Here’s a Flavor of World’s 15 Deadliest Tourist Destinations

 

Hello Aluxers, it’s time to visit that travel bucket list and see which destination is next. Before you rush to buy the tickets know that not all the countries are completely safe for tourists. As much as you would like to visit all the world, some regions and countries are at war and some are struggling. 

This means that visiting them should be postponed until further notice. There are also some tourist destinations that dangerous and they’re not in poor countries or conflict areas. Usually big cities like New York can be pretty dangerous, so we did a little digging and found out what tourist destinations are dangerous from all over the world.

Keep in mind that some people still visit these destinations, because no place if out of limits and some of them are indeed insanely beautiful. So let’s see what you need to know and look out for when travelling in some of the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world. 

• 1: Volcano tours, Hawaii
• 2: Death Road, Bolivia
• 3: Mount Everest, Nepal
• 4: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• 5: Darvas gas crater, Turkmenistan
• 6: Chernobyl, Ukraine
• 7: Elephant Kingdom, Thailand
• 8: Tataouine, Tunisia
• 9: Cape Town, South Africa
• 10: America’s National Parks
• 11: Tijuana, Mexico
• 12: Kenya
• 13: Egypt
• 14: North Korea
• 15: Philippines

 

If you are one of those Aluxers who would prefer video over text, here’s the whole article but in a form of our YouTube video:

With that out of the way, let’s go over the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world:

1: Volcano tours, Hawaii

The famous Hawaian archipelago is on everyone’s bucket list for sure. Each island offers a great variety of palm trees, pristine beaches, tropical fruits and amazing sunsets. It all sounds idyllic, but hiking on an active volcano, a very popular activity in Hawaii, is not that safe.

Many people have died on these hikes or coming down the hikes due to the lava haze and other extreme conditions. Another threat in Hawaii is volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis. It does look like heaven on earth, but if you’re not careful it can quickly become hell, especially since most activities on the island are not that safe.

Resource: 20 Things You Didn’t Know About Hawaii

2: Death Road, Bolivia

When you see pictures of Death Road from Bolivia you’ll understand why 300 people die each year visiting it. Few roads came close to being as extreme as this one or as famous. It’s a 69 km old road that is now exclusively used by cyclists because there is no way cars and bicycles can safely share it.

Coming down the road will lead you through fog, rain, landslides and 600 meters free falls. Until 2006 the road was the only route between La Paz and Coroico. Nowadays, cars have another route and the Death Road is used for cyclists and tourists only. It used to be the most dangerous road in the world.

3: Mount Everest, Nepal

Being the highest mountain in the world, Everest is the ultimate peak hikers and mountain lovers want to climb. Unfortunately, since it’s so high, over 8800 meters, the weather conditions are extremely harsh and unpredictable. 

Over 300 people have died climbing the mountain and although there are many warnings about how experienced one needs to be before the climb, hundreds of people still believe they are stronger than nature. With those numbers in mind and climate change too, tourism in the area is still rising, making it one of the most dangerous destinations in the world.

4: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil has some of the most dangerous cities in the world and yet people are still eager to visit the country. Crime rates, violence and muggings are very common in some areas of Rio de Janeiro, including some beaches.

Rio de Janeiro is a huge city where police and drug lords get shot on the streets. It’s no wonder it has been named several times as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The only problem is that is also one of the most beautiful cities and cultures in the world and there seems to be no middle ground to mend the situation.

5: Darvas gas crater, Turkmenistan

This unique destination is also called “The Door to Hell” and for a good reason. It’s actually a natural gas field collapsed into an underground cavern. Scientist intentionally set it on fire back in 1971 so that the methane bubble won’t spread uncontrollably and implode. 

Since then, the crater has been burning non stop and people now visit the site to take one of a kind selfies and see with their eyes the burning flames. Although the crater is almost abandoned, people camp around it and fly above it, in spite of the obvious danger. There are few other places like this in the region.

6: Chernobyl, Ukraine

In the light of the latest successful tv series Chernobyl, Ukraine is now seeing a rise in tourism, especially in the area where the nuclear plant is located. Although it’s been more than 30 years since the incident, only organized tours for a limited period of time are allowed in the area since it opened for the public.

Keep in mind that aside from small doses of radiation from Chernobyl tours, the eastrn part of Ukraine is at war which makes the country unstable and dangerous for tourists. Make sure to have travel insurance to avoid unpleasant situations. 

7: Elephant Kingdom, Thailand

We all dream of staying a month or two in southeast Asia, more specifically in Thailand. The country offers amazing sites and tropical resorts, topped with amazing experiences such as elephant sanctuaries or crocodile farms. 

Yes, you’ve heard it: feeding crocodiles up close. It’s one of the world’s scariest attractions that has been shut down several times due to safety concerns. They were using an improvised rack with plastic barrels supporting it to keep people in an open cage in the middle of the pond with hungry crocodiles around them. Chinese tourists were the biggest fans of this odd and dangerous attraction. No casualties were reported. Still, would you do it?

8: Tataouine, Tunisia 

Another city with increased tourism from Hollywood is Tataouine, Tunisia a city located in the desert made as a set for the Star Wars. The movie was shot in various locations of the city as well as other places and they even named Luke Skywalker’s planet after it, Tatooine. 

Nowadays some of the filming locations are abandoned and many tourists that wander around are at risk or being robbed or attacked. Even worse, some of the locations are used as home bases for Isis groups that want to cross the border into Libya. Bottom line, if you want to visit the filming sets make sure to get a safe tour with a guide.

9: Cape Town, South Africa

Since we’re on the African continent, there is a famous destination for surfers and beach lovers that is actually among the most dangerous destinations in the world for various reasons. We’re talking about Cape Town, South Africa, an amazing city and holiday destination for some people.

If you plan on visiting the city, know that you will need to be very careful in what neighbourhood you stay, in what waters you swim and what you drink. The city is well known for gang violence, assaults, fake police and HIV. They’ve dealt with a severe water crisis in 2018, so that might be an inconvenience too if you visit in the summer. 

Resource: Pearl Valley 334 – One Of The Most Exclusive Dream Homes From Cape Town Designed By SAOTA

10: America’s National Parks

Nature lovers will most probably want to adventure in America’s National Parks at least once in a lifetime. Yellowstone, Yosemite are some of the most beautiful parks but also some of the most dangerous. Millions of people visit them each year and some of them unfortunately die there.

These raw natural environments are home to grizzly bears, unpredictable floods, extreme heat or free falls from high rocks. As beautiful as they are, some remote parts of the parks are very hostile and only experienced hikers are allowed. Grand Canyon is one place where people 6 people die each week. Take all safety measures when visiting. 

11: Tijuana, Mexico

For many Americans a holiday or a wedding in Mexico is the ultimate getaway. If you don’t research enough the area you’re going to stay in, some ugly encounters can happen. Tijuana is the party city where millions of students go for spring break or holiday, but it’s not that safe.

Along with other cities like Acapulco, Tijuana is extremely dangerous, not only for lonely travellers or women. There is drug violence, kidnapping, robbery and many other crimes can happen after sunset. There are police all over the place, giving the feeling that something bad can happen any time. Try to go in areas such as, Tulum or Cabo San Lucas.

Resource: Check out this All-White Design of the Mar Adentro Hotel in Mexico and Be Amazed!

12: Kenya

Since tourism is increasing in Africa due to its raw landscapes, safaris and beautiful beaches, more people are at risk of being caught up in the civil wars and conflict areas of the region. You’d think that Kenya is among the countries that seem to be pretty safe and stable.

Tourism in the country has been rising but with a cost. Since it’s surrounded by Somalia and Sudan, danger, bombings and terrorist attacks can happen all of a sudden, especially in tourist areas, hotels and public transportation. It’s a pity, thinking that the country can offer amazing tours, untouched beaches and exotic holidays.

13: Egypt

In the northern part of the African continent most countries are in the middle of a conflict, even Egypt. Over 14 million people visit the country each year to admire the pyramids and the reliques of the old civilization.

Most parts of Egypt, especially Cairo are safe for tourists, but the eastren part near the border with Israel and Gaza strip things can get a little dangerous. The border in west with Libya should be avoided too. Some agencies don’t offer tours to Egypt anymore until things loosen up, so it’s up to you if you to decide whether to go or not.

Resource: Egyptian Billionaire Offered To Buy an ISLAND For Fleeing Migrants

14: North Korea

Most destinations we presented here are dangerous due to civil war, crime rate and natural disasters. North Korea is a dangerous destination for a very different reason: communism and censure. The biggest treat people face when visiting this country is prision, if some of the rules they have for tourists are broken in any way.

Taking pictures, adventuring alone, talking with people or trying to showcase a different portrait of the country will get you in prison. If that happens, only the president, the embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can help you get out. And since they have almost zero connections with any country, chances are low.

Resource: Inside North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un’s Luxury Private Jet

15: Philippines

When you hear people talking about their southeast Asia trips they all talk about Bali, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. But there are many other beautiful countries in the area such as Myanmar or the Philippines. Why are these 2 less popular?

Because they are more dangerous. Philippines has had some bad things happening in the last few years, including kidnapping, assault and terrorism attacks. A few islands and cities should be avoided as well as poor neighbourhoods or remote areas. These are some of the reasons the Philippines are not popular.

This sums up some of the tourist destinations that should be avoided. If you step back and take a bigger look, there are so many countries that are safe to visit and out of all 195 countries only a few are dangerous. So with that being said, where would you go if money wasn’t a problem? Bora Bora? New Zealand? Let us know in the comments below your dreamy travel destination.