Traveling to popular tourist destinations can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it’s important to be aware of potential hidden dangers that may not be obvious.. Here are 18 risks that travelers should be mindful of when visiting well-known destinations around the world:
Pickpocketing
Popular cities, such as Rome, Paris and Barcelona are known for their beautiful landmarks, but unfortunately they’re also known for pickpockets. Pickpockets and scam artists target tourists who are vulnerable as they’re busy enjoying their vacation and may drop their guard while having fun. Tourists should be cautious around busy attractions and bustling market areas where it’s hard to maintain distance from others.
High Altitudes
High-altitude destinations, such as Machu Picchu in Peru and Mount Kenya in Kenya, can cause people to feel really sick. Altitude sickness leads to symptoms like headaches, nausea and dizziness, which can all spoil your vacation. It’s best to acclimatize in areas with a lower altitude before ascending any climbs.
Contaminated Water
You may be used to drinking tap water on some vacations but there’s certain countries where water isn’t safe to drink. Bali, Indonesia and much of India are just a couple of examples where it’s best to drink bottled water. If you become ill with contaminated water you can experience vomiting and diarrhea as well as feeling fatigued.
Extreme Hot Weather
Destinations such as the Grand Canyon, USA and Timbuktu, Mali reach very high temperatures, which can be a threat to life. While many hot countries have breathtaking scenery they can be dangerous due to their extreme heat in summer and sudden temperature drops at night. Proper hydration and preparation are essential if you’re traveling to places that consistently exceed 100 degrees.
Unregulated Adventures
Whether it’s ziplining in Thailand or white water rafting in Uganda, high-octane activities can be extra dangerous when you’re abroad. Not all operators adhere to safety regulations so you should research and choose reputable companies to avoid accidents.
Political Unrest and Protests
Places like Paris, France and Chile have experienced political unrest with many public protests in popular tourist areas. While generally safe, some political protests can turn violent so you should keep informed of current events in your country of travel and avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.
Dangerous Wildlife Encounters
From deadly spiders in Australia to poisonous snakes in sub-Saharan Africa, the world is full of deadly wildlife. Travelers should be aware of your surroundings, especially in the outback or coastal areas where there’s an abundance of dangerous animals.
Drug-Related Crime
Some parts of the U.S and countries such as Mexico experience high levels of drug crime. While many parts of the U.S. and Mexico are safe for tourists, certain areas are plagued by drug-related violence which is why visitors should stick to well-known tourist areas and avoid venturing into unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Overtourism Leading to Accidents
Popular destinations such as Santorini, Greece and Venice, Italy are very popular and can become overcrowded in summer months. The narrow streets of Santorini are often very busy, leading to accidents and falls. It’s important to be cautious, especially when navigating steep areas with heavy foot traffic.
Environmental Hazards
Some countries, such as Iceland are prone to environmental hazards like volcanic eruptions, geysers and glacier crevasses. When you’re navigating new terrains you should follow all safety warnings and stick to marked paths.
Unsafe Swimming Conditions
Beaches such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Hanakapiai Beach are very beautiful but their waters can be dangerous. Some waters can have strong currents and dangerous marine life which is why you should always swim in designated areas and heed local warnings.
Food Poisoning
It’s common for people to get food poisoning as people taste food they have never had before and take risks with street food in places like India and South Korea. While street food can be delicious, it can sometimes lead to food poisoning so it’s best to eat from places with high turnover and you should also be wary of water and ice outside of major cities.
Poor Emergency Services
Remote Islands offer an idyllic vacation but they can also be very isolated, making it difficult to get medical help. Popular remote destinations like the Maldives may not have adequate medical facilities or emergency services so you need to ensure you have proper travel insurance and be aware of the risks of isolation.
Natural Disasters
Many U.S. citizens are used to natural disasters such as hurricanes but many other popular vacation destinations are at risk too. For example, Japan is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. You should familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and safety procedures before visiting.
Terrorism Threats
Unfortunately, in today’s world there are serious risks of terrorism, particularly in London UK and parts of Europe, as recently seen in a foiled terrorist plot at Tylor Swift’s concert in Vienna. While most countries are generally safe, it’s important to stay vigilant in crowded areas and report any suspicious activities.
Air Pollution
Countries like China and Bangladesh suffer the worst air pollution in the world, which can be detrimental to respiratory health. Most weather apps will give insight into local air pollution figures so you should monitor air quality and wear masks if needed during high pollution days.
Overpriced and Unlicensed Taxis
Cities like Cairo in Egypt are overrun with unlicensed taxis and drivers overcharging tourists. It’s vital to use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps to avoid being scammed.
Cultural Misunderstandings
In countries like Dubai, UAE and Iran, it’s vital to understand how their strict laws work. For example, Dubai has strict laws regarding behavior, dress code, and public displays of affection. Ignorance of local customs can lead to fines or even arrest. Wherever you travel you need to educate yourself on local laws and cultural norms before visiting.
18 Reasons Why People Are Leaving Florida in Masses
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18 Reasons Why People Are Leaving Florida in Masses
