Planning a vacation is always exciting. After all, going to someplace you have never been before is just brimming with new fun and adventure for you to explore. At the same time, there are several vacation destinations that just might be a little more dangerous that you signed on for. Here is a look at the top 20 vacation destinations that just might be a little more exciting than you had planned.
20. New Zealand
New Zealand is not inherently dangerous, but visitors routinely engage in activities that put them in harms way. More than one third of the country is considered a nature conservation land, which means thrill-seekers from around the world flock to the country in order to participate in extreme sports. Unfortunately, the result is a very high number of tourists deaths in the country each year.
19. Taiwan
Taiwan offers the beautiful city of Taipei as well as access to the largest collection of Chinese artifacts in the world. Despite its cultural sites, the country is plagued with natural disasters. In fact, more than 70% of the island is prone to experiencing at least three different types of natural disasters, including: floods, earthquakes, typhoons, windstorms, and landslides.
18. Australia
The land down under may have clean water and happy residents, but it is also home to some of the deadliest animals in the world. When you visit Australia, you may find yourself facing one of the ten most poisonous snakes in the world, one of many different types of deadly spiders or even deadly sea creatures. In fact, most consider Australia to be the place where you are most likely to get attacked by wildlife in one way or another.
17. Dominican Republic
Petty crimes have long been considered common in the Dominican Republic, but violent crimes against foreigners are becoming increasingly common. In fact, buses and taxis are known for allowing criminals to rob tourists while in their small, enclosed spaces.
16. Venezuela
Venezuela as the third biggest murder rate in all of Latin America, with much of that violence being related to drug trafficking and resulting from the fact that the country is located between Colombia and the United States.
15. Cote d’Ivoire
Despite the fact that the airport is now open, the violent killings of and American civilian and several French troops in 2004 has continued to plague this country.
14. Georgia
American citizens are forbidden from traveling the overland passing that spans between Russia and Georgia, but this isn’t the only problem you might face in this country. The country remains divided after its civil war, which took place in the 80s and 90s, and the group in northwest Georgia still refuses to recognize the country’s government. This has results in a great deal of violence in the area, including beatings and destruction of property.
13. Zimbabwe
Despite the beauty that Victoria Falls offers in Zimbabwe, tourists are routinely harassed in the country. Violent crime, which is often spurred by food and fuel shortages, are also common.
12. Democratic Republic of the Congo
If you plan to go to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, be prepared to have to bribe your way in and out of the country. Despite the presences of the U.N. observer forces throughout the country, car-jackings, kidnapping, and rapes routinely occur at the hands of troops as well as armed groups.
11. Liberia
Despite the 1,100 police advisors and 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers, crime remains a major problem in Liberia. Murder, theft, and sexual assaults are all common – particularly at night.
interesting article – now would be perfect to send info on the most beautiful countries throughout the world… thanks in advance…
Somalia looks more dangerous..
Well, if you want to go somewhere that is a bit different but extremely safe, I would strongly suggest that you come visit Hong Kong. It is a wonderful city as well as a fantastic central point from which to explore other parts of Asia. Also, there are english translations to almost all signage and a good portion of the population speaks at least some english, so it is very easy to get around. We have one of the most low cost, extensive, easy to use, and efficient public transport systems in the world. Also, we have many sights to see in the city – and outside of the city in the countryside – and that includes lots of ocean activities. We have world class hotels and restaurants as well as all the shopping you can imagine. Furthermore, we have temples and things like that that western tourists seem to like a lot.
Come visit http://www.rstnL.com for links to some great websites that will help you get acquainted with Hong Kong and help you get started with your trip planning.
And what about Palestine? They are always at war with Israel…
Warzone countries are really dangerous.. I love travelling but i wont take the risk of going there..
I had no idea there was a country called Columbia
Oops, you forgot North Korea, you can still go there with a US passport.
That should be #1…
I don’t believe you can go to North Korea on a US passport; at least it is very difficult.
I agree, North Korea should have made the list – extreme poverty, totalitarian regime and extreme weather.
I wonder how the diving is in Haiti?
Hi SoCal Diver,
The diving in Haiti is not the best, but it’s pretty good, especially at the Kaliko Beach Club, but there are not many people coming in, so you’d better call them prior to your arrival.
But if I were you, I would go to Dominican Republic – it’s on the other side. This place is much safer, especially if you live in an all-inclusive hotel. And the diving is great there!
Max, are you sure a US citiizen can go to North Corea? If so, we’ll definitely make it a #1!
Thank you!
If you are an African American [like me] Asian or a ‘colored’ person, New Zealand should top your no-go list.
Here’s what I found earlier:
http://newzeelend.wordpress.com/2008/06/21/how-dangerous-is-new-zealand-for-visitors-asians-women-children/
INDIA SHOULD BE ON NUMBER 1 IN THE LIST OF TOP 10. INDIA IS VERY VERY VERY DANGEROUS COUNTRY. SOON IT WILL BE FURTHER DIVIDED INTO DIFFERENT COUNTIRIES. PEOPLE OF INDIA ARE EXTREMIST AND RACIST
They forgot to put the West Bank and Gaza in there.
You mean Colombia, right? (columbia???)
Columbia is NOT a country…COLOMBIA is maybe what you meant? Also, I don’t think it is correct to generalize an ENTIRE country as dangerous or as a “no-go”….! Maybe specific areas or cities, but not everywhere!
Maybe offering tips on being a “smarter” traveler would be good. I am from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil which is a pretty dangerous country even for natives. But if you are smart about the choices you make (e.g. not walking around with a digital camera around your neck) your overall trip might be a lot “safer”.
That’s a great suggestion, Mariana. We’ll keep that in mind.
ITS COLOMBIA! Not COLUMBIA.
…ugh
where did you get those facts on ColOmbia? I live there and am pretty sure 2500 tourists dont get kidnapped each year…maybe in total? also, the crime numbers have dropped dramatically in recent years. I am a gringo with blond hair and have no problems in most parts of the country
Dominincan Republic? i dont think so!