Several thousand people travel to different countries each year. Whether its for vacation, to visit distant relatives, or for work, international travel is almost common place — and thanks to air travel, its easier than ever. Although some countries can be enchanting and tempting to visit, they may not be safe for foreign travelers due to things like extortion or terrorism. Here’s a list of five countries you can travel to, but should probably reconsider — especially if you don’t have family there.
Russia
Mother Russia; the massive country that spans across Europe and Asia. The largest city is Moscow, which is home to some great sites, such as St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square. From there you can head northwest and visit The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, near the Baltic Sea. More adventurous travelers might want to climb Mt. Elbrus or go diving in the world’s deepest lake in Siberia. Russia is a country rich in history, that is also big enough to offer something for almost everyone.
Why you shouldn’t go —
According to the US State Department, US citizens in Russia are prime targets for ” harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials,” and Russian officials often make it hard for US State Department personnel to contact US citizens if they have been arrested. The country is also frequently targeted by terrorists, making it undoubtedly more unsafe.
Mauritania
This country is located in Western Africa and borders Senegal, Mali, and Western Sahara. According to Lonely Planet, Mauritania’s capital of Nouakchott, near the Atlantic, coast is full of great restaurants, nice hotels, and “Africa’s busiest fish market.” The country is also known for its beaches and offers a few great surf spots for those brave enough.
Several thousand people travel to different countries each year. Whether its for vacation, to visit distant relatives, or for work, international travel is almost common place — and thanks to air travel, its easier than ever. Although some countries can be enchanting and tempting to visit, they may not be safe for foreign travelers due to things like extortion or terrorism. Here’s a list of five countries you can travel to, but should probably reconsider — especially if you don’t have family there.
Russia
Mother Russia; the massive country that spans across Europe and Asia. The largest city is Moscow, which is home to some great sites, such as St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square. From there you can head northwest and visit The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, near the Baltic Sea. More adventurous travelers might want to climb Mt. Elbrus or go diving in the world’s deepest lake in Siberia. Russia is a country rich in history, that is also big enough to offer something for almost everyone.
Why you shouldn’t go —
According to the US State Department, US citizens in Russia are prime targets for ” harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials,” and Russian officials often make it hard for US State Department personnel to contact US citizens if they have been arrested. The country is also frequently targeted by terrorists, making it undoubtedly more unsafe.
Mauritania
This country is located in Western Africa and borders Senegal, Mali, and Western Sahara. According to Lonely Planet, Mauritania’s capital of Nouakchott, near the Atlantic, coast is full of great restaurants, nice hotels, and “Africa’s busiest fish market.” The country is also known for its beaches and offers a few great surf spots for those brave enough.
Why you shouldn’t go —
For one, the country still practices slavery — even though it was officially outlawed in 1981. According to a report from The Guardian, an estimated 18 percent of the country’s population, or about 600,000 people, are still enslaved. In addition, the US State Department warns that “muggings, armed robberies, rapes, and assaults” are all frequent occurrences, and that local police offer almost no help. Western travelers are especially targeted by both criminals and terrorist groups.
Honduras
Honduras is located in Central America and borders the Caribbean Sea. According to Lonely Planet, the country is home to the “world’s second-largest coral reef,” and with so much coast line, the country is a great place if you are looking to relax on the beach or go snorkeling, surfing, or swimming. The country also has Mayan ruins you can explore, and white water rafting in the country’s mountains.
Why you shouldn’t go —
Honduras has been in the news lately due to the large “migrant caravan” that began in the country, according to Al Jazeera. Many in the caravan are from Honduras and neighboring countries and are fleeing “violence and unemployment.” The murder rate in Central America is the “highest in the world outside of active war zones.” According to the US State Department, the country is plagued by “violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking,” and local law enforcement is overwhelmed.
Turkey
Sitting on the border between Europe and the Middle East, Turkey has some of the world’s most known historic sites. According to Rough Guides, the country has numerous historic landmarks, including several religious sites. The country also tourist resorts, beaches, markets, and festivals. The country is also opening “the world’s largest airport,” according to Reuters.
Why you shouldn’t go —
Other than the huge dispute between Turkey and Saudi Arabia caused by the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Turkey is also involved in the war in Syria. Travelers, especially Americans, could face arbitrary detentions, and the country is under near constant threat of terrorism. According to the US State Department, US citizens have also been stopped from leaving the country.
Haiti
If you depart Key West, Florida and fly southeast, eventually you’ll reach Haiti, which occupies the western portion of Hispaniola. According to Lonely Planet, the country’s unique culture is intoxicating for visitors, and the country’s “natural beauty” which includes beaches and mountains are perfect for those who love outdoor activities. The country has been victim of several high-profile natural disasters in the past decade, and several thousand Americans travel to the country to perform aid work every year.
Why you shouldn’t go —
According to the US State department, civil unrest and high crime rates make the country a dangerous place to visit. Travelers are often targeted as soon as they land at the airport, and American citizens working for the US embassy have a strict set of rules they must abide while in Haiti. The country’s public safety infrastructure is lacking at best and absent at worst, meaning if you get hurt in Haiti, there may or may not be an ambulance around to assist you. Crimes are often times not investigated by Haitian police due to a lack of resources.
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