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[starlagurl]

This is about a year old from Forbes.com, but I thought it was interesting.

Would you agree? Have you been to any of these places lately?

10. Palestine

Conflict in this Middle Eastern territory has been persistent for decades. The rise of Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip has created a precarious military and political situation with Israel. The lack of a strong government, high levels of poverty and chronic violence have persuaded iJet to rate the Gaza Strip as a five. The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens against traveling in the Gaza Strip

9. Zimbabwe

IJet has deemed Zimbabwe a "failing state." Both government and economic affairs are dismal with an oppressive leadership that condones the use of force against dissenters and unimaginable rates of inflation as well as financial risk to foreign companies. Though the country is home to the tourist destination Victoria Falls, foreigners should be aware of anti-Western sentiments expressed by the government.

8. Lebanon

With the country divided by pro- and anti-Syrian forces, Lebanon is struggling to manage political tensions. Assassinations of high-profile leaders and military battles with Israel in southern Lebanon have made this difficult. Unless stability is restored, Control Risks foresees more assassinations, civil unrest and armed conflict.

7. Democratic Republic of the Congo

A civil war that began in 1998 and formally ended in 2003 still affects this central African country. According to Control Risks, the withdrawal of Ugandan and Rwandan troops from North and South Kivu toward the end of the war created a power vacuum, which militia groups are trying to fill. Crime levels are high in major cities, and security conditions vary drastically even within minor distances.

6. Sudan

Travelers are advised to stay out of southern Sudan and the Darfur region where government militias and troops continue to battle local insurgent groups. A peace agreement signed in 2005 established a new government and ceasefire, improving the security environment in some cities. Still, armed militias on the Western Upper Nile and the close proximity of the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda pose serious risks.

5. Pakistan

Ongoing "geo-political turmoil" is a major reason why iJet rates Pakistan as a five. This includes but is not limited to intermittent bomb attacks and rioting between Shia and Sunni Muslim communities, the presence of domestic Islamic extremist groups with links to al-Qaeda, and strife over delayed elections, which culminated in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.

4. Haiti

IJet has rated this Caribbean country as a five due to "overall lack of law and rule" in combination with persistent civil unrest and high kidnapping risks. Security improved after the long-delayed democratic election of a parliament and president took place in February 2006. However, Control Risks notes that firearms are easily available, police corruption is rampant and the justice system is "inefficient."

3. Afghanistan

Warlords, armed criminals and al-Qaeda and Taliban loyalists continue to defy the country's political authority or attack citizens and foreigners, making Afghanistan unstable for the short and long term. Terrorist attacks and bombings that target political leaders, military personnel and Westerners occur in Kabul and in other parts of the country. Threats to physical safety include improvised explosive devices and landmines.

2. Iraq

Though security has improved in various regions of this war-torn nation, both iJet and Control Risks believe that the failure to reconcile the various political parties means that the country will endure prolonged fighting and instability. According to Control Risks, the highest-risk areas include Baghdad and stretch from Tikrit in the north to Hillah in the south, and from Ramadi in the west to Mandali in the east.

1. Somalia

Somalia is a lawless land, according to iJet and Control Risks. Various warlords in this East African country traffic weapons and narcotics, while James Smither of Control Risks says, "drugged-up" children and teenagers patrol the streets with guns. Among the risks visitors take are military clashes, kidnappings-for-ransom, pirate attacks and landmines. Even aid agency workers have been attacked, and foreign personnel have been relocated.

[aopaq]

I noticed that the description for Somalia is the same as for Iraq.

I just want to point out that Somaliland (the northern part of Somalila that is yet to be recognized as an official country but yet has its own democratically elected government and currency) is relatively stable and I had no problems in Harrar a year ago.

Kurdistan Iraq was also relatively stable in 2007 and although things might be a bit more tense since the increased tension and battling between Turkey and the PKK, I still think people are venturing into that incredible region.

Pakistan is definitely not as bad as some might think and my visit to Lahore last year was very interesting, I had no concerns with my safety and people were very friendly. I would definitely check out the conditions more thoroughly if I were to travel to the northeast region around Peshwar now.

Finally, Lebanon is an interesting place and although the military is ever present in Beirut I think it is still possible to have an incredibly interesting visit. When I took a short visit last year, I found there are still parts of Beirut that are vibrant and lively. Sure I had a soldier look at about 100 pics on my camera to make sure I hadn't photographed anything "sensitive" but for the most part, life appears to go on as normal as possible.

[starlagurl]

Sorry, sorry I fixed it now!

Wow, you definitely have a lot of insight into unexplored areas, that's amazing! Thanks for sharing.

I guess the fact that these countries are on the list doesn't mean you shouldn't go, it just means that you will have to take extra precautions when you do go there. Am I right?

[skylab]

I guess the fact that these countries are on the list doesn't mean you shouldn't go, it just means that you will have to take extra precautions when you do go there. Am I right?

Yeah. I agree.
I'm reading a book that has this same idea called Bad Lands. It's been very interesting to read someone who has experienced it first hand how it's like in some of the most "dangerous" countries of the world.

[aopaq]

I guess the fact that these countries are on the list doesn't mean you shouldn't go, it just means that you will have to take extra precautions when you do go there. Am I right?

Yes, you are right!
Sure, there may be some extra risk but travel in itself involves risk. I think doing your research and being well prepared (but also very flexible) is important. Listen very closely to the advice of the locals because conditions can change quickly and they know which areas to definitely avoid. Other than that it is just about using your common sense .... all pretty standard travel advice. My perspective has always been....x million people live in this country .... can it really be as bad as the media portrays?

I have definitely had some of my most memorable travel experiences in some of these "dangerous" countries. I think this largely stems from the fact that you can meet locals who have not previously seen or met with many foreigners and so for the most part they are extremely friendly and hospitable.

I'm reading a book that has this same idea called Bad Lands. It's been very interesting to read someone who has experienced it first hand how it's like in some of the most "dangerous" countries of the world.

Thanks for the info...I will have to check that book out!

[riviera]

I am not found North Korea out there,is there safe to travel there,or is it Impossible.?

[sianeth]

Also, what is the dangerous rating on Moldova... anyone know anything? I have heard it is pretty ominous, but the place still intrigues me...

[starlagurl]

Here's what Transport Canada says about Moldova:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Transdniestria, a region in the northeast of Moldova. The security situation is unstable and unpredictable, and the region is not under government control. There are frequent checkpoints. As there is no Canadian Government Office in Modova, Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in this region.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/rep...g.asp?id=191000

[starlagurl]

I am not found North Korea out there,is there safe to travel there,or is it Impossible.?

In North Korea you have to travel with a guided tour. So I suspect this would be a very safe way to travel.

[angela_brown488]

Hellow my friend
i completely agree with you in this openion. i think that these places are really dangerous, yet i really want to visit one of these places. i really like adventures and my favorite place to visit is deserts especially the western desert of Egypt. if you want to know more about this place you can visit
Western Desert in Egypt
Photoes for Western Desert

[sianeth]

Here's what Transport Canada says about Moldova:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Transdniestria, a region in the northeast of Moldova. The security situation is unstable and unpredictable, and the region is not under government control. There are frequent checkpoints. As there is no Canadian Government Office in Modova, Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in this region.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/rep...g.asp?id=191000

Wonderful!

Apparently my ancestors are from Moldova... I'm pretty curious about the whole thing!

[barsie]

Gunmen have attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team on its way to play in the Pakistani city of Lahore.

At least six policemen escorting the team bus were killed, along with a driver. Seven cricketers and an assistant coach were injured.

Pakistani officials said about 12 gunmen were involved and grenades and rocket launchers have been recovered.

Officials said the incident bore similarities to deadly attacks in Mumbai in India last November.

pakistan

Pakistan just got a little more dangerous.

[aopaq]

Here's what Transport Canada says about Moldova:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Transdniestria, a region in the northeast of Moldova. The security situation is unstable and unpredictable, and the region is not under government control. There are frequent checkpoints. As there is no Canadian Government Office in Modova, Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in this region.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/rep...g.asp?id=191000

Wonderful!

Apparently my ancestors are from Moldova... I'm pretty curious about the whole thing!

Just a note that I have always found the official Canadian country status reports quite a bit more on the cautious side than is perhaps necessary/reality.
Consider what they say about Thailand which many people are travelling to without any major reservations or problems.

There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Canadians are advised to exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events), tourist areas frequented by foreigners, and on public transportation. Reports suggest that there is an ongoing terrorist threat in Thailand and attacks could occur at any time, anywhere, throughout the Kingdom. While we have no evidence to suggest that Canadians will be directly targeted, there is a risk of becoming an inadvertent victim of a terrorist attack.

I would definitely not hesitate to visit Moldova, or Thailand if given the chance!

[starlagurl]

It's true, the government always errs on the side of caution that's for sure.

Last year, Australia had a travel warning out for Canada!

Avoid Canada, there are sometimes avalanches.

[nixsboys]

This is about a year old from Forbes.com, but I thought it was interesting.

Would you agree? Have you been to any of these places lately?

9. Zimbabwe

IJet has deemed Zimbabwe a "failing state." Both government and economic affairs are dismal with an oppressive leadership that condones the use of force against dissenters and unimaginable rates of inflation as well as financial risk to foreign companies. Though the country is home to the tourist destination Victoria Falls, foreigners should be aware of anti-Western sentiments expressed by the government.

I agree with everyone that you can travel to these places but you have to be careful and keep your eye out for the unusual. Zimbabwe has got increasingly worse over the past few years. I personally have not visited it for a number of years mainly due to the fact I got shot at with my friends in a car going past a property seige. Our saving grace was the fact we had South African number plates and not Zim ones otherwise we too may have been another white fatality.

If you have the desire to vist Victoria Falls I would go from the Zambian side.

[rpbroz]

El Salvador, where I have been living for the past 15 years was just listed in the top 10 most violent countries, doesn´t do much to improve tourism and the violence is really limited to San Salvador the capital. I feel that for most travellers who use common sense El Salvador is a great destination, not yet ruined by tourist and the people are very out going and friendly.
If your thiking on a trip to Central America don´t write off El Salvador it is well worth the visit.
Robert

[rbisset]

I can't say I felt too safe walking around in San Salvador, even during the day! It's the only Lonely Planet map I've seen that has indications on which streets NOT to walk down.

That said I felt safer there than in San Jose, Costa Rica. That place is a hell hole!

[rpbroz]

I can't say I felt too safe walking around in San Salvador, even during the day! It's the only Lonely Planet map I've seen that has indications on which streets NOT to walk down.

That said I felt safer there than in San Jose, Costa Rica. That place is a hell hole!

Thanks for the comment, that is basically what I ment to say, just like any big city there are areas that are not very safe, prostitution, drugs and gangs, but if you do your research, you should be fine.
Robert

[starlagurl]

Where did you see that list, rpbroz?