Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers
introDespite that vague air of doom that seems to dominate our news, the world is in fact safer than it has ever been. While there are still plenty of countries that are risky to visit, many others have become safer, making them accessible to regular tourists – often for the first time in decades. The following previously dangerous destinations* are now welcoming visitors with the promise of life-changing journeys and experiences. (*Always check government issued travel warnings before planning your journey.)
0/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
colombiaColombia – The South American country’s journey to a safer, more peaceful future has been making headlines, with a long-awaited peace agreement expected to end the armed conflict that dominated Colombia’s image throughout most of the 20th century. Fighting between government forces, guerrilla groups and paramilitaries, as well as drug-related violence, have been decreasing steadily, and parts of Colombia have already been declared safe by foreign governments in recent years; others are sure to follow. A massive increase in visitor numbers will contribute to a self-perpetuating cycle of economic growth, infrastructure improvements and further safety improvements.
1/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
colombia 2(Colombia) Colombia boasts a wide variety of experiences. There’s breathtaking natural beauty, with landscapes ranging from deserts to mountains, beaches and lush Amazon rainforest, including the fascinating flora and fauna of the planet’s second most biodiverse country. Then there’s the lively culture that offers rich indigenous heritage, world-renowned artists, salsa dancing and riotous nightlife! It’s mostly safe to travel through Colombia independently, but certain remote regions are still off limits, and the usual precautions advised for all travels to South America apply. For an increased sense of security, turn to a tour operator or join a cruise. colombia.travel
2/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
vietnamVietnam – For most Western travellers, Vietnam was long associated with violence and conflict. Due to the seemingly endless fascination of American popular culture with “’Nam”, anyone who grew up on Hollywood films, US rock or the musical Hair has at least an inkling of its gruesome history. Even after the end of the war and the successful Doi Moi reforms, as a communist country in the Cold War, it remained an unappealing destination for many tourists. However, since the late 1990s, tourism is on the rise. In stark contrast to its troubled history, Vietnam is now considered far more stable and safe than many other Southeast Asian countries, with a relatively low risk of terrorism or political unrest.
3/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
vietnam 2(Vietnam) The greatest dangers facing travellers in Vietnam are ones easily avoided. Keeping valuables somewhere safe or wearing them close to your body and always remaining aware of your surroundings can help outsmart pickpockets. Old landmines and other relics of the Vietnam war still pose a certain risk, but only far from well-trodden paths. Female solo travellers should be aware of what is considered modest attire and behaviour. These days, road traffic is one of the biggest killers for the local population, and accidents of all kinds cause the majority of tourist deaths, so avoid travelling by motorbike and insist on minimum safety standards when joining a tour or boarding a boat. vietnamtourism.com
4/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
nicaraguaNicaragua – Despite being one of the poorest countries in Central America, Nicaragua is also considered one of the safest places in the region with crime rates that may seem high compared to many other nations, but pale in comparison to those of its neighbours. It is also one of the most peaceful countries in Latin America, so why is its image that of a war-torn nation? The 20th century saw a string of dictatorships, followed by a bloody revolution and the Contra (revolutionary) war. However, Nicaragua has entered the 21st century as a reasonably stable democracy, bringing it into focus as a tourist destination. [Photo: Steve Summers/Flickr]
5/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
nicaragua 2(Nicaragua) Today ecotourism, adventure sports and wellness holidays are the main attractions, but visitors are increasingly aware of Nicaragua’s cultural heritage and the appeal of picturesque towns like Granada or León. As is common in Central America, widespread poverty leads to petty crime, so take all the usual safety precautions and avoid certain areas after dark. Foreign governments often issue travel warnings during election season. In general, it is best to avoid visiting Nicaragua leading up to or immediately following an election. Nature also poses certain risks – Nicaragua is known as the land of lakes and volcanoes for a reason – so be aware of volcanic activity as you travel the country. visitnicaragua.us [Photo: alex barth/Flickr]
6/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
ukraineUkraine – The former Soviet Republic has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent years. After the successful Orange Revolution, hopes for a prosperous future were curbed when the Russian Federation and pro-Russian forces took control of the Crimean Peninsula and East Ukraine. However, while these ongoing disputes dominate media coverage, elsewhere the pro-European, open and creative side of the country is thriving. The lively youth culture in the capital and beyond, burgeoning art, design and nightlife scenes, driven by low rents and an urgent desire for urban renewal, all make this underrated Eastern European destination worth a visit.
7/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
ukraine(Ukraine) Parts of the country are still off limits for most visitors (and are likely to remain so for a while), but the most popular destinations Kiev, Odessa and any other central and Western regions far from the conflict zones are perfectly safe. Nonetheless, there are tourist attractions that remind visitors of the recent upheaval, like Pizza Veterano (run by and employing only Ukrainian veterans) and the ostentatious presidential palace of Viktor Yanukovych. Since Ukraine won this year’s Eurovision song contest, the competition will be held there in 2017 – another opportunity for the country to shake off its current grim image. traveltoukraine.org [Photo: Viktor Kirilko/Flickr]
8/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
romaniaRomania – Between the famed Count Dracula and the former long-standing dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, who managed to make other Stalinist regimes seem harmless by comparison, Romania has quite the reputation for bloodthirsty rulers. Somehow, their legacy seems to have tainted common perceptions of the country as a violent and dangerous destination. Transsylvanian bloodsuckers aside, Romania today is a perfectly safe country to travel. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, the country has joined NATO and the EU, and the standard of living is steadily increasing. [Photo: Camil Ghircoias/Flickr]
9/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
romania 2(Romania) Due to enduring income inequality and poverty affecting certain communities, petty crime can be an issue, but it is usually not violent. A minimum measure of caution and common sense usually suffice to keep travellers safe anywhere in Romania. Having said that, if you really want to be on the safe side, keep some garlic handy. You know, just in case… romania.travel [Photo: paul bica/Flickr]
10/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
iranIran – If a holiday in Iran evokes images of a scary trip to a highly restrictive country governed by religious zealots who hate all Westerners, then you’re confusing strained diplomatic relations with the attitudes of the Iranian population. The history of modern tourism to Persia, as it was then known, stretches back over 100 years, and it was a popular stop on the hippie trail right up to the Iranian Revolution. The cultural revolution and Iran-Iraq War all but put an end to tourism. More recently, the staunchly conservative rule of President Ahmadinejad, complete with anti-Western propaganda and nuclear strong-arming, was off-putting to many travellers. [Photo: Julia Maudlin/Flickr]
11/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
iran(Iran) In recent years, the political climate has become distinctly less frosty, and the recent historic nuclear agreement has already resulted in a surge of interest from travellers. Iran offers everything from hiking and skiing to beach holidays, but most visitors are drawn to the romance of the Silk Road and an intriguing culture of ancient Persian tradition and Arab influences. Whilst the border regions with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq remain dangerous, the rest of the country is safe and welcoming. It is mainly important to be aware of dress codes (for women mainly, but also for men) and general cultural differences. iraniantourism.com [Photo: ninara
12/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
myanmarMyanmar – Myanmar, or Burma, has only recently lifted sanctions, enabling the country to start opening up to tourists. A democratisation process has led to the military sharing power with former political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy. As the Golden Land emerges from decades of military rule, it has quickly become that holy grail all adventurous travellers chase: a destination that remains almost untainted by tourism. Get there now before the rest of the world catches on that this is a safe, authentic country on the brink of massive change.
13/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
myanmar(Myanmar) Certain regions are still experiencing armed conflict and are accordingly not safe to visit. Check current travel advisories when planning your trip and before embarking on any journey. In general, crime rates are actually relatively low compared to other countries in the region, presumably because the tourism industry is still quite young. The greatest challenges faced by visitors may not be safety-related, but resulting from a tourism infrastructure ill-equipped to handle the increasing demand, hence it’s essential to book in advance. myanmartourism.org
14/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
rwandaRwanda – Many people have only ever heard about Rwanda in the context of the 1990s genocide. However, while it is important to keep alive the memory of these horrific events – and the international community’s inability to prevent them – the country has so much more to offer. Not only has it done a remarkable job of healing wounds without glossing over the scars, Rwanda has in fact become an amazingly safe, modern country. Just over 20 years after the genocide, it’s rated among the safest countries in Africa.
15/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
rwanda(Rwanda) Although the authoritarian government is routinely criticised for limiting civil liberties, it has been successful in keeping all kinds of crime in check, and making Rwanda attractive for tourists. The country is a dream for nature lovers, with high-altitude forests, volcanoes, lakes, the Congo Nile trail and the Virunga mountain gorillas. While the latter can only be visited on a guided (and rather costly) tour, it is possible to travel most of the country independently, paying attention to travel warnings regarding certain border regions where armed conflicts occasionally occur. rwandatourism.com
16/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
cubaCuba – Cuba hasn’t been a dangerous destination since round about the time everyone on either side of the Cold War agreed that the nuclear standoff wasn’t working in anyone’s favour. Nonetheless visiting the communist country was long out of the question for most US citizens, partly due to visa restrictions, but also because of strained relations between the two countries. Visitors from all over the world have been coming to Cuba for years to catch a glimpse of a functioning socialist society (with all its advantages and disadvantages), and now that diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba have been restored, for the first time in over 50 years US citizens can do the same.
17/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
cuba(Cuba) Naysayers are already equating the imminent arrival of boatloads of American tourists with the destruction of Cuban culture, but the slow pace of change indicates the Caribbean island won’t be turned into just another holiday resort anytime soon. Although safety won’t be an issue, visitors will probably find out first-hand what decades of state-managed economy and a disastrous trade embargo have wrought: food shortages, little to no internet connectivity, a crumbling infrastructure and cash-only transactions. You know, the real, authentic Cuban experience. cubatravel.cu [Photo: Simon Matzinger/Flickr]
18/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
northern irelandNorthern Ireland – A developed country in Western Europe, Northern Ireland is an outlier on this list. Almost 20 years after the Good Friday Agreement, which was the beginning of the end of the euphemistically named Troubles, visitors are still concerned about whether the country is safe to visit. The continued presence of splinter paramilitary groups and frequent reports of violent crimes, paired with the ranking of Belfast as one of the most dangerous cities in the UK, could be enough to put off tourists. However, for travellers that exercise some caution, these issues don’t pose any threat.
19/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
northern ireland(Northern Ireland) The days when Belfast’s Europa Hotel could lay claim to dubious fame as the most bombed hotel in the world are long gone. Today, the violence takes place almost exclusively between members of paramilitary groups and within Republican or Unionist communities. Foreigners or even locals living outside so-called interface areas are rarely affected. Whilst even the vibrant, thriving city of Belfast can still seem a bit dead at night, the pubs are alive with people of all confessions sticking to the number one rule of conflict avoidance: don’t discuss religion or politics. discovernorthernireland.com
20/21
Travel
Playing It Safe: 9 Destinations No Longer Just For Intrepid Travellers.
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