All of the money in the world is a big deal, but not without the guarantee that you’ll have the luxury of life to spend it after your trips to the edges of the abyss. Some places hold such strong emotions of fear, dread, and discomfort that several travel community members say they’ll never go there, no matter what they’re paid.
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a city of fanfare and fun, but several respondents on the thread say they’ll never understand why people go there. One individual says, “Dubai reminds me of Las Vegas. They try to use money and lights to distract you from the ugly reality.” Contributors on the thread have human rights concerns, and a woman presents her thoughts this way: “I have a coworker who travels to Dubai almost every year. I tried telling her about slavery, but she said, ‘Well, they need a job.’
2. Somalia
Wrapped in wars and ruthless tourist murders by armed militias, Somalia is a complex storm not to be stepped into for any amount of money in the world, according to a contributor on the thread. Lightening the mood of the conversation, someone jokingly replies that the US travel advisory asks anyone who would go to Somalia to “have a designated contact for hostage negotiations” and “notify next of kin of their travel plans if a body needs to be sent.”
3. Burkina Faso
A forum member claims he’ll turn down free travel to the West African country of Burkina Faso, tagging it “a place of civil unrest and high risk of terrorist attack, kidnapping, and banditry.” A second person narrates how a friend in the Peace Cord almost lost his life to a deadly disease and was flown home abruptly. “That experience shaped my opinion of that place forever,” he expounds.
4. North Sentinel Island
North Sentinel Island of the Andamans in India is one of the unexplored territories of the world. The government restrictions put it off limits to protect indigenous Sentinelese and to protect tourists so they do not get hurt or maimed by the locals who want nothing to do with the outside world, someone explains. Another individual says they’ll never go there. “You can go there; you just can’t leave,” a third person cheekily replies.
5. Myanmar
A woman claims she spent pre-adolescence in Myanmar, and the experience of fear and uncertainty around that country is still very present today. Corroborating her claims, a second member explains that the Myanmar war never stopped. “It’s heartbreaking that Myanmar has continued to roll into the darkest of places through the ages,” he continues.
6. Egypt
Strong concerns about human rights, safety, and Egypt’s fundamentalist ideas yank it off the travel bucket list for many forum members. “Egypt is awful for street safety. Awful if you’re an Egyptian woman, awful if you’re a foreign woman. Just don’t go out as a woman,” one member blurts. Another individual claims she wouldn’t go anywhere she would feel unsafe traveling alone.
7. Gary, Indiana, United States
A contributor says Gary, Indiana, will always be off their bucket list, even for the priciest gifts in the world. A respondent explains it could only be for safety reasons as “the gray skies of Indiana match the brown deteriorated buildings.” Someone adds that Gary is nearly a ghost town now, and horror stories happen daily.
8. India
For one Individual, India is the one place he wouldn’t go to again for anything. “Been there once. Now I tell people who haven’t been or want to go, don’t do it!” he further explains. Another contributor claims the depressing nature of India due to income inequalities and scarce resources.
9. Brazil
One forum member voiced his displeasure at visiting Brazil, and a second person asked anyone to stay away from Rio and ensure they got a Brazilian tour guide if they ever needed to see it. Out of the blue, a final online community member dubs Brazil a Player versus Player (PVP) zone.
10. China
“I’m Chinese. But I’ll never, ever, ever return to the ‘motherland.’ Not even for a visit or an all-expenses-paid vacation,” a Chinese national voiced without apology. A curious traveler who has always wanted to visit China asks for a sincere review. A third person says the problem with China is the people and the government. “I find a lot of them rude, crude..and loud! I am extremely wary of the government too.”
More From Savoteur
Traditions are, like every other thing, ephemeral. The inevitability of cultural shifts is constant with the passing of time, and with these changes often come the gradual erosions of binding values that may, sadly, bring back nostalgia for the times we wish we could have again. Come with us down the recollections of the good old days we may only continue to cherish in fond memories.
11 Once-Beloved Long-Term American Traditions That Are All But Gone
The 10 States With The Most Firearm Fatalities: Is Yours The Worst?
Firearm fatalities continue to be a pressing issue in the United States, with certain states bearing the brunt of this tragic problem. Here, we present a list of the ten most dangerous states, highlighting their firearm fatality statistics and shedding light on the contributing factors.
The 10 States With The Most Firearm Fatalities: Is Yours The Worst?
12 Most Dangerous Rivers Across the World To Avoid Dipping Your Toes Into
There’s an exciting frenzy in stepping into new waters. Because rivers are a vital part of our ecosystem, they make for some of the best tourist hotspots to refresh and catch up with the lush serenity nature has on offer.
Some rivers, however, are notorious for their treacherous currents, unpredictable rapids, and dangerous wildlife. This guide shows you which rivers you should not dip or swim in when you finally stand before their sprawling waters.
12 Most Dangerous Rivers Across the World To Avoid Dipping Your Toes Into
10 Biggest Culture Shocks Southerners Had Visiting the North in America
America is a divided nation — or so it would seem if we are to believe the news media, with their non-stop live reporting on the great social divide. We’ve been there before. In the Civil War, it was North vs. the South; in hip hop, it was the East Coast vs. West Coast divide. However, now it seems to be a rural vs. urban divide.
Regardless, some Southerners still find the North a surprise. A recent discussion sheds some light on the matter, with people sharing their biggest surprises about their northern neighbors.
10 Biggest Culture Shocks Southerners Had Visiting the North in America
10 Places People Would Travel if They Had 2 Weeks Anywhere in the World
Where would you go if you had two weeks to explore the world? Would you choose to relax on an isolated beach, party in a city with a vibrant nightlife scene – or something in between? Experienced travelers discussed this question recently in an online forum, and the result is a concrete list of places to visit if you had two weeks to spend anywhere in the world!
10 Places People Would Travel if They Had 2 Weeks Anywhere in the World
