Every place in the world has something about it that makes it worth visiting. Unfortunately, not all of these destinations are as safe as you’d probably like. A few of them, in particular, can be pretty dangerous, especially if you don’t know what to expect. It’s in these locations that you must do what you can to stay safe.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
It’s not just the high amount of dangerous crimes that allegedly happen in Guatemala City that make it a dangerous place to visit. There’s also the fact that crimes typically have a low solve rate, making you wonder just how safe you can be while visiting. With the region reportedly boasting a lot of trafficking alongside substance-based violence, it’s perhaps no wonder that tourists are often advised to vacation elsewhere.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Given it’s such a popular tourist destination, it might seem surprising that Rio de Janeiro is one of the most dangerous places to travel. Unfortunately, street crime is incredibly common around here, particularly once the sun goes down. If you’re going to visit this spot for its gorgeous beaches and forests, be sure to watch your belongings whenever you go out. Also, familiarize yourself with any political tension that may make the city unsafe before you travel.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is another destination that’s often popular with tourists. However, just because there are often crowds of people here, that doesn’t make it safe. A few years ago, as many as 100,000 residents of Cape Town were reportedly involved in gangs. With so much criminal activity going on around here, you might find it hard to enjoy all that this location has to offer. If you’re willing to give this place a try, be sure to avoid dangerous neighborhoods and never travel alone, particularly at night.
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
If a city has one of the highest life lost rates in the world, you know it’s probably a risky one to visit. While San Pedro Sula definitely has its charms, there are potential dangers around every corner. Illegal weapons are reportedly common in this part of the world, meaning you may find yourself on the wrong side of a weapon if you’re not careful. Hopefully, that won’t be the case if you go to visit the stunning beaches and age-old ruins.
Baghdad, Iraq
Given the years of tension between the United States and Iraq, it’s probably understandable why Baghdad might not be the safest destination in the world. Years of conflict have made this place a frequent source of violence, with potential attacks often impossible to predict. Unless you’ve got an excellent reason to go here, you might be better off finding somewhere else to travel to.
It’s perfectly possible to visit one of these destinations and not run into any trouble during your stay. However, it’s harder to guarantee your safety here than in other parts of the world. If you’re worried about making it home in one piece, it’s might be worth steering clear of these dangerous places.
