As the clock ticks further and further into the 21st century, there can be no denying the world is becoming an increasingly dangerous place. There are of course many reasons for this increase in danger, all of which are outside the scope of this post. However, one does need to hope that things begin to cool down in the near future, as many of the world’s most interesting, exotic and inspiring locations are in danger and remain too dangerous to visit for many travelers.
It’s with the hope that the world might once again turn toward the direction of peace that this post is written. Below, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the world’s most dangerous destinations that nonetheless make our list of bucket-list places to visit. While we certainly do not advise travel to these countries, we nonetheless look at them as places that we’d like to see before our short times aboard this tiny blue orb in the inky blackness of space comes to an end…
1. Syria
The ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis in Syria is a blot upon the world and must come to an end.
2. World Heritage Sites
In fact, the country’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites are all listed as in danger, and the world hopes that they will endure…
3. Afghanistan
The site of America’s longest-running war, we don’t need to tell you why Afghanistan remains dangerous to this day.
4. Band-E-Amar
Still, the danger can do nothing to quell the natural beauty of places like Band-E-Amar, the country’s most noteworthy national park.
5. Iraq
The conflict in Iraq is the second-longest running behind the conflict in Afghanistan, and the country remains dangerous.
6. Baghdad
This is true of the country’s capital, which still surprisingly endures despite the many hardships it has faced.
7. Iran
While the government of Iran may be hostile toward westerners, the same (most often) cannot be said for the Iranian people.
8. Andy Warhol Museum
And Iran is full of things that will surprise westerns, such as the Andy Warhol Museum in the heart of Tehran.
9. Libya
The fall of Gadhafi’s government unfortunately did not have the positive benefits that many had expected.
10. Farwa Peninsula
Still, it is possible to visit the country and to enjoy places like the Faraw Peninsula that remain somewhat detached from ongoing conflicts.
11. North Korea
Donald Trump may want to “destroy” it, but there’s more to this hermetic country than meets the eye.
12. Pyongyang
You’ll need to mind your p’s and your q’s, but the sights in Pyongyang are it once fascinating and arresting.
13. Mali
Internecine warfare has long plagued Mali, a country of beautiful landscapes and incredible archaeological treasures.
14. Djenne
For example, this town that dates back over two millennia is home to some of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture in the world.
15. Pakistan
If you travel to Pakistan, don’t be surprised if you’re required to maintain an armed escort throughout your journeys.
16. Hingol National Park
If you go, you’ll absolutely want to check out this national park, which is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.
17. Colombia
Things may have calmed down here since the early 90s, but make no mistake that drug cartels are still big business in Colombia.
18. Cartagena, Colombia
Still, if you’re a wise traveler, you can avoid trouble. And that’s good, because Cartagena is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
19. Sudan
A number of conflicts and incidents have conspired to make Sudan one of the most dangerous places to travel in the world.
20. Napatan Region
But, it might be worth going, because the archeological sites of the Napatan Region are simply breathtaking and awe-inspiring.