what are the most dangerous tourist destinations

Home > News > The 22 Most Dangerous Tourist Destinations in the World

The 22 Most Dangerous Tourist Destinations in the World

The world is full of fascinating places that attract tourists in their droves. There is a lot of variety in these destinations, from tropical paradises to mountainous peaks, and they attract people ranging from sunseekers to thrill-seekers.

However, as incredible as some locations can be, they can also be very dangerous . The danger can be from different sources, from natural hazards to high crime levels .

While some of these locations aren’t the worst places to visit, there are underlying reasons why you should proceed with care. Here’s a look at some of the most dangerous tourist destinations on the planet.

Top 22 Most Dangerous Vacation Spots on Earth

Death valley, california.

Main danger: car accidents

Death Valley is the hottest place on the planet; temperatures at Furnace Creek have reached 134 °F. The extreme temperatures have taken the lives of many people who’ve been careless enough to stray away from the roads. If the heat wasn’t enough, rattlesnakes are another hazard.

Regardless, Death Valley is still a popular tourist attraction, partly because of how dangerous it is. If you do find yourself in Death Valley, make sure you stick to the roads and take plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration and heatstroke. 

The Danakil Desert, Ethiopia

Main danger: heat exhaustion

The Danakil Desert, located on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea is also dangerous because of the sheer heat. Although it is not quite as hot as Death Valley, the Danakil Desert will still reach around 131 °F.

The high temperatures are partly because of the geothermal activity in the region, which are also responsible for lakes of acid and poisonous gases. The desert is a popular tourist destination, but visitors are recommended to stick with guides at all times.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Main danger: hypoxia

Mount Everest tends to attract an extreme variety of tourists. That is, those who want to climb to the top of the world’s tallest peak. Every year around 1,200 intrepid explorers will set off from the foot of the mountain. Unfortunately, only around half make it to the top, and some will die trying.

As you scale the mountain, the conditions become increasingly severe. Low oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, and fatal falls are just a few of the things people here must be careful of. It’s estimated that more than 200 bodies still remain on the mountain, frozen where they perished.

Acapulco, Mexico

Main danger: criminal activity

Acapulco, Mexico, is a city that attracts sun-seekers in their droves, mostly from elsewhere in Mexico, but the city also receives some international visitors. Visitors to this famous beach resort get to make the most of stunning beaches with clear blue waters.

Acapulco used to be a major destination for tourists from the United States, but this is no longer the case. Since its heyday, the city has seen an explosion in crime, including homicide, causing overseas visitors to choose other destinations instead. If you want to visit the city, it’s wise to be very careful during your stay.

Kingston, Jamaica

Jamaica is a tropical paradise and home to the legendary Bob Marley. The country is also steeped in history, having been under Spanish and British colonial rule, and is the birthplace of the Rastafarian religion.

People from all over the world flock to Jamaica’s pristine beaches and soak up the vibrant yet laid back culture. However, as is the case with many tropical paradises, things are not so paradisical below the surface. Poverty and crime rates are high, especially in the country’s capital, Kingston. Visitors here are advised not to stray away from the safety of the resorts.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s premier tourist attractions. The wonderful beaches and stunning backdrop make for a vacation that you will not forget. As if the natural beauty wasn’t enough, there’s also the lively culture that makes the city irresistible for so many people.

However, Brazil is a developing country that has high unemployment rates. People from all over the country flock to cities like Rio in the hope of finding work, and many are not successful. The result is high rates of crime, and visitors are advised to be very careful.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Main danger: falling off cliffs

Ireland’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm welcome help make the country a popular tourist destination. Modern cities like Dublin are rich in culture and arts, with plenty to do for visitors. However, many people come for the country’s rustic beauty rather than its rural attractions.

One such attraction is the stunning cliffs of Moher, located on the island’s rugged west coast. The sights are spectacular, with views of the coastline and over the Atlantic ocean. However, as beautiful as the sheer drops are, they are also very dangerous. Many people have fallen to their death after getting too close to the edge to get a better look.

Mount Washington, USA

Main danger: hypothermia

Many more adventurous tourists are attracted to Mount Washington in British Columbia, USA. The mountain has ski resorts, while it also attracts hikers and climbers who want to get closer to nature and take in the stunning views.

While mountain exploring is typically risky, Mount Washington has a particular hazard that people need to be careful about: high winds. The winds here can reach as high as 203 mph, enough to blow people away to their deaths. Visitors also need to be careful of the temperatures, reaching -40 °F.

For good reason, Mount Washington is reputed to be the world’s most deadly little mountain. It’s the highest peak in the northeastern United States and is prone to dynamic weather fluctuations year round.

Although the mountain is just a little over 6000 feet elevation, it receives severe temperature changes and strong winds that exacerbate the dips.

The majority of accidents on Mount Washington include hypothermia episodes and visibility problems.

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

It doesn’t get better than California’s Yosemite National Park for people who like the outdoors. Vast woodlands, stunning waterfalls, and scenic mountains make up just a few of the reasons to come here. Unfortunately, as beautiful as mother nature can be, she can also be very, very dangerous.

Although bear attacks are rare, it’s the mountains that are more likely to lead to untimely deaths. The Half Dome peak is one of the most dangerous of all. People have fallen to their death trying to hike to the top, while climbers are also at increased risk of lightning strikes.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Main danger: shark attacks

Florida’s New Smyrna Beach is a surfer’s paradise. The perfect waves attract surfers from all over the world, helped by Florida’s warm climate. Unfortunately, however, danger is lurking just beneath the waves. The waters off New Smyrna Beach are teeming with sharks.

Florida is known as the world’s shark attack capital, and New Smyrna Beach is one of the most dangerous Florida locations of all. It’s also well known that sharks and surfers tend not to make a good combination. It’s not that the shark thinks people are on the menu, but they mistake surfers for their usual prey: seals. Regardless of the reason behind an attack, the results are unpleasant and potentially life-threatening.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is home to many of the world’s most incredible tropical beaches, attracting millions of tourists each year. However, beaches are not the only attraction; the country offers legendary nightlife, a famously warm welcome, rich history, and shopping galore.

Beaches aside, one of Thailand’s many attractions is its famous capital city: Bangkok. The city has so much to offer to people from all walks of life, whether you’re looking to see the sights, go shopping, or just party. However, crime is rife in the city, with commonplace scams and robberies against tourists. A corrupt and disinterested police force does not help the situation.

Pripyat, Ukraine

Main danger: decaying structures and potential radiation

Pripyat used to be a normal Russian Town (now Ukrainian). There wasn’t much to attract visitors, and the town and surrounding areas were little known. However, that would all change in 1986 when an accident took place that shocked the world.

In 1986, a nuclear meltdown occurred at the nearby Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Such was the high levels of radiation that inhabitants of the time had no choice but to leave, and it’s been unoccupied since. Despite the radiation levels still being dangerous, many people are drawn to the city to get a glimpse of the past.

Hawaii National Park, Hawaii

Main danger: poisonous gases

In addition to beaches that many people dream about visiting, Hawaii is also known for its active volcano activity. The small group of islands sits directly over a fault line, making it one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet. The activity makes for a fascinating site for tourists, while it also presents plenty of danger.

Not only is lava extremely hot, which presents obvious dangers, but poisonous gases and ash fill the air in some areas. The volcanoes and surrounding areas have taken the lives of unwitting tourists and other people who didn’t take sufficient care.

Bikini Atoll, The Marshall Islands

Main danger: high radiation levels

Bikini Atoll is one of the most stunningly beautiful locations on the planet. Pristine beaches and clear blue waters appear irresistible and would otherwise attract visitors in their droves to get a taste of paradise. Except, Bikini Atoll is not quite as paradisiacal as it might first seem.

Bikini Atoll has been the location of numerous explosive nuclear tests, which devastated wildlife in the area. Not only that, but the tests mean that even 60 years later, the site has dangerously high levels of radiation. However, people are still attracted to the Atoll, partly because of the recovering reefs.

Snake Island, Brazil

Main danger: venomous creatures

If you were to step foot on snake island, just off the coast of Brazil, you would be in one of the world’s most dangerous locations. You can probably guess the reason why going by the island’s name. Yes, the island has lots of snakes, deadly snakes at that.

The island is home to thousands of golden lancehead vipers, one of the most venomous snake species on the planet. The island is so dangerous that the Brazilian have closed it to the public, with few people allowed to set foot there.

Oymyakon, Russia

Main danger: extreme cold

One of the coldest inhabited places on earth is this little village in Siberia. Due to the weather extremes, this is one of the most deadly locations on earth. The lowest temperature ever recorded was below –60 degrees Celsius.

Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan

The crater is a natural gas field that has been burning since 1971 and is referred to as the “Gates of Hell.”

Massive heat, boiling muck, and gases are released from the football-sized hole. Additionally, the crater’s access road is a rather difficult one. Even a minor error might be deadly.

La Oroya, Peru

Main danger: lead levels

This Peruvian city is well-known for being among the most deadly locations on earth due to its extreme pollution.

Arsenic, cadmium, and lead are among the many contaminants present in La Oroya, a mining town. These contaminants are present at far greater levels than the WHO deems safe.

The blood lead levels of the city’s population have been discovered to be frighteningly high, and many are reportedly suffering from respiratory problems.

Fraser Island, Australia

Despite the fact that Australia is home to many stunning beaches, you should absolutely stay away from this one. On Fraser Island, one of the deadliest beaches may be found.

Wild Dingo canines that are hostile and poisonous spiders live on the island. Not only that, but the seas close to the island are home to deadly marine species, such as sharks and poisonous jellyfish.

If you do decide to stop there, use great care and avoid the dogs.

Naica Crystal Cave, Mexico

Main danger: lava flow

The largest crystals in the world, mostly formed of gypsum, are found in the caverns. If you could avoid it, this is not the location you need to be going to. It’s not one of the worst places to visit from a beauty standpoint, but it definitely ranks up there from a safety standpoint.

Due to the lava flowing under the surface, the cave is quite warm. In addition, the humidity is quite high, which might harm the lungs.

You are not permitted to enter the cave, yet a few individuals have managed to do so.

Norilsk, Russia

Main danger: toxic air

Norilsk’s metallurgical complex is the reason it is one of the world’s most polluted cities.

Nickel smelting has caused the city to be quite filthy. As a consequence, the whole city is covered in smog and acid rain.

Since there are so many heavy metals in the city, even the soil may now be mined for metals.

Vanuatu, Pacific Ocean

Main danger: natural catastrophes

Natural catastrophes that affect the nation include strong cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

The lives of the island’s inhabitants are in very high danger due to the island’s vulnerability to natural calamities.

How to Stay Safe in Dangerous Tourist Destinations

Keeping yourself and loved ones safe under any circumstances is important, and you need all the best tools at your disposal to make this process easier.

At Armormax we have tons of heavy-duty products to make vehicles safer and more secure. We also have products that are effective safeguards for individuals, like our B6 bulletproof backpack inserts .

Wherever your travels take you, stay as safe as possible with the most protective equipment available.

Armormax Team 205 articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries should americans not visit.

There are several countries that the United States government discourages its citizens to travel to, including notorious crime havens like Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. Anyone traveling to these nations needs to be cognizant and aware.

Is Egypt a safe country to visit?

Although Egypt is a relatively safe tourist destination, there is still a chance that something negative could happen if you're not 100% careful. The U.S. government recommends tourists to Egypt exhibit caution due to the embassy's limited ability to aid in the case of an attack.

Which country's visa is the most powerful?

Japan is known for holding an extremely powerful visa. This visa allows entry to 193 countries around the world.

What is the most dangerous street in the world?

North Yungas Road in Bolivia is notorious for being the most dangerous road in South America, if not the world. It literally translates to "Death Road" since this narrow road traverses the Cordillera Oriental Mountains.

What is a golden passport?

Wealthy foreigners may get citizenship or residence by investing a particular sum of money in a nation via "golden passports," also known as citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes. There are schemes for immigrant investors in more than a dozen nations, including the US.

Related Articles

3 Tips for Buying Tires Online in 2021

Posted by Armormax Team

How Armormax® was Founded

Guide: How to Bulletproof A Car – the Armormax Way

Top 15 Best Survival Vehicles (2022)

5 Reasons Why You Should Get an Armored Car

We Were Featured in a Book!

Bulletproof Clothing Line Sees Increased Demand

What is a car warranty?

The 50 Most (& Least) Deadly Travel Destinations

Published on December 1, 2022 by Matthew H. Nash

One crucial factor when planning an international trip is safety. From homicide rates to natural disaster risk, some countries pose a greater threat to safety than others. Our research team crunched numbers on seven safety risk factors for 50 of the most-visited countries to create our “Travel Safety Index” .

Get notified when we publish new research studies

Stay in the loop with our cutting-edge data analyses

Ranking Factors

The 50 countries included in our study were selected based on how popular they are among tourists. To determine the deadliest places in the world for tourists, we looked at the following ranking factors:

Please note: Due to ongoing conflicts in the region, Russia and Ukraine were omitted from the study.

1. Homicide Rate (0-100 points) – The number of intentional homicides per 100,000 people.

Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

2. Road Traffic Death Rate (0-100 points) – The estimated road traffic death rate per 100,000 people.

Source: World Health Organization

3. Poisoning Death Rate (0-100 points) –  The mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisonings per 100,000 people.

4. Unsanitary Conditions Mortality Rate (0-100 points) – The mortality rate that is attributed to unsafe sanitation, unsafe water, and a lack of proper hygiene per 100,000 people.

Source: World Bank

5. Life Years Lost Due to Communicable Diseases (0-100 points) – The number of life years lost due to infectious diseases (adjusted for disabilities) per 100,000 people.

Source: Our World in Data

6. Life Years Lost Due to Injury (0-100 points) – Age-standardized and disability-adjusted life years lost due to injuries (including conflict, violence, and self-harm) per 100,000 people.

7. Natural Disaster Risk (0-50 points) – An index created by the German non-profit Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft in partnership with the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security, the World Risk Report scores countries based on the risk of a natural disaster such as earthquakes, floods, or cyclones as well as the ability of the country to handle a disaster should it occur.

Source: WorldRiskReport

Study Limitations

An individual’s exposure to risk while traveling largely depends on the type of travel they choose and which areas of a country they visit. For example, going to a destination and staying in an all-inclusive luxury resort will often carry significantly less risk of bodily harm than staying in an area known for high crime, injury, or natural disasters. It’s impossible to account for every variable that a traveler may experience when analyzing countries as a whole. This study attempts to aggregate data taking into account a variety of factors to determine a nations overall risk profile.

Where Are the Most Dangerous Places to Travel?

Below are the 20 deadliest travel destinations:

• South Africa
• Dominican Republic
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• United States

#1 Most Deadly Country: South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful and exceptionally biodiverse country that attract millions of international tourist each year. However, it also tops the list of the most deadly countries for tourists. Out of the 50 countries studied, South Africa has the highest homicide rate (36.40 per 100,000 people) and the highest number of life years lost due to communicable diseases (23,778 years per 100,000 people). The country also has the sixth-highest road traffic death rate (22.22 per 100,000 people).

South Africa scored an F in six of the seven factors used in our research study. The U.S. Department of State indicates:

“Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and ‘smash-and-grab’ attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.”

Why is South Africa so unsafe?

Approximately 68 people are murdered in South Africa every day. Why this occurs is a complicated question to answer, but many believe it boils down to the following reasons:

• Poverty and income inequality
• High amounts of gang violence and organized crime
• Weak, slow judicial system

Other factors like the prevalence of easy access to firearms, alcohol abuse, unemployment, and corruption have also been cited as causes for the extremely dangerous crime and hazardous living conditions within South Africa.

#2 Most Deadly Country: India

India is second on the list of most deadly countries for tourists. While the country has a relatively low homicide rate and poisoning death rate, they are the top country for deaths from poor hygiene conditions, at 18.6 per 100,000 people.

Not only is India extremely populated, but it is also has extreme income inequality, with a massive gap between the country’s richest and poorest citizens. This wealth gap means that many of India’s over 1.3 billion people live in poverty and dangerous living conditions, with an estimated 60% of its citizens surviving on little over $3 a day.

Shoddy infrastructure, substandard health, and sanitation conditions are just some of the issues that Indians face on a daily basis, with the lowest classes being forced to navigate the worst of it.

Most and least deadly by category

South Africa has the most documented incidents of homicide by a relatively large margin, with 36.4 homicides per 100,000. Mexico, the country with the second highest homicide rate, has 29.1 homicides per 100,000, and Brazil has 27.4 homicides per 100,000. The homicide rate drops significantly from there, with the remaining countries reporting 10.00 or fewer per 100,000. Notably, the US has the 7th highest rate of homicide when compared to these 50 countries.

The countries with the highest homicide death rates are:

Road Deaths

Vehicle transportation is unavoidable for most travelers, and unsafe road conditions can provide a considerable safety hazard in many countries. According to the CDC , 1.35 million people globally are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year, making this a real danger and a serious consideration when traveling to countries with more lax driving laws and poorly maintained infrastructure.

The Dominican Republic has a road death every two hours, which accounts for a significant portion of Dominican Republic deaths per year. Reasons for the dangerous road conditions are attributed to “a lethal mix of alcohol, speed and blatant disregard for traffic laws,” according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The countries with the highest road traffic death rates are:

Poisoning Deaths

Romania, China, and South Africa are all outliers when it comes to poisoning deaths. According one study by the NIH , China had 16,179 unintentional poisoning deaths in 2016 which made up 31% of the world’s total of 52,077 poisoning deaths that year. The details and causes of poisoning incidents in China is scattered which suggests these numbers may be underreported.

The countries with the highest poisoning death rates are:

Mortality Rate from Unsanitary Conditions

Anyone who has had traveler’s diarrhea or another food-borne illness will know how vital sanitation is when it comes to a vacation. There are ways to prevent illness from unsanitary conditions, but it’s not entirely possible to eradicate the threat of sickness in all regions.

While India is a developing country and is modernizing quickly, there’s still much progress to be made in terms of general hygiene. An estimated one in ten deaths in India is attributed to poor hygiene conditions. Similarly, South Africa is having significant issues with clean water access and available sanitation services for its citizens, though this does appear to be improving.

The countries with the highest death rates from poor hygiene:

• South Korea

Communicable Disease Deaths

Covid-19 has shown us that infectious diseases are extremely serious, but many other diseases around the world also have devastating impacts and cause countless deaths every year. These include diseases like dengue fever, malaria, measles, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, and more. It’s always a good idea to check with your medical provider before traveling to a new region because they will have data available to ensure you are immunized against local diseases as much as possible and can take other preventative measures such as wearing insect repellant.

South Africa has over double the number of life years lost due to communicable diseases as India. Some of the diseases affecting South Africans include HIV, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and more, according to the CDC.

The countries with the highest number of years lost from communicable diseases:

Life Years Lost to Injury

Injury in life is inevitable. You can’t prevent a broken arm or a sprained ankle anywhere in the world, but some regions are more prone to accidents or injury. This can be for various reasons, including infrastructure problems, inaccessible walkways, poorly maintained hiking paths, and much more.

South Africa has the highest years of life lost due to injuries, with many of those injuries coming from interpersonal violence and road traffic incidents. Saudi Arabia likewise reports many injuries, with most reported injuries affecting young males. These injuries were largely traffic-related.

The countries with the highest number of life years lost to injury are:

• United Arab Emirates

World Risk Index

Natural disasters are increasingly becoming a regular part of our modern life due to the impacts of climate change , and it would be unwise to fail to consider the likelihood of natural disasters when picking a travel destination. Not only should the location be factored in, but also the season. For example, many counties have significant and deadly monsoon and hurricane seasons, which can threaten tourists and locals alike.

The most dangerous country when it comes to natural disaster risk and readiness response is the Philippines, according to the annual World Risk Index. The Philippines garnered a score of 46.8. The second and third most dangerous countries are India and Indonesia, followed by Mexico and China. Notably the US and Australia ranked 7th and 8th respectively.

The countries with the highest natural disaster risk:

What Are the Safest Countries for Tourists to Visit?

Based on data for 50 of the most-visited countries in the world, these are the fifteen safest countries for tourists and their Travel Safety Index scores:

• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Czech Republic

#1 Safest Country: Singapore

According to our index, Singapore is the least deadly country for tourists. With a very low homicide rate, road death rate, and natural disaster risk, Singapore is an excellent choice for travelers in terms of safety.

What makes Singapore so safe? Well, crime does not pay in Singapore. The consequences for committing crimes in Singapore are incredibly high, even for “smaller” crimes. This, combined with high surveillance and police presence, makes Singapore the world’s safest country for travel.

This, of course, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take universal safety precautions, even in Singapore. For some top travel safety tips, see the end of the article.

#2 Safest Country: Denmark

Denmark’s high safety ranking likely won’t come as a surprise to those familiar with Denmark’s reputation. The low crime rate is often attributed to strong social safety nets that keep its citizens out of poverty, which decreases petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing. Denmark also has a robust police presence, a (relatively) transparent government, and high-quality technological surveillance, which makes Denmark an uncommonly safe place to live and travel.

This level of safety and community trust made Denmark go viral recently when people on social media discovered footage of Danish mothers and fathers leaving their newborns outside to sleep in their strollers while the parents go into shops and cafés. This is a common practice and is often believed to help babies and infants sleep comfortably and develop better immune systems. The idea of trusting the general public with an infant seems like madness in many other parts of the world. This goes to show the level of safety and transparency within Denmark.

Tips for staying safe while traveling, no matter the destination

• Never travel without doing your research – Each destination, from the most to the least deadly, will have its share of challenges and hurdles. Looking up common scams in your destination city or country will help you stay sharp and mindful of dangerous tactics.
• Check the natural disaster risk for your region – Many places around the world, from Louisiana to Mumbai, are more prone to natural disasters at certain times of the year. Knowing if your destination is experiencing monsoon season, hurricane season, extreme heat or cold, and other potentially dangerous natural disasters will keep you and your family stay safe and help you avoid potentially high-risk areas.
• Practice universal safety precautions – Just because you might be in a “safe” country, don’t let your guard down. Crime, unsanitary conditions, and injuries can happen anywhere, and tourists are often targeted everywhere in the world.
• Invest in high-quality safety travel gear – Things like RFID neck wallets, money belts, and sturdy luggage locks will help keep you and your family’s items safe around pickpockets.
• Register your trip with your local embassy – Your government having a way to find you and help remove you from a dangerous situation is incredibly important. If you plan to travel internationally, see if your country has a way to report your trip before embarking on your adventure. The United States has STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), Canada has Registration of Canadians Abroad, and other countries have equivalent programs for their citizens.
• Save your embassy’s information – Speaking of embassies, know your country’s embassy information before traveling internationally. Whether you write down the embassy phone number and address on a piece of paper or add it to your phone’s cloud service, having a way to access your country’s representative embassy while traveling abroad could be lifesaving in the event of an emergency.
• Travel with a friend or family member – Solo travel can be a fun, freeing activity. But it can also open you up to more potential risks. Traveling with friends and family is often a safer alternative to solo travel.
• Don’t keep all of your cash in one place – Having all your funds in a central location could be disastrous should an emergency arise. If you get robbed, your wallet goes missing, or you get separated from the rest of your group, it’s essential to have emergency money to fall back on. Keeping extra cash in your phone case, in your shoe, or somewhere else inconspicuous may seem silly, but it could bail you out in a pinch.
• Be careful where you eat – Not all countries enforce strict sanitation standards regarding food and beverages. Check reviews, go to restaurants suggested by friends and family, and practice precautions when eating out (particularly when it comes to street food).
• Know the risks of your destination and travel accordingly – If, for example, you do some research and find that your destination may not have the safest water, you can bring a Grayl or filter bottle. Knowing what to expect by planning ahead can save money (and discomfort) during the trip.
• Have your medical information (securely) available – Nobody wants to think about the possibility of hospitalization or injury while on vacation, but it can and does happen. Memorizing your blood type, having a list of your medications and dosages, as well as any allergies and other pertinent medical info available for medical professionals to review is critical should an emergency arise.
• Hire a guide – While guides can’t reasonably protect you from all danger, they can use their local knowledge of the country to keep you safe. Many guides will provide translation services, ensure you eat in safe restaurants, and can help you avoid dangerous neighborhoods.
• Keep a family member or friend aware of your travel plans – Having a friend or family member back home know your travel itinerary could be incredibly helpful if something goes wrong.
• Listen to your intuition – If something doesn’t feel safe, seems too good to be true, or otherwise sets off “alarm bells” while traveling, trust your instincts and remove yourself if it is safe to do so.
• Always travel with insurance – You never know what can happen while traveling. Whether you’re traveling domestically or across the world, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Travel insurance is often fairly inexpensive ( often costing less than $100 for a two-week trip ) and can save thousands in emergency expenses. See some of our guides here: Antartica , Belize , Costa Rica , Cruise , Dubai , and Europe .
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
• World Health Organization
• Our World in Data
• WorldRiskReport
• CNN: Seeing the new India through the eyes of an invisible woman
• Business Tech: New data shows shocking rise in violent crime in South Africa
• CNET: India spent $30 billion to fix its broken sanitation. It ended up with more problems
• The Economist: Why it is so hard to fix India’s sanitation
• Borgen Project: 10 Facts about Sanitation in South Africa
• National Library of Medicine: The high burden of injuries in South Africa
• National Library of Medicine: Burden of traumatic injuries in Saudi Arabia

Mana and the Warrior: The Complex Traditions of Maori Warriors

Archytas and the First Mechanical Bird: The Dawn of Robotic Flight

The Age of Chivalry’s Downfall: How the Arbalest Unseated the Armored Knight

The Lost Calculus of Ancient Greece: How Historical Erasure Shaped Modern Science

• Yellowknife
• world travel

The 15 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions in the World

In a world brimming with breathtaking landscapes, ancient wonders, and adrenaline-pumping adventures, some tourist attractions beckon the daredevils, the thrill-seekers, and the intrepid explorers.

These are the destinations where the line between excitement and danger blurs, where the allure of nature’s majesty is matched only by the risks it presents.

From towering peaks and treacherous roads to the depths of the ocean and the heart of dense jungles, these are the most dangerous tourist attractions in the world. Each one holds a unique peril, demanding respect for the forces of nature and a keen sense of adventure.

In this article, we delve into the heart of danger, exploring the main risks that define these captivating destinations, reminding us that while the world is vast and beautiful, it can also be unforgiving and relentless.

1. Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet

Mount Everest, the pinnacle of adventure for mountaineers worldwide, conceals its deadliest secret in plain sight: the main danger here is the unforgiving interplay of extreme altitude and brutal weather conditions.

Standing at a staggering 29,032 feet (8,849 meters) above sea level, climbers brave the treacherous ascent through the “Death Zone” where oxygen is scarce, and the human body deteriorates rapidly. Altitude sickness, the most prevalent threat, can manifest as nausea, dizziness, and, in severe cases, death.

The risk is further compounded by the looming specter of avalanches, which can strike without warning, and the bone-chilling frostbite that lurks in the frigid cold. Scaling Everest is an epic struggle against the elements, where the consequences of nature’s fury are gravely real.

2. Death Road, Bolivia

Bolivia’s Yungas Road (one of the most dangerous in the world ), colloquially known as Death Road, offers a spine-tingling adventure through the picturesque Andes. Yet, beneath its scenic beauty lies an ominous peril.

The main danger is the road itself—a serpentine pathway, barely wide enough for one vehicle, that winds perilously along steep cliffs. With drops of up to 2,000 feet (600 meters), the margin for error is razor-thin.

Accidents are frequent, and fatalities are not uncommon. Cyclists, thrill-seekers who tackle this treacherous route, must grapple with the constant threat of veering off the edge. In this high-stakes game of brinkmanship, Death Road tests nerve, skill, and the laws of gravity.

3. The Devil’s Pool, Zambia

Victoria Falls , a roaring natural wonder between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is home to The Devil’s Pool—an alluring but precarious attraction. Here, the main danger is the omnipresent risk of being swept over the precipice by the formidable currents of the Zambezi River.

The Pool lures brave souls who seek to peer into the abyss from the very edge of the falls. But this heart-pounding encounter with nature’s force demands the utmost caution. Visitors must navigate slippery rocks and powerful currents to access the pool.

A single misstep could spell disaster, making it a destination where thrill-seekers must tread carefully and respect the raw, untamed power of Victoria Falls.

4. El Caminito del Rey, Spain

El Caminito del Rey, situated in the heart of Spain ‘s Andalusian mountains, offers breathtaking views that come at a perilous price. The main danger here lies in the high, narrow walkway that clings precariously to steep cliffs. This pathway, which was once in a state of disrepair, gained notoriety for its harrowing accidents.

Although it has since undergone extensive renovations to enhance safety, it remains a destination where the specter of vertiginous drops and dizzying heights is ever-present.

Visitors must summon their courage to traverse this dizzying trail, where one false step could result in a fatal plunge into the abyss.

5. Crocodile Farm, Australia

Australia ‘s Crocodile Farm may be a magnet for thrill-seekers, but the main danger lurks just beneath the surface. Here, the proximity to saltwater crocodiles, known for their aggression and lethality, poses an imminent threat.

These apex predators are notorious for their lightning-fast strikes, capable of overpowering even the most vigilant of visitors. To get up close and personal with these reptilian giants is an adrenaline-pumping experience, but it’s a dance on the edge of danger.

Maintaining a respectful distance and adhering to stringent safety protocols are paramount when venturing into the crocodile’s lair.

6. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a haunting relic of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, offers a sobering experience fraught with danger. The main peril here is not immediate, but long-lasting: exposure to radiation. Decades after the catastrophic explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the area remains contaminated, and visitors risk harmful radiation exposure.

Although guided tours have strict safety measures, the specter of a silent, invisible menace looms. The very ground, air, and structures retain traces of radiation, making this journey a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear accidents.

It’s a destination that demands caution, respect for the environment, and adherence to all safety guidelines to mitigate the inherent risks.

7. Volcano Boarding, Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s Volcano Boarding is an exhilarating adventure sport that comes with an adrenaline-pumping peril. The main danger here is the high-speed descent down steep volcanic slopes. Armed with a wooden board, daredevils hurtle down active volcanoes, reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.

While the thrill is undeniable, the risk of injury looms large. Volcanic terrain is unpredictable, and a sudden rock or uneven surface can lead to accidents. Protective gear is essential, but even with it, participants are not immune to the inherent dangers of this fiery ride.

Volcano boarding is a daring pursuit, where the line between thrill and danger blurs, and where each descent carries the potential for an unforgettable experience or a risky tumble.

8. Running of the Bulls, Spain

Spain’s iconic Running of the Bulls, part of the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, is a heart-pounding event synonymous with danger. The main peril lies in the potential for runners to be gored or trampled by the charging bulls. Participants sprint through narrow streets, attempting to stay ahead of the stampeding animals.

The bulls are massive, powerful, and disoriented by the chaos of the event. Injuries and even fatalities are not uncommon. Despite the rush of adrenaline and the allure of tradition, running is a high-stakes gamble with the potential for grave consequences.

It’s an age-old tradition that has fascinated the world, but it’s also one that demands unwavering respect for the inherent dangers it presents.

9. Cliff Diving in Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Locations

Cliff diving in Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series locations is a breathtaking spectacle that tests the limits of human courage. The main danger in this awe-inspiring sport is the risk of hitting rocks or miscalculating a dive from extreme heights.

Competitors dive from heights of up to 27 meters (88 feet) into the open ocean, executing acrobatic feats before plunging into the water.

The precision required is staggering, and the margin for error is minuscule. One misjudgment in timing or positioning can result in painful and sometimes life-threatening injuries.

The thrill of conquering gravity draws athletes and thrill-seekers alike, but the sport’s unforgiving nature reminds participants that, in the world of cliff diving, danger is ever-present, and respect for its power is paramount.

10. Cage Diving with Great White Sharks, South Africa

Cage diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa is a heart-pounding adventure that brings you face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most fearsome predators. The main danger here is the proximity to these massive, predatory sharks, even when you’re safely ensconced in a cage.

While the cage provides a barrier between you and the sharks, it’s a heart-stopping experience as these apex predators circle, attracted by bait. Though fatalities are rare, the unpredictability of these creatures and the inherent risks of being in the open ocean with them make this a truly dangerous attraction.

It’s a thrilling venture that tests your nerves and leaves you with an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

11. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring Inca citadel nestled high in the Andes mountains of Peru , holds a hidden danger that often surprises visitors. The main peril here is the risk of altitude sickness. Sitting at an elevation of around 7,970 feet (2,430 meters), the thin air can wreak havoc on the unacclimated.

Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and headaches, and in severe cases, it can lead to more serious health issues. To fully appreciate the beauty and history of Machu Picchu, visitors must be aware of the altitude’s potential impact and take measures to acclimate or seek medical attention if necessary.

It’s a destination where the breathtaking views are complemented by the need for caution in the high-altitude environment.

12. Mount Huashan, China

Mount Huashan in China is renowned for its treacherous ascents and death-defying plank paths. The main danger here is the precarious cliffside plank path, which clings to the mountain’s steep cliffs. With sheer drops on one side and challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and rain, navigating this path can be a harrowing experience.

The plank walk involves shuffling along wooden planks secured to the rock face, holding onto chains for dear life. While there have been safety improvements in recent years, it remains a destination where thrill-seekers test their courage and balance, knowing that even a momentary lapse in concentration can have dire consequences.

Mount Huashan’s allure lies in its perilous beauty, making it an attraction where danger is an integral part of the journey.

13. Madidi National Park, Bolivia

Madidi National Park in Bolivia offers an immersive adventure into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. However, the main danger here is the formidable presence of venomous snakes, spiders, and other wildlife that call this dense jungle home.

As you trek through the lush foliage and winding rivers, the hidden threats become apparent. Encounters with deadly snakes like the bushmaster and venomous spiders like the wandering spider can quickly turn a nature expedition into a perilous encounter.

While guided tours can mitigate some risks, the wild and untamed nature of this rainforest ensures that danger lurks in the shadows. Madidi National Park is a testament to the beauty and ferocity of nature, where every step brings both wonder and caution.

14. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. The main danger here is twofold: extreme heat and the relentless fury of volcanic activity . Temperatures regularly soar to unbearable heights, making dehydration and heatstroke real threats.

Amid this geological inferno lies lava lakes, sulfur springs, and scorching geysers. The volatile landscape poses risks of eruptions and toxic gas releases. To venture into Danakil is to tread on the edge of Earth’s violent forces, where survival demands meticulous preparation, protective gear, and a deep respect for the unforgiving environment.

The allure of witnessing this geological spectacle is undeniable, but it’s a destination that commands the utmost caution.

15. Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland

Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, offers a mesmerizing vista of icy majesty. However, the main danger here is the deceptively tranquil surface concealing treacherous crevasses. Hikers and climbers who traverse this glacier risk falling into hidden chasms.

The shifting ice can create unpredictable conditions, and even experienced mountaineers are not immune to the hazards. A fall into a crevasse can be deadly or result in serious injury. Proper equipment, training, and guides are essential for those who wish to explore this icy wonderland.

Aletsch Glacier serves as a reminder that nature’s beauty often conceals formidable challenges, and those who venture into its depths must do so with the utmost care and preparedness.

Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions Summary

As we conclude our journey through the world’s most dangerous tourist attractions, we are left with a profound appreciation for the audacity of the human spirit. These destinations, marked by their perils and the courage of those who explore them, serve as reminders of the boundless wonders our planet holds and the responsibility we bear as visitors.

Whether you’re drawn to the dizzying heights of mountains, the depths of the oceans, or the heart of dense jungles, these attractions challenge you to venture beyond your comfort zones. They remind us that the pursuit of adventure, of the extraordinary, often comes with inherent risks.

While we embrace the thrill, let us also remember the importance of safety, respect for the environment, and responsible tourism. In the world’s most dangerous places, the line between awe and peril is fine, and it’s up to each traveler to navigate it with care and reverence.

**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.

• Extreme Travel

Related Posts

5 Things To Learn When Moving Abroad

Happiest Places in the World to Live – 2024

• North America

12 Top Things To Do In Puerto Escondido in 2024

5 Reasons to Take a Social Media Detox During Your Next Travel

Advertisement

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Travel To Around the Globe

• Share Content on Facebook
• Share Content via Email

International travel is as easy as packing a suitcase and hopping on a plane, allowing people to explore countries all over the world with ease. While there’s always a degree of risk involved – the same as you’d experience in your own city – there are some places that tourists tend to avoid due to war, unrest, and crime. If you are thinking about traveling in the United States only, check out our list of most dangerous cities in the US . However, there are a number of cities around the world that are both incredibly dangerous and desirable vacation destinations. Here are the 10 most dangerous places to travel to, so if you’re planning on traveling to one of them, be sure to be aware of the risks and take reasonable precautions.

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Millions of tourists visit Mexico every year, but the violent organized crime makes it a more risky destination for travelers. Mexico’s issues with drug trafficking are well known and Ciudad Juarez is one of the nation’s most violent cities. Police corruption is a significant problem, as officers are often employed or paid off by drug cartels, which means that many crimes go unpunished.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Many cities in Brazil have high crime rates, and none are more dangerous than Rio de Janeiro. Yet, Rio remains the most popular tourist destination in Brazil, attracting upwards of 1.2 million travelers every year. The city is actually safer than it was a decade ago, but street crime is still common in many areas, especially at night. Political tension and the accompanying demonstrations are a concern, so check your country’s travel alerts before you book a trip. It’s possible to enjoy the lush rainforest and white sandy beaches, but use common sense and take reasonable precautions.

Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas is easily the most dangerous city in the world to visit. The capital city of Venezuela continues to face an epidemic of violence, in part because of a poor political and economic environment for residents. Street crimes such as muggings and theft are common, as are murder by firearm and kidnappings, making this an undesirable destination for most tourists. Backpackers continue to visit the nation because of the beautiful landscapes and cheap cost to visit. Many other cities in Venezuela also have incredibly high crime rates, but the capital has the second-highest murder rate in the world, giving it the top spot on the list of most dangerous places to travel. So if you were planning a trip to Venezuela we suggest checking out more tourist-friendly areas like Margarita Island .

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Although Guatemala, a Central American nation in the Caribbean, holds many tourist attractions, it’s a nation plagued with drug-based violence, as well as human and arms trafficking. It has a high murder and low solve rate, and other common crimes include street robberies, bus holdups. and carjackings. If you’re planning on visiting Guatemala, it’s advisable to remain in safer regions and avoid Guatemala City.

Baghdad, Iraq

Bombings, gunfire, and other violent events are common in Iraq. This country has been on the “do not travel” list for Americans for many years and Baghdad remains a dangerous place. This is another war-torn country that has been decimated by insurgent and United States military attacks and is not likely to be safe anytime soon. Since the violence in Baghdad usually consists of unpredictable outbreaks of terrorism, it’s not a place that people should visit without a good reason.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

This city has ranked as one of the world’s most violent for several years now. According to many sources, it has the highest homicide rates in the world – 169 per 100,000 people. Arms trafficking is another big problem, and illegal firearms are prevalent throughout the city. Most tourists only face opportunistic crimes such as muggings and theft. The Maya ruins and golden beaches may be a draw, but this is a city that tourists would do well to take serious precautions in.

Kabul, Afghanistan

Kabul has been one of the most dangerous cities in the world for many years. It is still a war zone, although U.S. troops prepare to exit the country. Terrorist attacks, including many bombings, remain common. Like Baghdad, Kabul is a city where violence can erupt at any time. Afghanistan is the most dangerous country in 2019, according to the Global Peace Index.

Cape Town, South Africa

Due to the prevalence of poverty and social unrest in this city, it suffers from an extremely high violent crime rate, mostly related to drugs and gangs, with an estimated 100,000 people in over 130 different gangs in 2018. Although many tourists are drawn to South Africa because of its natural beauty and proximity to nature preserves packed with wildlife, Cape Town can be a dangerous place. The safest way to enjoy a visit to this city is to avoid the more dangerous neighborhoods and don’t travel alone at night, especially if you are a woman.

Acapulco, Mexico

Not long ago, this city was considered a safe and luxurious resort area. While tourism to Acapulco is still permitted, gang violence and drug-related murder have made this a dangerous area for travelers and those who live there, and the area has seen a huge decline in tourism since 2014. Recent statistics reveal that this city – called Mexico’s “murder capital” – has one of the world’s highest murder rates -142 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most dangerous places to travel to. People visiting Acapulco are advised to not leave the safety of the resorts where they are staying, as most crime occurs in surrounding areas.

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:

• Outdoor Activities
• Destinations
• Book Hotels, Flights & Cars
• Advertise With Us
• Cookie Settings

Copyright © 2024 MapQuest Holdings LLC, a System1 Company

14 of the most dangerous attractions around the world that tourists keep flocking to

• Two tourists have died at Diamond Bay Reserve in Australia in the past six months.
• About 12 people die at the Grand Canyon each year .
• Over 300 people have died while climbing Mount Everest, which has its own " Death Zone ."
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Life is short. The desire to make the most out of one's life and live it to the fullest is what motivates many people to travel in the first place.

Some people expand their horizons by visiting pristine beaches or sightseeing in a city with stunning architecture . Then there are those who find that dangling thousands of feet above the ground lets them know that they're alive.

From narrow roads on the edges of cliffs to deep cave dives, here are 14 dangerous attractions that daring travelers flock to.

Diamond Bay Reserve — Vaucluse, Australia

The precarious cliffs and staircases at Diamond Bay Reserve are a popular selfie spot, but the steep drop can be deadly.

Two tourists have recently died while sightseeing on the cliffs. A 27-year-old woman died in August after she fell while attempting to take a selfie. Five months later, another woman has been found dead after falling from the edge. The woman has yet to be formally identified, but friends and family have named her as 21-year-old British model Madalyn Davis .

Mount Everest — Tibet and Nepal

The world's highest mountain is no easy climb. Mount Everest's "death zone" above 26,000 feet is particularly dangerous for its low levels of oxygen and low atmospheric pressure. Altitude sickness can be deadly, but the most common causes of death on the mountain are avalanches and falls.

Over 300 people have died while climbing Mount Everest . In May, overcrowding on the mountain resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people in one week .

Hawksbill Crag — Newton County, Arkansas

Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler told KY3 that the sheriff's office gets five to 10 calls a year about people falling or otherwise injuring themselves while hiking at Hawksbill Crag in Arkansas.

On Saturday, 20-year-old Andrea Norton fell 100 feet and died while taking a photo on the cliffside . 

Precipice Trail — Acadia National Park, Maine

The National Park Service reported that approximately 160 people die in national parks every year. This means the parks are generally very safe — statistically, that's 0.57 deaths per 1 million visits — but accidents can and do happen on treacherous trails and steep cliffs.

Precipice Trail in Maine's Acadia National Park is one such hike that involves climbing rungs on the face of sheer cliffs. A woman fell to her death while climbing in 2012 , the first fatality on the trail since 1985.

Grand Canyon National Park — Arizona

Around 12 people die at the Grand Canyon every year. Two people died there in March 2019.

National Park Service rangers responded to a fatality near the South Rim on March 26,  the details of which have not been released, according to CNN.

Then, two days later, a tourist from Hong Kong fell off an overlook at the Eagle Point observation area at Grand Canyon West.

A park spokesperson told My Grand Canyon Park that about 12 people die at the Grand Canyon every year . On average, two or three of these deaths are falls. Other causes of death include medical problems, heat, drowning, traffic accidents, and suicide.

Yungas "Death" Road — Bolivia

The shoulders of "Death Road" are lined with crosses and memorials for people who have died while traveling it.

The road was more dangerous when cyclists and automobiles shared it — an estimated 200 to 300 drivers died every year,  earning the title of " The World's Most Dangerous Road " from Inter American Development Bank. 

When cars and trucks were diverted to a new, less perilous road, the death toll decreased, but daring bikers still ride it. An estimated 22 cyclists have died on the road since 1998.

Colorado Rivers — Colorado

Whitewater rafting is a popular tourist attraction in Colorado —  550,861 people took the plunge in 2016 . But when temperatures rise, more snow melts from the mountains and results in dangerously swift river currents.

11 people died on Colorado waterways in 2016 , nine people in 2015, and 14 people in 2014, according to Fox 31 Denver.

Eagle's Nest Cave — Weeki Wachee, Florida

Eagle's Nest Cave is known as the "Mount Everest" of underwater cave diving  for its difficulty and the level of required expertise to navigate it at depths of 300 feet. Twelve people have died while diving in the cave since 1981.

Mont Blanc — Chamonix, France

The Atlantic called Mont Blanc " one of the world's deadliest mountains " in 2012 and reported that 100 people die on the mountain every year . One of the reasons given for this high number of fatalities is the abundance of guided tours. The ventures can contribute to a "production line mentality" wherein getting up and down the mountain efficiently to get to the next group can cause guides to disregard potential dangers.

The Maze — Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Temperatures in The Maze can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit , and it's so remote that it would take three days for any help to reach a lost, injured, or dehydrated hiker.

No one has died while hiking in The Maze, likely because of warnings urging only experienced hikers to visit. Still, 2,000 people hike through it every year.

Mount Huashan — Shaanxi, China

In this death-defying hike on Mount Huashan, visitors walk across thin planks bolted to the side of the mountain held together with staples at 7,000 feet . Many refer to it as " the world's most dangerous hike ," but others say that it's actually the safest place on the mountain because it's the only place where harnesses are required . The  rumored death toll of 100 people per year has never been substantiated.

Volusia County — Florida

Florida has some of the best beaches in the world , but swimmers should watch out for sharks.

In 2017, Volusia County had nine incidents of shark attacks out of the 88 total reported worldwide. That's  more shark bites in one place than anywhere else in the world , according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File as reported by the Miami Herald. None of the attacks in Volusia County was fatal, and it was six less than 2018, when Volusia County also topped the list.

Angel's Landing – Zion National Park, Utah

Angel's Landing is an extremely narrow hiking path with a 1,000-foot drop on either side .  Six people have died on the trail since 2004.

Half Dome — Yosemite National Park, California

Climbing to the summit of Half Dome involves scaling a steep cliff using cables. Between eight and  20 people have died since the cables were installed around 100 years ago, and even more have died on the trail leading to it. The National Park Service instituted a permit system in 2010 to limit the number of climbers to 300 a day to avoid hazardous bottleneck.

The travel site Yosemite Hikes calls the Half Dome " the one you can't die without doing, and the one you're most likely to die while doing ."

• A travel-blogger couple fell to their deaths trying to take a picture from a cliff in Yosemite National Park
• 259 people have died while taking photos of themselves — and scientists warn that we need 'no-selfie zones' in tourist hotspots
• The 10 most dangerous roads in America
• The 21 most dangerous foods in the world

• Main content

Atlas & Boots

The UK's most popular outdoor travel blog

Ranked: most dangerous countries in the world 2024

The most dangerous countries in the world to visit in 2024 have been updated in the latest Travel Risk Map

The most dangerous countries to visit in 2024 are Afghanistan, the Central African Republic , Iraq, Libya, Mali , Somalia, South Sudan, Syria , Ukraine and Yemen according to the latest Travel Risk Map , an interactive tool produced by security specialists at  International SOS .

The map is used to predict the safest and, conversely, the least safe countries in the world to visit and has four layers in total covering a country’s security risk, medical risk, and the impact of the pandemic on travel and domestic operations.

For the security layer of the map, countries are indexed according to their travel security risk rating, which uses five risk definitions : insignificant, low, medium, high and extreme.

International SOS uses several criteria to assess how the conditions in the country may impact visitors’ safety and security.

These include the threat posed to travellers by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) and violent and petty crime.

Other factors assessed include transport infrastructure, the capability of security and emergency services, and the threat of natural disasters. It’s also possible to use the map to assess medical risk and road safety standards around the world.

MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

These are the nine most dangerous countries in the world according to International SOS. They have been assessed as carrying an ‘extreme travel security risk’.

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• South Sudan

The most dangerous countries in the world include Ukraine, where Russia launched an invasion in February 2022; Afghanistan, which saw the Taliban take over in August 2021 as foreign forces pulled out of the country; Syria, which has been embroiled in civil war since 2011; and Yemen, which has also been mired in a years-long civil war leading to the deaths of thousands and a major humanitarian crisis .

Despite ongoing instability in Mali – which saw the UNESCO-listed historic city of Timbuktu taken under siege by jihadists in September 2023 – the West African nation has been reassessed as ‘high security risk’ as opposed to ‘extreme’.

“Government control and law and order may be minimal or non-existent across large areas. Serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travellers and international assignees. Government and transport services are barely functional. Large parts of the country are inaccessible to foreigners.” International SOS

In October 2023, Israel launched an invasion of the Gaza Strip in Palestine after a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel led to the death of 1,200 people and 240 hostages. As of 16 February 2024, the retaliatory campaign has killed over 28,000 Palestinians. To date, International SOS has not updated the map to reflect this.

SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

At the other end of the spectrum, the following 18 countries or territories have been assessed as carrying an ‘insignificant travel security risk’ to travellers and therefore the safest countries to visit.

• American Samoa
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Switzerland

“Rates of violent crime are very low. There is no significant political violence or civil unrest and little sectarian, communal, racial or targeted violence against foreigners. Security and emergency services are effective and infrastructure is sound. Transport services are of a high standard with good safety records and only occasional travel disruption. Industrial action affecting essential services is rare.” International SOS

Complete rankings

Most countries in Europe along with the USA , Australia , New Zealand and Canada  have been assessed as carrying a ‘low travel security risk’. Ukraine is the only European country categorised as a ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ security risk.

Many countries in Asia and the Middle East including Jordan , Oman , Singapore, Japan , China , South Korea , Vietnam , Malaysia and Brunei are considered ‘low risk’.

The most dangerous countries in Asia are Afghanistan and Pakistan ; and Syria, Iraq and Yemen in the Middle East.

The most dangerous countries in Africa are the Central African Republic, Libya, Somalia and South Sudan. In the Americas, Haiti , Honduras and Venezuela are considered ‘high security risk’.

EXTREME (15) Afghanistan Central African Republic Iraq Libya Somalia South Sudan Syria Ukraine Yemen

HIGH (15) Burkina Faso DR Congo Egypt Ethiopia Haiti Honduras Mali Myanmar Nigeria Pakistan Papua New Guinea Venezuela

MEDIUM (68) Algeria Angola Bahrain Bangladesh Belize Bolivia Brazil Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Chad Colombia Comoros Congo Costa Rica Djibouti Dominican Republic East Timor El Salvador Eritrea Fiji Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana India India Indonesia Iran Israel Ivory Coast Jamaica Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, North Kosovo Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Madagascar Mauritania Mexico Mongolia Mozambique Myanmar Nepal Nicaragua Niger Peru Philippines Russia Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Solomon Islands South Africa Sri Lanka Sudan Swaziland (Eswatini) Tajikistan Tanzania Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Uganda Ukraine Zimbabwe

LOW (91) Albania Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Barbados Belarus Belgium Benin Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile China Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Dominica Ecuador Equatorial Guinea Estonia France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Hungary Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Korea, South Kuwait Latvia Lithuania Macedonia Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Mauritius Micronesia Moldova Monaco Montenegro Morocco Namibia Netherlands New Zealand Oman Panama Palau Paraguay Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Rwanda Saint Kitts & Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Serbia Singapore Slovakia Spain Suriname Sweden Taiwan Thailand Tonga UAE United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Vietnam Zambia

INSIGNIFICANT (17) Andorra Cape Verde Denmark Finland Greenland Iceland Kiribati Liechtenstein Luxembourg Marshall Islands Nauru Norway San Marino Seychelles Slovenia Switzerland Turks & Caicos Tuvalu

The full interactive map by International SOS can be accessed here .

More rankings and articles can be found in our  remote work  area: ►  Best cities in the world ► Countries with the best healthcare in the world ►  World’s worst countries to drive in ►  Most peaceful countries in the world ►  Best countries for women ►  Poorest countries in the world – ranked ►  Happiest countries in the world ►  World’s most powerful passport ►  Countries with the fastest internet in the world ►  Most stressed countries in the world ►  Most expensive cities for expats ►  World’s most democratic countries

Enjoyed this post? pin it for later…

Lead image:  Hi JOE/Shutterstock

You might also like:.

The Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions In The World

While many spend their lives trying to avoid danger and tragedy, millions of people travel around the world to spend their vacations in some of the most perilous places on the planet — and pay for the privilege.

"Adventure tourism," refers to traveling to exciting destinations to participate in difficult or risky activities — usually outdoors — and experience something that you couldn't do at home. As described in R. Buckley's book , adventure tourism is sometimes about the activity and sometimes about the location. Often, it's both. Famous feats, like climbing Mount Everest , have become increasingly popular — to the point of overcrowding. Other destinations, like North Korea , are only available to a small number of people and are strictly controlled. Some spots are only destinations for tourists with specific hobbies and specialized skills, like deep sea caves or the sites of potential storms.

While this type of tourism can be thrilling, it can also be deadly. Some attractions require immense preparation and training to attempt, which some tourists may not be aware of before they arrive. Others are inherently risky, violent, or unpredictable, and can pose a genuine threat to any who attempt to visit. These are the most dangerous tourist attractions in the world.

Nuclear tourism

The sites of some of humanity's most horrific nuclear tragedies have become tourist hotspots. Companies offering tours have sprung up around locations like Chernobyl — but visitors may not be safe from radiation.

As described by the New York Times , Chernobyl was once the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history. Today, portions of it have returned to nature. In the 30 years it has been abandoned, the remains of human homes have become overgrown. Entering these abandoned buildings is dangerous, not due to radiation but because of the threat of collapse.

Journeys into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone have become popular, not in spite of the suffering that occurred there, but because of it. The Washington Post credits the rise in tourism to Chernobyl to the video game "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.," a first-person shooter set at Chernobyl, and the HBO miniseries "Chernobyl" which depicted the events surrounding the disaster. Since the airing, various companies offering guided tours of the Exclusion Zone have reported 30-40% increases in tourists.

Radiation is still a threat at Chernobyl, but the amount of exposure depends on where in the Exclusion Zone tourists go, and how long they stay. The forest around Chernobyl was not part of the cleanup, and the plant life there is radioactive. Tourists are advised to spend as little time there as possible, wear a mask and gloves, and throw away the clothes they wore.

There are always risks when it comes to the extreme sport of mountaineering , but not all mountains are equal. The Pakistani mountain K2 is the second tallest, second only to Mount Everest. As reported by National Geographic , Everest may be taller, but K2 is considered the most difficult mountain to climb.

Less than 400 people have ever successfully reached the top of K2. While K2 is called by its alphanumeric designation that it was given during a 19th-century surveying project, it has come to be known as "Savage Mountain." As described by NASA , this nickname comes from the extreme risk to climbers due to frequent avalanches and extreme weather conditions. Only one mountaineering team has summited In winter, when it can reach a low of -58°F, and in 2012, the mountain was believed to have a fatality rate of 29%.

The trip to K2 can also prove hazardous for tourists. In February of 2022, the U.S. government recommended that Americans "reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian violence."

Death Valley

Death Valley National Park receives approximately 1 million tourists every year. As described in "Death Valley,"  tourists have been visiting Death Valley since there were roads to get there. In the 1920s, the first resort was built to accommodate the many visitors. But the extreme conditions that make it enticing to tourists can also put them at risk.

The extreme conditions there have given rise to a variety of ominous names beyond "Death Valley," including "Coffin Canyon," "Chaos Ridge," and "Dripping Blood Cliffs." It is one of the hottest and driest places on the planet. In 1913, Death Valley was 134°F – the hottest temperature ever recorded. In 2001, the temperature was over 100°F for 154 days straight. There have been a number of fatalities in Death Valley because of the extreme heat. Because of this, the NPS encourages tourists visiting Death Valley in the summer not to hike after 10 a.m., stay in the mountains, and always pack items necessary for survival in case of emergency.

According to the NPS , there are concerns beyond the high temperatures. As is expected for a national park, many creatures make their home there, and some can be dangerous to humans, including scorpions, rattlesnakes, and poisonous spiders. Flash flooding may occur in the canyons during storms. There have even been illegal pot fields found within the park. If visitors stumble into them, they are advised to "run, walk, crawl or hide" and leave as quickly and quietly as possible.

Glass bridges, walkways, and slides have become popular around the world, but especially in China. There are around 2,300 glass bridges in China alone. They have become a part of many tourist attractions because they blend in and don't detract from the attraction itself. As described by The New York Times , the longest is more than 1,700 feet, and stretches across a gorge 650 feet below. For some, the dizzying appearance of being able to see the ground far below is part of the appeal. One was designed to sway, while another looks and sounds like it is cracking when it is walked on. Unfortunately, sometimes these walkways genuinely break, with devastating consequences.

As reported by the BBC , in 2021, a tourist was left hanging onto the side of a bridge after the glass bottom broke. He was ultimately rescued by the fire department, but not all visitors have survived. In 2019, one tourist was killed and others were injured falling off of a glass slide.

While skywalks are extremely popular in China, the tourist attractions in the United States have also had to rethink them for safety reasons. The Grand Canyon has a horseshoe-shaped skywalk, which had to be re-evaluated for safety after a death in 2019.

Storm chasing

Storm chasing is exactly what it sounds like: following potential storms for a chance to see incredible storms in action. As described by The Washington Post , it requires years of experience and a thorough understanding of weather. Chasers try to predict how storms, especially tornadoes , will develop so that they can witness them at their strongest. They have to be close enough to see the storm, but far enough away that they aren't in danger.

As described in " When Severe Weather Becomes a Tourist Attraction: Understanding the Relationship with Nature in Storm-Chasing Tourism ," some tourism companies charge for tours which promise the chance to witness incredible storms, but cannot guarantee that the storms will happen. Storm chasing requires predicting the weather — something which is extremely difficult. The morning of the storm, chasers have to look at multiple weather models and create a forecast that they believe the storm will follow, and get into position. Often, even experienced chasers guess wrong and miss the chance to see a storm they've been tracking for days.

While missing the storm is the most likely result of a miscalculation, it is possible to end up in the storm's path instead. As explained by storm chaser and meteorologist Charles Doswell (via USA Today ) there are extreme chasers who are willing to do "virtually anything" to see a storm in action. It can even be dangerous for experienced chasers. In 2013, three veteran chasers died attempting to see a devastating mile-wide tornado.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is renowned as the tallest mountain on land, and climbing it has become a bucket list item for many. Even though some of those people have never climbed a mountain before. Everest has become a tourist hotspot and as reported by NPR , hundreds of people climb the mountain every year — paying around $11,000 each for the privilege. While summiting this mountain is a dream for many, climbers die in the attempt every year.

A climber who summitted Everest in 2019 told The New York Times that when he reached the top, he found 15-20 people on the tiny area at the top of the mountain. He witnessed climbers shoving each other and jostling for the best positions to take photos. At one point, he had to step over the body of one of his fellow climbers who had died on the mountain.

Tourism companies are encouraging more climbers to come, even ones who have no experience. Nepal, one of the nations with access to Everest, relies on the money coming in from tourism, so they do not limit the number of climbers. This leads to situations with severe overcrowding. Sometimes climbers have to wait for hours in long lines while in areas with very little oxygen while depleting their personal supply. An investigation into the practices on Everest found that some of those oxygen systems were faulty in the first place and could leak or even explode, leaving the climbers without air.

Underwater cave diving

Divers descend into underwater cave systems to explore, study, and experience their mysterious depths. As described by National Geographic , Florida's Eagle's Nest Sinkhole looks like an ordinary pond from above, but below is a complex cave system with maze-like twists and turns, fascinating geological features, and translucent marine life — but it is also among the most dangerous dives in the world. More than 10 divers, some with training, have died at Eagle's Nest.

Research has shown that the number of cave diving accidents leading to deaths has decreased over time, but it is still a risky endeavor, especially without proper training. A study of cave diving fatalities found that the majority of deaths were drownings, caused by running out of cylinders of gas. Eagle's Nest is extremely deep and maze-like, which increases the risk.

Still, the journey down from the surface is an incredible one. First, the diver passes through a limestone tube and enters a massive open space. Deeper, divers can find a place known as the "Super Room" where the walls are banded in blue, white, and gray. There are creatures that live their entire lives in the cave, including a species of translucent crayfish. According to cave diving expert Jill Heinerth (via National Geographic) these creatures can live 200 years in the darkness of the caves. Scientists study the unique habitats found in underwater caves for clues about what life may be like on other planets.

Volcano tourism

Millions of tourists travel around the world every year to see one of nature's most striking features — volcanoes. As detailed in " Fiery eruptions: travel health risks of volcano tourism ," these trips can be unpredictable and dangerous.

There are three different designations that a volcano can have, determining its position in its "lifecycle." There are active volcanoes, or ones that erupt regularly. There are dormant volcanoes, which have not erupted for a very long time, but may erupt again someday. There are extinct volcanoes that haven't erupted in all of human history. While it would seem logical that people would avoid those that aren't dormant or extinct, many of the most popular ones are active, such as Mount Agung in Bali, Mount Etna in Sicily, and Eyjafjallajökull and Katla in Iceland.

While many eruptions are predicted, some occur with no warning at all. This means tourists may be visiting a volcano when it erupts. They risk burns from currents of hot gas and debris and exposure to toxic gas. As reported by National Geographic , avalanches are also a risk. Mount Shirane in Japan erupted and triggered an avalanche which killed one person and injured several others.

Mont Blanc is the tallest peak in the Swiss Alps, but it isn't the most difficult to climb. The majority can be walked (though some parts do require climbing equipment like ice axes). Despite this, around 100 climbers are killed there every year — far more than K2 or Everest . The main causes of death are slipping, being struck by a falling rock, or getting lost in bad weather.

As described in The Atlantic , one reason for the incredibly high number of deaths is actually because it's easier than other mountains. Tourism companies promote climbing Mont Blanc as extremely easy, and doable for people who have never climbed a mountain before. 84% of people who required emergency medical attention on the mountain were amateurs.

As stated by the New York Times , more than 20,000 people try to climb Mont Blanc every year. The way up the mountain that the majority of climbers use has steep steps, falling rocks, and a narrow ridge which is only a few feet across. The mountain is overcrowded, which makes the climb more dangerous. Some groups are forced to wait while other climbers use narrow areas, increasing the dangers of the cold, weather, and high-altitude. The alternative is for groups to pass one another in narrow spots, increasing the risk of falling. It is only becoming more dangerous as the climate crisis gets worse. The routes up the mountain have become steeper and more slippery, and falling rocks are more common than ever.

Running of the Bulls

The Running of the Bulls is an internationally famous tradition (made even more well-known by Ernest Hemmingway's " The Sun Also Rises " in 1926). Every year it attracts thousands of tourists to Pamplona to watch, or even participate in, the bloody spectacle.

Bull runs take place all over the world, but none are as famous as the massive Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. As described by Time , the festival was originally a religious event honoring a martyred bishop. The Running of the Bulls is believed to have started in the 13th century, as nothing more than a way of getting bulls into position. Over time, it became known as a way for average citizens to prove bravery. Every summer, 12 bulls (or, more accurately, six bulls and six mostly harmless steers) are released from a pen and herded down narrow cobblestone streets into bullfighting rings, where they are typically all killed. A "running course" is used to ensure the bulls cannot escape.

Participants run through the streets ahead of the bulls. As reported by The Guardian , participants are sometimes gored or trampled by the terrified animals. Occasionally, an onlooker is also killed.

The Poison Garden

The Alnwick Garden is an extremely popular attraction, boasting more than 600,000 tourists every year. Visually, it is an inviting garden full of beautiful flowers. The Alnwick Garden is more than pretty, however. It can be deadly. As detailed by Smithsonian , every plant in the garden is poisonous. "I thought, 'This is a way to interest children,'" Duchess Jane Percy explained. "Children don't care that aspirin comes from a bark of a tree. What's really interesting is to know how a plant kills you ... and what you feel like before you die."

The garden is located at Alnwick Castle. In 1995, it was inherited by a new Duke of Northumberland. He encouraged his wife, Jane Percy, to take over the gardens (which were at the time used only for growing Christmas trees). Percy had another idea. She sought out an acclaimed landscape architect, Jacques Wirtz, to design a new deadly garden.

The garden is under constant surveillance because of the plants that grow there. As described in Atlas Obscura , some plants are kept in cages. Even with all the precautions at the garden , visitors occasionally feel faint from the fumes.There are 100 varieties of plants, most of which are deadly, as well as plants associated with drugs such as hallucinogenic mushrooms and opium poppies. Visitors can go on educational tours and even picnic in the Alnwick Garden, but they are warned never to touch or smell the plants.

North Korea

In 2015, 21-year-old Otto Warmbier went on what was supposed to be a three-day tour of North Korea . According to a propaganda video (reported on by the BBC ), Warmbier tried to take a sign from his hotel home with him. He was held in captivity for 17 months, was returned to the United States in a coma, and ultimately died. What exactly happened to him is still unknown. The United States government advises people not to visit North Korea, due to "the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention."

Despite this, it is possible for some tourists to visit every year. As described by CNN , the trips are very strictly controlled. Visitors are not allowed to actually explore the country; instead, guides from North Korea's Ministry of Tourism take tourists to specific approved spots. Tourism companies based in China fly tourists to Pyongyang, North Korea's capital city. Sometimes these tours are open to American citizens, though they were not between 2002 and 2005. According to several American tourists who visited, cell phones are confiscated and there is no access to the internet

The tours are designed to show North Korea in the most positive way possible. This can include massive performances, the mausoleum where Kim II Sung and Kim Jong II's bodies lie in state, and the border between North and South Korea.

World Wild Schooling

12 Most Dangerous Destinations for the Daring Traveler

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

Some of the most intrepid travelers are all over danger, seeking out those most hazardous trips on earth. Whether that describes you or you simply want to know where to steer clear of, this rundown of a dozen dangerous destinations is fascinating. From drug cartels or murder to extreme temperatures and other natural dangers, here’s where to go only if you accept the severe threat to your life.

Death Valley, USA

There’s a reason why Death Valley is named that way. Much of the risk is due to heat, as the temperature can regularly exceed 50°C (122°F) in summer. Dehydration, heatstroke, and exhaustion are major risks where the highest temperature on earth was recorded. It’s a dangerous area in another way, too, due to the number of people who are armed.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Read also:  Iconic Places

Mount Everest, Nepal and Tibet

Climbing Mount Everest is one of the most dangerous things you can do on Earth. A killer combination of extreme altitude and unforgiving weather means many take on the challenge without making it to the summit – or back down the mountain. The notorious Death Zone is the worst, with oxygen starvation causing dizziness and nausea at best. Climbers use bodies as markers, as it’s too risky and expensive to move them.

Read also: Must-Visit Cities in the World

Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas is one of the world’s murder capitals, with 110 deliberate killings per 100,000 people. Due to the prevalence of violent crime, it’s recommended that visitors hire a private security firm to escort them to and from the city’s airport. If you decide to take the risk and travel to destinations like Angel Falls anyway, never resist an attacker, as murder is too often the result.

Read also: Visa-Free Caribbean Destinations

El Caminito del Rey, Spain

El Caminito del Rey in Andalusia has one of the most perilous pathways on the planet. Put one foot wrong on this narrow walkway, and you could plunge to your death. The path is set on the side of a cliff with a vertical drop. Despite undergoing safety improvements, the prospect of stepping onto it isn’t for those with even the remotest fear of heights.

Read also: Unique Places in Europe

Oymyakon, Russia

Where Death Valley is known for its searing heat, Oymyakon in Russia is the opposite. It’s extremely cold here, with the mercury often dipping to -40°F (-40 °C) – coincidentally the same figure in Fahrenheit and Celsius. Though flora and fauna struggle to survive in this climate, the Yakut people call this place home. Being very friendly, the only danger is posed by the inhospitable temperatures.

Read also: Hidden Countries To Visit

Sinaloa, Mexico

Drug cartels rule in this part of Mexico, which makes it a very dangerous area. Between 2018 and 2019, 10 American citizens traveling through the area were killed. As well as violent crime, such as armed shootouts between cartels and the Mexican military, Sinaloa is also notorious for kidnappings.

Read also: Hidden Beaches in the Caribbean

Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland

Concealed chasms pose a danger to the public at Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland. Though the glacier’s surface may seem like smooth ice, there are hidden crevasses that adventurers can fall into. Serious injury or even death can be a tragic result. Experienced, highly trained guides, plus the right protective gear, are essential for anyone who wants to explore the glacier. 

Read also: Underrated Cities in Europe

Pripyat, Ukraine

Pripyat in Ukraine was formerly part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), otherwise known as Russia. In 1986, Pripyat was the site of the biggest nuclear disaster ever when a reactor at the nearby Chernobyl power plant exploded. As it’s reckoned that Pripyat won’t be habitable for another 20,000 years due to high radiation levels, it’s not somewhere you should visit soon.

Read also: Cities in Europe for Solo Traveling

Mount Huashan, China

Like El Caminito del Rey in Spain, Mount Huashan in China is infamous for its cliff-side path. It’s made from planks, so it’s hardly what you’d call safe or steady. Though the planks are attached to the rock below, intrepid travelers must cling tightly to a chain. Wet and very windy weather only adds to the dangers posed by this precarious walkway.

Read also: Visa-Free Asian Destinations

Death Road, Bolivia

This Bolivian destination is another where the name gives the game away. North Yungas Road runs 43 miles between La Paz and Coroico and is dangerous due to an often fatal combination of wet, misty weather and sheer drops. Mountain biking is popular, even though hundreds of people have lost their lives here. Though some safety measures were introduced during the 1990s, driving or riding along Death Road in Bolivia remains incredibly risky.

Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the World

Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

The dangers of the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia are undeniable. While visitors are attracted to the unique geological features of the region, including gushing geysers, sulfurous springs, and lakes of lava, the volcanic activity and scorching sunshine make this a perilous place. You cannot visit at all without the required protective equipment.

Read also: Most Beautiful Countries To Visit

The Devil’s Pool, Zambia

The dangers of the Devil’s Pool are posed by the sheer power of Victoria Falls. Its attraction lies in its unique perspective on the thundering falls, but one false move and the Zambezi River could send you tumbling to your death. Strong currents combined with slippery rocks underfoot only increase risk.

Read also: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Travel Alternatives to Europe for This Summer

12 of the Safest Cities in the World That Will Make You Want To Relocate

12 Cool Destinations in the World in July To Avoid the Heat

12 Beautiful Places in the World Overwhelmed by Overtourism

12 Most Beautiful Mountains in the World for Nature Lovers

12 Most Beautiful National Parks in Africa for Your Bucket List

12 of the Most Dangerous Places in the World

Loading…

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

12 Beautiful Places To Visit in Europe That Are Not Paris

12 Beautiful Places in Europe Overwhelmed by Overtourism

12 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Mediterranean

These Are 12 of the Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in Europe

14 Amazing Things To Do in Paros, Greece

12 Most Beautiful Islands in Greece That Will Make You Finally Plan That Getaway

12 Beautiful European Palaces for Your Bucket List

Travel planning resources.

🛏️ Book hotels 🚗 Rent a car 🎡 Find tickets and tours ✈️ Book flights

🚕 Find airport pickup ⛴️ Book ferries 🚂 Find train tickets ⭐ Get travel insurance

Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.

Share this:

Similar Posts

12 Most Beautiful Countries to Explore Around the Globe

12 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

13 Top Destinations in the World That Are Perfect for Foodies

12 Iconic City Squares Around the World To Visit Once in Your Lifetime

12 Most Stunning European Cities for Cherry Blossoms To Visit in Your Lifetime

Best Cruises for Kids (That Parents Will Love Too!)

Discover more from world wild schooling.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

11 Most Dangerous Places In The World: Exploring Perilous Destinations

When it comes to travel, most people seek adventure, exploration, and the thrill of the unknown. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in various parts of the world. In this article, we will delve into the Most Dangerous Places In The World ,

In today’s ever-connected world, travelers have access to a wealth of information about almost any destination they can imagine. From pristine beaches to bustling metropolises, the options seem endless.

However, for the more adventurous souls, there’s a dark and thrilling side to travel—the exploration of the most dangerous places on Earth.

We’ll explore war zones, natural disaster hotspots, crime-ridden cities, treacherous wildlife habitats, extreme climates, political flashpoints, and isolated islands that hide dark secrets.

List of 11 Most Dangerous Places In The World

• Death Road Road
• Snake Island
• Lake Natron
• Death Valley
• Skeleton Coast
• Danakil Desert
• Gates Of Hell
• North Sentinel island
• Madidi National Park
• Sumatra Island

1. Death Road Road, Bolivia

For all the real reasons you can think of, North Yungas Road is known as the “ Death Road “.

This 43-mile (69-kilometer) switchback is extremely dangerous to drive up or down because of the mist, landslides, waterfalls, and cliffs that drop 2,000 feet (610 meters) in each turn.

Up until 1994, there were about 300 traffic fatalities annually, which gave rise to its nickname and put it on the list of the world’s most dangerous tourist destinations.

The route extends far enough to connect the capital city’s steep surroundings with the Amazon rainforest. This suggests that traders crammed onto buses and vehicles frequently to trade their harvests and wood in the area.

However, the hairpin twists were too narrow for each wagon, which further caused numerous vehicles to crash, taking with them people and their pursuits.

2. Snake Island, Brazil

About 25 miles off the coast of Brazil is an island where locals would never venture to the promenade.

There are rumors that the last fisherman who ventured too close to his coasts was discovered days later drifting in his boat, dead in a pool of blood.

Ilha da Queimada Grande, the name of the strange island, is known. According to reports, visiting the place is so dangerous that no one is allowed to go there.

The golden lancehead snake, a kind of pit viper and one of the deadliest snakes on earth poses a threat to the island. Unquestionably, this is among the most hazardous locations on the planet.

3. Lake Natron, Tanzania

Let’s not fall for Lake Natron’s Edge’s ring of salt marshes’ deceit. It is common knowledge that this lake is among the most unfriendly places on Earth. Lake Natron in northern Tanzania has characteristics of a lake of fire and behaves similarly.

The lake’s waters, which can reach a pH level of over 12, are corrosive to human skin and eyes due to the high quantities of natron present in them.

The lake also contains red-colored microorganisms, which gives it its peculiar pink-red hues. Even though most species cannot survive in the 120°C lake water, cyanobacteria have settled in Natron and given the lake its recognizable red and orange hues.

Surprisingly, 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos call Lake Natron home, believing it to be one of their only nesting grounds, further emphasizing the importance of the lake’s preservation for the environment.

4. Oymyakon, Russia

A little Russian village named Oymyakon is located in the Oymyakon Sky region. Due to its harsh climate, this area is thought to be among the most deadly locations. It is challenging for life to persist in this region due to the severe temperature.

Since few people can survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, visitors or travelers can’t pass through the region safely.

In addition to the heat, hardly one travels to this region because it is impossible to plant anything or access any veggies, making food scarcity another major issue. Only 500 or so people have been able to survive the extreme cold and live here.

5. Death Valley, California

Death Region is a scorching desert valley that borders California and Nevada. It is regarded as one of the planet’s hottest places.

Only a few deserts in the Middle East and Africa have summertime high temperatures, making them competitors to Death Valley.

The hottest month on record for the planet’s hottest region was July 2018. The average temperature, which took into account overnight lows, was 108.1°F.

The highest listed temperature for four days in a row is 127F, which is the average high temperature.

Death Valley got its name as a result of a group of settlers that got lost there during the winters in the 1849–1850 time period.

As far as everyone knows, there was just one death here, yet everyone believed that this valley would serve as their final resting place.

One of the men turned to look back as they swept out of the valley and over the Panamint Mountains, exclaiming, “Goodbye, Death Valley,” cementing its place among the world’s most hazardous travel destinations.

6. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

The Skeleton Coast is dispersed from Namibia’s north to Angola’s south. From the Kunene River to the Swakop River, it extends.

The Skeleton Coast is among “the deadliest places on earth” due to its harsh climate, which offers virtually little chance of survival.

Tourists can’t visit this quiet region due to the temperature, high winds, and lack of food and drink.

In addition to the harsh climate, the area is overpopulated with animal bones, giving it a depressing appearance.

In addition to the local natural conditions, there are also human dangers that prevent visitors from exploring the area. It is without a doubt one of the most deadly places on Earth.

7. Danakil Desert, Ethiopia

The Danakil Desert in East Africa is one of the world’s least populated regions. The Danakil Desert is difficult for travelers to enter because of its frequently exceedingly hot temperatures and gas-emitting volcanoes and geysers.

Even a quick trip there can have a significant negative impact on your physical health. This is one of the strangest places on earth.

The area’s high concentration of polluting sulfur gas emissions has the most detrimental effects. Furthermore, the air temperature in the desert never drops below 50 degrees Celsius,

which heightens the hazard of this area’s volcanic activity. Consequently, the Danakil Desert is among the most hazardous places on Earth.

8. Gates Of Hell, Turkmenistan

The “Gates of Hell” are known as Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Gas Crater. It is a natural gas field inside a subterranean cave that geologists set on fire in 1971 to prevent methane gas from spreading.

It is located in the center of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers north of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, close to the town of Derweze.

One of the naturally occurring gasses that is widely distributed throughout the world has been found in this area. Due to the eruption, simmering mud, and orange flames in the enormous hole, 70 meters (230 feet) in diameter, locals gave the area the nickname “Door to hell.”

The hot spots are dispersed over an area that is roughly 20 meters (66 feet) deep and 60 meters (200 feet) long.

9. North Sentinel Island, Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands’ North Sentinel Island is one of the most hazardous locations in the world for tourists to visit.

The local native population has maintained their traditional practices and disregarded all practical avenues for interaction with the outside world.

Due to their lack of exposure to outsiders, the tribal inhabitants of this island view visitors as a threat and engage in violent customs when they land there.

This is one of the most unique islands on the planet, and travelers are enthralled by its tales. The security provided by the indigenous tribe is another reason why it is advised that people should not visit the location.

Because they are completely immune-deficient, travelers can spread some disease-causing pests and perhaps infect the entire population.

10. Madidi National Park, Bolivia

Madidi National Park, which spans an area of around 19,000 square kilometers, is situated in Bolivia near the Amazon River. A variety of plants, some of which are poisonous and not edible, can be found in the national park, which is a dense rainforest.

Because there are predators back in the bush, visitors are advised against venturing into the park by themselves.

Due to the presence of extremely dangerous animals, birds, and plants, the jungle is one of the world’s largest protected areas and ranks among the most hazardous tourist destinations.

Our planet has many wild and dangerous places where it lives, frequently right next to well-known tourist attractions where we have often yearned to go on vacation.

We sincerely hope that this ranking of the world’s most hazardous travel destinations helps you better create your bucket list.

11. Sumatra Island, Indonesia

Sumatra Island is a combination of Mother Nature’s extremes, endowed with stunning natural beauty as well as vulnerability to natural disasters.

This one of the planet’s richest ecosystems is frequently the subject of headline-grabbing volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. It is one of the world’s riskiest locations to visit.

FAQs For Most Dangerous Places In The World

Some of the commonly asked questions related to dangerous places to travel in the world are answered below.

Q.1 What is an unsafe country to live in?

For a variety of factors, Sudan will rank among the most hazardous nations in the world in 2022. Years of war and violence have harmed the nation, and things are just getting worse. Since 1983, there has been civil conflict in the nation, which has resulted in the deaths of almost 2 million people.

Q.2 What country has no violence?

The world’s most tranquil nation as of 2022 is Iceland. Those who are familiar with the index shouldn’t be surprised because Iceland has topped it for 15 years running.

Q.3 Which country is No 1 in the world?

the United States. The world’s most powerful economic and military force is a North American country called the United States of America.

Q.4 Which country has the least crime?

The countries of Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Japan, and New Zealand have among the lowest rates of crime in the world. In addition to having some of the strictest gun prohibitions in the world, Denmark, Norway, and Japan all have excellent police enforcement systems.

Tell Us In The Comment As per You Which One is the Most Dangerous Place In The World.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

Getty Images

Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

Join the Conversation

Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping , international relations

Recent Articles

Best countries.

National News

Education News

Best Countries Rankings

• # 1 Switzerland
• # 5 Australia
• # 5 United States

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed on the latest news on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

Switzerland is world's best country.

Julia Haines Sept. 6, 2023

Photos: Best Countries Around the World

Sept. 6, 2023

The 25 Best Countries in the World

Elliott Davis Jr. Sept. 6, 2023

Red Cross Sets up Rafah Emergency Field Hospital

Reuters May 14, 2024

China Launches Campaign to Halt School Bullying, Excessive Homework

15 Most Dangerous Tourist Destinations In the World

The world is full of wonderful destinations that draw hordes of travelers. These sites offer a wide range of experiences, from tropical paradises to mountain peaks, and they draw visitors ranging from sun seekers to thrill seekers.

People typically travel on vacation to relax, ease seasonal tiredness, and restore energy reserves. Some thrill seekers, on the other hand, seek just excitement and danger. Our article presents the 15 most dangerous tourist destinations on the planet.

“ Suggestion Read ” UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Table of contents, #1: death valley national park | usa.

We will begin in one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world. Eastern California is home to the arid region known as Death Valley.

The hottest and driest region in the country, Death Valley National Park lives up to its moniker. Extreme temperature is a significant risk to travelers. In the summer, the temperature drops significantly at night, ranging from +50°C during the day (the record high is +57°C), to +50°C during the day.

The region has a 7800 square km area. The Valley is home to several dangerous creatures, including coyotes, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders.

The most well-liked spots include Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View, with their breathtaking views, Artists Palette, with its bizarre salt marsh, Mosaic Canyon, and its dried-up Racetrack Playa Lake, with its moving stones.

#2 Mount Everest | Nepal

Climbing Everest is considered by many climbers to be a major test of ability and endurance. And it is, without question, one of the most dangerous tourist destinations on the planet.

The terrifying 8,849-meter-high peak offers its accentors many treacherous obstacles, including sudden weather changes, blizzards, winds, avalanches, steep crevasses covered in snow, cliffs, ice streams, and subfreezing temperatures (down to -30°C).

At 3,600 meters, the air is so thin that just 60% of the body’s required oxygen is delivered to it. The base camp is 5,000 meters above sea level. Blood clotting, which causes heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary edema, is a concern even during brief stays there.

At 8,000 meters, the dead zone begins, making it hard to survive without an oxygen tank. More than 300 people have died climbing Everest in the last century.

#3 Devils Pool | Zambia

This breathtakingly magnificent natural landscape pool is located on the outskirts of Zambia’s Victoria Falls. Many people risk their lives by jumping into it, not only to witness but also to feel the Zambezi River. They make it through the final rocky barrier and plummet from a height of 120 meters.

It is important to note that sometimes the river carries the most daring adventurers away, and it can be challenging to locate them later. Particularly at risk are those who enjoy creating hype images for social media platforms to reach as far as they can over the abyss. However, even getting to this destination is rather risky.

#4 The Danakil Desert | Ethiopia

The dangerous desert region of the Danakil Depression, also known as the “ Gateway to Hell ,” is located in northern Ethiopia. From my perspective, it is one of the world’s most dangerous tourist destinations, providing an unrivaled adventure for the brave.

It is one of the hottest places on Earth. Personally, I feel that Summertime soil temperatures of up to +70°C and a maximum air temperature of +63°C are also possible. To explore the extremely bizarre landscapes of the Danakil Depression, thousands of daring travelers nevertheless risk their lives and travel here.

There are three volcanoes in this area: the dormant Erta Ale and Ayalu, as well as the sleeping Dallol. It is the only one on the entire planet to have two lava lakes active at once. With the waters glowing in a variety of colors, from lemon to purple, the enormous Dallol Lake is extremely lovely.

Danakil’s air is filled with dangerous gases and is acidic and bitter. Not only is it difficult to breathe here, but you also risk losing consciousness, suffering burns, and becoming seriously poisoned.

#5 Blue Hole | Egypt

The Blue Hole is the most gorgeous Red Sea reef surrounding a vertical underwater cave that is more than 120 meters deep. Dahab, an Egyptian resort, is 15 kilometers away. The “ graveyard of divers ” is another name for it, yet travel guides list it as one of the top dive locations in the world.

Most accidents happen when untrained divers go into the Arch, a lengthy horizontal tube that connects the cave to the sea, without the proper technical diving equipment. Ascent-related air supply depletion, nitrogen narcosis, and disorientation cause their deaths. Only divers who have earned their Advanced Open Water Diver certification are therefore permitted to explore Blue Hole.

#6 Trolltunga | Norway

Trolltunga, or Troll Tongue, is a popular tourist destination in Norway . It is also one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world due to its narrow and thin edge hanging over the abyss. In the vast land region, the rocky outcrop on Skjeggedal rises 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatn. It is around 10 meters long.

The ledge’s vast and relatively secure base contrasts with its comparatively thin and narrow edge that hangs over the abyss. Furthermore, this area is unfenced. But despite this, the strong wind, the frequent fog, and the significant risk of falling, thousands of enthusiasts of extreme selfies continue to take them.

Only from the beginning of June until the end of August are hikes to Trolltunga permitted. This path is quite challenging because it crosses impassible hilly terrain, and because the climate is so changeable that it can snow here even in the summer.

In my opinion, hikers appreciate the hour-long trip to Trolltunga because it affords them the chance to experience Norway’s stunning natural beauty.

#7 Yucatan Cenotes | Mexico

The enigmatic cenotes, which are sinkholes filled with fresh water and connected by a network of subterranean tunnels, are one of the reasons why divers are so drawn to the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula.

These natural lakes were used for sacrifices and as wells by the ancient Maya. They were referred regarded be “gates to the realm of the dead.” And they weren’t entirely off. Divers should avoid unmapped caves and tunnels as well as well-explored underground labyrinths.

Divers should be aware of the following risks: darkness, confined area, vegetation that makes moving difficult, confusion, unclear expectations regarding the dive’s duration and ultimate aim, and therefore low oxygen levels.

Uncharted cenote exploration is dangerous and akin to playing with fire, yet countless daredevils are drawn to their mysterious attraction. Explore these deadly natural wells on an adventurous adventure to see their amazing underground wonders and ethereal beauty; they are the very definition of the most dangerous tourist destinations on Earth.

#8 Fagradalsfjall Valcano | Iceland

The Fagradalsfjädl volcano erupted for the first time in 6,000 years in March 2021, 30 kilometers from Reykjavik, in the middle of the Reykjanes Peninsula. It quickly replaced the Golden Circle as Iceland’s greatest attraction.

Thousands of tourists are drawn to the volcano because they aren’t concerned about getting harmed, burned, or poisoned by dangerous gases in the lava fields. The cone of the volcano rises 224 meters above the topography. Magma has been hardened all around it, and lava continues to pour out of the 334 m-diameter crater.

Those who want to view the toxic clouds up close must carefully choose which side to approach Fagradalsfjädl from because the clouds’ directions shift at random by the wind. The red-hot tubes and pockets beneath the ostensibly frozen surface, which you can fall into, present another risk to travelers.

#9 Kjeragbolten | Norway

Another one of the most dangerous tourist destinations on earth and a well-liked attraction in Norway that increases the excitement level is the renowned Kjerag Bolt (Kjeragbolten). At a height of approximately a km above the Lysefjord, this enormous boulder is wedged between two vertical boulders. To get there, you must travel a 12-kilometer trek that is fairly taxing.

Because of the dampness, a large portion of the trail is built on bare rock, which is extremely slick and hazardous. It is therefore advised to avoid going while it is raining or the weather is foggy.

Those who complete this path successfully are rewarded with beautiful views from the Kjerag plateau and the opportunity to shoot a famous picture while standing atop the Kjeragbolten. You can grab onto the ring to keep yourself safe. Even in dry weather, there is a chance of falling off or stumbling and sliding down the rounded surface of the rock.

#10 Mount Hua Shan | China

Huashan, one of China’s holiest mountains and a Taoist deity is found in Shaanxi Province, in the heart of the Celestial Empire. It is topped by the Central, North, West, East, and South peaks. The top one is the last one (2154 m).

Here is where the legendary Trail of Death is located, which Taoist monks once traversed to ascend to the top-most temple. Tourists who want to experience a never-before-seen adrenaline rush and take in the breathtakingly stunning surroundings now travel this incredibly risky route.

The path is made of wood and is two planks wide. It curves around the steep cliffs. Several hundred meters of a gorge are overhung by it. No obstacles or railings are present. Only by pressing up against the stone walls and grasping the chains fastened to them is it possible to move down it. As a safety net, a short rope is used. However, despite this, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel here each year to challenge themselves.

#11 Lake Natron | Tanzania

It almost seems odd to think that the fascinating photographs of Lake Natron were taken on our planet upon seeing them. This remarkable location changes into a kaleidoscope of pink and crimson hues when covered in a thick salt crust. This dangerous oasis is a monument to the world’s most dangerous tourist destinations, with its hot temps and alkaline environment.

Thousands of thousands of tiny flamingos build nests and feed here. Animals that have fallen into it and perished as a result slowly transform into salt mummies, and tourists who touch it risk getting instant chemical burns.

It is obvious that the voyage to Lake Natron is a test for the desperate extreme when you consider the strong hydrogen sulfide stench coming from the reservoir’s surface and the heat typical of Tanzania.

#12 Snake Island | Brazil

Snake Island, off the coast of Brazil, you would be in one of the riskiest and most dangerous tourist destinations on earth if you set foot. The name of the island undoubtedly gives you a good idea of the cause. Yes, there are many dangerous snakes on the island.

Because of the island’s reputation for being snake-filled, the Brazilian government has outlawed it. An average of 5 poisonous snakes is thought to inhabit per square meter.

One of the most dangerous snake species on the globe, golden lancehead vipers, is found in large numbers on the island. The island is so dangerous that the Brazilians have barred most people from visiting and have locked it off to the general public.

#13 Darvaza Gas Crater | Turkmenistan

The Darvaza Gas Crater, located in Turkmenistan, is one of the most dangerous tourist destinations. The Karakum Desert’s Darvaza Gas Crater, which is raging in the middle of it, is known as the gateway to hell. It is a crater that is 69 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep, and it is constantly burning with natural gas. Additionally, it has been ablaze for more than 50 years, and every year, more than 6,000 visitors come to witness Darvaza Gas Crater.

The drilling rig was situated where a subterranean gas pocket was produced in the 1960s, while oil exploration was being done in a region close to the settlement of Darvaza. It was cracked open during drilling, the ground collapsed with the machinery, and natural gas actively began to flow out of the cavity. To protect the villagers’ residents, the geologists set fire to the sinkhole.

#14 Madidi National Park | Bolivia

Although it provides the idea of being a beautiful park, anyone who visits without being attentive and respectful of its fauna and flora runs the risk of either having the worst experience of their lives or losing it all. As a result, when asked what the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world are, its name is frequently mentioned.

In the northwest of Bolivia, in the department of La Paz, sits the spectacular wilderness known as Madidi National Park. Its 18957 km2 of land area spans many climate zones. The park is the most significant on the earth in terms of biodiversity, and it initially appears to be a true paradise.

 The majority of plants provide a serious risk for allergic reactions, including breathing difficulties, rashes, itching, and dizziness. Dangerous parasites can enter the human body through even minor cuts and wounds, as well as through water and food.

#15 Yosemite Half Dome | USA

The longest, riskiest, and most thrilling trail in Yosemite National Park is the one that leads to the granite rock known as Half Dome is among the most treacherous and dangerous tourist destinations. Its 1,450-meter-high top was once thought to be impossible to navigate.

Up to 50,000 hikers attempt the Half Dome each year, but not every one of them succeeds. The Slabs of Death, from which numerous hikers have previously perished, are the most dangerous part of Half Dome.

In addition, climbers risk being struck by lightning on and near the peak. Altitude sickness, which causes vomiting, dizziness, and cardiac issues, is another risk factor. However, those who conquer all challenges and ascend Half Dome will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Yosemite.

With our engaging blog, which takes you on a virtual tour of the 15 most dangerous tourist destinations worldwide, you may feel the thrill of danger. Discover the appeal of extraordinary adventures that await daring explorers, from erupting volcanoes to merciless deserts, perilous mountain paths, and captivating underwater tunnels. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled journey to some of the most dangerous tourist destinations on Earth.

What are the potential risks and hazards associated with visiting these places?

The potential dangers and hazards associated with visiting these locations include extreme weather, rough terrain, wildlife interactions, slick surfaces, and sheer cliffs.

How can I ensure my safety while exploring these dangerous tourist destinations?

When visiting dangerous tourist destinations, make sure to plan properly, respect local regulations, and have the right equipment with you. It’s also crucial to go with a guide or companion and to be aware of any dangers.

Are there guided tours or local experts available to assist visitors in navigating these hazardous locations?

Yes, guided tours and local experts are frequently available to help tourists navigate dangerous areas. They offer useful information and safety tips and aid with touring these sites.

What should I pack or prepare for when visiting these dangerous tourist destinations?

It is crucial to bring the necessary safety gear, such as suitable footwear, protective clothes, and emergency supplies when visiting dangerous tourist destinations. You should also heed any precautions or guidelines advised by local authorities or tour operators.

Related Posts

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence | Artistic Masterpiece of the Renaissance

Welcome to Florence, the stunning Italian region of Tuscany! The…

Read More »

Top 10 Most Popular Museums in Italy you shouldn’t Miss

“Florence’s Love of Everlasting Art” Italy is a popular tourist…

Top 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit

UNESCO World Heritage Sites were established by the United Nations…

Discover the 6 Best Cafes in Bologna – A Coffee Lover’s Paradise

Are you a coffee fan looking for the best caffeine…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Extreme Tourism: 10 Of The Most Dangerous Places In The World Only The Brave Dare Visit

In extreme tourism, travelers go to the most dangerous areas around the world and try out the most death-defying stunts, all for the thrill of it.

Do you love getting an adrenaline rush? There are so many adventurers who do that an entire sub-category of traveling has developed: extreme tourism. Also known as "shock tourism," travelers go to the most dangerous areas around the world and try out the most death-defying stunts, all for the thrill of it.

RELATED:  15 Dangerous Roads Not Even Lewis Hamilton Would Try (10 Worth The Risk)

Whether its mountains or volcanoes, cliff diving or cage diving, there are people out there that want to try it even with knowledge of the harmful conditions and repeated warnings from others against making the trek. Here are ten of the most dangerous trips extreme tourists risk their life for.

10 Cave of Swallows - Mexico

The Cave of Swallows in San Luis Potosi, Mexico is the largest known cave shaft in the world. It's also potentially the 11th deepest pit in the entire world. Normally, many people are wary of this ginormous hole around 160 to 205 feet wide that goes 1,220 feet straight down.

Others, however, find this hole that could literally fit the Eiffel Tower inside it as the perfect location for BASE jumping. It takes about ten seconds for jumpers with their parachutes to go from the top of the hole to the very bottom—meaning any mistake resulting in a hard landing could also result in a quick, destructive death.

9 Sistema Sac Actun - Riviera, Mexico

If a cave wasn't scary enough , let's put it underwater! Setting the record as the longest underwater cave ever discovered on Earth, it goes as far as 350 kilometers in, has an average depth of 21 meters, and has a maximum depth of 120 meters.

Oh, and there have been hundreds of roof collapse situations over time. Sounds like the perfect place for a tour, right? The various roof collapses have resulted in hundreds of cenotes, which aren't as dangerous to explore, but others opt to go deeper—without a professional.

8 Death Road - Bolivia

The Road of Death, or North Yungas Road, is not the place to take a peaceful bike ride. While more safety precautions have been put in place nowadays, it was once—and sometimes still is—known as the most dangerous road in the world.

RELATED: 25 Dangerous Bridges That Nobody In Their Right Mind Would Cross (Pics)

With constant fog, landslides, cascades, and cliffs that drop 2,000 feet, it's no surprise that 300 drivers were killed there annually until 1994. Especially since the road itself is only 10 feet wide! There are now bike tours for extreme tourists, and so far over a dozen cyclists have died over the past decade.

7 Mount Hua - China

Climbing up this mountain has been regarded as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world, so of course, that's the perfect bait for extreme tourists. Many opt to go on the "Plank Trail," which is rumored to cause 100 deaths per year.

The "Plank Road" bridge sees hikers climbing to the next peak by walking across a 0.3 meter (0.98 ft.) wide plank path that's built along the side of a vertical cliff. Even when using a different path and not opting to use the ridiculously risky plank, many still lose their footing anyway and fall to their deaths.

6 Devil's Pool - Zambia & Zimbabwe

The Devil's Pool gives you a beautiful view, but at what cost? Thousands of years of erosion have led to various rock pools at the top Victoria Falls. One of these rock pools happens to be at the very edge of the waterfall, almost hanging downward.

So naturally, many people have tried to hang onto those rocks and looks over. With heavy enough water and a slip of the finger, you could plunge over the waterfall and die. Even so, there are guides who will accompany you to the Devil's Pool if you still wish to give it a try.

5 Cage of Death - Australia

Of course it's Australia who is offering tourists the opportunity to enter something called the "Cage of Death"! The Cage of Death is a clear box that's made of merely 4 centimeters of acrylic. You enter it and are lowered into the water, where you'll get to see the most aggressive of crocodiles—and there are no bars like there are on the cages for when you go shark diving!

RELATED: 20 Of The Most Dangerous Travels Selfies Ever Captured On Camera

Tourists report literally being able to see tooth scratches from where the crocodiles have tried to latch on. If this still sounds appealing to you, you're welcome to try it at Crocosaurus Cove.

4 Preikestolen - Norway

Once again, there are some BASE jumpers who just can't help themselves! Preikestolen—also referred to as The Pulpit, Preacher's Chair, or Pulpit Rock—is considered the most dangerous cliff out of all of the beautiful cliffs in Norway.

This steep cliff rises 1,982 feet above the water, and there are, of course, some occasional fatalities. This is to be expected when you try as an extreme of a sport as BASE jumping, but others have died merely trying to take a picture too close to the edge. Use caution if you visit this destination!

3 Iguazu Falls- Argentina & Brazil

The Iguazu Cataracts is basically a giant version of Niagara Falls. There are a total of 275 waterfalls within it, and, as a whole. Iguazu is taller and twice as wide as Niagara. You can go on boat tours throughout the falls for a pretty decent price, and while many have enjoyed their experience, there is always a risk.

For instance, two tourists from the United States died when their boat flipped over in 2011. The waters in the falls are heavy and rough, and boat tours should be boarded with discretion.

2 Villarrica Volcano - Chile

Bungee jumping is risky. Volcanoes are dangerous. So why not combine the two? Yep, tourists who travel to Pucon, Chile have the opportunity to bungee jump into an active volcano. This option comes as a part of an extreme tourist package that also includes waterfall bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and skydiving as part of the itinerary.

Hurtling head-first towards a giant pit of bubbling, flaming lava doesn't sound too much fun to us, but to each their own! And hey, if you survive it, you have an unbelievable story to tell at parties.

1 El Caminito Del Rey - Spain

Known in English as "The King's Little Path," this walkway goes across a super narrow canyon that extreme tourists love to try. Although the walkway was originally created in 1905 as a way for workers to travel between two hydroelectric power plants, it has since become best known as a tourist attraction, especially for the tourists who like taking risks.

After all, El Caminito Del Rey once held the title as "The World's Most Dangerous Walkway" after five people died within the years 1999 and 2000. It was closed down for a bit following the controversy, but was re-opened to the public in 2015.

NEXT: 25 Roads Too Dangerous To Travel On (5 Worth The Risk)

Watch CBS News

The safest (and most dangerous) travel destinations

By Elisha Fieldstadt

Updated on: November 1, 2019 / 4:23 PM EDT / CBS News

Here, you'll find a countdown of the 37 countries Americans travel to most, ranked on safety and security, based on data from the World Economic Forum and the U.S. Department of Commerce . The list covers a broad range, from very safe to extremely dangerous. 

And in case you were curious, America is the 55th safest country for travelers. 

37. Iceland

Iceland has an extremely low homicide rate and a high safety rating with the World Economic Forum, with only Finland scoring higher this year.

36. Switzerland

Switzerland has a very low homicide rate, and a very low rate of terror-related incidents.  

35. Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a largely autonomous special administrative region of China, also has a very low homicide rate. 

34. Singapore

Singapore has little crime and its rate of terror-related incidents is very low.

33. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates ranks highest among the Middle Eastern countries for safety... with one exception, Oman.

Japan has a very low homicide rate but a higher rate of terror-related incidents. 

31. Austria

Austria also has a very low rate of terror-related incidents.

Spain has a low rate of terror-related incidents and a very low homicide rate, according to the World Economic Forum data.

29. Czech Republic

In 2018, the U.S. State Department issued a security alert to U.S. travelers to this country, citing terror concerns. However, in 2019, the department advised only "normal" precautions when traveling there. 

28. Australia

Australia has a relatively low homicide rate, but the World Economic Forum rates it as having a moderately high risk of terror-related incidents. 

Canada's homicide rate is a relatively low. The country is the second most popular destination for U.S. tourists. 

26. Netherlands

Malta, Norway and Slovenia have higher safety rankings from the WEF, but they aren't as popular with Americans as Holland is.

New Zealand is a safer Asia-Pacific country, per the WEF, but Americans travel to Taiwan more often.

24. Ireland

Ireland has a low homicide rate, but a higher level of terror-related incidents.

The World Economic Forum uses data from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism and Global Terrorism Database to determine the average number of terror attacks in each country. 

23. South Korea

South Korea has a relatively low rate of terror-related incidents, but the threat of terrorism is considered very high. 

22. Hungary

Police forces in Hungary are relatively unreliable, according to World Economic Forum findings. 

21. Germany

Germany has a relatively high rate of terror-related incidents in the World Economic Forum ratings. 

20. United Kingdom

The U.K. has a higher rate of terror-related incidents. It is the third-most traveled to country by U.S. tourists. 

France is No. 51 on the World Economic Forum's list of 140 countries. This popular tourist destination has a relatively high rate of terror-related incidents. The U.S. State Department recommends visitors exercise increased caution.

Poland's police services are rated as relatively unreliable. 

17. Vietnam

The World Economic Forum says Vietnam's police force is relatively unreliable. 

China has a high rate of terror-related incidents. The country is the 10th-most popular with U.S. tourists. The U.S. State Department recommends increased caution "due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws and special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese nationals."

Greece has a relatively high rate of terror-related incidents, but a very low homicide rate. 

Israel has a high rate of terror-related incidents. The U.S. State Department recommends visitors exercise increased caution.

Italy has a relatively low homicide rate, but a high rate of terror-related incidents. The U.S. State Department recommends taking increased precautions.

12. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a popular destination for U.S. eco-tourists. Overall, Costa Rica ranks No. 75 in the WEF's latest safety index of 140 nations.

11. Argentina

Argentina's police services are considered relatively unreliable. 

10. Thailand

Thailand is poorly ranked in large part because of a high rate of terror-related incidents.

9. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic ranks as 117th out of 140 countries for safety on the World Economic Forum's list.

Peru has a relatively low homicide rate, but the reliability of the country's police services is also very low. 

India has a high rate of terror-related incidents. The U.S. State Department recommends increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism, and advises Americans not to visit the state of Jammu and Kashmir or the India-Pakistan border.

Brazil has a high homicide rate; in 2018, Brazil had a murder rate of 24.7 per 100,000 people.

The U.S. State Department recommends visitors exercise increased caution here, and advises Americans not to visit the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas due to high crime.

Jamaica's homicide rate is one of the world's worst. The U.S. State Department recommends visitors exercise increased caution.

3. South Africa

South Africa's low safety score is largely due to a lack of reliability of their police services. The U.S. State Department recommends visitors exercise increased caution.

2. Colombia

The homicide rate in Colombia is about 25 per 100,000 residents. 

1. Philippines

The Philippines is currently at the bottom of the World Economic Forum's safety list, largely because of a high rate of terror-related incidents and kidappings.

The U.S. State Department urges increased caution and warns Americans not to travel to the Sulu Archipelago or Marawi City in Mindanao due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Alot Travel > Themes

25 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions

Not all vacations are about lounging by the side of the pool. Some travelers enjoy the thrill that comes from staring death in the face and walking away untouched. Confused? So are we! We don't get it either. But for this reason, there are many famous tourist attractions that are super dangerous but people want to visit them anyway. Who would do that unless they're crazy? But, to be honest, we're just as curious as they are. 

While there are plenty of ways to safely get a rush, what's the fun in that? Why not seek thrills and put your life in danger at the same time? There are plenty of reasons, but that doesn't seem to scare away tourists hell-bent on putting their lives on the line. And we have to admit — some of these places do almost look cool enough to take on the risks... Almost. 

Whether it's the aggressive wildlife,  dangerous geography, or just good, old-fashioned nuclear radiation, these spots should be saved for the brave only. Here are the 25 most dangerous tourist destinations on earth! 

If you like to read lists like this one, check out the one we picked just for you at the end!

The Alnwick Garden

Despite its harmless-sounding name, this is not your grandmother’s garden. The Duchess of Northumberland — Jane Percy — decided to collect some of the rarest plants in the world to include in this garden, even including some deadly ones into the mix. Although visitors are kept at a distance from the dangerous plants, anyone who would sneak into the Poison Garden would be making their last mistake. The garden's website claims that "The Garden is peaceful and tranquil" where "families and children can run freely throughout." Um, what!? 

While The Poison Garden is only one of many gardens in Alnwick, it's definitely the most popular. Tourists are separated from the nearly 100 toxic plants by terrifying black iron gates that only tour guides are able to open. Visitors are prohibited from touching or ingesting any of these plants, obviously, yet that doesn't stop some visitors from "occasionally faint[ing] from inhaling toxic fume while walking in the garden." Sound like the opposite of tranquil!

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i's many volcanoes are known for their beauty and power around the world. At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the most adventurous tourists travel to the mouth of an active volcano and ride bicycles down its slope. This attraction has been temporarily shut down more than once due to multiple accidental deaths.

The active volcanoes of Hawai'i have been known to erupt frequently, resulting in serious burns to some of the visitors unfortunate enough to be in their vicinity. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are the most famous active volcanoes on the "Big Island" and the Chain of Craters Road runs over actual lava through the park. Sounds more like a movie set than a tourist attraction!

Christmas Island

Christmas Island is an idyllic Australian destination home to exciting wildlife species like the coconut crab. They sound cute and tropical, right? Wrong! These monsters can grow up to three feet and are found, not just on beaches, but in the trees as well. Sounds more like a horrific sci-fi film than Christmas! 

There are plenty of other safe activities for tourists to enjoy on Christmas Island but seeing the crabs travel during their annual migration to the coast is the main event. It's no mere bird migration. Over 40 million of these crabs used to live on the island! So it's quite the exodus for the crabs. Unfortunately for them, travelers often crush the crabs while driving, so Christmas Island had to install barriers, bridges, and underpasses for the crabs to funnel through. 

Valley of Death

Despite what you may think, this landform is not  the same as California's Death Valley. Not content to let America have all the fun, Russia has its own Valley of Death at the Valley of Geysers in the Kamchatka Peninsula that's arguably deadlier than its American counterpart. However, the danger here lies in the toxic gas released by the volcano — it’s killed all plant and animal life in the valley, and humans notice adverse symptoms immediately upon entering the area. 

The mile area at the foot of the stratovolcano Kikhpinych is the "Valley of Death" itself where volcanic gases kill anything that enters. In the late 1900s, researchers determined that the trap is created by a toxic mix of hydrogen sulfide, carbon and sulfur dioxide, and carbon disulfide. You don't have to be a chemist to realize that it isn't a friendly mix...

The Beaches of Acapulco

While its beaches may be lovely, the crime rate of Acapulco is nearly 30 times that of the average American city. Once a favored vacation spot for Hollywood's biggest stars during the 1950s, the city is now overrun with gang violence. A large number of these murders are drug-related, but unfortunately, tourists sometimes get caught in the middle.

Even if you did your best to avoid the country's rampant crime, the beaches are incredibly polluted with styrofoam cups and various types of litter. Not only is there a risk of being kidnapped over in Guerrero, but you'll cut your foot on broken glass that litters the sand without the proper footwear. Say goodbye to barefoot walks along the shore! 

Skellig Michael

The views from the top of the small, craggy island of Skellig Michael AKA the "Great Skellig" in Ireland are unbeatable — but the trip itself is unbearable. Most visitors come to see the ancient monastery on the island, which inconveniently happens to be located at the top of a precarious path of 600 steps that are more than 1,000 years old.

Several people have died over the years because of this dangerous trek, and there was even a safety review board that determined a fatality is likely to occur once every five to fifty years. And due to rising sea levels creating its steep landscape, the island is inhospitable for humans. 

Bikini Atoll

Marshall Islands

We don't know about you, but the name Bikini Atoll sounds super similar to Spongebob 's Bikini Bottom. Unfortunately, this "bikini" location part of the Marshall Islands is much deadlier than the cuddly underwater  Spongebob town. Bikini Atoll may look like a paradise untouched by humans, but that’s definitely not the case.

The area served as a nuclear testing site in the 1940s and '50s — meaning the land is still teeming with harmful radiation. Visits to Bikini Atoll itself have been restricted for some time now but you can still take boat tours around it... As long as you’re not worried about growing a third arm, we say go for it!

El Caminito Del Rey

Caminito Del Rey is a man-made walkway along the side of a mountain that claimed the lives of enough people to have it closed off from the public, but that didn't stop people from trespassing onto its deadly path. In 2015, the path reopened after many years of renovations made to restore the deteriorated concrete and exposed rusted metal supports.

Also known as "The King's Little Path," it's difficult to imagine people actually using this walkway for travel. The forest can't possibly be as bad as traveling on a wooden path 330 feet over the river below. After five people died from 1999 to 2000, the route was dubbed the "world's most dangerous walkway."

Barcelona probably looks like the weirdest travel destination to include on this list because plenty of people visit and live in the bustling Spanish city. While there’s nothing particularly deadly about a visit to Barcelona, it is home to some of the most “talented” pickpockets in the entire world.

Not all tourist attractions have to be deadly to be considered dangerous. Here in Barcelona, you might not lose a limb to a killer whale or fall from the top of a steep cliff, but being stranded in a foreign country without your wallet or passport sounds pretty dangerous to us. 

The Kokoda and Black Cat Trails

Papua New Guinea

This trail — a 60-mile stretch of Papua New Guinea jungle — is one of the most dangerous on the planet. Between the unforgiving heat, dangerous wildlife, and armed locals, there are many people each year who do not make it out alive despite their best efforts.

The Black Cat Track is a trail only recommended to "very fit and experienced trekkers" but a sudden attack in September 2013 that killed three people caused even the professionals to reschedule their visit. During the attack, bandits called the "Rascals" killed three people. Also, many foxholes and weaponry left over from World War II are still lying around, which can lead to serious injury on their own.

North Korea

While tourism is technically allowed in North Korea, it’s highly regulated by the government — less than 10,000 Westerners are permitted to enter each year. But that raises the question of why you would want to visit a place that doesn't want you there in the first place. While the majority of their human rights violations fall upon the citizens of North Korea, the hermit kingdom has been known to imprison and torture visitors for “disrespecting” the country, too.

According to  Travel Safe - Abroad , "North Korea has strict rules with potentially huge consequences for a serious breach of them, but if you stick to them, it's probably the safest country in the world for tourists. Any incidents are extremely rare and pretty much always result from someone choosing to break the rules in a serious way."   

The Colorado River System

Running across seven U.S. states and through the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River system is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking through the canyons as well as to see engineering marvel the Hoover Dam. The River itself may look deceptively calm during certain times of the year, but melting snow and heavy rains will fill these waters to the brim.

This excess water causes the river system to have treacherous currents that have been known to suck people in and trap them under the water. Tourists would rather not see the river bottom when they're rafting! In 2007 alone, the river system logged 12 deaths and 176 near-fatal injuries. Whitewater raft at your own risk!

Middlemoor Water Park

A water park trebuchet is one of the most self-evidently terrible ideas in human history. And yet, here we are. For the low, low price of $60, brave (re: stupid) riders could load themselves up and be launched into the air at 60 mph into the “safety” of a net.

The lucky riders who managed to survive being launched 75 feet across the park could be left with anything from a broken pelvis to mild concussions. Despite these numerous injuries, the trebuchet remained in service until 2002, when a rider — Oxford student Dino Yankov — missed the "safety" net and was killed.

Cliffs of Moher

With its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish countryside, it is no wonder why travelers are drawn to the Cliffs of Moher. However, the steep hills and rugged walkways have seen many people plummet to their deaths. For this reason, the area has the unfortunate distinction of being a popular suicide location.

For most of the destination's nine-mile length, the cliffs rise to an average of 390 feet tall. And, at their tallest, the cliffs reach just over 700 feet! Despite its notorious reputation, the Cliffs of Moher is one of the most visited sites in Ireland with over 1.5 million visitors every year. 

You might think Mount Everest is the deadliest climb in the world, but that (dis)honor actually goes to Mont Blanc — the tallest mountain in the Alps and the rest of Western Europe. While only about 200 people total have died climbing Everest, Mont Blanc sees about 100 fatalities a year.   

Mont Blanc AKA "White Mountain" stands between Italy and France where tourists enjoy various activities, including hiking, climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and sightseeing. Most climbers opt for the two-day journey up the Goûter Route. While the route is technically "simple," there are always risks related to climbing in the Alps from hypothermia and frostbite to altitude sickness. 

Trift Bridge

Switzerland

Structurally, Trift Bridge in Switzerland is incredibly secure — you’re not in any real danger. This famous suspension bridge was exclusively designed for pedestrian traffic to traverse 560 feet across the Swiss Alps over Lake Triftsee near the Trift Glacier. But try convincing yourself that it's perfectly safe as you stare into the 300-foot gulf below you! 

If you're afraid of heights then this attraction is already terrifying but getting to the bridge would be equally dire. Getting there requires a trip in a cable car, a gondola ride, and a difficult one-and-a-half-hour hike uphill to the base of the bridge. That's a big  no-no from us. 

A simple visit to Pamplona, Spain is probably not going to put you in much danger, depending on when you visit and where you stay. But many tourists travel to Pamplona for one reason and one reason only — to witness the infamous Running of the Bulls. The San Fermín festival, in which bulls chase participants down the streets of the city, is exactly as reckless as it sounds.

Every year, the festival results in around 50 to 100 injuries as it's not uncommon to be gored by the bull's horns. If you’re looking for a vacation spot of ultimate relaxation — one that guarantees you won't be impaled — you might want to plan around July 6 to July 14. 

Death Valley

Located in the Mojave Desert of Eastern California, Death Valley speaks for itself. With a name like Death Valley, what does anyone really expect from the place besides death ? And when you add in the fact that it’s also the hottest place in the United States (and one of the hottest in the world), its reputation for danger really begins to make sense.

While deaths from heat exhaustion are the main concern here, extreme weather conditions, like flash flooding, also pose a risk.  Death Valley isn't rife with toxic chemicals like Russia's Valley of Death, but its environment is equally punishing. Tell us, again, why this literal desert is considered a tourist attraction?!

Action Park

When Action Park first opened in Vernon Township, New Jersey, in 1978, it was one of the first water parks of its kind. And that's not a good thing. At this point, most people today only remember it for the numerous injuries that occurred during its surprisingly long 18-year lifespan.  

As one of the first modern American water parks, guests were basically Action Park's guinea pigs. From 40-foot waves in the wave pool to a water slide with a loop and live electrical wires in the water, it’s a blessing for everyone that this place was shut down in 1996. 

Praia de Boa Viagem

While this Brazilian beach draws in countless tourists and plenty of revenue each year, it is also known for its history of shark attacks. Since 1992, there have been over 60 reported incidents of aggressive shark activity. This, however, isn’t enough to keep adventure seekers from swarming the beaches each year.

Tiger sharks are among the top aggressors along Boa Viagem's five-mile stretch of beach. Attacks from these sharks weren't common until the '90s when Pernambuco built Suape port. Experts theorize that the port messed with the sharks' natural behaviors, leading to hyper aggression among the tiger sharks, who are already notoriously aggressive. 

Danakil Desert

The Danakil desert located in northeast Ethiopia is a popular tourist spot because of its brightly colored terrain that's truly a unique sight that any person would love to see. Unfortunately, the desert is also home to volcanic activity, which means that toxic gases abound and breathable oxygen is in short supply. 

Similar to the Valley of Death in Russia, the air filling up the Danakil Desert is barely breathable as it is, so throwing a bunch of poisonous gases into the mix is a recipe for disaster. Even a brief visit to the desert can affect your health, some researchers claim, due to the high concentration of sulfur in the air.

Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome

This ascent is over 5,000 feet, much of which is nearly vertical. While it may sound like a rock climber’s dream, the Half Dome has taken about 60 lives in recent history. It is estimated that those who do make it to the top burn between 4,000 and 10,000 calories in doing so.

While the Half Dome is a great workout, it's one of the most dangerous features of Yosemite National Park. In fact, back in the 1870s, the California Geological Survey deemed the structure "perfectly inaccessible" until one traveler George G. Anderson reached the summit by using drills and iron eyebolts to climb. 

New Smyrna Beach

The hit movie Jaws made people more afraid of shark attacks than they should be. The chances of being killed by one are tiny — unless you’re visiting Florida's New Smyrna Beach, that is. With a tally of nearly 250 recorded incidents, it holds the record for most shark attacks per square mile. 

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, New Smyrna of Volusia Country is the "Shark Attack Capital of the World." Most of the time, breaking an official Guinness Book record is something to be celebrated, but this one is just plain scary! Long story short: Visit New Smyrna to tan on the beach and shop around as long as it's not swimming in the ocean!

Whether you’re a human or an animal, you’re probably not safe at SeaWorld in San Diego, California. Over the years, trainers have sustained countless injuries from aggressive encounters with orcas. One male orca in particular — Tilikum AKA "Tilly" — was responsible for the untimely deaths of two trainers and one visitor!

SeaWorld has been a controversial attraction ever since the whale Kandu V broke her jaw after smashing another whale's head into a wall. Their reputation tanked in 2006 after killer what Kasatka drowned Ken Peters in the stadium and led to the release of the horrific 2013 documentary  Blackfish  after Tilikum killed Dawn Brancheau in 2010. 

Eagle's Nest Cave

Eagles Nest Cave —one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world — is located in Florida... Is anyone surprised? Referred to by some as the underwater version of Mount Everest, this sinkhole reaches depths of up to 300 feet and has claimed twelve lives since the '80s. 

Eagle's Nest is located inside the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Florida Springs and can be viewed from the safety of a wooden deck. However, there's not much to look at from up above besides gooey green algae, alligators, and mosquitoes. But diving into the sinkhole is even more dire, with some expert divers claiming there was zero visibility.

Read these next

41 least-welcoming countries in the world, 15 tourists tell their craziest vacation stories, 15 summer destinations with the worst crowds.

Enjoy every step of the journey with us at Alot Travel. Whether you’re ready to hit the road or simply exploring the possibilities this world has to offer, we’ve got you covered. Find a breathtaking destination, learn how to travel on a budget, explore a local culture—we’re ready to help you do it all and much more at Alot Travel!

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• Visit These Most Dangerous Places In The World That Are Not For The Faint-Hearted In 2024!

21 Oct 2021

While there are plenty of places in the world that would easily pass as the reflection of paradise, there are others where one is not even advised to tread owing to unknown dangers that lurk in every corner. Here, we have talked about exactly those places that one must NOT visit if they’re looking for the ideal holiday destination which is also safe rather than just being pretty. For all the people who are in the mood of having a world tour, then it is advisable to avoid certain places that are proven as the most dangerous places in the world to visit. We have listed some of the most dangerous ones among them right here. If you are ready for some serious adventure, these places are meant for you.

10 Most Dangerous Places In The World

If you weren’t aware of all these most dangerous places to visit in the world and had them in your bucket list all this time, you’re in for a (nasty) surprise! Scroll down and take in the horror!

• Death Road Road – Extremely Dangerous Road
• Snake Island – The Deadliest Place On Earth
• Lake Natron – The Most Inhospitable Areas On Earth
• Oymyakon – Experiences An Extreme Climatic Condition
• Death Valley – Most Extreme Place On Earth
• Skeleton Coast – Harsh Climate
• Danakil Desert – A Volcanically Active Area
• Gates Of Hell – Door To Hell
• North Sentinel Island – Forbidden, Dangerous And Mysterious Place
• Madidi National Park – A Jungle Paradise

1. Death Road Road – Extremely Dangerous Road

Image Source

North Yungas Road is known as the “Death Road” for all the right reasons that you can guess. Driving up or down this 43-mile (69-kilometer) switchback is extremely dangerous because of fog, landslides, waterfalls and cliffs falling 2,000 feet (610 meters) in each turn. Until 1994, almost 300 drivers were killed every year, justifying its nickname and putting it in the list of the most dangerous places to visit in the world .

The road extends far enough to connect the Amazon rainforest to the capital city, surrounded by mountainous terrain. This means that merchants were not unusual to cram into trucks and buses trying to sell their wood and crops in the area. The hairpin turns, however, were not wide enough for each vehicle — further leading many trucks to go down with people and their livelihoods.

Must Read: 15 Rivers Of The World: Soak In The Mesmerizing Sights Around The World

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Snake Island – The Deadliest Place On Earth

There is an island about 25 miles off Brazil’s coast where no local would ever dare to walk. There are rumors that the last fisherman who strayed too close to his shores was found drifting in his boat days later, lifeless in a blood pool. The mysterious island is known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, and setting foot there is reportedly so dangerous that the Brazilian government has made it illegal for anyone to visit. The island’s threat comes in the form of the golden lancehead snakes – a pit viper species and one of the world’s deadliest serpents. The is certainly the most dangerous place on earth. 

Suggested Read: 10 Marvelous Rock Formations In The World Which Will Leave You Mesmerized

3. Lake Natron – The Most Inhospitable Areas On Earth

Let’s not allow the ring of salt marshes along the edge of Lake Natron fool us. This lake is better known as one of the most inhospitable areas on Earth. North Tanzania’s Lake Natron looks and acts a lot like a lake of fire. The lake’s high levels of Natron (sodium carbonate decahydrate) make its waters corrosive to human skin and eyes, sometimes reaching a ph level of over 12.

The lake also contains red-colored bacteria, resulting in its unique pink-red hues. Even if most species cannot handle the 120-degree lake water, cyanobacteria have made Natron their home and turned the lake its trademark reds and oranges. Surprisingly, 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos call Lake Natron their home, considering that it is one of their only breeding grounds, further making the protection of the lake a priority for the climate. It is among the 10 most dangerous places in the world.

Suggested Read: Make Your Reservations At The Upcoming World’s Largest Underwater Restaurant In Norway

4. Oymyakon – Experiences An Extreme Climatic Condition

Oymyakon is a small village located in the Oymyakonsky district in Russia. This place is considered to be one of the most dangerous places because of its extreme climatic condition. The severe temperature makes it impossible for life to sustain in this region. The temperature drops to as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-90 degree Fahrenheit), making it impossible for tourists or travelers to visit the place safely as not many can survive this temperature.

Apart from the heat, people do not visit this place as no vegetables are available and nothing can be grown, so the lack of food is another major issue. Only about 500 people have managed to settle down in this place and survive the bitter cold.

Suggested Read: 7 Turkey Waterfalls That Are Counted Among the World’s Most Stunning Waterfalls

5. Death Valley – Most Extreme Place On Earth

Death Valley is a desert valley on the California and Nevada border with extreme heat. It is known as one of the hottest places across the world. There are only a few deserts in the Middle East and Africa, approaching peak temperatures during the summer which can give competition to the Death Valley. The hottest place on Earth had its hottest month record in July 2018. The average temperature, including overnight lows, was 108.1°F. For four days in a row, the daily highs hit a temperature of 127°F, it’s the highest recorded temperature.

A band of settlers lost here in the winters around 1849-1850 gave Death Valley its forbidden name. While only one person died here, as far as we know, they all thought this valley would be their cemetery. They were saved by two of their young men who had learned to be scouts, William Lewis Manly and John Rogers. As the men climbed over the Panamint Mountains from the valley, one of the men turned and looked back, saying, “goodbye, Death Valley” earning its place in the top dangerous places in the world.

Suggested Read: Pyramids Of Egypt: 10 Places To Marvel At The Mysterious Ancient Wonders Of The World

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Ramya Narrates The Story Of 6 Girls On An Extraordinary Trip To Thailand

Bangkok. Phi Phi. Krabi. Why should guys have all the fun?

Sandeep Illustrates On The Best Activities For A Family Trip To Mauritius

Water sports. Cocktail parties. And unlimited fun at Casela.

Nisarg Can't Stop Praising His Honeymoon Trip To Maldives

There was snorkeling, sightseeing, luxury, comfort, & much more!

Sabyacsachi's Romantic Trip Proves Europe To Be The Mother Of All Vacations

For Art, Culture, Luxury, & more...

Srishti Talks Of Her Amazing Trip To Singapore With Her Mother & Niece

A fun-filled destination for ages indeed!

67-Year Old Sridhar Tells How He Beat The Odds & Took A Solo Trip To Dubai

Desert safari. Burj Khalifa. Welcoming locals. Tell me more!

Not Adventure Lovers? Saurabh's Family Trip Proves Hong Kong To Still Be Full Of Fun

Your kids will love Disney Land & Ocean Park!

Ravi's Tale Of A Sri Lanka Family Tour Is All You Need To Know About Ramayana Tour

For the love of Ramayana & Travel!

6. Skeleton Coast – Harsh Climate

Skeleton Coast is spread across the south of Angola to the north of Namibia. It stretches from the Kunene River (south) to the Swakop River. The skeleton coast ranks in the list of “the deadliest places on earth” because of it’s harsh climate, and it offers almost zero chance of survival. The weather, hot winds, and lack of food, and water makes it difficult for travelers to explore this silent place.

Apart from harsh climatic conditions, the area is filled with bones of numerous animals (bones of whales, elephants, turtles, seals, etc.), giving a sour appearance to the place. Apart from natural conditions, human threats (gang violence and robbery) make it unfit for tourists to explore the place. Undoubtedly, it is among the most dangerous places on Earth .

Suggested Read: 13 Oldest Countries In The World That You Should Visit In 2023

7. Danakil Desert – A Volcanically Active Area

One of the most uninhabited environments in the World is the Danakil Desert in East Africa. With temperatures that regularly exceed 50°C (122°F), volcanoes and geysers that spew toxic gas, the Danakil Desert is not an easily accessible location for travel enthusiasts. Your physical health can take a massive hit even if you stay there for a short period of time. This is amongst the weirdest places across the world . 

The most adverse effects occur due to the presence of high concentration of poisoning vapors of sulfur in the region. This region is a volcanically active area and on top of that, to increase the risk, the air temperature in the desert rarely falls below 50 degrees Celsius. Thereby making the Danakil desert one of the most dangerous areas in the world.

Suggested Read: 40 Exotic Honeymoon Destinations In The World All Romantics Must Go To In 2023

8. Gates Of Hell – Door To Hell

The Turkmenistan Darvaza Gas Crater is known as the “Gates of Hell.” It is a natural gas field within an underground cave; Geologists set it on fire to prevent methane gas from spreading, and it has been burning since 1971. It is located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers north of Turkmenistan’s capital, near the village of Derweze, Ashgabat.

The gas reserve that has been discovered here is one of the World’s most extensive natural gasses. Locals gave the name “Door to hell” to the area, referring to the explosion, boiling mud, and orange flames in the large crater, 70 meters (230 ft) in diameter. The hot spots spread across an area 60 meters (200ft) long and roughly 20 meters (66 ft) deep. It is among the top 10 dangerous places in the world.

Suggested Read: 15 Most Stunning Countries To Visit Before You Die

9. North Sentinel Island – Forbidden, Dangerous And Mysterious Place

North Sentinel island is situated in the Andaman Islands and is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for tourists to visit. The native people of this place have been living in their traditional way and have denied all possible ways to connect with the outer world. The tribal people living on this island are not used to outside people and if tourists step foot on their island, they see them as a threat and indulge in acts of violence.

This is amongst the strangest islands on the earth and attracts globetrotters with its tales. Another reason why people are asked not to visit the place because of the safety of the tribal community. They have absolutely no immunity and tourists can carry some disease-causing germs and may spread it to the whole community.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Honeymoon Places In World In 2023 December For A Splendid Experience

10. Madidi National Park – A Jungle Paradise

Madidi National Park is situated along the Amazon river in Bolivia and has an area of around 19,000 square kilometers. The national park, which is a dense forest, is filled with all kinds of flora and fauna, and some of these plant species are dangerous and not edible. The forest is filled with predators owing which tourists are advised against visiting the park on their own. The forest is one of the largest protected areas of the world because it houses highly dangerous animals, birds, and plants and bags a place in the list of most dangerous places to visit on earth.

Further Read: 11 Largest Castles In The World That You Must Visit At Least Once In A Lifetime!

Our earth is home to many wild and dangerous places sitting right alongside the famous tourist destinations where we have always wanted to take a trip . We hope this list of the most dangerous places in the world helps you craft your bucket list better. Don’t forget to share this with all your travel buddies as well!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Most Dangerous Places In The World

Recent posts.

Top 10 Bucket List For Families In The World That You Must Include

17 Hôtels 7 étoiles dans le monde qui offrent une expérience comme jamais auparavant en 2024!

2024 में 32 दुनिया में सितंबर में घूमने की जगहें जो आपको एक शांत छुट्टी

10 Meilleurs endroits à visiter en juin dans le monde pendant vos vacances d’été en 2024.

Ultimate Travel Bucket List For Teens To Unleash Your Inner Adventurer

11 Spectacular Bucket List Ideas For Couples

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Worldwide »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

The world's most dangerous tourist attractions

Rachel Truman

22 August 2023

Inspiration

Share the love

Be the first to comment

Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature

Copyright © loveexploring.com All rights reserved.

25 Deadliest Tourist Attractions in the World

Posted: May 14, 2024 | Last updated: May 13, 2024

25 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions

The Alnwick Garden

Despite its harmless-sounding name, this is not your grandmother’s garden. The Duchess of Northumberland — Jane Percy — decided to collect some of the rarest plants in the world to include in this garden, even including some deadly ones into the mix. Although visitors are kept at a distance from the dangerous plants, anyone who would sneak into the Poison Garden would be making their last mistake. The garden's website claims that "The Garden is peaceful and tranquil" where "families and children can run freely throughout." Um, what!? 

While The Poison Garden is only one of many gardens in Alnwick, it's definitely the most popular. Tourists are separated from the nearly 100 toxic plants by terrifying black iron gates that only tour guides are able to open. Visitors are prohibited from touching or ingesting any of these plants, obviously, yet that doesn't stop some visitors from "occasionally faint[ing] from inhaling toxic fume while walking in the garden." Sound like the opposite of tranquil!

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i's many volcanoes are known for their beauty and power around the world. At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the most adventurous tourists travel to the mouth of an active volcano and ride bicycles down its slope. This attraction has been temporarily shut down more than once due to multiple accidental deaths.

The active volcanoes of Hawai'i have been known to erupt frequently, resulting in serious burns to some of the visitors unfortunate enough to be in their vicinity. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are the most famous active volcanoes on the "Big Island" and the Chain of Craters Road runs over actual lava through the park. Sounds more like a movie set than a tourist attraction!

Christmas Island

Christmas Island is an idyllic Australian destination home to exciting wildlife species like the coconut crab. They sound cute and tropical, right? Wrong! These monsters can grow up to three feet and are found, not just on beaches, but in the trees as well. Sounds more like a horrific sci-fi film than Christmas! 

There are plenty of other safe activities for tourists to enjoy on Christmas Island but seeing the crabs travel during their annual migration to the coast is the main event. It's no mere bird migration. Over 40 million of these crabs used to live on the island! So it's quite the exodus for the crabs. Unfortunately for them, travelers often crush the crabs while driving, so Christmas Island had to install barriers, bridges, and underpasses for the crabs to funnel through. 

Valley of Death

Despite what you may think, this landform is not  the same as California's Death Valley. Not content to let America have all the fun, Russia has its own Valley of Death at the Valley of Geysers in the Kamchatka Peninsula that's arguably deadlier than its American counterpart. However, the danger here lies in the toxic gas released by the volcano — it’s killed all plant and animal life in the valley, and humans notice adverse symptoms immediately upon entering the area. 

The mile area at the foot of the stratovolcano Kikhpinych is the "Valley of Death" itself where volcanic gases kill anything that enters. In the late 1900s, researchers determined that the trap is created by a toxic mix of hydrogen sulfide, carbon and sulfur dioxide, and carbon disulfide. You don't have to be a chemist to realize that it isn't a friendly mix...

The Beaches of Acapulco

While its beaches may be lovely, the crime rate of Acapulco is nearly 30 times that of the average American city. Once a favored vacation spot for Hollywood's biggest stars during the 1950s, the city is now overrun with gang violence. A large number of these murders are drug-related, but unfortunately, tourists sometimes get caught in the middle.

Even if you did your best to avoid the country's rampant crime, the beaches are incredibly polluted with styrofoam cups and various types of litter. Not only is there a risk of being kidnapped over in Guerrero, but you'll cut your foot on broken glass that litters the sand without the proper footwear. Say goodbye to barefoot walks along the shore! 

Skellig Michael

The views from the top of the small, craggy island of Skellig Michael AKA the "Great Skellig" in Ireland are unbeatable — but the trip itself is unbearable. Most visitors come to see the ancient monastery on the island, which inconveniently happens to be located at the top of a precarious path of 600 steps that are more than 1,000 years old.

Several people have died over the years because of this dangerous trek, and there was even a safety review board that determined a fatality is likely to occur once every five to fifty years. And due to rising sea levels creating its steep landscape, the island is inhospitable for humans. 

Bikini Atoll

Marshall Islands

We don't know about you, but the name Bikini Atoll sounds super similar to Spongebob 's Bikini Bottom. Unfortunately, this "bikini" location part of the Marshall Islands is much deadlier than the cuddly underwater  Spongebob town. Bikini Atoll may look like a paradise untouched by humans, but that’s definitely not the case.

The area served as a nuclear testing site in the 1940s and '50s — meaning the land is still teeming with harmful radiation. Visits to Bikini Atoll itself have been restricted for some time now but you can still take boat tours around it... As long as you’re not worried about growing a third arm, we say go for it!

El Caminito Del Rey

Caminito Del Rey is a man-made walkway along the side of a mountain that claimed the lives of enough people to have it closed off from the public, but that didn't stop people from trespassing onto its deadly path. In 2015, the path reopened after many years of renovations made to restore the deteriorated concrete and exposed rusted metal supports.

Also known as "The King's Little Path," it's difficult to imagine people actually using this walkway for travel. The forest can't possibly be as bad as traveling on a wooden path 330 feet over the river below. After five people died from 1999 to 2000, the route was dubbed the "world's most dangerous walkway."

Barcelona probably looks like the weirdest travel destination to include on this list because plenty of people visit and live in the bustling Spanish city. While there’s nothing particularly deadly about a visit to Barcelona, it is home to some of the most “talented” pickpockets in the entire world.

Not all tourist attractions have to be deadly to be considered dangerous. Here in Barcelona, you might not lose a limb to a killer whale or fall from the top of a steep cliff, but being stranded in a foreign country without your wallet or passport sounds pretty dangerous to us. 

The Kokoda and Black Cat Trails

Papua new guinea.

This trail — a 60-mile stretch of Papua New Guinea jungle — is one of the most dangerous on the planet. Between the unforgiving heat, dangerous wildlife, and armed locals, there are many people each year who do not make it out alive despite their best efforts.

The Black Cat Track is a trail only recommended to "very fit and experienced trekkers" but a sudden attack in September 2013 that killed three people caused even the professionals to reschedule their visit. During the attack, bandits called the "Rascals" killed three people. Also, many foxholes and weaponry left over from World War II are still lying around, which can lead to serious injury on their own.

North Korea

While tourism is technically allowed in North Korea, it’s highly regulated by the government — less than 10,000 Westerners are permitted to enter each year. But that raises the question of why you would want to visit a place that doesn't want you there in the first place. While the majority of their human rights violations fall upon the citizens of North Korea, the hermit kingdom has been known to imprison and torture visitors for “disrespecting” the country, too.

According to  Travel Safe - Abroad , "North Korea has strict rules with potentially huge consequences for a serious breach of them, but if you stick to them, it's probably the safest country in the world for tourists. Any incidents are extremely rare and pretty much always result from someone choosing to break the rules in a serious way."   

The Colorado River System

Running across seven U.S. states and through the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River system is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking through the canyons as well as to see engineering marvel the Hoover Dam. The River itself may look deceptively calm during certain times of the year, but melting snow and heavy rains will fill these waters to the brim.

This excess water causes the river system to have treacherous currents that have been known to suck people in and trap them under the water. Tourists would rather not see the river bottom when they're rafting! In 2007 alone, the river system logged 12 deaths and 176 near-fatal injuries. Whitewater raft at your own risk!

Middlemoor Water Park

A water park trebuchet is one of the most self-evidently terrible ideas in human history. And yet, here we are. For the low, low price of $60, brave (re: stupid) riders could load themselves up and be launched into the air at 60 mph into the “safety” of a net.

The lucky riders who managed to survive being launched 75 feet across the park could be left with anything from a broken pelvis to mild concussions. Despite these numerous injuries, the trebuchet remained in service until 2002, when a rider — Oxford student Dino Yankov — missed the "safety" net and was killed.

Cliffs of Moher

With its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish countryside, it is no wonder why travelers are drawn to the Cliffs of Moher. However, the steep hills and rugged walkways have seen many people plummet to their deaths. For this reason, the area has the unfortunate distinction of being a popular suicide location.

For most of the destination's nine-mile length, the cliffs rise to an average of 390 feet tall. And, at their tallest, the cliffs reach just over 700 feet! Despite its notorious reputation, the Cliffs of Moher is one of the most visited sites in Ireland with over 1.5 million visitors every year. 

You might think Mount Everest is the deadliest climb in the world, but that (dis)honor actually goes to Mont Blanc — the tallest mountain in the Alps and the rest of Western Europe. While only about 200 people total have died climbing Everest, Mont Blanc sees about 100 fatalities a year.   

Mont Blanc AKA "White Mountain" stands between Italy and France where tourists enjoy various activities, including hiking, climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and sightseeing. Most climbers opt for the two-day journey up the Goûter Route. While the route is technically "simple," there are always risks related to climbing in the Alps from hypothermia and frostbite to altitude sickness. 

Trift Bridge

Switzerland

Structurally, Trift Bridge in Switzerland is incredibly secure — you’re not in any real danger. This famous suspension bridge was exclusively designed for pedestrian traffic to traverse 560 feet across the Swiss Alps over Lake Triftsee near the Trift Glacier. But try convincing yourself that it's perfectly safe as you stare into the 300-foot gulf below you! 

If you're afraid of heights then this attraction is already terrifying but getting to the bridge would be equally dire. Getting there requires a trip in a cable car, a gondola ride, and a difficult one-and-a-half-hour hike uphill to the base of the bridge. That's a big  no-no from us. 

A simple visit to Pamplona, Spain is probably not going to put you in much danger, depending on when you visit and where you stay. But many tourists travel to Pamplona for one reason and one reason only — to witness the infamous Running of the Bulls. The San Fermín festival, in which bulls chase participants down the streets of the city, is exactly as reckless as it sounds.

Every year, the festival results in around 50 to 100 injuries as it's not uncommon to be gored by the bull's horns. If you’re looking for a vacation spot of ultimate relaxation — one that guarantees you won't be impaled — you might want to plan around July 6 to July 14. 

Death Valley

Located in the Mojave Desert of Eastern California, Death Valley speaks for itself. With a name like Death Valley, what does anyone really expect from the place besides death ? And when you add in the fact that it’s also the hottest place in the United States (and one of the hottest in the world), its reputation for danger really begins to make sense.

While deaths from heat exhaustion are the main concern here, extreme weather conditions, like flash flooding, also pose a risk.  Death Valley isn't rife with toxic chemicals like Russia's Valley of Death, but its environment is equally punishing. Tell us, again, why this literal desert is considered a tourist attraction?!

Action Park

When Action Park first opened in Vernon Township, New Jersey, in 1978, it was one of the first water parks of its kind. And that's not a good thing. At this point, most people today only remember it for the numerous injuries that occurred during its surprisingly long 18-year lifespan.  

As one of the first modern American water parks, guests were basically Action Park's guinea pigs. From 40-foot waves in the wave pool to a water slide with a loop and live electrical wires in the water, it’s a blessing for everyone that this place was shut down in 1996. 

Praia de Boa Viagem

While this Brazilian beach draws in countless tourists and plenty of revenue each year, it is also known for its history of shark attacks. Since 1992, there have been over 60 reported incidents of aggressive shark activity. This, however, isn’t enough to keep adventure seekers from swarming the beaches each year.

Tiger sharks are among the top aggressors along Boa Viagem's five-mile stretch of beach. Attacks from these sharks weren't common until the '90s when Pernambuco built Suape port. Experts theorize that the port messed with the sharks' natural behaviors, leading to hyper aggression among the tiger sharks, who are already notoriously aggressive. 

Danakil Desert

The Danakil desert located in northeast Ethiopia is a popular tourist spot because of its brightly colored terrain that's truly a unique sight that any person would love to see. Unfortunately, the desert is also home to volcanic activity, which means that toxic gases abound and breathable oxygen is in short supply. 

Similar to the Valley of Death in Russia, the air filling up the Danakil Desert is barely breathable as it is, so throwing a bunch of poisonous gases into the mix is a recipe for disaster. Even a brief visit to the desert can affect your health, some researchers claim, due to the high concentration of sulfur in the air.

Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome

This ascent is over 5,000 feet, much of which is nearly vertical. While it may sound like a rock climber’s dream, the Half Dome has taken about 60 lives in recent history. It is estimated that those who do make it to the top burn between 4,000 and 10,000 calories in doing so.

While the Half Dome is a great workout, it's one of the most dangerous features of Yosemite National Park. In fact, back in the 1870s, the California Geological Survey deemed the structure "perfectly inaccessible" until one traveler George G. Anderson reached the summit by using drills and iron eyebolts to climb. 

New Smyrna Beach

The hit movie Jaws made people more afraid of shark attacks than they should be. The chances of being killed by one are tiny — unless you’re visiting Florida's New Smyrna Beach, that is. With a tally of nearly 250 recorded incidents, it holds the record for most shark attacks per square mile. 

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, New Smyrna of Volusia Country is the "Shark Attack Capital of the World." Most of the time, breaking an official Guinness Book record is something to be celebrated, but this one is just plain scary! Long story short: Visit New Smyrna to tan on the beach and shop around as long as it's not swimming in the ocean!

Whether you’re a human or an animal, you’re probably not safe at SeaWorld in San Diego, California. Over the years, trainers have sustained countless injuries from aggressive encounters with orcas. One male orca in particular — Tilikum AKA "Tilly" — was responsible for the untimely deaths of two trainers and one visitor!

SeaWorld has been a controversial attraction ever since the whale Kandu V broke her jaw after smashing another whale's head into a wall. Their reputation tanked in 2006 after killer what Kasatka drowned Ken Peters in the stadium and led to the release of the horrific 2013 documentary  Blackfish  after Tilikum killed Dawn Brancheau in 2010. 

Eagle's Nest Cave

Eagles Nest Cave —one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world — is located in Florida... Is anyone surprised? Referred to by some as the underwater version of Mount Everest, this sinkhole reaches depths of up to 300 feet and has claimed twelve lives since the '80s. 

Eagle's Nest is located inside the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Florida Springs and can be viewed from the safety of a wooden deck. However, there's not much to look at from up above besides gooey green algae, alligators, and mosquitoes. But diving into the sinkhole is even more dire, with some expert divers claiming there was zero visibility.

More for You

Image of Marjorie Taylor Greene post on Trump trial is from parody account | Fact check

18 Popular Travel Destinations That Aren’t Worth Your Time

Goldman Sachs unveils startling S&P 500 prediction

Can you negotiate severance if you’re laid off? It’s possible — and it’s the ‘No. 1 thing’ most workers leave on the table.

Biden to announce new 100% tariffs on EVs

Scientists discover 500,000-year-old artefact which ‘rewrites early human history’

Power Broker Behind Saudi Golf Deal Resigns From PGA Tour Board

A 24-year-old spent $140,000 buying and converting a Mercedes van. Take a look inside the luxury home on wheels.

Is foil for cooking bad for health: Nutritionist explains

Walmart store closing, auctioning off laptops and flat screen TVs

Resentment Ruins Relationships — Experts Say These 8 Little Practices Can Help You Avoid It In Yours

Famous podcaster believes TNT has lost NBA rights

California restaurants ax jobs and raise prices due to new $20/hour minimum wage mandate

My husband was willing to sacrifice his career to be a stay-at-home parent, but I wasn't. Here are the best and worst parts of our arrangement.

Biden is falling into Democrats’ favorite trap

How to Follow the Blue Zones Diet, Which Was Developed to Help You Live Past 100

Pringles Is Ditching the Can for the First Time in 15 Years

Abbott Responds to California Police Report: 'Welcome to Texas'

Bankruptcy Looms For Major Cable Network

An 8,000-year-old fort defies expectations, showing that Stone Age societies built protective structures far earlier than we thought

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Solar Storm Intensifies, Filling Skies With Northern Lights

Officials warned of potential blackouts or interference with navigation and communication systems this weekend, as well as auroras as far south as Southern California or Texas.

By Katrina Miller and Judson Jones

Katrina Miller reports on space and astronomy and Judson Jones is a meteorologist.

A dramatic blast from the sun set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere on Friday that is expected to make the northern lights visible as far south as Florida and Southern California and could interfere with power grids, communications and navigations system.

It is the strongest such storm to reach Earth since Halloween of 2003. That one was strong enough to create power outages in Sweden and damage transformers in South Africa.

The effects could continue through the weekend as a steady stream of emissions from the sun continues to bombard the planet’s magnetic field.

The solar activity is so powerful that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which monitors space weather, issued an unusual storm watch for the first time in 19 years, which was then upgraded to a warning. The agency began observing outbursts on the sun’s surface on Wednesday, with at least five heading in the direction of Earth.

“What we’re expecting over the next couple of days should be more significant than what we’ve seen certainly so far,” Mike Bettwy, the operations chief at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, said at a news conference on Friday morning.

For people in many places, the most visible part of the storm will be the northern lights, known also as auroras. But authorities and companies will also be on the lookout for the event’s effects on infrastructure, like global positioning systems, radio communications and even electrical power.

While the northern lights are most often seen in higher latitudes closer to the North Pole, people in many more parts of the world are already getting a show this weekend that could last through the early part of next week.

As Friday turned to Saturday in Europe, people across the continent described skies hued in a mottling of colors.

Alfredo Carpineti , an astrophysicist, journalist and author in North London, saw them with his husband from the rooftop of their apartment building.

“It is incredible to be able to see the aurora directly from one’s own backyard,” he said. “I was hoping to maybe catch a glimpse of green on the horizon, but it was all across the sky in both green and purple.”

Here’s what you need to know about this weekend’s solar event.

How will the storm affect people on Earth?

A geomagnetic storm watch or warning indicates that space weather may affect critical infrastructure on or orbiting near Earth. It may introduce additional current into systems, which could damage pipelines, railroad tracks and power lines.

According to Joe Llama, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, communications that rely on high frequency radio waves, such as ham radio and commercial aviation , are most likely to suffer. That means it is unlikely that your cellphone or car radio, which depend on much higher frequency radio waves, will conk out.

Still, it is possible for blackouts to occur. As with any power outage, you can prepare by keeping your devices charged and having access to backup batteries, generators and radio.

The most notable solar storm recorded in history occurred in 1859. Known as the Carrington Event, it lasted for nearly a week, creating aurora that stretched down to Hawaii and Central America and impacting hundreds of thousands of miles of telegraph lines.

But that was technology of the 19th century, used before scientists fully understood how solar activity disrupted Earth’s atmosphere and communication systems.

“That was an extreme level event,” said Shawn Dahl, a forecaster at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. “We are not anticipating that.”

Unlike tornado watches and warnings, the target audience for NOAA’s announcements is not the public.

“For most people here on planet Earth, they won’t have to do anything,” said Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

The goal of the announcements is to give agencies and companies that operate this infrastructure time to put protection measures in place to mitigate any effects.

“If everything is working like it should, the grid will be stable and they’ll be able to go about their daily lives,” Mr. Steenburgh said.

Will I be able to see the northern lights?

It is possible that the northern lights may grace the skies this week over places that don’t usually see them. The best visibility is outside the bright lights of cities.

Clouds or stormy weather could pose a problem in some places. But if the skies are clear, even well south of where the aurora is forecast to take place, snap a picture or record a video with your cellphone. The sensor on the camera is more sensitive to the wavelengths produced by the aurora and may produce an image you can’t see with the naked eye.

Another opportunity could be viewing sunspots during the daytime, if your skies are clear. As always, do not look directly at the sun without protection. But if you still have your eclipse glasses lying around from the April 8 event, you may try to use them to try to spot the cluster of sunspots causing the activity.

How strong is the current geomagnetic storm?

Giant explosions on the surface of the sun, known as coronal mass ejections, send streams of energetic particles into space. But the sun is large, and such outbursts may not cross our planet as it travels around the star. But when these particles create a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field, it is known as a geomagnetic storm.

NOAA classifies these storms on a “G” scale of 1 to 5, with G1 being minor and G5 being extreme. The most extreme storms can cause widespread blackouts and damage to infrastructure on Earth. Satellites may also have trouble orienting themselves or sending or receiving information during these events.

The current storm is classified as G5, or “extreme.” It is caused by a cluster of sunspots — dark, cool regions on the solar surface — that is about 16 times the diameter of Earth. The cluster is flaring and ejecting material every six to 12 hours.

“We anticipate that we’re going to get one shock after another through the weekend,” said Brent Gordon, chief of the space weather services branch at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Why is this happening now?

The sun’s activity ebbs and flows on an 11-year cycle, and right now, it is approaching a solar maximum. Three other severe geomagnetic storms have been observed so far in the current activity cycle, which began in December 2019, but none were predicted to cause effects strong enough on Earth to warrant a watch or warning announcement.

The cluster of sunspots generating the current storm is the largest seen in this solar cycle, NOAA officials said. They added that the activity in this cycle has outperformed initial predictions .

More flares and expulsions from this cluster are expected, but because of the sun’s rotation the cluster will be oriented in a position less likely to affect Earth. In the coming weeks, the sunspots may appear again on the left side of the sun, but it is difficult for scientists to predict whether this will cause another bout of activity.

“Usually, these don’t come around packing as much of a punch as they did originally,” Mr. Dahl said. “But time will tell on that.”

Jonathan O’Callaghan contributed reporting from London.

An earlier version of this article misstated the radio frequencies used by cellphones and car radios. They are higher frequencies, not low.

How we handle corrections

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

Judson Jones is a meteorologist and reporter for The Times who forecasts and covers extreme weather. More about Judson Jones

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

A dramatic blast from the sun  set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere, making the northern lights visible around the world .

With the help of Google Cloud, scientists who hunt killer asteroids churned through hundreds of thousands of images of the night sky to reveal 27,500 overlooked space rocks in the solar system .

A celestial image, an Impressionistic swirl of color in the center of the Milky Way, represents a first step toward understanding the role of magnetic fields  in the cycle of stellar death and rebirth.

Scientists may have discovered a major flaw in their understanding of dark energy, a mysterious cosmic force . That could be good news for the fate of the universe.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

Money blog: The 'fast food' appearing on menus at Michelin starred restaurants

With hospitality struggling like never before due to staff shortages, inflation and changing consumer habits, even those at the top of the food chain are having to adapt. Read this and more in the Money blog - and share your own problem or dispute below.

Tuesday 14 May 2024 09:10, UK

• Strong wage growth shrinks hope of interest rate cut
• The rise of Michelin starred 'fast food'
• 600 new skyscrapers on way for London, report finds
• Gen Z would rather deliver parcels than work in restaurants, Michel Roux Jr claims

Essential reads

• What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• 'Loud budgeting': The money-saving trend that has nothing to do with giving up your daily coffee
• Money Problem: My workplace is bringing in new clock-in system to pay us by the minute - is this allowed?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

By James Sillars , business news reporter 

The prospects for a Bank of England interest rate cut are almost 50/50.

That's according to the latest financial market expectations in reaction to this morning's employment figures.

They showed the pace of wage growth remaining stubbornly high - overshooting the expectations of economists.

Strong wage growth is not what the Bank wants to see, as it fears a surge in consumer spending power driving a new wave of inflation.

There is a further set of wage data before the Bank's next rate-setting meeting on 20 June.

That may not help those seeking a cut in borrowing costs, however, as it will reflect the impact of April's big rise in the National Living Wage.

Away from the interest rate cut speculation, the FTSE 100 has opened flat for a second day.

Currys is among stocks doing well on the wider stock market.

The electricals retailer saw its shares trading almost 8% higher in early deals after it raised its annual profit outlook.

Those of Greggs, however, were down almost 1% despite a leap in sales.

The bakery to fast food chain said its performance was in line with expectations and, as such, it had no impact on its forecasts for the full year.

Wages grew by 6% in the three months to March, excluding bonuses, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This is slightly above economists' expectations - bad news for the Bank of England, which wants to see wage growth fall to help ease inflation as it weighs when to cut 16-year-high interest rates.

The Bank is watching wages closely as it looks to bring inflation back to its 2% target, and cooling earnings growth is seen as being key to paving the way for it to begin cutting rates.

In real terms - taking Consumer Prices Index inflation into account - pay rose 2.4% across the period.

In March alone, that figure was 3% - the highest level of growth since July 2021, when it hit 3.9%.

"Earnings growth in cash terms remains high, with the recent falls in the rate now levelling off while, with inflation falling, real pay growth remains at its highest level in well over two years," said ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown.

Meanwhile, unemployment ticked up to 4.3% from January to March, compared to 4.2% in the previous three months, December to February. 

The number of job vacancies remains about pre-pandemic levels, but has been declining for 22 consecutive months, said Ms McKeown.

"With unemployment also increasing, the number of unemployed people per vacancy has continued to rise, approaching levels seen before the onset of COVID-19."

By Jimmy Rice, Money editor

Michelin starred restaurants are supposed to be the antithesis of fast food, a place to enjoy ingredients that have been laboured on for days over several hours. 

But with hospitality struggling like never before due to staff shortages, inflation and changing consumer habits, it seems even those at the top end of the food chain are having to adapt. 

An increasing number of the country's most celebrated restaurants are now promising you a tasting menu in less than an hour. 

One-starred Pavyllon is located in the Four Seasons on Hyde Park, the kind of place you might have seen bustling with pinstriped business lunchers in another decade. But these days it's attracting customers with its "Lunch in 55" menu for £55.50 - four courses for half the price of its regular offering. 

Head chef Benjamin Ferra Y Castell says the industry is having to adapt. 

"Living costs have increased so, understandably, in general people will spend less," he tells the Money blog. "It's important to have a more affordable option at lunch." He says the amount of competition at this end of the market in London means you have to get creative. 

"It's noticeable that more restaurants across London are offering affordable lunch menus, including Michelin starred establishments and across Mayfair."

Castell says half the people now coming in for lunch are choosing the in-and-out option. 

"Four courses served in less than an hour fits in with busy schedules and offers convenience and versatility," he says. 

In the past couple of weeks, the flagship restaurant of Great British Menu winner Adam Handling launched its own speedy lunch. 

Frog by Adam Handling usually charges £195 for a full tasting menu but its new lunch offering has been priced at £100, with a mailing list promotion assuring people they can be out within an hour (though they can stay longer if they wish). 

"People aren't indulging at lunch like they used to and we just had to adapt," Handling told the Money blog. "We understand that things aren't going to go back to the way they were, at least not for a while. 

"Inflation has hit everyone hard and people don't have the luxury of spending time to sit and eat three to four-hour lunches." 

UKHospitality data shows 40% of Britain's restaurants are barely breaking even - but Handling is optimistic that better times are ahead. 

"We're not expecting it [cheaper, speedy lunches] to be a long-lasting trend," he says. "We won't be keeping it forever but, for now, we understand things are difficult at the moment and so, as we always do, we're adapting to our guests needs."

By Jake Levison , news reporter

Basically, PIP (personal independence payment) is a tax-free payment given to people to help with the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or disability.

There are two parts to it:

• A daily living part - for those who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
• A mobility part - for people who have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around

It's possible to meet the criteria for one part or both parts, and payments vary for each.

Who is eligible?

People aged 16 to 64 can get PIP regardless of whether they work if they expect their difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started.

Anyone told they may have 12 months or less to live can also apply and may get PIP more quickly.

Those with both physical disability and cognitive or mental health conditions like anxiety can meet the criteria for both types of PIP.

There is no list of medical conditions that qualify you for PIP. Instead, you're assessed on the level of help you need with specific activities.

For the daily living part, you might need help with things like:

• Preparing food
• Eating and drinking
• Managing your medicines or treatments
• Washing and bathing
• Using the toilet
• Dressing and undressing
• Socialising and being around other people
• Talking, listening and understanding.

For the mobility payments, it's things like:

• Working out a route and following it
• Physically moving around
• Leaving your home

How does the government make its decisions?

The Department for Work and Pensions carries out an assessment to work out the level of help a person should receive.

A person's needs are judged through a points system, wherein the more severe the impact in a particular area and the more help required, the more points a person gets and the more money they receive.

The answers are assessed by health professionals, who then provide a report for DWP case managers with recommendations on what to give the applicant, if anything.

Applicants can provide assessors with additional medical evidence as part of a claim, but it's not a requirement, as a person's self-assessment about the impact their condition is prioritised when making a decision.

What does the government want to change?

It is looking at changing PIP in a number of ways, potentially affecting those who are eligible for it and the type of help those who are granted it will get. Below we summarise the key points in the consultation:

Different assessment model

The government is looking at introducing an assessment model based entirely or partly on the diagnosis given to an individual.

It says it is considering whether "evidence of a clinical diagnosis made by a healthcare professional could provide a more objective assessment of need" than a self-assessment.

Eligibility reform

This is an alternative to changing the assessment model.

The government says it may keep the current assessment, but change the questions so that they are less repetitive and to "ensure they are working as intended".

The government is also considering looking at changing the length someone needs to have been suffering for due to their disability before they become eligible for PIP, because "we know many people who have short-term illnesses can make a full recovery".

It has not specified the length of time this would change to. As it stands, people have to show that the negative effects of their condition have been present for three months before applying and that they are likely to last for another nine months after PIP is first given to them.

Changes to payments

In the current system, PIP claimants are given monthly cash payments which they can use as they see fit, whether that be things like aids and mobility devices, covering increased energy costs due to special equipment or paying higher premiums due to their condition.

The government says claimants often use the money for common household costs or some "view their PIP award as compensation for being disabled rather than as an award for extra costs".

With this in mind, the government is considering the following alternatives to cash transfer:

• Catalogue/shop scheme - where there would be an approved list of items from which disabled people could choose items at reduced or no cost
• Voucher scheme - where disabled people could receive vouchers to contribute towards specific costs
• Receipt-based system - where claimants buy approved aid, appliances or services for themselves and then provide proof of purchase to claim a contribution from the government
• One-off grants - a contribution to specific, significant costs such as for home adaptations or expensive equipment.

Why does the government say it wants to change PIP?

It says PIP caseloads and costs are "spiralling" as there are now 2.6 million people of working age claiming it.

There are 33,000 new awards for PIP each month, which it says is more than double the rate before the pandemic.

In its proposal, the government adds: "This is expected to cost the taxpayer £28bn a year by 2028/29 - a 110% increase in spending since 2019.

"This is in part fuelled by the rise in people receiving PIP for mental-health conditions such as mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, with monthly awards doubling from 2,200 to 5,300 a month since 2019."

It says its main three priorities through making changes are:

• Providing the right support to the people who need it most
• Targeting our resources most effectively
• Supporting disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to live independently and reach their full potential.

Announcing the consultation on 29 April, Mel Stride, the work and pensions secretary, told the Commons: "This government's priority is to make sure that our welfare system is fair and compassionate. Fair on the taxpayer, by ensuring that people of working age who can work, do work, and fair on those who are in most need of the state's help."

What do critics say?

Some believe the proposed changes are going to target people with mental health problems and stop them getting PIP, and they have not been encouraged by the fact the government has not specified which conditions would be eligible for PIP under reforms.

Mr Stride suggested to the Times that people with "milder mental health conditions" would no longer receive financial support, adding talking therapies, social care packages and respite care could be used as alternatives.

James Taylor, the executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, called for an end to the "reckless assault" on disabled people and to fix the "real underlying issues".

"It's hard to have any faith that this consultation is about anything other than cutting the benefits bill, no matter the impact," Mr Taylor said.

The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) branded the consultation "cynical and cruel".

Speaking on behalf of DBC, Ceri Smith head of policy at the MS Society, said: "If the government truly wants a 'stronger, healthier and fairer society', they should start by addressing NHS waiting lists and fixing social care. Instead, this approach will punish disabled people and push even more into poverty."

How can you have your say?

You can view the consultation, which is open until 23 July,  here .

Once you have read it, you can respond online  via the government's form  or by emailing [email protected]

Read other entries in our Basically... series:

Young homebuyers are being forced to gamble with their retirement prospects by taking on ultra-long mortgages, according to a former pensions minister.

Sir Steve Webb described data - supplied by the Financial Conduct Authority to the Bank of England - as "shocking".

It suggests that more than one million new mortgages have been issued over the past three years with end dates beyond the state pension age.

The ex-Liberal Democrat MP, who is now a partner at the consultancy firm LCP, voiced fears that borrowers could be forced to raid their pension savings to clear their mortgage in a worst-case scenario.

Sir Steve saw the potential for harm in any case, as longer-term mortgages deprive people of a period running up to retirement when they could be mortgage-free and boosting their pension.

What does the data say? 

• 42% of new mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2023 - or 91,394 - had terms going beyond the state pension age;
• In the final quarter of last year, people aged 30 to 39 accounted for 30,943 new mortgages lasting beyond state pension age;
• People aged 40 to 49 accounted for 32,305;
• Under-30s made up 3,676 of these mortgages;
• People aged 50 to 59 accounted for 18,854, and there were 661 who were over 70.

Mortgage rates have been rising since the end of 2021 when the Bank of England began action to tackle rising inflation.

Taking home loans with longer maturity dates tends to be more attractive when interest rates are high, as monthly repayments are lower.

You can read more on this story below...

Waitrose has become the only supermarket to receive a royal warrant from the King. 

The recognition means the company has regularly provided the royal household with products for at least five years. 

It also means it can use the King's coat of arms on packaging, as part of advertising or on any stationary it creates. 

Waitrose was first granted a royal warrant in 1928 for supplying King George V with groceries and cleaning materials.

"We are honoured and proud that His Majesty has granted us his warrant," James Bailey, executive director of Waitrose, said. 

"It means the world to all of us, and our farmers and suppliers. There couldn’t be a more powerful symbol of our commitment to service and quality, and our determination to have the highest environmental and animal welfare standards." 

Waitrose was previously granted a royal warrant by the late Queen in 2002 and the King when he was Prince of Wales in 2010.

The Queen has also granted her first royal warrants, picking seven companies, including luxury department store Fortnum & Mason and the florist that supplied her coronation flowers, Shane Connolly & Company. 

The royal nod could be bad news for customers, however, with a brand finance expert telling Sky News that having a royal warrant allows firms to charge a price premium.

David Haigh said his company's research estimated this to be "between 10% and 25%".

A royal warrant says a company or a product is luxurious, high quality and sustainable, he explained. 

He estimates the scheme is "worth billions to UK companies and… therefore it's a very high value to the UK economy".

"And one of the reasons for that is that a lot of foreign tourists and buyers have a preference for royal warrant holder products. We found that 100% of Chinese buyers would pay in excess of 10% for a royal warrant holder product."

Read more on the Queen's choices here :

Gordon Ramsay's restaurants tripled losses to £3.4m last year, as the chef warned businesses in the industry were facing a "challenging" climate. 

The chef's group spent millions opening five new restaurants in 2023, including a Lucky Cat in Manchester, a Bread Street Kitchen in Battersea Power Station and a Street Pizza in Edinburgh. 

Sales at his wide-ranging establishments rose, however, by 21% to £95.6m in the year to August, according to The Telegraph. 

"It's been a really hard-fought year, but at the same time an exciting year, and in tough times it amazes me how strong and vibrant our industry is," Ramsay told the news outlet. 

"It's challenging out there and businesses are battling to stay afloat, rising costs, rent and food costs, multiple strikes. It's a battle" 

He was optimistic, however, saying there hasn't been "so much passion and vibrancy" in the industry since he opened his first restaurant in 1998.

"We've still got something wonderful to celebrate, and I truly believe the industry has never been so exciting."

Once the UK's favourite alcoholic beverage, beer's popularity seems to be fading among the younger drinking generation... 

In fact, only 30% of people aged 18 to 24 ever drink it, according to a study commissioned by the Society of Independent Brewers. 

Instead, younger drinkers say they prefer drinking spirits, wine and cider. 

Pub visits appear to be suffering as well, with almost a quarter of the 2,000 people surveyed saying they have never visited their local. 

SIBA's 2024 Craft Beer Report paints a more positive picture for small and independent brewers, however, with more than 55% of beer consumers saying they now drink "local craft beer". 

It also found average beer production volumes among independent breweries has risen by 14% since last year - a return to pre-pandemic levels for the first time in 4 years. 

"Demand for local, independently brewed beer in the UK is strong, with independent brewers reporting production volumes up by 14%, meaning they have returned to 2019 volumes again," Andy Slee, SIBA's chief executive, said. 

But, he said, it's time for "cautious optimism" only, with the industry still plagued with a number of issues. 

"The short-term issue for small independent breweries isn't demand; it's profitability, rising costs and financial pressures such as lingering COVID debt," he said. 

"Far too many breweries are simply trying to survive rather than thrive, so while there are many positives signs highlighted in the report, for now it's cautious optimism."

Earlier this year, our Money reporter Emily Mee explored whether the UK's big night out culture was dying out. 

Nightlife experts warned we're losing one club every two days at the moment - and if we stay on this trajectory, we will have none left by 2030.

You can read more about her findings here...

A total of 583 skyscrapers are "queuing up in the pipeline" to be built across central London, a development thinktank has said. 

That is more than double the 270 built in the past decade. 

In the eastern borough of Tower Hamlets alone, 71 tall buildings were completed in that time that time, the report by New London Architecture found. 

A further 24 were in the City of London and 27 in Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs. 

The report said the rapid change has been fuelled by a "burgeoning demand" for office and residential space, overseas investment and a supporting planning environment. 

"Tall buildings have changed the face of London substantially over the last 20 years and will continue to do so - the pipeline that NLA has tracked means there is at least 10 years' supply that has already been defined," Peter Murray, the organisation's co-founder, said. 

"London's population continues to grow, passing the 10 million mark at the end of this decade.

"We'll still need tall buildings; and NLA will continue to keep a close watch on what's going on." 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free