14 “Dangerous” Countries That Are Surprisingly Safe
Some travel advisories would have you believe that all ‘dangerous’ countries are dangerous to visit but that is not always accurate. Most dangerous destinations come with complex histories, horrific past conflicts, or isolated incidents. Some of these places are not only fascinating but when you look closer, some of them are as safe as any well-trodden tourist spot. Many people simply miss out on eye-opening adventures because of a bad rep from outdated statistics or misunderstood cultural differences.
Traveling to these so called risky locations can feel like a break from the travel path. This list might surprise you if you have a taste for the extraordinary or just want to step outside of the typical vacation checklist. Most of these places have thriving local communities, friendly locals and incredible landscapes. They’re remarkably welcoming — and with basic travel precautions, they’re safe.
Jordan
Jordan might be in a tricky neighborhood with countries amid conflict, but it’s an oasis of calm and safety in the Middle East. Jordan is home to Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World as well as to the spectacular Wadi Rum desert. Tourist areas and places are policed very heavily in the country and they take great care to keep visitors safe. We know that Jordanians are famous for their warmth and hospitality and welcomes travelers.
Rwanda
It wasn’t long ago that Rwanda was marked by civil war and genocide that made it one of Africa’s most dangerous places to be, but it’s safer now than anywhere in Africa. Rwanda today is known for its cleanliness, stability and environmental conservation. Rwanda is a nature lovers paradise with its lush landscapes and wonderful wildlife including the famous mountain gorillas. It is one of the safest spots on the continent for tourists, thanks to the local government’s heavy investment in security.
Colombia
Colombia has been rebuilding its reputation as drug cartels and violence were once infamous. Medellín, once a crime ridden city, is now a safe, vibrant tourist city. In 2013, Medellín even won the ‘Innovative City of the Year’ from the Wall Street Journal. With Caribbean beaches, coffee plantations and one of the safest Latin American countries for travelers today, Colombia has it all.
Vietnam
The Vietnam War is a thing of the past and Vietnam has undoubtedly, and happily, left it in the dust. These days, Vietnam is a very popular destination for backpackers and digital nomads. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be busy cities but Vietnam does provide safe budget-friendly travel with serene landscapes like Ha Long Bay. The country is generally safe for tourists, making it a good place for solo travelers.
Oman
Sitting in the Middle East, Oman has a reputation as one of the safest places in the region. Oman is a great place to go if you are an adventurer, because it is famous for its dramatic desert landscapes, its sparkling coastlines and its ancient forts. Oman is a stable country with low crime rates and has a good reputation for being introverted and friendly to tourists; understand despite being in a geopolitically sticky region.
Georgia
Georgia is tucked between Europe and Asia, and often gets overlooked because of its proximity to conflict zones, but it is one of the safest places to travel. Georgian hospitality is legendary and you’ll often be helped by locals. It’s the country of mountains, wine and ancient cities. It’s a hot spot of Eastern Europe, with a stable government and low crime rates.
Uruguay
Of South America’s safest countries, Uruguay tends to be brushed to the side by its additional enormous neighbours, Brazil or Argentina. Uruguay has low crime rates, a progressive political climate and a laid back atmosphere for relaxing vacations. If you’re scouting out Montevideo’s colonial architecture or soaking up the beaches of Punta del Este, Uruguay beauty keeps a slow and secure pace.
Montenegro
Montenegro, nestled in the Balkans, may seem off the beaten path, but it’s surprisingly safe and exceptionally scenic. Montenegro’s coastlines can be stunning, with charming towns like Kotor and Budva on the Adriatic, and beaches on the Gulf of Kotor. Crime rate in the country is very low and it’s easy to walk around without worries. Montenegro is nothing short of beautiful, whether you like to be way up in the mountains or go down to the beach for a few relaxing days away.
Lebanon
Despite its previous images of past conflict, it’s a safe and vibrant place, especially in its capital, Beirut. Lebanon with its lively nightlife, delicious food and rich history is known for its mix of all cultures. Tourists’ safety is considered paramount in areas such as the Cedar Mountains and Jeita Grotto. People out here seem friendly and more than happy to introduce visitors to the country’s glory and its capacity to recover.
Iran
Iran is usually painted with a broad brush of risk, but the reality is quite different. While Iran’s crime rates are lower than many other countries, especially for foreigners, its culture is deeply hospitable to outsiders. Locals are known to be kind, Persian architecture is beautiful, and the country has great historical sites like Persepolis, which visitors rave about. At the risk of falling prey to the political narratives surrounding it, Iran can be a unique and safe experience, if you respect the local customs.
Albania
When it comes to European gems, Albania is one of them – with crystal clear beaches, ancient ruins and welcoming residents. It was closed off for much of the 20th century due to its communist history, but today it’s one of Europe’s safest and most budget friendly spots. Tirana has grown into lively, modern cities and Albania has a very low crime rate. Albania is a safe and beautiful escape from the mountains to the Ionian Sea.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia has an ancient culture and is the birthplace of coffee. Despite its reputation for ruggedness, tourist safety is high in places such as Lalibela and the Simien Mountains. Local Ethiopians are kind and the country’s tourism infrastructure has been growing so it’s something that’s relatively safe and easy to get to if you’re into adventure.
Myanmar
If you travel to Myanmar but stay out of Yangon and its surroundings, parts of the country are relatively safe and worth visiting, such as the ancient region of Bagan and Inle Lake. Myanmar is a country of ancient temples and very vibrant cultural traditions, with a low crime rate for visitors. Travelers can visit Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage without fear simply by exercising common sense travel practices.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina, famous for its landscapes and historical sites, has moved past its tragic wartime scars and welcomes tourists with a safe upbeat experience. This country has plenty of history and beauty, places such as Mostar and Sarajevo. The locals are often praised for their warmth, and there are reminders of past conflicts, but it doesn’t impact the safety of travelers.
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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