There are so many beautiful places to see on this planet; the opportunities are endless. You deserve to go somewhere beautiful and enriching without worrying about safety. Unfortunately, the world can be dangerous, but relying on others to help you with your travel plans can be a game changer.
1. Zamora, Mexico
This city in the heart of Mexico offers interesting historical sites, including an iconic cathedral. Unfortunately, it also suffers from escalating gang violence and a high murder rate. In 2021, it was rated the most dangerous city in the world. If you must travel to Zamora, stay with a group and always be aware of your surroundings.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
According to the WSJ, Philadelphia has seen a decline in poverty and homicide rates. However, the beautiful city of Philadelphia has a long way to go. The large decline is most likely a result of the high crime. Still, Philadelphia struggles with other issues like drug overdoses.
If you must visit Philly, be sure to visit the popular attractions, which will attract large crowds. Here, you’ll be much safer.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This is a city for those who want to party. Rio has everything a partier wants—clubs, festivals, beaches, and some of the world’s most beautiful people. It is hard not to have fun in Rio de Janeiro. However, the city could be more safe. Muggings, stick-ups, and pickpocketing are very common. The city is riddled with organized crime, and tourists are an easy target. Travelers are warned to be cautious and stay in groups.
4. Lima, Peru
Lima is the home base city for those who want to go to the historical site of Machu Pichu. Thousands of tourists come through the city to make the pilgrimage to the beautiful site. Lima authorities have contacted travelers to be cautious and travel in large groups at night. Be aware of your surroundings, and you should be okay in Lima.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
People come from all over the world to get a taste of New Orleans culture. While the city can be fun, there is an underlayer to New Orleans that can be dangerous. Unfortunately, bad people target drunk partiers for robbery. There are a ton of dark back alleys and sketchy parts of the famous Bourbon Street that one should just not go down. Please, just be aware and stay in groups. That is the best possible situation.
6. Kingston, Jamaica
When visiting Jamaica, you are left with a feeling of not having a care in the world. Why not? You are on island time. However, the biggest city, Kingston, is the opposite of carefree. The city is full of violent gang activity and drug trafficking.
Tourists are a perfect target for petty theft and cheap cons. It’s best to stay in the all-inclusive resorts if you are looking for a safe trip. Avoid late nights in the city and be cautious of your surroundings for the best trip possible.
7. Acapulco, Mexico
Once one of the hottest spots south of the border, Acapulco was a vacationer’s paradise. High-rise hotels with the best restaurants and beaches were packed with tourists enjoying everything Mexico had to offer. Well, that was ruined. Stay at the resorts—the city is overrun by cartels that make a living in human trafficking and drug smuggling.
8. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is a wildlife lover’s dream. There are national parks where tourists flock for real African safaris. However, expert travelers warn people to avoid scams that can endanger them. You only want the best tour guides to take you out to the wild to see animals that could literally eat you. The country has also seen a rise in crime against tourists. Unfortunately, travelers are walking targets.
9. Johannesburg, South Africa
The city has seen an increase in violent crime over the years, not to mention the lack of public transportation and horrible air pollution, so you can probably pass it up on your next vacation. If you do find yourself there, hide all your valuables. Theft is rampant, and the thieves know how to spot a target.
10. Tijuana, Mexico
Tijuana is a small border town just south of San Diego, California. As a local San Diegan, I can tell you all about the dangers of the neighboring town. Yes, it can be fun to go down and enjoy some delicious food and beers, but parts of the city are hazardous.
The town can have gang wars, with different cartels fighting for power. Americans can be a target for easy cash or even human trafficking. Stay away from the red-light district and avoid visiting the city at night for optimal safety.
11. Cali, Colombia
The city of Cali in Colombia is a nightlife lover’s dream. Clubs can stay open until 7 a.m., letting tourists and residents party until the sun comes up. Of course, this can come with some problems.
Drug cartels run the city, and many people who party until the morning are innocent bystanders; problems can be dangerous. Sometimes, tourists are naive and get involved with the wrong crowd. It’s best to enjoy the city’s natural beauty and avoid partying until you black out.
12. Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas is a vibrant town known for its great museums, restaurants, live music, and nightlife. However, there is a dark side to one of the bigger cities in Venezuela. The economy and politics of Venezuela are not very stable, and locals have been fed up for a while. Many demonstrations have turned violent, leaving casualties in the streets. With minimal security to keep the streets safe, it might be best to keep Caracas off your travel list for a while.
13. Kabul, Afghanistan
The city of Kabul has always been a tourist attraction for the Museum of Afghanistan and Darul Arman Palace. The city is a gorgeous place rich with history, but the threat of terrorist attacks is too much these days. There is a constant threat in Kabul, and a pleasant day there can turn deadly in an instant. It’s too bad this place cannot be explored more.
14. Islamabad, Pakistan
Home to many sacred sights, Islamabad is quickly becoming unsafe for its tourists. The city has many tourist attractions for Muslims, but more violence has deterred people from visiting lately. With a lack of security in the country, some visitors have faced scrutiny from the security officers themselves. Checkpoints and inhumane force have landed Islamabad on a long list of cities people should avoid.
15. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has had a checkered past. It is a well-known site for race riots and political struggles. It has since moved to dangerous gang violence. As of 2023, there are close to 100 estimated gangs. Now, not all of Cape Town is bad, but the corners can be enough to steer tourists clear of this South African city.
16. Fortaleza, Brazil
Like many resort towns, Fortaleza has a vast difference between the rich and the poor. Slums are widespread in Fortaleza, and tourists usually don’t see the poor side of the beautiful town. Problems in the city involve corrupt cops, poverty, and gang activity. Like other resort towns, stay in the facilities to avoid any trouble.
17. St. Louis, Missouri
I don’t know anyone who has St. Louis on their list of vacation spots, but please, just stay away. The city has a massive drug problem, and homicides are through the roof, with 88 homicides per 100,000 people. You don’t need to see a giant arch or the Cardinals playing a baseball game that bad. Keep going west; it’s prettier out that way anyway.