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Traveling is one of the most effective ways to expand your worldview and expose yourself to risks you might never have considered. A trip can come with a mix of challenges—from political instability to unpleasant experiences—alongside the moments that make it worthwhile. This is why many travelers steer clear of certain cities and countries that are grappling with various issues.
However, some destinations are unfairly labeled as dangerous when they may actually offer a safer and more welcoming environment than many cities in your own home country. The roots of these misconceptions often lie in past conflicts or challenging economic conditions.
Those who have traveled to these locations can attest that these places are safer and far more inviting than some of the world’s more popular tourist hotspots—destinations that we tend to visit without much thought.
10. Tehran, Iran
If you grew up in the US—or perhaps in certain eras of the UK—you might view Iran as one of the last places you'd ever want to visit. The common perception is of a desert country plagued by terrorist activity and constant turmoil. What many fail to realize is that they might actually be confusing it with places like Afghanistan or the Arabian Peninsula.
While it's true that Iran has deserts, they account for only around 25 percent of the country (with some variation depending on the source). For comparison, China's deserts take up about 30 percent of its territory. Furthermore, Iran’s deserts are quite different from what most people imagine. They are characterized by rolling hills and unique geographical features that can't be found anywhere else.
If this comes as a surprise, it's likely because you're still picturing landscapes like the Arabian Peninsula or the Sahara. In reality, most of Iran is mountainous, with numerous alpine regions that you might want to check out on Google Images.
When it comes to safety, Iran is far removed from the center of religious extremism that many perceive it to be. With an elevation of about 1,200 meters (4,000 ft) and a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Tehran could very well be one of the most scenic cities you’ll ever experience. Iranians are also famous for their hospitality, a quality you'll notice as soon as you arrive.
Of course, it’s still a country governed by an extremist regime, and many countries recommend that tourists avoid any illegal activities while visiting. However, aside from warnings from the US and the UK, this is the main advice offered by foreign governments about traveling to Iran.
9. Antarctica
When we think of Antarctica, the image that often comes to mind is one of an icy wasteland, with endless stretches of snow-covered, desolate land. It also feels like a place teeming with danger—as is the case with most remote locations lacking constant supply lines. However, a closer look reveals that Antarctica is slowly becoming one of the top destinations for adventure enthusiasts.
In Antarctica, very few people actually die due to the extreme cold or a shortage of supplies. Surprisingly, most fatalities happen at research stations, typically for scientific reasons.
That said, don’t expect to simply pop over to Antarctica as if it were a weekend hiking trip. It's still a secluded location ill-suited for casual travelers, especially due to the limited medical facilities and emergency resources.
Usually, the research stations focus solely on scientific work, so it's not advisable to count on them for any personal assistance. To visit, you'll need to join a prearranged expedition that will handle all your supplies and camping needs.
Once you’re there, you’ll witness some of the most untouched and breathtaking views on the planet. As the snow slowly melts to unveil a distinctive, almost otherworldly terrain, Antarctica is gradually establishing itself as one of the top destinations for modern explorers.
8. Detroit, Michigan, USA
The United States is far from uniform when it comes to the safety of tourist destinations. While some cities are celebrated as among the safest and most welcoming worldwide, others—such as Gary, Indiana—have become punchlines for how dangerous they are. Detroit shares a similarly tarnished image. Its decaying urban landscape even became the ideological setting for numerous dystopian cyberpunk films.
This reputation isn’t without reason. Over the past few decades, Detroit has come to symbolize the stories of urban decline and growing poverty that hide beneath the glossy surface of the American Dream. However, thanks to recent efforts from local authorities, things may not be as dire as they once seemed.
Don’t get it wrong: Detroit still struggles with high crime rates. But if you’re cautious about where you go, you could likely enjoy a weekend or two there without a significant risk. The city’s crime rate has notably decreased in recent years, and median income is on the rise. Several revitalization projects are underway to restore Detroit to its former vibrancy.
Travelers who have visited describe it as a dynamic destination with a thriving local culture. Of course, as with any major city like New York or London, you’ll need to be mindful of the less safe areas.
7. Kiev, Ukraine
At first glance, Ukraine might not appear to be the ideal place for a peaceful getaway. The ongoing war makes it a conflict zone, contributing to its image as a place of constant danger.
This reputation is certainly warranted, as some regions of Ukraine are still deeply involved in conflict with Russia. However, far from the front lines, Kiev stands as one of Europe’s most affordable and vibrant destinations.
While media coverage often depicts explosions and armed groups seizing government buildings, travelers share tales of charming cafes and a distinct, post-Soviet allure in Kiev—an atmosphere perhaps only rivaled by Russia's sister cities.
Thanks to the variety of cultures that have shaped the city, Kiev boasts numerous stunning churches and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These can be explored with little risk of encountering conflict, as the war is situated far from these areas.
6. Republic of Kosovo
Kosovo, a small nation in the Balkans, may not make headlines often today, but it still bears the wounds of one of the most horrific wars of the 20th century. The conflict, fought between the crumbling Yugoslavian military and Albanian insurgents, was part of the broader breakdown of Yugoslavia.
Having witnessed everything from attempted genocides to intensely brutal sieges on civilian populations, the former communist state was eventually split into several modern-day Eastern European nations.
While Kosovo still carries much of the violent legacy from that time, the fear is mostly unfounded as the war has long since ended. Today, Pristina, the country’s capital, is considered one of the safest cities in Eastern Europe. English-speaking visitors will be pleased to find that nearly everyone speaks the language in Kosovo, even though the republic itself is distinctly unique.
Kosovo fully embodies the incredible hospitality for which it is known, a trait shared by many nations in the region. It is also far more affordable to visit than many of its Western European counterparts.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Contrary to common belief, Istanbul is not Turkey’s capital. However, many consider it to be the top destination in the country—at least by some opinions.
Istanbul has experienced its share of unrest in recent years. Turkey's purported involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts has only fueled this dangerous perception. While some travelers view Istanbul as a risky spot, many who have visited will argue that it is still a safer choice compared to other places that have a reputation for being 'safer'.
Though Istanbul has seen occasional violence in recent times, these incidents occurred alongside the war in Syria, which is now nearing its end. Such events are rare, and major incidents have not been reported for a significant period.
In many areas of the city, the war’s impact remains unchanged. As a key hub for arts and culture in the region, Istanbul is home to a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Naturally, it's always wise to check travel advisories from your home country. However, if you're planning a journey to this part of the world, Istanbul might be worth considering.
4. Zimbabwe
Many discussions in Zimbabwe often revolve around its struggling economy and the consequences of giving leaders unchecked power. Zimbabwe serves as a prime example of how runaway inflation can devastate a nation. Basic goods now cost staggering amounts, making it far from the ideal location for a lavish custom wedding.
That said, you might want to think twice. Despite its economic hardships, Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most stunning and diverse countries to visit.
Numerous travelers have shared that Zimbabwe’s economic downturn hasn’t diminished their experience, as it remains one of the region’s top destinations. Its breathtaking waterfalls, rich wildlife, and beautiful landscapes make it a must-see spot.
3. Medellin, Colombia
In the past, Medellin earned a notorious reputation for being one of the most violent cities in the world, largely due to the presence of Pablo Escobar, the infamous cocaine kingpin. During this time, it had one of the highest rates of gang-related murders globally. While it's not completely free of violence today, the situation has undeniably improved significantly.
Murder rates in the city have seen a remarkable decrease over the past few decades. For instance, in 2018, Medellin had approximately 24.75 murders per 100,000 residents, a drastic drop from 375 per 100,000 in 1991 and 94.2 per 100,000 in 2009.
While caution is still advised, Medellin is probably less dangerous than what you might imagine from the portrayal of the city in the Netflix series Narcos. Some even refer to Medellin as a 'hipster holiday destination.' The city radiates a youthful, entrepreneurial energy that led it to be named the 'most innovative city in the world' in 2013.
2. China
China is often seen as a rogue state by the global media, and there are valid reasons for this perception. The country has the most extensive internal surveillance system of any nation, and its citizens lack many of the freedoms that people in other countries enjoy. Additionally, China is growing more militaristic and asserting its dominance in the region, leading many to believe that visiting China could result in arrest—or worse.
Part of the Western perception of China stems from the stark cultural differences between the country and Western nations, leading to the belief that the Chinese are heavily oppressed. However, a visit to any major Chinese city will quickly reveal that the nation is among the most technologically advanced in the world, and it may soon become the first fully cashless society, if it isn't already. In general, the Chinese population doesn't view the trade-off between freedom and economic prosperity as a negative thing—something you can only truly understand by visiting.
Due to Western preconceptions, many have missed out on exploring a unique and fascinating destination. With its futuristic cities, diverse landscapes, and more, China should be at the top of almost everyone's travel bucket list. (Though, it’s probably wise to wait until the ongoing coronavirus outbreak has passed.)
1. Saint Petersburg, Russia
Russia's reputation as a dangerous travel destination likely stems from the era of President Putin—and for good reason. If you are a journalist investigating the dubious ties between private Russian industries and Putin, we highly recommend avoiding Russia as a destination. However, outside of this context, Russia is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and showcases some of the most distinct and influential artistic styles in the world.
Contrary to the portrayals in 1990s Hollywood films, visiting a major city in Russia isn’t all about crime scenes and crumbling Soviet-era buildings. If you decide to travel there, make sure to check out Saint Petersburg.
While it's wise to avoid unfamiliar parts of the city, Saint Petersburg is a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination offering a wide range of activities. In fact, it is home to many people from across Europe and the globe. The city is full of stunning architecture and scenic spots, so be sure to bring your best camera.
