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Afghanistan is a place of intensely rugged mountains. This, in tandem with a sizable amount of civil unrest, makes the place an imprudent area in which to vacation. And, because of this and other factors, the area has become an area warned against for general travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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When planning your upcoming vacations, you should look to places where you can actually vacation. This for sure, will strike from your list anything that includes \u201ccivil unrest\u201d or mountains so rugged that to even look at them induces terror. Afghanistan checked many of these checkboxes. So, if you do intend on traveling there, we suggest you exercise caution.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
2. Central African Republic<\/span><\/h2>\nLike with Afghanistan, the Central African Republic of Africa has much civil unrest. And with these toppling and precarious infrastructures come many dangers to the public at large. These include things like robberies, kidnappings, and other uncouth and undesirable things. Because of this, the place has been rated as one of the more distressing places to travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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So, again, while looking for places to explore or to frequent for the beach resort, this location might not make your immediate top 10. If it does, you might need to speak with some friends and family to convince you otherwise. Danger is not necessarily a prerequisite most would like to satisfy for their worldly travels.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
3. Haiti<\/span><\/h2>\nHaiti is home to some of the most historic events the world has ever seen. In fact, it is the home of one of the only successful slave revolutions to have ever taken place. However, because of the current unrest and governmental instability, the place is considered an unwise place for foreign travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Public demonstrations, roadblocks, and other difficulties pervade the tumultuous area. This, in conjunction with many of the other public turmoils that its citizens face, makes travel a choice that you should likely skip when planning your next Christmas vacation. And if it doesn\u2019t \u2014 again \u2014 we recommend that you rethink your potentially reckless plans.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
4. Iran<\/span><\/h2>\nIran, like other countries of the Middle East, has a rich history of ancient human populations and geology that archaeologists, paleontologists, and the like would love to study. However, because the area is somewhat dangerous for travelers, it is a difficult one to visit with peace of mind. The problem can be especially severe for certain people.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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There have, for example, been instances of U.S. citizens being arbitrarily detained and arrested in the area. Because of this, it is strongly advised that travel here be exercised cautiously. This is especially true if you\u2019re an Iranian-American citizen. Here, there have been a few instances of unjust and unwarranted arrests. You would likely not want to be one of these unfortunate few.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
5. Iraq<\/span><\/h2>\nIraq is another of those places that experiences ample civil unrest. And, because of this, you should be wary as a prospective traveler. Potential hostilities amplify the possibility of seizure and capture \u2014 and being detained in one of Iraq\u2019s prisons is not an experience you would likely want to have.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Given this dangerous potential, the area has been considered one in which travel should be exercised lightly. Anything unscrupulously planned might lead to some unwanted and unsavory experiences. Given that travel is most often exercised for the exact opposite reasons, one might reconsider Iraq as a fun and exciting tromping ground.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
6. Mali<\/span><\/h2>\nMali, not to be mistaken with the other popular tourist destination, Maui, is an area in Western Africa. And unless you yourself are conspiring to up your ranks in the world of domestic and foreign terrorism, you might want to rethink this slightly inland African country as a hustling and bustling place to visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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While the area is certainly hustling and bustling, it\u2019s likely doing neither of these things in a way you would find amenable. So, rather than shell out the however-many dollars it\u2019ll take to fly you and your significant other over there (prices on Google Flights range from $2,387 to $8,919), you might want to consider the area\u2019s similarly named Hawaiian partner instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
7. North Korea<\/span><\/h2>\nUnlike some of the other areas on this list, tourism into the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is tightly and assiduously regulated. And because of this, even if you wanted to see the inside of the country that is always in the news, you would have some troubles. To get a pass, you would need to jump through so many regulated hoops that your head would spin.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Matt Perry via Getty Images<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
One of the major risks in the area is the threat of arrest. And, when you\u2019re arrested in North Korea, you are not going to have a good time. The place is notorious for the treatment of its captives. This is especially true of journalists and those looking to observe the place for an upcoming piece. So, if you are trying to give this place a visit, plan carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
8. Somalia<\/span><\/h2>\nSomalia is a country on the northeastern coast of Africa. And, like a few of the other countries on this list, the place is home to much social upheaval. And, again, like in other countries, social turmoil is not exactly a recipe for a good and thriving time. In fact, if you want anything closely resembling an actual vacation, you might consider striking this destination from your list entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
HomoCosmicos via Getty Images<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Somalia is home to things as steadfastly dangerous as kidnappings, robberies, and other undesirables. But more than some of these other countries, the shore is rife with modern-day pirates. And these pirates, as we would like to think of them in the flashy movies in which they are depicted lovingly, are brutal and dangerous. So, if you do want to travel there, be careful.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
9. South Sudan<\/span><\/h2>\nCivil war is often not cited as a reason to visit a foreign nation. And this is one of things that can be said of South Sudan. The area, home to ample carnage and mayhem, is one of extreme unrest. Given that this unrest entails many unsavory things for those who might be in the nearby vicinity, the region is not considered a vacation hot spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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For these and other reasons, the area is not one that is recommended for visiting. Now, unless you\u2019re a war correspondent for some news distribution agency (definitely not any of us), you might not want to consider South Sudan your next vacation spot. And, even if you did, getting there would be by no means easy. Travel safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
10. Libya<\/span><\/h2>\nLibya is a country in North Africa. Lying immediately adjacent to Egypt, the region has become predominantly Muslim over the past few centuries. It has also, however, become a place of great turmoil. And, on your list of desirables for the routine vacation \u2014 scuba diving, snorkeling, fun restaurants \u2014 tumult likely doesn\u2019t make the cut.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Because of this, you might want to reconsider this North African area as your next PTO-fueled haven. It might not, as you so adamantly hoped it would, make your next few weeks fun and desirable. Instead, they might make it wrapped in danger. Ultimately, however, the decision to go or not go will be up to you. We wish you luck.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
11. Syria<\/span><\/h2>\nSyria is one of the most war-torn places that currently exists on the planet. Several regions have been Balkanized between different groups fighting for local power. And, in case you were unaware, when central government collapses and different groups are fighting for a place at the top of the power food chain, the results are not good for those visiting or living nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Roman Novitskii via Getty Images<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
And, as you might have expected, this social and governmental tumult has induced the U.S. to recommend you not travel there. These recommendations are so strong, in fact, that you should take them extremely seriously. And, if you don\u2019t, you might get a taste of this extreme unrest that you would really rather regret. Anyway, we suspect you\u2019ll make the safe move here and ignore the place as an upcoming vacation spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
12. Venezuela<\/span><\/h2>\nVenezuela is located squarely in an area only marginally south of the equator. Given its tropical climate and natural beauty, the place might have piqued your fancy as a place for potential travel. However, in addition to the abundant natural beauty, the place is home to many hostilities. And, given the natural disposition we hold to avoid such hostilities, the place likely shouldn\u2019t make your list of places to travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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The area is particularly violent, given the lack of police control in many areas. And, even when there is police control, it is diminutive and uncertain, to say the least. If you\u2019re looking for a safe place in which to spend your next vacation, then, you might want to add this area from your upcoming vacation-to-be list. If you don\u2019t, you might be sorry.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
13. Yemen<\/span><\/h2>\nYemen is another country in which travel is unadvised. Because the area is currently having to deal with unsavory things like civil unrest and domestic terrorism, the Gulf-bordering country is considered one of great danger for those who might like to drop a visit. And, accordingly, it is strongly advised that you do not book a flight and make your way there.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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If you do, the dangers you face \u2014 wait for it \u2014 include everything from kidnapping to car bombing. While you might be safe depending on where you visit, you have to be exceptionally careful because of the area\u2019s close proximity to those with aims anathema to ours. Terrorism is a scary thing, and likely something you\u2019d rather avoid on your next trip overseas.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
14. Mexico<\/span><\/h2>\nMillions of tourists visit Mexico safely every year, expecting the experience of a vibrant culture and incredible views, but violent organized crime makes the country one of the more dangerous for tourists. While resorts are generally safe from drug-related crimes like kidnappings, robberies, and carjackings, traveling outside of those touristy areas is quite risky.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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The U.S. Department of State recently outlined specific areas to avoid in an official warning for tourists. The Mexican government is working to reduce organized crime through additional supervision from federal police and military forces, but police corruption is another dangerous problem throughout the country. So, if you were thinking about taking a trip to Acapulco or Tijuana, you\u2019d better be extra careful \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
15. Russia<\/span><\/h2>\nThe world\u2019s largest country is a tempting place to visit, with its enormous ties to many of our ancestors, vast and varying landscapes, and iconic architecture. Travel in Russia can be dangerous due to political tensions and criminal gangs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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What you may not know is that while LGBTQ culture exists in the country, and though it isn\u2019t illegal, \u201cpromotion\u201d of LGBTQ lifestyles is. Although Moscow and St. Petersburg are becoming more established tourist destinations, they are experiencing a rise in violent hate crimes against racial and ethnic minority travelers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
16. Egypt<\/span><\/h2>\nEgypt has several tourist attractions: the ancient pyramids, the Nile River, the endless deserts, and the beautiful beaches along the Red Sea. Tourists face threats of kidnapping and terrorism here and are advised not to leave the Cairo metropolitan area. Political instability could lead to protests and potentially violent clashes, which visitors should avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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If you plan to visit, you may want to brush up on their local laws \u2026 Did you know it\u2019s illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, or other public buildings? Crime in Cairo is moderate, usually only manifesting in crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
17. Snake Island<\/span><\/h2>\nEverybody loves themselves a good island. They are normally surrounded by perfectly sandy beaches, draped in lush green forests, and feature pi\u00f1a coladas on tap at all times. Not so much on Snake Island. This\u00a0<\/span>remote island off the coast of Brazil<\/span>\u00a0is home to several thousand snakes. OK, big deal. Every island has snakes, right?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Wrong. So. Very. Wrong. The snakes that live on this island are so densely concentrated that you are bound to see one every couple of yards. Terrifying. What\u2019s more, among these snakes is the Golden Lancehead, one of the most venomous snakes on planet Earth. While the place isn\u2019t necessarily a tourist hot spot (you can\u2019t visit there without permission from the Brazilian government), we wanted to warn you about it anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
18. Valley of Death<\/span><\/h2>\nSeeing as how the name \u201cDeath Valley\u201d was taken, this peninsula is Russia decided on the more verbose Valley\u00a0<\/span>of<\/span><\/em>\u00a0Death. Still, however, the place is comparable to the United States\u2019 very own Death Valley. While it\u2019s located at a latitude far more northward than that of Death Valley, the place can be equally deadly.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Among the many things that make this place so dangerous are its high concentrations of poisonous fumes. These fumes are pumped up from local volcanoes and geysers that don\u2019t stay settled for long. The inhalation of these fumes isn\u2019t pleasant, often yielding dizziness, nausea, fever, and other symptoms you\u2019d rather not experience as a tourist. Be on the lookout for that noxious Russian gas cloud.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
19. Lake Natron<\/span><\/h2>\nSome lakes are not the reservoirs of life, providing crucial H20 to the surrounding flora and fauna. Instead, some of these lakes are toxic death pits that provide nothing but death to those who touch them. Lake Natron in Tanzania is one such lake. The most dangerous thing about this surreal-looking lake is its outer crust of alkali soda and salt.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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The toxicity of the concoction is enough to preserve birds, bugs, and any other creature that might find itself inside the lake. And, unfortunately, such a thing is a common occurrence: Because of the lake\u2019s reflective surface, many birds and other animals find themselves careening into the lake. Let\u2019s just try not to let one of these freshly calcified species be you.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n