When it comes to traveling people often have a list of countries that they feel comfortable visiting, and then have a whole other list of destinations they feel hesitant to explore. For one reason or another, people view these destinations as “unsafe”, but is that really a fair assessment?
The fact is that many countries that travelers tend to avoid for “safety reasons” have no basis for these designations. Common sense is that you are always an alert traveler who practicing safety no matter where you go, which also means you may not need to avoid the handful of countries you have crossed off your bucket list.
Here we’ll take a look at 10 countries that people often think of as “unsafe” but are really fine to visit, and could end up being your best holiday yet.
Thailand
Here’s a great example of a country that has gotten a bit of a bad rap. Like so many other countries, Thailand has plenty of incredible qualities, and some negatives. But those negatives shouldn’t be enough to scare off travelers as you may be missing one of the best travel opportunities of your life.
Thailand has areas that are a bit riskier than others, and driving can be very unsafe for travelers since “rules of the road” don’t exactly exist. It’s all about using caution while in Thailand, and perhaps avoiding the crowded nightlife scene as an extra precaution.
Some of the safest places in Thailand to visit include Chiang Mai, Koh Kamui, Phuket, and even Bangkok. What you’ll notice almost immediately is how friendly and warm Thai people are with tourists.
Rwanda
So many of the countries on this list have experienced wars at some point. Wars make for an unstable environment, so it’s only natural that it scares off travelers. That is certainly the case with Rwanda, where tourists are often scared away by the memory of the unthinkable genocide that took place in 1994. That horror still haunts people today, and will never be forgotten. But that isn’t a representation of Rwanda today.
There has been much advancement and improvements made in the country – including perhaps most importantly, a change in government. Travelers can look forward to day tours, nature and adventure opportunities, family-friendly activities, extreme sports, and of course history and culture.
Albania
Albania has been putting a lot of time and focus into reducing corruption and crime. And while the state department does recommend that travelers exercise increased caution, it’s typically regarding crime. You want to be sure you don’t make yourself an easy target for such things as pick-pocketing.
Generally speaking, you’ll find a strong police presence that is meant to deter would-be criminals. When you visit the major cities, be aware of your surroundings and make sure you keep any valuables hidden from sight. So why go to Albania? Well, it’s got stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, mountains, national parks, historical villages, incredible cuisine, and a welcoming culture.
Jordan
Jordan is located in the Middle East, and borders such countries as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Israel. Due to the unrest in the region, especially at the time of publication, travelers often feel now is not a safe time to visit.
Government officials at the State Department currently recommend that you practice a high degree of caution in crowded public spaces such as shopping malls, transportation hubs, and so forth. It is the same cautious approach that should be used throughout the region right now, which means it isn’t necessarily meant to keep tourists away.
Mexico
Mexico is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of travel. There’s no denying that there is a lot of crime, violence, and drug trafficking in the country, but that doesn’t mean the entire country should be off-limits. What it does mean is that you want to pick the safer and more well-known tourist hubs.
Some of the safest places to travel to in Mexico include Mexico City, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Tulum. The good news is that each of these offers excellent holiday options so you shouldn’t feel like you’re sacrificing. Another tip for travelers is to pick established and reputable hotels and resorts that have on-site staff and security.
Morocco
Morocco is incredibly special for all kinds of reasons, which is why it makes no sense that tourists should avoid this African country. Often it is avoided due to petty theft, and people say it’s not safe for women traveling alone. The fact is that a woman traveling alone anywhere should exercise extra caution, this doesn’t just apply to Morocco.
A trip to Morocco means you can visit such iconic cities as Fez which was built in the 8th century, Marrakesh, Casablanca, open-air markets, tour the desert, and so much more.
Qatar
Qatar is another country that often gets labeled as “unsafe to travel to”, but there isn’t necessarily anything to base this on. Because it’s in the Middle East, people often assume that there is unrest and danger at all times.
When it comes to Qatar, this is nothing more than a myth. In 2022, Qatar played host to the 2022 FIFA World Cup which was a huge deal at the time. It was a chance to showcase what the country offers in terms of sights, attractions, culture, and history – all meant to appeal to tourists.
The U.S. Department of State currently has it ranked as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, which means there is no need for travellers to stay away.
Colombia
In the case of Colombia, there was once a reason to avoid the country. It warranted that warning back in the 80s when drug-related crimes were at their peak. While they still exist today, it’s nowhere near the epidemic and safety hazard of the 80s. Crime rates are much lower in the country, and it’s giving tourists a chance to feel comfortable, and safe, and explore its wonders.
Colombia is known for its natural beauty, stunning scenery, the Amazon rainforest, busy cities, and more. With all that said, it’s still important to exercise caution and be safe.
Kosovo
Here’s another country on the list that unfortunately did deserve a cautious label at one point. Kosovo was involved in the Balkan wars and during that time it was very dangerous to visit. It finally declared independence back in 2008 and since that time it has become more and more stable. Now, almost 20 years later, Kosovo is an incredibly safe and welcoming country to visit.
Tourists are encouraged to explore such sights as the cathedrals and churches, the Rugova Mountains, Mirusha Waterfalls, Pristina, and more.
Nicaragua
Located in Central America is the country of Nicaragua, which is home to stunning beaches, impressive volcanoes, seemingly endless lakes, bustling cities, nature reserves, and plenty of history and culture. The country is also the largest one in all of Central America and has a population of more than 6.9 million people. So with so much good going for it, why are tourists nervous about visiting?
Unfortunately, Nicaragua went through some very hard times, extreme poverty led to heightened crime and it wasn’t advised for travellers to visit. But that was several decades ago, and today it’s becoming a mecca for tourism.