As Westerners, we’re generally used to floating around cities, often late at night, without really worrying about our personal safety. Yes, there are risks, but we all know they’re low.
However, when you travel abroad, that’s not always the case. Many countries are hazardous, and some are downright dangerous for anyone who looks like they might have the tiniest bit of wealth.
This post looks at some countries where Western people need to be careful. While these countries are by no means no-go zones, you’ll still want to have your wits about you if you decide to travel to them.
Honduras
Honduras is a Central American country in the tropics, near to the much friendlier Costa Rica. The location is well known for its beautiful environment and stunning mountains.
Unfortunately, the country is being ravaged by drug cartels and gang violence. Both are major issues and the government can’t always guarantee complete control over the entire territory.
As such, people visiting the region should steer clear of known danger zones. If possible, it is best to travel with guarded transport, especially when leaving the safety of the big cities and travelling into the hinterland. It is also probably wise to cover the face in the car and make your motorcade look as nondescript as possible to avoid drawing attention.
South Africa
South Africa was once the jewel of the entire continent and among the only countries in the region to achieve a reasonable standard of living for its people. But of, course, that’s not the case anymore. The country is now in the midst of a sectarian nightmare with a general breakdown of law and order in many of its cities and townships. Even Cape Town now has a bad reputation.
The main issues are theft, mugging, and carjacking. If you leave the tourist hotspots, these crimes become real risks, with the potential for serious injury.
The best strategy when visiting South Africa is to arrange a private protection unit, preferably one you can trust. These groups keep you safe if you plan to travel between cities or go on Safari. Usually, the gangs won’t target you, but you have to find the right racket. If you get it wrong, then your so-called protectors could turn on you or demand additional payment to continue providing services.
Venezuela
Venezuela is another country that’s open to tourists but requires you to take precautions as a Westerner. It’s not the friendliest of places thanks to all the violent crime and drug money in the region.
What’s more, the country is on the verge of collapse. It is unlikely it will remain a functioning state for much longer because of extreme corruption from the top officials.
The most dangerous place is arguably Caracas. This city is home to some of the most notorious drug barons in the whole of South America, and because the country is in Russian orbit, the US hasn’t been able to do much about the problem.
If you’re planning a visit to the country, ensure you hire armed protection. You want at least two security guards with you at all times to ensure safety and protect against gang violence.
Always research the safest places to go and don’t venture beyond your compound without proper planning. Look for hotels and places to stay with safe rooms where you can hide out until help comes or the danger passes.
Papua New Guinea
You hear of lots of people going to Bali in Indonesia and Cebu in the Philippines. But hardly anyone ever goes to Papua New Guinea. Why? After all, it has stunning scenery and offers some of the world’s last true remaining unexplored wildernesses.
With that said, drug trafficking and gang violence are serious issues in the country. The territory struggles to maintain law and order, with many areas off-limits.
Tourists with phones should be particularly careful. Can an iPhone be hacked? It’s difficult. But local gangs know how to crack phones and steal details, including banking information. Therefore, keep phones safe in lock boxes or rely more on guides for communications if visiting the area.
Mali
Lastly, there’s Mali, a country in West Africa. While it doesn’t hate the West outright like Afghanistan, it’s not particularly fond of people from wealthy countries. In recent years, it’s had serious political issues and terrorism as it tries to establish nationhood. The government doesn’t have much control over parts of northern Mali which remain infested with dangerous groups that might try to cause harm.
