6 Dangerously Beautiful Destinations You Need to Avoid for Your Own Safety

By Karissa Lund  •  05 Jun 2018 in Travel

Thirsty for JUICE content? Quench your cravings on our Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp

Images LoveExploring

Traveling and exploring new places is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You know the drill – travellers get to experience new culture, food, people and everything at once. However not all breathtaking scenes are available for tourists like us…

Whether it’s terrorism, wars, violent crimes and or just straight up strict laws – these have made some of the most beautiful destinations too dangerous to visit. And even if you could enter some – is it really worth it? Travelling anywhere requires common sense and taking precautions, but some countries and regions are definitely best avoided altogether, at least for now?

Scroll down to see 10 stunning photos of no-go areas for tourists:

1.  Crimea

In 2014, Russian forces annexed the peninsula of Crimea in southern Ukraine. The UK government doesn’t recognise Crimea as being part of Russia and the official travel advice from both US and UK sources is “not to visit.”

2. Kashmir, India

India has enchanted many a traveller over the years, but it’s not all gorgeous architecture and spectacular palaces. The disputed region of Kashmir is bordered by the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh (the Indian Himalayas) and Punjab to the south, by Pakistan to the west, and by Afghanistan to the northwest. Violent clashes between protesters and soldiers are common in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir–as recent as in 2016, many locals were blinded by pellets fired by Indian riot police. Though travelling to Kashmir is now permitted after many years of bloody conflict during its border war with Pakistan; it is advised for travellers to check the local news for reports on kidnappings by separatists-rebels and to stick to the towns unless with a guide.

3. Russia

The threat of terrorism and harassment are a couple of reasons why you might want to reconsider travel plans to Russia. Political tensions mean you may come across anti-British, anti-Muslim and anti-LGBT+ sentiments in some places.

4. Haiti

The Caribbean country that shares an island with the Dominican Republic is still recovering from a devastating earthquake in 2010 and Hurricane Matthew, which made landfall in 2016. Hurricane season is from June–November.

5. The Democratic Republic of Congo

Armed conflict in the eastern DRC and three Kasai provinces make these areas too dangerous to travel in. Also the fact that recent murders of tourists have been reported. Crime and civil unrest could put you in danger anywhere in the country. Be aware that assailants may pose as police or security agents.

6. North Korea

Although it is possible to visit as part of a group tour, it’s best to avoid it. Unlike many other countries on the list, it’s not necessarily the citizens, but the government itself that could pose a threat to travellers here. Visitors to North Korea are at risk of arrest and long-term detention for infringements like possessing any media or material that criticises the government or taking unauthorised photos.

 

Although it’s cool to go some place no one has ever set foot on, a little reminder that this is just six places out of 197 countries out there in the world. Choose your next destination wisely and have an amazing time fulfilling your wanderlust!

For more travel, click here.