Foreign passports and documents

Why not go on vacation to Phuket? Where should you not drive? Countries not worth going to

Summer is traditionally considered the time of holidays. We are breathlessly packing our bags, joyfully pushing at the check-in counters at the airport, anticipating a long-awaited vacation. The choice of the place of the trip must be approached wisely, and not to take the first offered last-minute ticket. Having unsuccessfully decided on a country or city, you risk ruining your vacation. To prevent this from happening, we will talk about countries where you should not go in the summer.

United Arab Emirates

Why not: incredible heat

In no case do not fly to the UAE in the summer - most likely you will sit in an air-conditioned room for the entire vacation. You should not expect another development of events, because in the summer months the temperature in the emirates rises to almost + 50! Only local camels can easily endure such heat. The sea will not please you either. Swimming in water heated to + 40 is not a pleasant pleasure.

When to go: October November

India

Why not: downpours and fumes

Almost all summer in India, the rainy season is raging. Humidity combined with heat creates a terrible stuffiness, which makes it hard to breathe. Due to constant downpours, roads in Indian cities are washed out, rivers overflow their banks, and some settlements are even flooded, cutting off from the outside world. To avoid falling into this trap, avoid traveling to India during the summer.

When to go: November to April

Spain

Why not: crowds of tourists

Going to the homeland of flamenco at the end of summer, you doom yourself to a constant flea market. The Spaniards themselves from large cities massively go to rest on the beaches of Valencia, Murcia and Malaga, so there is literally nowhere for an apple to fall. There is always pandemonium in popular tourist places and near attractions. You just won't be able to enjoy your vacation in such conditions.

When to go: September October

Egypt

Why not: hellish heat in the center of the country

Beach holidays in Egypt have been and remain one of the most popular destinations among Russians. But going to the central part of the country in the summer is almost the same as voluntarily grilling yourself. The air heats up to + 40. Most of the major Egyptian cities are stuffy and dusty, so it is simply unbearable to endure such weather.

When to go: Autumn-spring

Philippines

Why not: showers and typhoons

For Filipinos, rain is a common thing. It runs non-stop from June to November. In such conditions, the sea becomes dirty, and you can safely put an end to scuba diving. In July and August, the Philippines is hit by typhoons. You can also suffer: get stuck at the airport for a long time or spend your entire vacation in a hotel room. Do you need it?

When to go: February to April

Cuba

Why not: hurricanes

For the first two months of summer, you may be lucky and spend an unforgettable vacation in Cuba. But from August to September it is better not to go there - at this time hurricanes come to the Caribbean. The wind speed reaches 60 km / h and sometimes it develops into a real natural disaster, causing serious damage. It's not worth the risk of flying to Cuba during the hurricane season, but don't forget about insurance in other months.

When to go: November to March

Thailand

Why not: rains

In Thailand, the rainy season is not as intimidating as in India and the Philippines, but it can spoil your holiday. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, rain can interfere with your plans. Humidity levels vary by location. The islands of Phuket and Chang, as well as the province of Krabi, suffer the most from rainfall in summer. But on Koh Samui in the summer, the weather is often ideal.

When to go: January to March

Moscow, July 2 - Vesti.Ekonomika. Travel service Skyscanner conducted a study and named tourist destinations where you should not go in the summer. Skyscanner assessed destinations based on three parameters that affect the quality of a holiday, including water and air temperature, rainfall and resort crowding.

Below we will talk about those destinations that experts do not recommend choosing for a summer vacation.

UAE

The federation includes 7 emirates, each of them, to a greater or lesser extent, is also a tourist resort: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Sharjah.

Each of them differs in size, originality, local laws, cost of recreation, infrastructure and attractions.

Egypt

Tourism is one of the main income items of Egypt, so the state contributes in every possible way to the development of this industry.

Resort complexes are being intensively built and modernized on the sea coast, in the resort cities of Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, etc.

In Egypt, there are monuments of various eras and civilizations: ancient Egyptian, Christian (Coptic), medieval Arabic.

As in the case of the UAE, Egypt is too hot a country in the summer. The best season to visit this country is autumn or spring.

Jordan

Tourists are attracted to Jordan by the beaches and coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba, the Dead Sea and one of the new seven wonders of the world - Petra.

Tourists also have the opportunity to see beautiful Christian mosaics and crusader castles hanging over the mountain slopes, ride horses through the gorges of Petra and see the Treasury, one of the most amazing buildings in the world.

However, the best time to visit this country is from February to May, when the air temperature is not so high and the trip will be more comfortable than in hot summer weather.

goa

Goa, located in the northwest of India, is the main resort of this country. Goa is the smallest Indian state.

The diversity of local nature can impress even the most sophisticated tourists. Rivers and lakes, islands and waterfalls, spice plantations, mangroves and even the real jungle - all this is Goa.

And, of course, the luxurious beach area, stretching along the entire 110-kilometer coastline, is the main and most recognizable visiting card of the state, attracting a large army of vacationers from all over the world.

However, Goa at the height of summer is not the best beach destination: there is a large amount of rainfall. The best time to visit here is from November to April.

Philippines

One of the largest cities in the Philippines - Manila - is located on the island of Luzon. It is the capital of the state, the main cultural and economic center. Manila is home to the National Museum of the Philippines, the Santo Tomas Museum of Natural History and Anthropology, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In the historical center of Intramuros - fortifications, churches, houses of the 16th-18th centuries, the Botanical Garden. Tourists are offered sightseeing tours of Manila, to Taal Lake, air safaris and folklore shows are organized.

The Philippines is famous for its beaches and picturesque coral reefs. The most famous tourist resorts are located in the southern part of the archipelago on the islands of Boracay, Cebu, Bohol and Palawan.

Tourists are offered both a beach holiday and a more active one - cruises, diving, surfing. Attractive and dynamically developing is the island of Mindoro, which is located in the north of the Philippine archipelago and is easily accessible from Manila.

However, tourists should keep in mind that in the Philippines from June to November there is a long rainy and typhoon season, so it is better to plan a trip to this country for another time of the year.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most exotic corners of the planet; a kingdom where not only secular laws are honored and fulfilled, but also Buddhist norms.

The tourism sector is of great importance in the development of Thailand. Each of the regions offers a wide variety of resorts, but the resort town of Pattaya and Phuket remain the most popular.

Travelers are attracted by natural resources, colorful culture, and folk crafts.

Some areas of Thailand are considered unsuitable destinations for summer travel. In particular, experts advise against going to Phuket, Koh Chang and Krabi.

At the same time, Koh Samui, Phangan or Hua Hin, where the rainy season lasts in October-December, are quite comfortable for a beach holiday.

Cuba

Today's Cuba is no longer just sugar cane, flowing rum and street salsa, but also a dynamically developing tourist infrastructure, almost Maldivian beaches, as well as amazing diving.

Tourists are attracted by the colonial past rich in architectural monuments, almost limitless opportunities for ecotourism and a favorable tropical climate.

However, tourists are not advised to fly to Cuba in August, where hurricanes are frequent at this time.

Seychelles

Seychelles is a small archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. Seychelles consists of 115 islands, of which 43 are internal and 72 are external islands.

More than half of the country's area is given over to national parks, marine parks and nature reserves.

This suggests that great attention is paid to environmental protection here, which benefits both the islanders themselves and tourists.

However, the Seychelles is also not suitable for summer holidays due to storms.

Spain

Spain is one of the largest centers of international tourism. The main tourist centers are Madrid and Barcelona, ​​as well as resorts - Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Canary Islands. 1.3 million people are employed in this area.

The culture and architecture of the country are interesting because they were created by different peoples over hundreds of years, as a result of which the historical heritage of Spain in its pristine beauty has become the embodiment of its mentality and national color.

Italy

Italy has 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country in the world.

Monuments of antiquity from the time of Rome, the charming romance of Venice, the hilly panorama of Tuscany, the southern slopes of the Alps, wonderful nature, sun, sea, air - all this is Italy.

Undoubtedly, a country as rich in culture and tourism as Italy attracts tourists all year round.

However, experts recommend choosing the spring or autumn season for visiting Italy, since in summer the Italians themselves love to relax on local beaches, which is why the influx of tourists is huge and often there is simply nowhere to stay on the beach.

Russia and other CIS countries are also relatively prosperous. But below is a list of countries where, due to military, interethnic and religious conflicts, low living standards, and natural disasters, it is better not to go for a tourist. Even in such popular countries as India, Brazil, Mexico, there is still a great threat of conflicts and other unforeseen circumstances.

There are countries in which hostilities are constantly ongoing and there is a danger to life. But in some states, conflicts are hidden, and they can manifest themselves at any moment. Just like natural disasters, no one can foresee them. Before choosing a country for travel, it is imperative to clarify the current state of affairs in it.

We present you a list of the most dangerous countries in the world to travel. Some countries on the list (in terms of their danger) are of course controversial, for example, Russian tourists are now actively traveling to the Philippines and Cambodia, but nevertheless these countries pose a danger to tourism.

1. Afghanistan

The modern stage of Afghanistan's development began in 2001, when, after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, American troops invaded the country to search for and punish the international terrorist Osama bin Laden (according to the official version). As a result of the invasion, the Taliban regime was overthrown and the modern Republic of Afghanistan, headed by Hamid Karzai, was established. But the Taliban movement was not completely suppressed and militants are still hiding in the mountainous regions of Waziristan on the border with Pakistan. They constantly make armed attacks on the allied forces and organize terrorist attacks. Although the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) maintains official power in Afghanistan, they control only a small area around the capital Kabul.

Thus, it is not safe for a tourist to be in Afghanistan. It is a very poor country with a lot of religiously intolerant people. Here you can either accidentally fall into the epicenter of an explosion or a terrorist attack, or become a victim of a kidnapping or robbery.

Despite the constant wars, Afghanistan still has some tourist attraction. This is a country with a rich history. On its territory, many artifacts have been preserved, collected over more than 5000 years of the existence of civilization on this earth. But, unfortunately, during the recent rule of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, several important historical sites have been deliberately destroyed. Among them is the tallest Buddhist building in the world - the sculpture of Bamiyan. She was declared pagan and blown up.

2. Pakistan

Pakistan, a former part of colonial India, has always been troubled. In this camp there is an unstable political system, government troops are constantly fighting with rebels and terrorists. There is a threat of a military conflict with India. The most dangerous areas of Pakistan are the territories along the border with Afghanistan (controlled by the Taliban), the Balukhistan region, as well as the country's largest city, Karachi. In these areas, clashes between different tribes and religious groups often occur.

Travelers to Pakistan are attracted by the incredible beauty of mountain landscapes. The northern part of the country is a popular place for mountain climbing. In addition, there are a lot of ancient architectural monuments in Pakistan: excavations of an ancient civilization in the Indus Valley - Mohenjo-Daro, the capital of the Indian Gandhara people - Taxila, Lahore fortress, Shalimar gardens, etc.

3. Iraq

Internal conflicts between warring groups in Iraq such as Kurds, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims (Mahdi Army), Arab Socialist Renaissance Party (Baath), Iraqi Communist Party are complemented by external conflicts with neighboring states of Iran and Kuwait. The US armed forces play an important role in resolving the situation in the region. They are called upon to counter the international terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, whose main unit is located in Iraq.

Among the entire territory of the country in Iraq, one can single out the most turbulent zone. This is the central part of the country, together with the capital Baghdad. The most likely danger of terrorist attacks, explosions, military conflicts exists in the territory from north to south from Tikrit to Halla and from west to east from Ramadi to Mandali.

For tour operators, Iraq is almost the biggest loss. The territory in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is the cradle of many civilizations. The largest number of archaeological sites are concentrated on this land, which attract both scientists and ordinary tourists. Just 85 km from Baghdad are the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, which, with the outbreak of the Iraq War in 2003, acted as the base of the allied forces. The presence of the military caused significant damage to the architectural monument. In addition to Babylon, the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, the capital of Arcadia, the city of Stesiphon, and the capital of Assyria, the city of Ashpur, are located on the territory of Iraq.

4. Syria

The country of Syria in the Middle East has been in a state of civil war since 2011. Armed opposition and rebels are fighting the government forces of the country's unchanging president since 2000, Bashar al-Assad, who was re-elected for a third term in June 2014. Prior to that, his father Hafez al-Assad led the country for 30 years.

The territory of Syria is the cradle of many great states of antiquity - Assyria, Phoenicia, Mesopotamia, Persia, the Arab Caliphate, etc. Saladin and Alexander the Great left their traces on Syrian soil. Every pebble, every grain of sand in this country witnessed important historical events.

The most attractive in terms of tourism is the city of Damascus - the oldest capital in the world. In Damascus, a part called the Old City is well preserved. Ancient pre-antique quarters are located here, as well as the famous Hamidiya oriental market and the Bzuriya spice market.

The historical part of Damascus is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several dozen valuable architectural structures here, including the Basilica of St. Zechariah (now a mosque) with the relics of John the Baptist.

Syria is also famous for the preserved castles of the Crusaders built in the XII-XIII centuries. The most famous castle Krak des Chevaliers is included in all history books. This is the most fortified fortification that no one has yet managed to take by storm.

5. Algiers

In Algeria, the fragile order is maintained through constant military suppression of uprisings and the prosecution of terrorist (al-Qaeda affiliated) and fundamentalist (religious Islamic) groups. Not infrequently in the country, including at airports and hotels, explosions rumble and gunfire is heard. Particularly dangerous is participation or observation of demonstrations.

A relatively safe area of ​​Algeria is the north of the country - the Mediterranean coast and the Atlas Mountains. The Sahara desert is considered a dangerous territory, where it is not recommended to travel on your own. The trip can only be made together with an organized tourist group and under reliable protection. The danger of moving across the Sahara is the same as in the neighboring countries of Tunisia or Morocco.

In no case should you intentionally or unintentionally offend the feelings of local residents. The country has a ban on photographing local residents, and especially photographing women and the military.

6. Libya

The long period of rule of Muammar Gaddafi, who actively used the military to suppress popular uprisings, did not lead to anything good. In 2011, a civil war began in the country, during which the rebels were supported by NATO and the European Union. Support was both in the form of funding and direct participation of troops and aviation. October 2011 Muammar Gaddafi was killed, and power passed to a temporary body of power - the Transitional National Council. In August 2012, after the elections of the General National Congress, power passes to the legitimate authority.

Despite the overthrow of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, the power of official authorities extends only to the territory of Tripoli and the surrounding areas. The rest of the country is divided into several quasi-states - autonomous regions with their own authorities and the army. The Fezzan region, the Western Mountains region, the Benghazi region, and the city-state of Misurata have a high degree of autonomy. At the same time, the cities of Bani Walid and Sirte were devastated for supporting the Gaddafi regime.

Safety for a traveler in Libya depends on the region where he is going. Only Tripoli can be considered relatively safe. In other parts of the country, armed attacks and kidnappings often occur; it is not for nothing that in ancient times the territory of Libya and coastal waters were considered the most dangerous in terms of pirate attacks.

Despite the significant security threat, there are people who still strive to get to Libya, as there are many architectural monuments of the ancient period and the period of the Roman Empire on its territory. These are the cities of Cyrene, Apollo, Sirtica (Leptis Magna), Sabrafa. In the Tadrart-Acacus mountains, you can see samples of ancient rock art. In the southwest of the country is the oasis of Ghadames.

7. Democratic Republic of the Congo

A country in Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to IMF data for 2012, is the poorest in the world. In addition to poverty and an unstable political situation in the country, there are constant conflicts between tribes and communities, which often have a bloody character. Even in the 21st century, cases of cannibalism have been recorded in the Congo, there is the highest level of rape of women, there is sexual slavery.

Moving around the Congo, especially on your own, is extremely dangerous. Tourists can become involved in clashes between tribes, many of which are armed, or fall prey to street robbers especially greedy for gold. Tourists can be robbed by both criminals and ordinary residents or street boys, for whom it is normal to remove gold and valuables from a visitor.

8. Yemen

The state in the south of the Arabian Peninsula Yemen is the poorest in the Arab world. A significant part of the territory is occupied by desert, unsuitable for agriculture or other activities. The main revenue item of the country's budget is income from oil and gas. But mineral reserves are constantly decreasing.

There are several dangers for tourists in Yemen. Firstly, the country has very cruel laws, which even for minor violations provide for the death penalty. Secondly, Yemen is the country with the highest number of weapons (AK-47 rifles) per capita. Thirdly, a large number of Islamic separatists and terrorists from other countries find refuge in this country.

But neither such dangerous factors nor unbearable heat can stop some travelers who come to Yemen to see the "desert Manhattan" - the ancient city of Shibam, one of the most ancient cities in the world, the capital of the state of Sanu, the historical city of Zabid and the Socotra archipelago with alien species.

9. Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, there is a totalitarian regime of President Robert Mugabe, who today is the oldest head of state (he is 90 years old). The reforms he carried out in agriculture, which implied the expropriation of the possessions of "white" owners, led to devastation, inflation and unemployment. The unemployment rate among the adult population was 95%, and the inflation rate in 2008 was . record in the world - 231 million%.

Both robbers and gangs, as well as policemen, pose a great danger to tourists. It is very dangerous to be on someone else's territory, because the owner can easily shoot a stranger. Due to the shortage of fuel and rising prices for it, the middle of Zimbabwe can be without transport. There are very frequent cases of mine explosions.
The main thing that can attract tourists to Zimbabwe is the numerous nature reserves and national parks. The famous Victoria Falls are located on the territory of this country.

10 Burundi

Burundi is a small country to the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has no access to the sea, but is washed by the waters of the world's longest freshwater lake Tanganyika (the second in volume and depth after Lake Baikal). After a military dictatorship and the assassination of several presidents, a fragile peace remains in the country, which at any moment can be broken by armed representatives of one of several warring tribes. It is extremely dangerous to travel by car across the country. In a person who does not know the local order, both the police and the rebels can defuse machine gun fire. With the onset of darkness, a curfew begins, during which it is extremely dangerous to go out.

11. Angola

From the beginning of the struggle for independence from Portugal (1950s) to the present day, Angola has been restless. For a long time, with the support of the USSR and Cuba, the country followed the communist path of development. After the collapse of the USSR, the ruling party reoriented itself towards the United States and began to carry out market reforms. But until now, armed confrontations between the official authorities and the opposition continue in the country. Violent persecution of members of opposition parties is observed. Under the slogan of preserving the "spiritual and cultural heritage" of Angola, mosques are being demolished in the country.

In addition to constant armed confrontations, protests, speeches, there are significant problems in the economy in Angola. There is a high level of poverty, unemployment, hunger, rampant crime. Since the war, a lot of weapons have been preserved in the country, some territories are mined. In some areas (especially in the Cabinda region), terrorist groups are widespread, which can attack both the police and civilians and tourists. In the capital of Angola, Luanda, street thefts are common. In public transport, wallets, bags, mobile phones are often stolen. In broad daylight, and especially at night, robberies often occur. On the road it is better not to stop anywhere.

12. Nigeria

The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria, has gathered more than 200 ethnic groups in its cordons. Clashes often occur between them, which greatly hinders the establishment of stability in the country. Many insurgents in Nigeria are at war with government forces. Frequent clashes between gangs, rebels and government troops occur in the regions of Delta, Bakassi and Bayelsa. Here, civilians and foreigners are often kidnapped.

In addition to the risk of armed attack, tourists in Nigeria are at risk of contracting yellow fever, AIDS or other dangerous diseases.

13. Kenya

Kenya is the country of African safari. This type of entertainment is especially popular among tourists. But the walk may not be as safe as it seemed at first glance. Most of the country's population lives very poorly, which provokes them to robbery and theft. Kenya has a high rate of AIDS. Residents of the capital Nairobi and other parts of the country are very rarely seen smiling. The streets are full of beggars and pickpockets. The Kibera slum area in Nairobi is considered especially dangerous. Some guides can arrange an excursion to this area, but no one will give guarantees of safety.

14. Somalia

Somalia is best known as a country of pirates. Indeed, attacks on ships still occur in coastal waters. Since 1991, a civil war has been going on in Somalia, which led to the division of the country into five independent territories (Somaliland, Puntland, Maakhir, Galmudug and Northern Somalia), which are controlled by the heads of paramilitary groups. There is no central authority in Somalia, and the political situation is characterized as chaos.

Rare travelers in the country are threatened with armed attack, kidnapping for ransom, mine explosions, capture by pirates, etc.

Somalia is the second most intolerant country in the world after North Korea for Christians. The majority of the population professes Islam (Sunni Muslims), and in the country, instead of secular laws, Sharia laws apply. It is especially dangerous for women to be in Somalia.

Among the circumstances that can attract tourists are the most beautiful untouched beaches and diving sites. It should be borne in mind that it is forbidden for women to be without clothes on the beach. In addition to the beaches in Somalia, Laas Gaal caves are of particular interest, where rock paintings dating back 10 thousand years have been preserved almost in their original form. Most of the territory of Somalia, due to objective circumstances, has not yet been explored.

15. South Africa

Despite the large number of African countries with an unstable political situation, poverty and hunger, the most dangerous country in Africa in terms of tourism is the Republic of South Africa. In South Africa, the effects of apartheid are still being felt. Most of the population (blacks) is below the poverty line. There is a high crime rate. High social tension persists. In May 2008, black riots took place in Johannesburg and Duban to punish migrants from other African countries who take away jobs from the local population. Armed conflicts are a frequent occurrence in South Africa.

Serious crimes are also often recorded in South Africa. Often there are cases of kidnapping for ransom. Children are also kidnapped. It is especially dangerous to be in poor areas of South Africa. Individual tourists and tourist groups can be attacked by armed people. There are frequent cases of luggage theft on the way to the hotel. The streets are filled with a large number of unemployed and beggars.
South Africa has a high rate of AIDS infection (about 20% of the country's adult population).

16. Haiti

By the beauty of the surrounding nature and beaches with golden sand, Haiti could be considered a paradise for tourists. But this is hampered by the unstable political situation in the country, the highest level of poverty among the countries of America, and frequent natural disasters. After the last earthquake in 2010, when 210,000 people died according to official figures, many residents still live in temporary shelters - slums and tent cities. Many residents are starving, and there has been a massive outbreak of cholera in the country. The streets of Port-au-Prince are restless, demonstrations and armed conflicts often take place. The police cannot fully guarantee the safety of visitors.

17. Sudan

In Sudan, for a long time, as a result of the conditional division of borders and ignoring the ethnic component, a civil war was waged. Since 2011, the once unified country has been divided into two states - directly Sudan and South Sudan. In both states, the remaining armed formations continue the confrontation. According to international data, Sudan is the last refuge for terrorists who have fled from other countries. The situation in the province of Darfur, where ethnic cleansing continues, remains very tense. A large number of the country's inhabitants are forced to emigrate to the neighboring state of Chad. There is a dispute between Sudan and South Sudan over the Abyei region, where a large amount of oil is produced.

In Sudan, radical armed groups have not stopped their activities, which have strengthened their influence during the civil war. Each territory of Sudan has its own laws, and in some areas (majority of the country's territory), tourists are prohibited from entering. Anyone who breaks the ban can face any danger.

Sudan has access to the Red Sea. In the seaside area there are excellent beaches with golden sand. But in a Muslim country, it is not advisable for women to show themselves on the beaches without outerwear. Pirate ships ply in coastal waters. Of the sights in Sudan, many tourists tend to see the Meroe pyramids, the Nubian desert, and the Jebel Marra mountains.

18. Palestine

As a result of the UN plan in 1947 to partition Palestine, the Jewish state of Israel and the Arab regions of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank of the Jordan River, the Golan Heights (a disputed territory between Israel and Syria) were formed on the territory of the corresponding historical region in the Middle East. The entire Arab world opposed the creation of Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict began, which continues to this day.

Now, on the territory of prosperous Israel, Muslim Arabs are trying to create an independent state of Palestine. Radical Palestinians, unlike the Israelis, do not want to resolve the conflict peacefully and oppose the existence of Israel as a state. The most dangerous region of Israel is the "enemy territory" of the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Islamic organization Hamas. From this territory on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, almost unceasing artillery shelling of Israeli territory is carried out. From time to time, Israel strikes back. Weapons are smuggled into the Gaza Strip from Egypt.

Despite the hostilities and Islamic radicalism, many tourists seek to get to Israel, including the Palestinian territories, in order to walk around the Holy Land and get to the temples, where the spread of Christianity began. Many Christians are tempted to dream of seeing the silver star that marks the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

19. North Korea

Since 1953, North Korea (DPRK) has become a closed state with a planned economy. The power in the country belongs entirely to the Workers' Party of Korea with the transfer of the posts of the head of the party by inheritance. Kim Jong Un's current successor succeeded Kim Jong Il's father in December 2011.

North Korea's isolationist policies extend to tourists as well. Facilitated access to the country is only for Chinese citizens, the rest of those who wish to go through a long procedure for obtaining permission to enter the country. The advantage is given to organized groups of tourists who have been verified by the Korean special services.

Russians can only get to North Korea on the Vladivostok-Pyongyang flight from Air Koryo. There are only a few areas in the country where tourists are allowed. These are the capital Pyongyang, the Geumgangsan zone on the border with South Korea, and the Rason new economic zone in the north of the country.

Tourists in North Korea are attracted by natural attractions. The most famous of them is the Heavenly Lake on the border with China. Many Chinese and Korean rulers and famous people have stated that their birth or formation is connected with the Heavenly Lake. This was also stated by Kim Jong Il. The heavenly lake arose in 969 in the crater of a revived volcano. Of great interest in Pyongyang is the 105-storey Ryugyong Hotel.

Anyone can enter Pyongyang, except for journalists, citizens of the United States and South Korea. Literature about North Korea, except for that printed in the DPRK, as well as any propaganda materials, cannot be imported into the country. Until 2013, tourists were not allowed to bring mobile phones into the country. Even in Pyongyang, you cannot enter all areas. The government has developed special routes for sightseeing tourists. The police strictly monitor the movement of tourists around the city. It is forbidden in the country to photograph military installations or any objects not authorized by the government. In North Korea, there is only a threat from government organizations. But the threat is serious, in no case should you break the rules.

20. Cambodia

Recently, Cambodia has become an increasingly attractive country for tourism. There are a lot of beautiful beaches and natural attractions. Cambodia is home to the world's largest religious building - the temple complex of Angkor Wat.

But tour operators strongly discourage travelers from deviating from the well-traveled routes, as much of the country remains unexplored and may contain mines from the civil war. Other possible hazards in Cambodia are infectious diseases and snake bites. The population in the country is peaceful, but there are aggressive young people who can own weapons. In Cambodia, weapons are a fairly common item to buy/sell.

21. Philippines

The island state of the Philippines is considered quite peaceful. The people here are mostly friendly and hospitable. But among the seven thousand islands that form the Philippines, there are several dangerous regions. These are the islands of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Zamboanga, Basilan, Mindanao, North Cotabato. These islands are considered the most disadvantaged in terms of the development of drug addiction and crime. Cases have been recorded when tourists in cafes or local eateries were given a drink that made them unconscious. In such a situation, you can lose not only valuable things, but also health. The Philippines is also dangerous in terms of natural disasters: storm rains, floods, earthquakes.

22. Sri Lanka

In 2009, a civil war ended in Sri Lanka between government forces and the independence movement of the Tamil diaspora, led by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The war is over, but small groups of separatists are still hiding in the jungle and can carry out terrorist attacks. For this reason, tourists are not recommended to go exploring the jungle on their own, because you can inadvertently get into a minefield.

It is not allowed to photograph military installations in the country. Also, you can not leave things unattended - they can be regarded as such that they pose a threat. It is advisable to travel around Sri Lanka with documents that prove your identity.

The most famous resort cities in Sri Lanka: Moratuva, Galle, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya. On the island there is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most revered shrines of Buddhism.

23. India

India remains at high risk of terrorist attacks. Explosions or armed attacks can occur anywhere and at any time. The most dangerous regions of the country: the states of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Ladakh region, the cities of Manali and Leh. Militant activity is especially active on the India-Pakistan border. The exception is the Atari-Wagah section. There is a high risk of armed attacks, extortion and kidnapping in the northeastern states of Nagaland, Assam, Tripura and Manipur. Extreme caution must be exercised when traveling to these states.

India is also dangerous in terms of infectious diseases, viruses, insect bites and poisonous snakes. Before traveling to this country, it is recommended to make all possible vaccinations. In India, one should refrain from drinking unpurified water or bathing in local reservoirs or rivers.

24. Mexico

The country of Mexico is a fairly frequent destination for tourist trips. The tourism business is well developed here, there are many sights and beautiful beaches, the locals welcome tourists with pleasure. However, not all Mexican territories are safe.

In Mexico, an unfavorable criminal situation persists. A significant amount of drugs is transported through the country to the United States. This process is led by the local mafia, led by dangerous drug lords. In the northern regions of Mexico, a large number of criminals who fled from the United States are hiding. Mexico has twice as many murders per capita as Russia and four times as many as Ukraine. Weapons are used here not for intimidation, but for their intended purpose.

A tourist in Mexico has nothing to fear if he does not enter the poor neighborhoods with slums and travel to the northern states of the country. Safe places are best checked with a guide or tour operator. Local travel agencies provide tours only on proven routes. It is undesirable to make independent sorties.

25. Colombia

Colombia is a fabulous country with incredibly beautiful landscapes and cities. A lot of natural and architectural sights are concentrated here. But Colombia has a bad reputation for rampant crime and drug dealing.

Colombia has the highest number of murders and kidnappings in the world. For more than 40 years, a civil war took place in the country, where drug barons defended their interests, among other things. After the end of the war, armed formations remained in the country, which at any moment can make themselves felt. In terms of high crime rates, the most dangerous departments in Colombia are: Putumayo, Magdalena Medio, North Santander, Vichada, Arauca, Vaupes, Antioquia and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) still operate in Colombia, whose units kidnap people, including tourists, and demand a ransom for them. They use the money they receive to finance their activities.

Colombia should only be driven on government highways. There are a lot of pickpockets in public transport, from which local residents prudently hide their wallets and valuables. Here it is customary to ride with bags and backpacks well pressed to the body in front.

In Colombia, cases of cocaine overdose are not uncommon. This is a country where drugs are produced in large quantities and are easy to get. But abuse leads to a large number of deaths.

26. Venezuela

Venezuela attracts tourists with incredibly beautiful nature and a large number of tropical islands and beaches. Here is the highest and most impressive waterfall in the world - Angel Falls. The rich flora and fauna attract active and inquisitive travelers. Many have remained mesmerized by the thousands of species of orchids that grow in the rainforest. But in addition to the beautiful nature in Venezuela, dangers await.

This country is involved in drug trafficking. Through the territory of Venezuela there are routes for the transportation of cocaine to the United States. The capital of the country, Caracas, is a very dangerous city where a large number of murders are committed. Most of the crimes are not solved. In addition to the capital, the territories on the border with Colombia are dangerous.

27. Brazil

The most famous city in Brazil is Rio de Janeiro with Capacabana beach, Jesus Christ statue and Sugarloaf mountain. In 2014, Rio de Janeiro became the key city where the Maracanã stadium hosted the FIFA World Cup. In 2016, the Summer Olympic Games will be held here. Rio de Janeiro has always been the center of colorful festivals and the most important events in Brazil.

But the tourist in this city is threatened by several dangers at once. First, in no case should you tempt your fate by planning a trip to the Favela (Fawele) - a slum area. Here they rob and can easily kill. In Brazil, homicides are four times more common than in the United States. There are frequent cases of robbery with violence. Secondly, during mass processions and festivals, in crowded places, such as Capacabana beach, pickpockets become more active. Valuable items should not be taken with you. Thirdly, riots often occur in Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian cities. Large groups of aggressive people are dangerous for tourists.

In Brazil, there is an extreme Snake Island. This is not only a name, but a reflection of a really high concentration of snakes on the island - there are 1-5 snakes per 1 m2. Most snakes are venomous. The bite of the Spearhead Snake causes instant tissue death and death. Officially, it is forbidden to visit the island, but many extreme sportsmen still try to get on it.

28. Honduras

In addition to beautiful nature and beaches, travelers are attracted to the territory of Honduras by the ruins of the Mayan civilization. But Honduras is a country with a very high crime rate. Criminals of all stripes operate here - from large drug lords who are trying to take control of drug trafficking from Colombia to the United States, to robbers and pickpockets. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and even armed robbery are not uncommon in Honduras. You need to be especially careful at night (when it’s better not to go out at all), as well as while interrupting in crowded places.

It is also not recommended to advance alone. The most dangerous areas of Honduras for tourists: the capital of the state of San Pedro Sula, the cities of Tela and Santa Rita de Colon (attraction El Rubi waterfall). Visiting the border areas with Nicaragua and El Salvador is undesirable and unsafe.

Small settlements and villages are considered relatively safe in Honduras, where order is maintained by local self-defense forces. Self-defenders, together with government agencies, are effectively fighting smugglers, poachers and "black lumberjacks".

29. Ivory Coast

The country of Ivory Coast in Africa has large areas of dense equatorial jungle, crystal-clear lakes and excellent beaches. But we should not forget about the spread of various infections carried by insects. In Côte d'Ivoire it is very hot and stuffy almost all year round.

The dangers in Côte d'Ivoire are also related to the human factor. There is a high level of crime here, the drug business is developed. Since 2010, the country has been undergoing a political crisis that has grown into a civil war.

30. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is located on the same island as Haiti. The tourism business is developed here, which relies on natural attractions: waterfalls near the city of Jarabacoa, the Armando Bermudez nature reserve, the Padre Nuestro underwater cave system. The Dominican Republic has a lot of beautiful beaches and popular diving spots (Catalina and Saona Islands).

But being in the Dominican Republic is not so safe. On the one hand, natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes often occur here. On the other hand, the Dominican Republic has a high crime rate, which is also associated with involvement in drug trafficking.

On the streets of cities, you should beware of pickpockets and robbers. They can attack alone or in a group, with or without weapons. But the outcome of such a meeting is a foregone conclusion. The police very rarely solve cases of street theft. Of greatest interest, in addition to valuable equipment and gold jewelry, are passports of citizens, driver's licenses, credit cards.

In addition to street robbers, you should beware of large groups of angry people. In the Dominican Republic, there are frequent cases of pogroms and riots in the streets perpetrated by local residents. Tourists are advised not to enter poor areas.

The world is vast and diverse, with many unique places, natural landscapes and unique cultures. It is quite natural that there is a desire to see the beauties of the world, to touch them, to feel new emotions and feelings. Moreover, the development of means of communication and the tourism sector have made this desire quite feasible.

But there are places on the planet that are still better not to visit. This is due to the high level of dangers and risks directly to life. Yes, there will always be people who are ready to risk everything in order to feel the excitement, feel the extreme and get in touch with the exotic, even deadly, but here everyone decides for himself whether it is worth doing it or not.

Where not to go and why

What are the main criteria for the danger of certain places, according to what data was a list of 10 cities of the earth where you still should not go?

  • The level of environmental pollution;
  • criminogenic situation;
  • the frequency of occurrence of natural disasters and natural disasters;
  • high epidemiological threshold;
  • an extremely high mortality rate is the most important indicator, acting as a consequence of the situation in these cities.

For example, imagine the Indian city of Sukinda, which has over two and a half million people, 90% of whom suffer from cancer. And answer yourself the question, is it worth risking your life to see this nightmare. The reason for this plight is simple: the world's largest chromium mines and processing plants are located near the city. And all the waste is dumped into the water, pollute the soil and air.

Scary as it may seem, Sukinda takes only 5th place in the list of the most dangerous cities in the world. Of course, the distribution of places is conditional, only the list itself remains constant.

Chernobyl, Ukraine

The leading place in the list of cities in the world where you should not go is the Ukrainian Chernobyl, which survived an unprecedented man-made disaster in April 1986, namely the explosion of the 4th nuclear reactor of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The scale of what happened can be estimated from the fact that after the explosion of the reactor, a column of radioactive flame rose almost 1 kilometer high, and the radiation level at the explosion site was 100 times higher than the level of radioactive background in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the nuclear bombing carried out by the United States in August 1945 of the year. More than five million people were affected by the accident. Today, an exceeded radioactive background remains here, which makes visiting this place undesirable and dangerous.

Linfen, China

Researchers, including the US Blacksmith Institute, rank Linfen in the People's Republic of China as the most undesirable place to visit. The city is the center for coal mining in the Middle Kingdom, the level of air pollution is so high that during the day the air is gray, white clothes on the street are covered with soot; Over 200,000 local residents suffer from oncology and respiratory diseases.

Sumgayit, Azerbaijan

The next city included in the ten most dangerous cities to visit is the Azerbaijani Sumgayit, which has become one of the centers of the chemical industry since the existence of the country of the USSR. The whole area is poisoned and contaminated with oil waste, heavy metals. Many residents suffer from severe forms of the disease.

Vapi, India

The Indian city of Vapi occupies its place in this sad list. There are more than a thousand industrial enterprises in it, as a result of which the level of environmental contamination is dozens of times higher than the permissible norms.

More than 70 thousand inhabitants of this city suffer from chronic diseases.

Norilsk, Russia

The Russian city of Norilsk is included in the list of the most dangerous cities to visit. This city closed to tourists is the most polluted place in Russia. The activities of the Norilsk Iron and Steel Works and other industrial enterprises, the world's largest mining and processing of heavy metals, have led to a high degree of pollution of the area and mass morbidity, especially respiratory diseases.

Dzerzhinsk, Russia

Unfortunately, the city of Dzerzhinsk, located in Russia, can take the leading positions in the list of the most life-threatening cities in the world. On the territory of Dzerzhinsk, for many decades, huge amounts of waste from the chemical industry were conserved. Here, the ecology is completely violated, the degree of groundwater pollution is millions of times higher than the permissible norms. As a result, the average life expectancy here is 45 years.

Kabwe, Zambia

The city of Kabwe in Zambia takes its place on the list. Pollution of the environment, especially air and water with heavy metals due to the activities of industrial enterprises for the processing of lead and cadmium, caused serious illnesses in 250 thousand inhabitants of this city. Naturally, a visit to such a place is highly discouraged.

La Oroya, Peru

A sad and dangerous place for visitors is the city of La Oroya in the Republic of Peru. In the vicinity of the city, rich deposits of heavy metals were discovered, after which their development by American companies began. The activity of American industrial enterprises in the city of La Oroya has led to environmental pollution, acid rain. Terrible statistics are given that almost the entire population of the city, which is 35 thousand people, suffers from serious illnesses.

Tianjin, China

The tenth city in the list of cities in the world where you should not go is the Chinese city of Tianjin. The concentration of lead in the air exceeds the permissible concentration by fifteen times, in food - by 20-24 times. Naturally, these are very dangerous indicators for health.

Take care of yourself, avoid dangerous places and live happily!

The first time I heard the words “Yes, you shouldn’t go there, to this Bali” was during a bike ride in Pattaya. With us in the group was a Dutchman about 35 years old, and he was, like all farangs, with a Thai girl from the bar. “It’s strange,” I say, “it seems that everyone loves Bali so much.” “Yes, there all the bars are open until 22-23 hours, and in general there are few of them. One trip to Bali is enough, and then a short one, ”the guy summed up.


After our trip to Bali, I can confirm: if you want drunken entertainment, accessible girls in noisy bars - you are not in Bali. But I would also highlight a few more cases when it’s not that you shouldn’t go to Bali ... But when you definitely don’t see Bali the way it will hit you in the heart. So let's get started 🙂

The sea in Bali is incredibly beautiful. But severe, admits to itself not always. By the way, in the photo is the Uluwatu Temple, where

1. Should I go to Bali? Not worth it if you're only interested in bars

Because then your stay will be limited to southern resorts, such as Kuta, Nusa Dua. There is no such vibrant nightlife as in Thailand. And there are no girls to choose from on every corner either.

2. You should not go to Bali if you only need a beach holiday in Kuta or Nusa Dua

Bali, beach in Kuta. Not very impressive, right? But it's okay, because the main highlight of the Island of the Gods is not the beaches at all!

3. Don't go to Bali if you're on a budget

Nung Nung waterfall is one of the main and most beautiful attractions in Bali. But you won’t get there by public transport, because there is none on the island.

That is, if you do not budget for spending on excursions. The fact is that public transport is not particularly developed on the island, and you will not be able to get to most of Bali's attractions on your own. If you have good motorcycle driving experience, you can take it off. The price for renting a bike in Kuta is from 100 to 200 rubles per day. We rented a bike for 100 rubles (). Tourist advice: don't take a bike if you barely remember how to drive it! The traffic is very dangerous, and when you go deep into the island and see what kind of serpentines there are ...

Therefore, there is another option - to rent a car with a driver. It costs in Bali an average of $50 a day. Another option is to take a taxi to the sights. In general, as you can see, transport will be a significant expense item. And to visit mystical Bali and not see its sights will be just a pity. I promise - your trip will be full of new experiences.

4. You should not go to Bali if you stay there for less than five days

If your trip is codenamed “Crossing Asia” and you plan to visit Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sumatra, Jakarta, Bali and Komodo in two weeks, our tourist advice is this: cross Bali off this list. Bali is not some gothic cathedral that can be seen in an hour. Do not go to Bali for less than five days. Bali is a place of power, a special place for which you need to set aside time, slowly enjoy it, try to understand.

Unless, of course, this trip is not for show.

Okay, friends, these are just my recommendations. Answer the question "Is it worth going to Bali?" you owe it to yourself. The island of Bali made a strong impression on me, and of course, I would like other people to have the opportunity to get to know it as closely as possible. And for this you need to create the right conditions. Do you agree? 🙂

Bali is a place of special power and rare beauty. You can drive around it in five days. Understanding is impossible.
Pictured is one of the main attractions in Bali, temple Pura Ulun Danu on Lake Bratan.

HOW TO FLY

If you are going on a trip to Bali (and indeed anywhere in the world), let me recommend you convenient service for finding cheap air tickets Aviasales. This is the service we use the most. If you decide to book tickets by clicking on a link from our website, we will receive a small commission from this service. For you, the price will be the same 🙂

OUR HOTELS

What hotels have we stayed in Bali?

Hotel in Kuta: The Tirtha Inn Pondok Anyar(from 450 rubles per night)

Another hotel in Kuta: A Residence(from 800 rubles per night)

Hotel in Ubud: Sakha House(from 500 rubles per night)

Hotel in Ubud(our favorite!): Ketut Kuaya Homestay(from 700 rubles per night)