Buzz
With 500 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, it has become the most oversaturated platform, comparable to the prevalence of Starbucks stores in Manhattan. Travel-focused YouTube channels are less of a niche and more of a vast, open space inviting everyone in. As a result, some creators are pushing boundaries by visiting perilous destinations to attract viewers.
From high-crime neighborhoods to unrecognized states, here are ten outrageous locations only the boldest—or those prioritizing views above safety—would dare to explore.
10. Chechnya, Russia—Bald and Bankrupt
This British explorer, fluent in Russian, thrives on adrenaline-fueled adventures, having documented his travels in the Sahara, Sinaloa, and Bolivia. However, his true passion lies in the former Soviet Union. His journeys through Belarus and conflict-ridden Ukraine have captivated his three million subscribers. Yet, it’s his daring expeditions to Russia’s most hazardous regions, such as Dagestan and Chechnya, that truly showcase his fearless spirit.
In a destination most cautious travelers would avoid at all costs, Bald and Bankrupt (also known as Benjamin Rich) steps groggily off the train, utters a quintessentially British “Crikey!” at the chilly air, and ambles cheerfully down a gravel road riddled with puddles, heading toward what he hopes is the town center. With no insurgents in sight, he ventures through Chechnya’s winding gorges alongside his taxi driver and newfound companion, Ruslan.
While other YouTubers might sensationalize this as a perilous zone, Bald and Bankrupt reveals it as a region of breathtaking landscapes and hospitable locals. Even a stop at a Russian military checkpoint becomes a lighthearted adventure, with his driver joking, “You promised extra pay for every thrill!”
9. Lima, Peru—Kurt Caz
For a traveler whose video titles frequently feature phrases like “most dangerous neighborhood,” selecting just one location is challenging. Yet, in this clip, the young South African finds himself in his most precarious situation yet. Alone on a hill in Lima’s Rímac shantytown, he navigates nearly abandoned and dilapidated streets, where worried voices caution him about the risk of robbery or worse.
The danger nearly materializes—a dubious tuk-tuk driver, who takes him to the hilltop, makes secretive phone calls while urging him to stay. A suspicious encounter on the desolate side of the hill later confirms Kurt’s decision to leave quickly was the right call.
8. Cameroon—PPPeter
After arriving in Tiko, Cameroon, via a cargo ship from Nigeria, local police immediately attempt to send them back to Nigeria, deemed a safer location. Despite a recent “mass shooting” by rebels just a short distance away, Peter decides to remain.
What ensues is a three-day stay aboard a ship in the port, followed by a nerve-wracking midnight escape orchestrated by the Czech embassy to reach the safer French-speaking part of Cameroon. Despite enduring multiple bouts of food poisoning and a severe case of malaria, Peter faces this peril head-on. Yet, even this fearless traveler admits it was the most terrifying experience of his life.
7. Afghanistan—Indigo Traveler
Over the past two decades, Afghanistan has rarely been featured on anyone’s travel wishlist due to its history of war and ongoing violence. This Central Asian nation is seldom depicted in a positive light. However, Indigo Traveler’s 2019 video breaks this trend, offering a balanced and empathetic portrayal of the daily challenges faced by residents in the northern city of Mazar, without resorting to sensationalism.
Conversations with local market vendors reveal a deeply human perspective often absent from mainstream news reports. A particularly moving visit to a UNICEF nutrition clinic highlights the vital efforts underway before the Taliban’s resurgence. Most notably, Indigo Traveler generously steps back from the spotlight, allowing those he interviews to share their stories.
6. San Salvador, El Salvador—Alex Outhwaite
With the world’s highest homicide rate, El Salvador struggles to attract tourists, making it one of Latin America’s least-visited nations. The country faces significant challenges, including violent crime, political corruption, and pervasive gang activity.
Despite these issues, Alex’s video paints a surprisingly vibrant picture, featuring a charming market, a local microbrewery, and even an Irish pub hosting a Nirvana tribute band—proving such spots exist everywhere. Like any skilled travel vlogger, Alex offers a fresh perspective on a country often overshadowed by negative headlines.
5. Chernobyl, Ukraine—Shiey
While numerous Chernobyl videos populate YouTube, especially after the popular HBO series, Shiey’s content stands out because his presence there is unauthorized. Accompanied by two friends, he embarks on an overnight journey through deserted Ukrainian villages, dense forests, and rivers, showcasing parts of the exclusion zone rarely seen by tourists.
Evading security patrols, they venture into crumbling structures and even spend a night in an abandoned apartment. The most gripping moment occurs when Shiey scales the towering Duga radar, a massive Soviet relic reaching nearly 500 feet. While the ethics of such an adventure are debatable, the footage is undeniably captivating.
4. Mogadishu, Somalia—Drew Binsky
Somalia, once synonymous with the war-torn imagery of *Black Hawk Down*, has more recently been associated with piracy due to ship hijackings in the Gulf of Aden. Drew Binsky, however, presents a fresh perspective, revealing a vibrant and multifaceted side of the country.
His footage juxtaposes crumbling buildings with lively ice-cream shops, armed militias patrolling pristine beaches, and modern hotels fortified against terrorist threats. Though Mogadishu remains far from safe, its lively markets and resilient residents challenge the grim stereotypes often associated with the city.
3. Syria—Jacob Laukaitis
Today, Syria is often seen as a place people are desperate to leave, not enter. However, Jacob Laukaitis, a Lithuanian filmmaker, defies this notion by creating videos that delve deep into nations most would avoid. Through interactions with locals and breathtaking views of Syria’s landscapes, Jacob provides concise, educational insights into the Syrian civil war.
This unfiltered portrayal takes viewers from the unexpected modernities of Damascus to the war-torn ruins of Aleppo. The video transitions from upscale cafes and malls in the capital to the stark reality of bomb-damaged buildings and streets still inhabited by resilient, hopeful residents. It’s a journalistic masterpiece that highlights the warmth and humanity of Syrians, countering the often-negative media narratives.
2. The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan—Fearless & Far
While not an actual gateway to the underworld, the Darvaza gas crater, a massive fiery pit burning since the 1970s, certainly feels like one. Ranked second on Tripadvisor’s list of attractions in Turkmenistan, this surreal site offers a glimpse into the enigmatic nature of the country.
Governed by an authoritarian leader with a strong personality cult, this Central Asian nation is notoriously hard to enter, particularly for those with journalistic ambitions. Mike Corey, the creator of this channel, leverages his travel permit to showcase stunning visuals of Turkmenistan, including its marble-clad capital city. However, it’s his video of roasting marshmallows over the fiery Darvaza crater that truly captivates viewers.
1. Detroit, Michigan, USA
While Detroit’s crumbling neighborhoods may not be the most perilous globally, they rank among the most dangerous in the U.S. Known for gang violence and severe poverty, these areas are seldom featured in travel videos.
In a series focused on America’s most impoverished urban areas, Charlie Bo takes us to places most would avoid. Filmed primarily from his car, this video lacks the personal interactions seen in others on this list, but given the area’s reputation, his cautious approach is entirely justified.
