Looking for an adventure in a new and exciting destination? While travel can be a great way to broaden your horizons and experience new cultures, it's important to be aware of potential risks before you go.
Some destinations are known for their natural beauty or cultural attractions, but they can also be high-risk destinations due to political instability, crime, or natural disasters.
In this list, we'll take a closer look at the 15 most and least deadly travel destinations, so you can make an informed decision about where to go (and where to avoid) on your next adventure.
1. Libya
Libya has been in a state of conflict and instability since the overthrow of its former leader, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011. The country is currently divided between two competing governments, and violent clashes between different armed groups are common.
Terrorism is also a risk in the country, with attacks targeting both tourists and locals. In addition, the country's infrastructure has been damaged by years of conflict, which can make travel difficult and dangerous. The U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Libya due to the high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
2. Yemen
Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2015, with fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels. The conflict has led to widespread violence, including bombings, shootings, and kidnappings.
In addition to the conflict, Yemen is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts, which can pose a risk to travelers. The U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Yemen due to the high risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and violent crime.
3. Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been in a state of conflict and instability for decades, with the ongoing conflict between the government and various insurgent groups. The country has experienced years of war and political unrest, with high levels of violence, including bombings, shootings, and kidnappings.
Terrorism is also a significant risk in the country, with attacks targeting both locals and foreigners. Additionally, the country's infrastructure has been damaged by years of conflict, making travel difficult and dangerous. The U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to the high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
4. Somalia
Somalia has been in a state of conflict and instability for many years, with ongoing violence between the government and various armed groups. The country is known for piracy, particularly in the waters off its coast, which can pose a risk to travelers on ships or boats.
Additionally, terrorist attacks are common, with targets including government buildings, hotels, and public places. The risk of kidnapping is also high in Somalia, with both locals and foreigners targeted. The U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Somalia due to the high risk of terrorism, piracy, kidnapping, and violent crime.
5. Nepal
Nepal is a country located in the Himalayas, known for its natural beauty and tourism opportunities such as trekking and mountaineering. However, the country is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods, which can pose a risk to travelers. In 2015, a massive earthquake struck the country, causing widespread damage and casualties.
Additionally, Nepal has experienced political unrest and occasional violence, including protests and clashes between different groups. The U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise caution when traveling to Nepal due to the risk of natural disasters and occasional violence.
6. Honduras
Honduras is known for having one of the highest murder rates in the world, with high levels of violence and crime. The country is also known for drug trafficking and gang violence, particularly in urban areas, which can pose a risk to tourists.
Robbery and assault are common crimes targeting tourists, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. The U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution when traveling to Honduras due to the high level of violent crime.
7. Thailand
Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and cultural attractions. However, the country has also experienced political unrest and violence in recent years, with protests and occasional clashes between different groups.
In addition, tourists should be aware of scams and tourist traps, particularly in popular areas such as Bangkok and Phuket. These can include scams involving tuk-tuks, fake tour agencies, and overpriced goods. The U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution when traveling to Thailand and to be aware of their surroundings and the potential for scams.
8. Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is considered one of the most dangerous places on earth due to its high violent crime rates. The country has struggled with issues of lawlessness and tribal conflict since its independence from Australia in 1975. The prevalence of weapons in the country, including firearms and machetes, has led to a culture of violence, with many conflicts resulting in injury and death.
The country also suffers from high infectious disease rates, contributing to its reputation as a deadly place. Papua New Guinea has some of the highest rates of tuberculosis in the world and high rates of malaria and HIV/AIDS. In addition, the lack of access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, has led to many preventable deaths, and the country's healthcare system is ill-equipped to handle large disease outbreaks.
9. Lesotho
Lesotho is a small country located in South Africa, known for its beautiful natural scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. However, the country also has high levels of crime and violence, particularly in urban areas such as Maseru.
Carjacking, robbery, and theft are common crimes targeting tourists and locals alike. The country also has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and travelers should take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus. The U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution when traveling to Lesotho due to the high level of crime and the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
10. Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been experiencing political instability and conflict for many years, which has resulted in the country being designated as a high-risk destination for travelers. The security situation in the country is volatile, and there are frequent reports of violence and armed conflicts involving various armed groups and militias.
The presence of these armed groups and militias has also led to a high risk of terrorist attacks in the country, particularly in the eastern and northern regions. Kidnapping is also a significant risk, with criminal gangs and armed groups targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom.
11. Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been experiencing conflict and instability for many years, which has resulted in a high level of risk for travelers visiting the country. The root causes of the conflict are complex and include historical, political, economic, and social factors.
One of the most significant issues contributing to the instability in the DRC is the presence of armed groups and militias operating in different parts of the country. These armed groups often engage in violent clashes with the government forces and each other, leading to the displacement of people and the destruction of property. The conflict has also spilled over to neighboring countries, exacerbating the regional instability.
12. South Sudan
South Sudan has been experiencing conflict and instability for many years, resulting in a high level of risk for travelers visiting the country. The root causes of the conflict are complex and include historical, political, economic, and social factors.
The ongoing conflict in South Sudan involves various armed groups and militias, which often engage in violent clashes with government forces and each other. The violence has resulted in the displacement of millions of people and has caused widespread destruction of property and infrastructure.
13. Mauritania
Mauritania is a desert country located in North Africa, and while it has beautiful landscapes and unique cultural experiences, it is also a high-risk destination for travelers due to various security concerns.
Terrorism is a significant risk in Mauritania, particularly in the border regions with Mali, where several terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), operate. These groups have carried out attacks against government and security forces, as well as against foreigners, resulting in deaths and injuries.
Kidnapping is also a significant risk in Mauritania, particularly in the border regions with Mali and Western Sahara. Criminal gangs and terrorist groups have targeted foreigners for kidnapping for ransom, and there have been several cases of foreigners being kidnapped and held for extended periods.
14. Mali
Mali has experienced political unrest and conflict in recent years, resulting in a high level of risk for travelers visiting the country. The root causes of the conflict are complex and include historical, political, economic, and social factors.
Terrorism is a significant risk in Mali, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country, where several terrorist groups operate. These groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), have carried out attacks against government and security forces, as well as against foreigners, resulting in deaths and injuries.
15. Iraq
Iraq has experienced years of conflict and political instability, resulting in a high level of risk for travelers visiting the country. The root causes of the conflict are complex and include historical, political, economic, and social factors.
Terrorism is a significant risk in Iraq, particularly in the western and northern regions of the country, where several terrorist groups operate. These groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), have carried out attacks against government and security forces, as well as against civilians and foreigners, resulting in deaths and injuries.
These are the Top 15 Most Deadly Destinations in the world according to frequent travelers. Source: Reddit.
More From The Impulse Traveler:
If you're a travel enthusiast, you won't want to miss out on the incredible travel stories waiting for you on The Impulse Traveler blog. Keep clicking through the slideshow to uncover even more adventures that will leave you itching to pack your bags and hit the road. From hidden gems to popular hotspots, The Impulse Traveler has something for everyone, so why not keep exploring?
8 Of America's Ugliest Cities According To Frequent Travelers
When it comes to cities, beauty is subjective. What one person finds beautiful, another person may find unattractive. However, that hasn’t stopped people from discussing and ranking cities based on their appearance. In an online thread where users can rank the “ugliest cities” or ugliest places in the U.S., frequent travelers ranked their top 8, and the results may surprise you.
8 of America’s Ugliest Cities According to Frequent Travelers
10 Interesting Things Non-Americans Always Wanted To Ask Americans
In a recent conversation on Reddit, someone asked, “Non-Americans: What’s something you’ve always wanted to ask the people of America?” Here are the top-voted responses.
10 Interesting Things Non-Americans Always Wanted To Ask Americans
10 Countries That Have The Best Food in the World
Living in America and being privy to an exciting blend of multicultural cuisine makes it nearly impossible to choose. But I agree with the number one voted response from an internet polling, Thailand. Everyone should try Yum Neau at least once in their life! Here is how the internet responded to the question, “What country has the best food?”
10 Countries That Have The Best Food in the World
11 Reasons Europeans Dislike Americans
It is a common saying that Europeans hate Americans. Anti-Americanism is prejudice, fear, or hatred of the United States, its government, its foreign policy, or the American people in general. Why is it so common to dislike Americans?