should still be careful about what parts of the country you set foot in.

South Sudan

South Sudan’s potential as a travel destination is buried beneath the scope of the average traveler, as it is wracked with ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises. The country is suffering severe violence and displacement of people, and it’s an incredibly dangerous place for tourists to visit.

Afghanistan

The key reason for writing about Afghanistan is its rich history and culture. Decades of conflict have, however, made Afghanistan one of the world’s most dangerous countries. Due to ongoing violence, terrorist threats, and political instability, most governments have strongly advised against all travel to the region.

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

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