‘Dangerous’ countries travellers decide to visit anyway

Tell a person you’re visiting Africa, South America or the Middle East and you’re likely to be met with a confused look and a word of warning about how dangerous the place is. But sometimes it pays to go against all the negative press and decide for yourself whether or not a place is worth travelling to or not. Members of the Travel at 60 community have come forward to let us know where in the world they were told not to go and visited anyway!

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1. South Africa

“Just mention that to folks and their eyes widen, they take a deep breath and launch into telling you how unsafe Johannesburg is, before asking your itinerary,” says Libby. “We have enjoyed several trips, safely tucked up in Simon’s Town at our daughters beautiful BnB. From there we have have self driven the Garden route, up the West Cape and all the towns in between, Eshowe, Durban, and the beaches south of there.”

2. Russia

“I had someone tell me that they knew someone who disappeared in Russia and they had heard lots of similar stories, also ‘gypsy’ pickpockets in Moscow,” says Jennifer. “No trouble (didn’t disappear) and didn’t see any gypsies begging/picking pockets and just loved all the history and art.”

3. Egypt

“[Visited] Egypt just after 9/11. Never felt worried for a moment,” says Sheryl and Travel at 60 reader, Joanne, agrees, adding: “Yes Egypt. Loved it and felt very safe. Would love to go back again.”

4. India

Sometimes it’s worth not listening to what your relatives tell you. “My mother said don’t go to India! I went for 1 month and it was the best time ever,” recalls Tracey. 

5. Colombia

The country might be known for stereotypes about the drug trade, but Travel at 60 reader, Linda, was happy to take the risk. “Colombia, Bogota actually! Loved it!”

Have you ever been warned not to travel to a county but went there anyway? Tell us all about it in the comments below.