Ever done something just because you were specifically told NOT to do it?
Good. We like you already. 😉
Some places in the world seem permanently off-limits. People will tell you not to go because it’s simply too dangerous. Too bad for the adventurous among us. We like to believe there’s more to a place than just its dangerous reputation.
But imagine if someone came along and took you on a guided tour designed for the wild at heart? Doesn’t matter what anyone says — you’d so do this tour wouldn’t you?
Welcome to the World’s Most Dangerous Tour**
In Brief
We’ll start off in the capital of a tropical paradise gone gangsta — Port Moresby and make our way into Asia. In Asia you’ll be first hand witness to Kim Jong Un’s bizarre dictatorial world. We will then find ourselves in the home of India’s unfriendly neighbours and continue to make our way into a country known more for its war than its history these days.
Moving further into the Middle East, we’ll make an appearance in Yemen before changing pace and throwing ourselves into the land of pirates — Somalia. But before the pirates can make a bid for you, we’ll flee to the other end of the continent and explore a country that has made itself a reputation with civil unrest and scamming the online world.
From thugs to drugs — you will find yourself waking up in a country of beautiful women and cocaine fueled wars. Moving slightly north, Honduras will welcome us with white beaches, more women and even more coke. Finally, we arrive at our last stop where weed is plentiful, mun! (*insert your best Jamaican accent here*)
Still interested? Well, pack your bags for an adrenaline rush of a lifetime because this is a trip you will never forget.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1–2: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: Dance the Tropical Nights away
Source: flickr
Arrive in Port Moresby — the capital of Papua New Guinea — (in)famous for its thriving crime rate that threatens the stability of this natural paradise. The aim? Stay alive.
When stepping out, the recommended garb is torn jeans to avoid looking like a moneytree (and probably some betel nut to chew as you try to blend in with the locals). There is a reason many flock the country despite the risks though. Nightlife in the capital is heavenly, the sheer exoticism bewildering.
Day 3–4: Pyongyang, North Korea: Bowl in the City of Illusions – Minus the Dazzle
Source: flickr
There are two ways you can gain entry into the DPRK: be part of a business delegation or join a tour of invited guests, a carefully choreographed affair. Either way, you will be debriefed on what’s expected of you, and swift deportation awaits you should you fail to adhere to the ‘decorum’.
We won’t be allowed to do much on our own as we’ll be shown the “best” of the country. Expect to see bowling alleys, ghost hotels, pretend cafes and fake markets. Being a tourist isn’t boring in North Korea.
Day 5–7: Peshawar, Pakistan: Witness the Rich South Asian History
Source: flickr
We will make a swift departure (or be deported — depending on our behaviour) from Pyongyang and head to the frontier city of Pakistan. It frequently makes it to the list of most dangerous places in the world given the warring factions comprising tribes and warlords battling for supremacy.
Dangers aside, experience delicious food, historic sites and ancient ruins, great architecture, museums and nature parks, shopping bazaars, and who would have guessed – a St. John’s cathedral too!
Day 8–9: Kabul, Afghanistan: Close Encounters with the Bearded Kind
Source: flickr
Feeling adventurous still? It’s time to take a road trip from Pakistan to Afghanistan. However intrepid a traveler you may be, political temperature of Afghanistan has kept most of us away. But not anymore.
You’ll need a moment to relax after the hectic bus journey. Kabul has a swelling number of hotspots, and yes, booze is allowed (hookah pipes too). You still can’t mix with the opposite sex though. Given its historic background, Kabul is not short of attractions also. (what’s left of them anyway)
Day 10–11: Sana’a, Yemen: The ‘Ghost City’
Source: flickr
Yemen, and particularly Sana’a, has for years now become extremely unstable after the Arab uprising that sought to oust president Ali Abdulla Saleh who has since regrouped and seeks to take over power with the help of the Houthi rebels. The locals are now calling it a ghost city as death pervades the night.
If you feel adventurous/curious enough, the Old City will make for an interesting view of what remains of the beautiful architecture from a peaceful past.
In the morning, we head to Africa!
Day 12–13: Mogadishu, Somalia: Take Selfies with the Locals
Source: flickr
Somalia has been at war for decades now, with Mogadishu playing center to the kidnappings, roadside bombs and hunger.
War aside, a number of attractions can be found in Somalia: from the stunning, sprawling coastline and sparkling seas to the beautiful architecture. We will avoid getting on a boat though (no kidnappings on our watch). Instead we’ll head to, Bakara Market where you can find a smorgasbord of items ranging from food to AK-47 weapons on sale. And oh, they appreciate their beauty, especially the ladies, so remember to take selfies with the locals!
Day 14–15: Lagos, Nigeria: Exciting City of Chaos
Source: flickr
We’ll start off our 3rd week on the trip with a visit to Lagos. It has never been known for a high level of personal safety but despite its reputation, it’s changing into a thriving city.
When it comes to fun, however, few places can do it in Africa like the former capital can. It’s almost impossible not to have a good time amidst the chaos and liveliness of Lagos.
Day 16–17: Caracas, Venezuela: See the Macaws of Caracas at Sunset
Source: flickr
Many people may associate Caracas with street crime and thuggery. Throw in guns and drugs and it makes for a testarossa of a testimony.
On the good side, the Venezuelan capital has near-perfect weather. Picture city life amid mountains, terrific food, exquisite art, a cultural haven, splendid coffee, and yes – some of the most beautiful women in the world!
Day 18–19: San Pedro Sula, Honduras: Visit the Awe-inspiring Lost Cities
Source: flickr
It has been called the murder capital of the world. San Pedro Sula is a dangerous city but it’s not short of attractions and exciting activities to indulge in, bar the coke.
White sandy beaches abound and with them, boat tours and varied water sports. National parks and the legendary jungle expeditions are a must. It is home to mysterious ancient civilizations and the nightlife in San Pedro will forever be etched in memory.
Day 20–21: Kingston, Jamaica: Light up the Kush in the Caribbean Wild West
Source: flickr
Famous for its Rastafarian spirit, Jamaica (Kingston, especially) is considered one of the more potentially dangerous nations in the Caribbean.
The capital is a contrast of sorts. There is Downtown, the west of which plays host to the ghettos of Tivoli Gardens and Trench Town where the rule of law is unheard of. Then there is Uptown, home to the city’s best restaurants and hotels. There is never a boring day in Kingston, and with weed now legal, you have access to some of the world’s best stash!
Day 22 onwards: We recommend ending the trip with a week of recovery on a Caribbean island. We think you’ll need it. 😉
Would you join us on this tour of the most dangerous cities in the world? Any other cities you’d like to add to the list? We’d love to know.
**Disclaimer: This is an imaginary tour. We are not advising anyone to visit the places mentioned in this tour. If you are inspired to travel to any of these locations, please take the appropriate safety measures. SingleManTravel.com bears no responsibility for any travel plans the reader chooses to undertake.
Bate Massa says
Lets put it straight this was one of the most creative articles on travel I have read. Instead of just making a list of most dangerous cities you came up with something knew. The places I will probably visit are the last four on the list.