Social media is inundated with recommendations on the most beautiful destinations to visit in the world. People rarely discuss dangerous, overrated, chaotic, filthy, or scary places. Here are 12 places travelers should reconsider before making their travel plans:
Cape Town, South Africa
The port city is most famous for its Table Mountain National Park, one of the seven new natural wonders of the world. Unfortunately, a high crime rate, frequent political rallies, and social unrest can overshadow the travel experience.
Incidents of tourists being robbed or shot have been reported in 2023.
Naples, Italy
The birthplace of Margherita Pizza and home to the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Historic Center of Naples’ witnesses tourist crowds in large numbers. However, a brush with a mafia mob in bad neighborhoods, hideous graffiti, and poor manners of the locals is not every vacationer’s idea of a memorable experience.
Phuket, Thailand
Spectacular islands, vibrant markets, and a buzzing nightlife make Thailand one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. However, travelers seeking a peaceful or soulful vacation can cross these places off their travel bucket list.
A study by MoneyTransfers.com has officially listed Phuket as the world’s most ‘over-touristed’ city. Interestingly, Pattaya and Krabi, both in Thailand, take the second and third spots, respectively, in this list.
Island of Dolls, Mexico And Nagaro Doll Village, Japan
One can spot life-size dolls staring at people at every nook and corner of these two places. The local Mexican legend says that a man started hanging dolls everywhere on the island after he was unable to save a little girl from drowning. In Nagaro village, a woman makes the dolls, representing former residents who have died or left the town.
These places are as creepy as possible and certainly not for faint-hearted travelers.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is one of the world’s most crowded cities. It has a lousy reputation for air pollution, traffic jams, and dirty streets. According to an article published in Scientific Research, solid waste piling up on urban roads and alleyways in the city has become a primary environmental concern.
Casablanca is an avoidable destination unless travelers want to visit its top attraction, the Hassan II Mosque.
Freeport, Grand Bahama
Freeport has everything that most rovers love: sun, sand, beaches, underwater adventures, resorts, and shopping. A cautionary discretion is advisable, though.
Armed robberies, sexual assaults, and drunk driving are common occurrences here. Poor government regulation on beach water sports activities is also a health and safety hazard for visitors.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
While Tikal National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the top sightseeing destinations here, its high crime rate is a deterrent. Travelers can have nightmarish encounters with extortion, carjacking, drug violence, and gang activities.
Cairo, Egypt
The city that gives way to the Nile River and preserves the Pyramids of Giza is no longer every tripper’s dream destination for valid reasons. It is dusty, noisy, disorderly, and hot. Petty crime and hotel scams are harassment for tourists.
Caracas, Venezuela
Venezuela’s cultural and commercial capital boasts historical landmarks and Parque Central Towers, one of the tallest skyscrapers. Only a few travelers know that the U.S. Department of State has issued Level 4 (Do Not Travel) travel advisory for Venezuela due to violent crimes, political demonstrations, and civil turbulence.
Many countries, including the United States, have shut down their embassies in Caracas.
Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
A village with a meager population of around 400 people and situated at the end of the world is a delight for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. The biggest challenge for any traveler is accessibility. One has to travel to Akureyri in Iceland to Nerlerit Inaat Airport in Greenland and then take a helicopter, boat, snowmobile, or dogsled to reach the village.
Coron Island, Philippines
Coron was known as a deserted island owing to its raw and majestic natural beauty, limestone formations, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. Today, this paradise has become touristy and commercial. Prices go through the roof, and decent food is hard to find. Travelers looking for budget travel or food expeditions should consider other destinations.
Fraser Island, Australia
The largest sand island in the world with enchanting rainforests is also one of the deadliest beach destinations. There are high chances of encountering sharks, jellyfish, feral dogs, and poisonous spiders. Frequent riptides can put the lives of even the best swimmers at risk.
Travelers should steer clear of these places or take utmost safety precautions if at all they dare to travel there.