The World’s Most Dangerous Travel Destinations
Traveling the world can add “cultural richness” to anyone’s list of accomplishments. Though there are many beautiful places around the world, there are many places that are dangerous for travel and should only be visited under strict approval from the State Department. Many of these “dangerous” labels arise as a result of political issues that are virtually impossible to plan for. Because of this, it’s wise to get US citizen travel insurance when planning your trip overseas. Here are some of the most dangerous places to travel as of now.
Yemen
Yemen remains a popular travel destination, thanks to the beautiful offshore island of Socotra. Among other things, Socotra is known for its unique foliage, vineyards, and ornate palaces. However, American citizens are advised to steer clear of Yemen as of 2008 when the U.S. Embassy in the country’s capital of Sana’a was attacked, leaving several dead and the security on high alert.
Georgia
No, not the state — the country nuzzled between Turkey and Russia. The country has been described as “Alps meet Mediterranean,” and offers every activity from wine tours to heli-skiing. Following a five-day war after a Russian invasion in 2008 however, US tourists are advised to avoid Georgia as a travel destination until further notice.
Not only are political demonstrations notoriously violent in Georgia, but also unexploded shells remain scattered around the former war zone, which seals the deal as a dangerous destination.
Syria
Tourists are inclined to visit Syria for a number of reasons. Most notably, it’s home to one of the most important mosques in the world: the Umayyad Mosque. However, Syria has been labeled as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States for upwards of 30 years. In this past decade alone, car bombs, assassinations, and an attack on the U.S. Embassy have been the name of the game. Travel to Syria is not advised until American and Syrian relations improve significantly.
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has a number of unique sightseeing opportunities, natural and manmade, traditional and new age. While North Korea isn’t technically on the State Department warning list for travel, officials in North Korea closely monitor foreigners’ conversations and movements for political and religious purposes. Since relations between the United States and North Korea are tense, it may be best to hold off on your North Korean vacation plans. If you choose to go, however, you’ll have to enter through Tokyo or Beijing – don’t forget the second visa!
Lebanon
Aside from the breathtaking region of Beirut, Lebanon is home to the eighth-century ruins of Anjar, ancient temples of Baalbek, and wineries galore in the Bekáa Valley. Lebanon is particularly dangerous because of its geographic location. The country sits right between Israel and Syria, which have been at odds for hundreds of years. The violence in Tripoli, and the frequent roadblocks staged by Hezbollah militants make this area extremely dangerous for US tourists. The U.S. Embassy has made it very clear that assistance for evacuation, should evacuation be necessary, is not guaranteed. Travel at your own risk
Though these areas are currently labeled as high-risk destinations for US citizens, trips can be made when conditions improve. To plan your trip, contact specialized travel companies for the given location. To set up US citizen travel insurance when you’re ready to embark on a journey, danger zone or not, Insurance For Trips has got you covered.
