As anyone who has ever traveled outside of their home country knows, no two places are exactly alike. From the way we look, to the way we speak, all the way down to what goes into our school lunches, people are very different from nation to nation. But if you love seeing all those differences by traveling all over the world, you're going to have to be willing to take some risks.
Jumping on a plane and going to all those cool countries you see on TV sounds like a good idea… and in many situations, it is! Just as these three Irish guys learned when they traveled to 23 countries to make an awesome dance video, visiting other nations is a great way to learn about yourself and other people. But you should definitely do your research before you book that flight, because if you don't, you could be putting your life in danger.
Even though every place on Earth has its dangerous spots and bad people, there are some countries that are significantly more dangerous than others. Before making the decision to head off to one of these amazing places, make sure you're aware of the risks— these countries are some of the most dangerous tourist destinations on the planet. Even though I now know how risky it is to go there, I'd still love to revisit number 2!
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1. Russia
The architecture of this massive nation is truly something to behold. It's no wonder so many people flock to see the Hermitage Museum or the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral!
Unfortunately, Russia also has a long history of kidnapping, murder for hire, extortion, and drug trafficking. The danger is even worse if you're LGBT — this country is known for its extreme anti-LGBT laws, and many people who are openly queer are beat in the streets without anyone coming to their aid.
2. Guatemala
Full disclosure: I have been to Guatemala, and I would go back again in a heartbeat. The landscape is teeming with volcanoes, there are enough ruins to satisfy the world's hungriest history buff, the people are extremely friendly, and the colonial cities such as Antigua are guaranteed to keep you busy for the duration of your trip.
Lurking underneath its culture and beauty is Guatemala's high crime rate, which includes violence against women and drug trafficking. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and robbery, are also common, but they are generally only life-threatening if you try to resist your assailant.
3. North Korea
Some parts of North Korea are indeed beautiful (Check out that Reunification Arch!), but the main draw for the few tourists that come into the country is the fact that it's shrouded in secrecy.
The reason why the country is so mysterious is where the problem comes in. Citizens and tourists of North Korea are constantly monitored and bombarded with propaganda, and daily life is extremely regulated. A large portion of North Koreans are living in poverty and starving. But the worst part is that the tiniest misstep could land you in one of the country's horrific labor camps, where prisoners are forced to work under terrible conditions. Many captives are kept until they die of either their poor conditions and abuse or by execution. And if you do end up in one of these awful places, there's no United States embassy in the country to help you out.
4. India
India is a country that's as large as it is diverse. Visitors can stand in awe of the famous buildings that were constructed there, such as the Taj Mahal and Humayun's Tomb.
Despite all its beauty, India can still be a dangerous place… especially for women and girls. Sexual assault is particularly prevalent in this country, and unfortunately, the authorities tend to do a fair bit of victim-blaming when such an attack is reported. Corruption and drug trafficking also plague this nation, so if you decide to go, do so with caution.
5. Georgia
Most people don't even consider Georgia in their international travel plans, but this country has a lot to offer. It boasts beautiful architecture as well as the gorgeous Mount Kazbek.
Currently, there are travel warnings in place to discourage foreigners from going to Georgia. Terrorism and military operations are making the nation a risky place to be, especially if you're not native to the area.
6. Honduras
Honduras is a gorgeous country in Central America, populated by friendly people and tons of exotic wildlife. Visitors will love to see Gumbalimba and La Tigra National Parks, where numerous colorful birds and reptiles roam free.
The other side of Honduras is quite a bit darker. Violence, poverty, and drug trafficking have made it a difficult place to live for many people, and the simple fact that it currently has the highest murder rate of any country in the world is certainly enough reason to stay away from it until things calm down a bit.
7. Mexico
For those of us who live in North America, Mexico is a wonderful getaway that isn't too far from home. From its beautiful beaches to its ancient Aztec ruins and cities, it's a wonderful vacation spot for anyone hoping for a great trip without having to cross an entire ocean.
All that being said, if you are planning a trip to Mexico, stay away from the cities that lie near the border. By now, most people have heard of all the drug-related violence that has left a dark mark on the country, but most of it tends to happen closer to the border in places such as Ciudad Juarez. The entire country certainly shouldn't share the bad rap of a few areas, but make no mistake— those areas should definitely be avoided if you want to stay safe on your trip.
8. Egypt
If you've wanted to cross off seeing the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza from your bucket list, you're not alone. Egypt is a place with an incredible history, and being able to witness even a small part of that would definitely be an amazing experience.
Recently, political unrest has also made its way into Egypt's history books. Protests have led to citizens clashing with law enforcement and the military, and all that violence has resulted in many people dying. If you're still itching to see this country, it might be wise to wait a few years to see if things return to a more peaceful state.
9. Afghanistan
Most people might not consider Afghanistan an ideal tourist destination in the first place, but thanks to its dazzling landscape that will delight photographers and hikers alike, it's actually a surprisingly stunning country. Those who are more interested in culture will be happy to know that beautifully designed mosques can also be found throughout the nation.
Many years of war have left Afghanistan's landscape torn apart, and even though many locals are surprisingly friendly with both military personnel and tourists alike, many others will specifically target United States citizens when carrying out violent attacks.
10. Nicaragua
Popular tourist destinations such as the sunny beaches of San Juan del Sur and the colonial city of Granada make Nicaragua a good place for anyone wanting to take a trip to Central America.
Once you get away from the more touristy spots (and even while in some of the touristy spots), the less beautiful parts of Nicaragua come into the light. The country has problems with drug trafficking, poverty, and petty crime, and foreigners stick out to anyone looking for an easy target who's probably carrying valuables.
11. Mali
Mali is a lovely destination for those who love to learn about the culture of the places they visit. Places such as the Great Mosque of Djenne seem to have the ability to transport their visitors back in time, and the Festival au Desert is a fun celebration of music from all over the world.
Although there are many positives to visiting Mali, a big negative comes from all the military conflict that has been happening in the country for years. It puts everyone, from tourists to locals, at risk for bodily harm and even death.
12. Venezuela
This South American country is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason: it's packed with national parks such as Morrocoy that have tons of biodiversity, and the locals are extremely friendly.
Sadly, the reputation of Venezuela has been tarnished with high homicide and kidnapping numbers within the country. Like in many other Central and South American countries, robberies and pickpocketing are also prevalent in Venezuela, so tourists should avoid wandering the streets at night and keep all valuables hidden.
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