5 more destinations that aren't as safe as you think
Last month we ran through six popular destinations that aren’t safe as you think. Here are five more travel destinations to add to the list that might be potentially dangerous to visit right now.
Bali
More than one million Aussie tourists head to Bali every year, making it one of our favourite overseas destinations. But most people probably don’t know that more than 100 Australians also die in Indonesia each year, from a combination of accidents, illness or crime (including terrorism). The Australian government often issues travel warnings about the island due to an increased threat of terrorism, though there have been no major events since 2005.
India
India is a fascinating country filled with some of the world’s most remarkable monuments, incredible food and a vibrant mix of cultures. But it’s not without problems. Rape and sexual assault are relatively common, and female tourists have been targeted. Some areas of the country are a no-go because of terrorism or international conflict, like parts of Kashmir on the Pakistan border.
Mexico
It might look like a place of endless sunshine, pristine beaches and plenty of margaritas, but Mexico has a seriously dark underbelly. Drugs are a huge problem and with them comes drug-related violence from the criminal cartels who control the supply. While they tend to only hurt each other, in some areas the violence spills over into the rest of the population – and tourists. Two Australian men were killed by a gang in a suspected robbery gone wrong in 2015.
Belize
This small Central American nation is sandwiched between the sparkling Caribbean Sea and lush, untouched jungle. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, scuba divers or anyone just looking to get away from it all. But it also has the third highest murder rate in the world. Several North American tourists have been killed in recent years, including some who were attacked in their hotel rooms.
Bulgaria
This charming Balkan nation offers a beguiling mix of nature, history and adventure, with a beautiful coastline along the Black Sea. Unfortunately, crimes against tourists are quite common in Bulgaria, ranging from simple pickpocketing to more serious assaults and burglaries in hotel rooms. The real problems start when you try to report crimes to police – they are notoriously unreliable and often corrupt.
Have you been to these destinations?
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