Top 5 of the Worlds Most Dangerous Places During the Holidays
A vacation is supposed to be a time to kick back, relax and get away from it all. During a holiday, vacations bring with them the nostalgic flavors created by a destination location. Vacationers can enjoy shopping, shows and culture while celebrating the days that mean the most. However, if you don't do your homework, you may find that your dream vacation is a nightmare. Any place that attracts a crowd of revelers will also attract local riffraff who prey on the bounty. Some places are more dangerous for travelers during the holidays than other destinations. In order to have a vacation that is not only memorable but also safe, you might want to avoid the top 5 world's most dangerous holiday hot-spots.
Russia
A Russian holiday can evoke visions of steamy winter breath, fluffy muffs and traditional fur hats, not to mention holiday photos set off by the stunning St. Basil's Cathedral. While Russia can surely be a holiday wonderland, it also has a darker side that can potentially ruin your trip-of-a-lifetime. One look at Russian crime statistics and you might think twice before booking those tickets. Crimes like murder, kidnapping and theft happen at an alarming rate in this country. When looking at murder rates among minors, for example, Russia rates number four among 73 countries surveyed. Russia also has a notable problem with both labor and sex trafficking, and United Nations' documents indicate that law enforcement isn't taking a strong enough stand, leading the organization to give the country a Tier 2 Watch List designation. If visitors escape the gangsters who deal in trafficking, they are still at risk for ransom kidnappings. These crimes find visitors held by thugs until a family member, employer or other associate can come up with a chunk of change. Traveling outside the main Russian tourist stops increases all the risks; crime rates in the associated Caucasus countries surrounding Russia are even higher.
Colombia
With many tourists visiting South American countries reporting perfect weather, beautiful beaches and out-of-this-world food, it can be tempting to spend your holiday in sunny Colombia. However, this country remains one of the most dangerous in the world for foreign travelers, and it makes sense to either avoid the area or exercise extreme caution when vacationing. According to the British government's travel advice spending your holidays in Colombia carries with it significant risk. Terrorism remains an extreme influence within Colombia's borders, and criminals regularly target tourist-heavy areas, including public transportation and local areas of interest. If you do manage to escape this risk, keep a careful eye on your money and personal belongings, as petty crimes are rampant. Colombian criminals are also notorious for kidnapping for ransom. Unless you want to spend your holiday budget getting bailed out, you might want to pick another getaway.
Iraq
Most people are aware that military troops can be lonely for a taste of home. It might seem like a fantastic idea to visit Iraq during the holidays and spread cheer with your friendly face. Still, it makes sense to remember that Iraq is still a war zone. For visitors, Iraq is a bit harder to peg when it comes to risks than other destinations. When you look at the social dynamics that can affect travelers, some things are clear, while other statistics are unpublished or hidden. Petty crimes like theft are apparently not a huge issue. In fact, sticking to larger metropolitan areas can be safe, depending on what part of the country you are in and who controls the region. Still, Iraq is notoriously unpredictable and unstable, making it hard to plan a safe holiday excursion. In addition, any time you travel between areas, you will deal with checkpoints and authorities who are not necessarily friendly to foreigners. Some regions welcome tourists bringing a boost to the local economy, but other population centers actually target foreign holiday visitors, venting their frustration about outside interference.
Africa
With the holiday spirit in full swing, it's no surprise that so many people want to spread the love to areas of the world that are less fortunate. For thriving nations, Africa is a major focus of charitable efforts. While your holiday trip could certainly be a lifesaver for the locals you encounter, Africa is an extremely dangerous place to travel. South Africa, for example, experiences an extremely high rate of rape, with the added risk of having a high AIDS infection rate. Burundi, rated among the top ten poorest countries worldwide, is a magnet for petty crime related to poverty; while mobs of impoverished children can tug the heart strings, they could also be bait for thieves, kidnappers and other criminals. Countries like Sudan and Somalia lack a trustworthy government organization; mission groups may find that even official support can let them down.
United States
Spending the holiday in the United States is a dream come true for both tourists and locals. There are thousands of large and small holiday events that spark the imagination and generate unforgettable memories. However, the statistics do not lie. Out of all the countries in the world, the United States reports more crimes than any other country; there are also more prisoners. According to National US Crime Rate Statistics, holiday travelers are at higher risk in a larger city such as New York or Los Angeles. Revelers are most often targets of smaller crimes such as theft, but there is also a risk for assaults of all types.
Nothing comes without some danger, and holiday travel is no exception. While it can be hazardous to spend your holiday season somewhere other than home, it's important to interpret the statistics correctly. Despite the sometimes overwhelming risks, most holiday travelers peruse even dangerous locales with no negative incidences. While dangerous, these stops can offer life-changing holiday experiences, so don't write them off entirely. With the proper perspective, brave travelers can make it through; however, the more timid should probably stick with tamer destinations.
