Alright, so we all know places like the Maldives and New Zealand are shit hot destinations to visit. Ya know, you’ve got beaches, you’ve got hikes, you’ve got coconuts on tap, yada yada. But no one tells you where to avoid!
Well here at The Roaming Renegades I’m keeping it real because honestly, there have been some places out there we’ve NOT loved. And that’s ok!
But when travel bucks are short and you’ve only got a couple of opportunities to travel a year. Why pick somewhere full of mongrels trying to rip you off or food that’s as tasty as Ghandi’s flip flop!?
So let’s check out our top 10 worst countries to visit. Because I like to get a bit controversial at times! Let’s see if you get triggered!?
Anyway, I’ve provided some alternatives to the worst places in the world to keep things positive!
I can already sense the incoming comments from locals just begging to prove me right! Morocco might be Insta-famous, and honestly, with good reason, but out of almost 80 countries I’ve visited, this was by far the most hostile environment I’ve faced as a visitor.
It’s the only place I’ve been screamed and shouted at for resisting a scam. And it’s not just the odd person either. Walk down the street in Fes or Marrakesh, and it’s every five minutes! It might just be the worst country for tourists ever!
In Morocco, it feels like, as a visitor, you’re only tolerated as long as you can be sucked dry of all your money. Plus, it’s one of the worst countries to visit as a woman in the world and to be honest, most of the attractions here are overrated massively.
Cities are overcrowded, and the fumes of the two-stroke bikes hang in the air of the medinas. Aggressive touts prowl the souks attempting to get you hopelessly lost, and the cuisine is overhyped, bland and most likely going to give you food poisoning.
If you’re looking for all the best bits about Morocco, such as the impressive architecture and sunny weather, then head down to Granada and Seville in Andalusia instead.
This area of Spain was occupied by the Moors for many years and is home to some impressive Islamic architecture, like the Alhambra and the Alcázar. Plus, Spain has some of the best food in the world. It’s fresh, full of flavour and healthy … everything a salmonella tagine is not!
You’ve also got the many magnificent islands of Spain, too, some of which kinda remind me of a European version of Bali, Mallorca in particular.
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Granada’s old town, this lovely hotel offers spacious rooms with super comfy beds that are equipped with flat screen TV’s and a mini bar. There is also a breakfast buffet that is served every morning, plus an à la carte restaurant that serves Mediterranean cuisine – yum!
FYI – This is the best bit of this shit heap, go somewhere else! Image: The Roaming Renegades
Okay, okay, so those of you who are paying attention here might have spotted that I’ve lowkey just told you to visit Spain!
Now let’s have some context here. When I say “worst countries to visit”, I don’t always mean those that give you the ol runny bum or where you’ll be chased through a market like Aladdin!
In fact, Spain is one of my favourite countries, but man, as a Brit, it’s just overdone. When I say Spain, I kinda mean certain parts of it, but that doesn’t really cover the brief of “worst countries to travel to”. Think Ibiza, Benidorm and Magaluf, to name a few.
As anyone from the UK will tell you, as a kid, this is where we went on holiday. Sure, I’ve got many happy memories here, but I would visit places absolutely devoid of Spanish culture and essentially just a British colony! As I’ve got older, I’ve realised this is the exact opposite of what travelling is and should be.
Plus, it’s kinda gone expensive!
Good Things:
Some of the best food in the world.
The culture here is so passionate and diverse, especially in places like Toledo.
If you’re looking for a similar travel distance with those Mediterranean vibes, then Portugal ticks all the boxes.
Despite Lisbon becoming more popular over the last decade and there being a few holiday spots popular with Brits, the country as a whole is much more authentic, cheaper and has a more edgy ambience. The coastline here tends to be also much more dramatic (which is even one of the coolest things you can do from Lisbon), and Portugal is home to some of the best surfing in Europe.
This stunning Art Deco hotel is located close to Avenida da Liberdade and just a short walk to Avenida Metro Station. Each of the elegant rooms has been thoughtfully designed and includes flat-screen TV’s, bathrobes, slippers and Molton Brown toiletries. There is also a 24-hour room service as well as a delicious breakfast buffet.
In all fairness, apart from having to sleep on a bed as soft as a wooden table, I did enjoy Pingyao! Image: The Roaming Renegades
China would have at one time been top of my 10 worst places to visit in the world, but I’ve since been to Morocco and India, so there’s that! In all honesty, I think I was too inexperienced when I visited China to deal with the challenges it poses to travellers.
Pushing and shoving, hell, even downright scrummages when it comes to queuing, then there’s the selfie stick wars. Full-on hocking up in public spaces, animal cruelty, McDonald’s on top of a mountain, complex scams… it certainly ticks all the boxes for being one of the world’s worst places!
Oh yeah, plastic rice and counterfeit eggs! Don’t even ask! At least I’ve heard the smog we experienced isn’t as bad these days. I’ll be honest, I’ve seen some of the most incredibly beautiful places on earth in China, but it just feels like they want to commercialise everything, including nature. For that, it’s one of the worst tourist countries in the world.
Vietnam is Southeast Asia’s version of China, just smaller and cheaper! The weather here is much more diverse than the rest of Southeast Asia. You’ve got rice paddies, mountains, and communism… but without the pain in the arse visa process.
There’s a lot of cultural crossover with China, including similar-style temples and celebrating the lunar new year. But there are a lot more adventures and freedoms to be had here, such as exploring the country on a motorbike or just relaxing by the coast.
Enjoy some affordable luxury at this stunning resort just outside of the beautiful town of Hoi An. Enjoy the massive pool, free bicycles, daily yoga and other activities as well as a fitness centre. Guests can also enjoy a tasty meal and drinks at the onsite restaurant and bar.
Delhi is the most insane place I’ve ever been… and the most polluted. Image: The Roaming Renegades
India has to be one of the worst countries to visit in Asia or even the world! Someone once told me “India isn’t for beginners”, and I honestly had no idea what they meant until I stepped into the cauldron of chaos, overstimulation and constant noise that is India. I’ve never seen a place so polluted, poverty-stricken, chaotic, dirty or overwhelming.
There is very little break from the sheer intensity of India, for better or for worse. Accommodation options can be marginal, the water is literally poison, and in many places, the scammers are just lining up waiting for you to fall into their trap. Our hostel in Delhi even tried to scam us!
India, outside of a resort in Goa at least, is for the experienced traveller and one who has sufficiently psyched themselves up to run the gauntlet. Nothing prepares you for it! But it does feel like proper travel, and if you get off the beaten track, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most wonderful experiences.
Good Things:
Amazing architecture, which is great for photography
Friendly locals who love to have a chat
Stunning landscapes that are vast and varied
Amazing beaches in the south
Great for veggies and generally amazing food all around.
If you want subcontinent culture without the smog, cold winters, vast distances and sheer volume of people, then head to Sri Lanka. This small island nation offers an unbelievable amount of variety for its size, boasting tea plantations, jungles, colonial towns, ancient structures and pristine beaches. It’s also a thriving digital nomad destination where you’ll find the cost of living super cheap.
Whilst India might be one of the world’s worst countries to visit as a beginner, Sri Lanka offers a nice, easy intro into the region.
Located very close to both the beach and Galle town this beautiful property is the ideal spot for every travellers. With exceptional features including a swimming pool, lush gardens, lounge area and restaurant, it’s super chill.
For whatever reason, many people seem to have Dubai on their travel list. But for me, it might just be the worst place to visit in the world!
The place is all top show, with no real culture and just basically rich people exploiting others whilst parading it all around in a never-ending circus. It doesn’t even feel like it has any class to go along with the money, either; it’s all just tacky and feels like a fake pop-up city. It’s the definition of superficial.
If you’re on a budget in Dubai, then your money isn’t going to go far here, although at least Uber is cheap! It’s a good job too because it’s not pedestrian-friendly at all, forget walking anywhere, even Dubai itself is spread out over 20-30km. If you’re looking for culture with easy access, this has to be one of the worst countries in the world to visit.
Good Things:
Feels very safe, clean and well-maintained
Great for a stopover when transiting through
People leave you alone
Cool landmarks such as the tallest building in the world
If the UAE might be one of the most horrible vacation spots I’ve been to, I was actually pleasantly surprised by its close neighbour, Qatar. Whilst still feeling a bit plasticy and Truman Show-esque, it did feel like it retained much more Qatari culture rather than just being all about shiny, flashy things.
There are also far fewer tourists, and things just feel much more chilled out. Many attractions are either close by with good walking routes or next to a metro too. Qatar Airlines also does a stopover package, which makes it a very cost-effective layover location.
Fair warning that Qatar isn’t backpacker friendly, but this Hilton hotel offers the best value in the city with comfortable beds, an onsite gym and a modern restaurant that caters for every guest. It’s also situated in prime location near all of the main attractions.
Egypt has to be one of the worst countries to visit in Africa, well, after Morocco, that is. It’s only further down the list because it’s got The Pyramids and a heap of incredible temples I was lowkey obsessed with as a kid! Other than that, I am afraid it’s Marrakesh vibes all over again.
It’s hot, dirty, dusty and once again, everyone is out to make a buck out of you in the most aggressive and unsavoury ways they can possibly come up with. God forbid you just want to take a walk down the street, minding your own business, soaking in all the culture. Hell nah, you’ll find yourself with a trail of knock-off tracksuit-wearing young men.
It’s scam-central, hella busy, and you’re more than likely going to end up shitting your back out over the porcelain throne… if you make it there on time! If you’ve got a sensitive stomach, it’s definitely the worst country in the world to visit!
Good Things:
Unmissable landmarks such as Karnak Temple, the Pyramids and Abu Simbel.
If you’re looking for Middle Eastern vibes with all the souks, aesthetic piles of spices and ancient history, then consider Turkey. The Turkish people are ridiculously friendly, wayyy more laid back and for the most part have learnt that visitors don’t like being pestered.
There are just as many landmarks to visit, plus some of the best beaches in the world, one of which you can even paraglide off a mountain onto. Then you’ve got the unique landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale, plus the food is actually legit delicious.
With an indoor pool for year round swimming and a prime location right next to the palace in Istanbul, this hotel is the perfect place to explore the wonders of Turkey’s biggest city from.
The USA might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of the worst countries in the world, but let’s think about it for a moment. Gun crime is rife, Trump and Elon are running amok, and it’s bloody expensive… plus, it’s full of Americans!
Not only that, but have you also noticed that when you take out your travel insurance, it shoots up to almost double if you’re travelling there? It’s one of the most unsafe countries to visit in the Western world. Whether it’s gangbangers or a redneck with a rifle, someone’s got a gun and they ain’t afraid to use it!
Ok, so I do love New York City, but man, that place is NOT backpacker-friendly anymore. Plus, it might be massive, but despite what the Yanks say, the culture doesn’t change as it does in Europe!
Good Things:
English speaking
Diverse landscapes and climates, which are good for year-round travel
Wonderful landmarks all around the country, including both man-made and natural.
An amazing number of beautiful national parks
Amazing cities such as NYC, LA, Boston and Chicago.
If you want vast open spaces, wide roads and a mixture of modern cities and remote country towns, then try Australia instead. Here, people are friendlier, and the culture is much more social with a laid-back and down-to-earth vibe. The scenery is just as incredible with tropical jungles, world-class beaches, plenty of national parks and even a ski resort! Plus, Australia is backpacker heaven!
As the name suggests, it’s a bit fancy but it’s still not too hard on the wallet if you’re looking for luxury. Established in 1883 you’ll be staying in a heritage property with modern amenities including a pillow menu, onsite restaurant and pub in the heart of Melbourne.
It’s only orange to show you how bloody hot it is in summer! Image: The Roaming Renegades
Ah ha, right then, let’s go because this one is going to be controversial! Is Italy the worst country to visit in Europe? Probably not, but it’s one of the worst vacation spots in the world when it comes to overcrowding, heat and expense.
If you happen to be one of those foolish people who hit up places like Venice, Rome and Florence in the summer months (hey, we’re speaking from experience here, but one time it was unavoidable because Rammstein!), then RIP! These cities are literally heaving sweatboxes with nowhere to escape and nothing else to eat but warm carbs on carbs!
I love a good creamy pasta, but carbonara on a busy street in 40 °C heat isn’t for me! Thank god for gelato! Oh, and with the overcrowding comes jacked-up prices for just about everything.
Do yourselves a favour and avoid Italian cities in the middle of the summer because they’re just about the worst place to go on holiday unless your only other option is, of course, the burning pits of hell!
Good Things:
Popular tourist sights are still worth seeing
The food is still some of the best in the world
The history and culture here are almost unmatched
There are amazing mountains, lakes and beaches if you want to escape the cities.
If you want a summer beach holiday on the Med, then hop over the water and try out Albania instead. The off-the-beaten-path gem is quickly heating up in popularity due to its unbeatable prices and pristine coastline. Plus, just like Italy, it’s got plenty of great hiking and stunning lakes to explore, as well as historic and cultural towns and cities.
You might think being in Berat means no swimming pool, well at Hotel Colombo, situated just outside of the old town, you can think again! This superb modern hotel has 2 pools, a spa and onsite restaurant.
I know it looks nice… but there are jellyfish in this water! Image: The Roaming Renegades
Okay, I feel the need to add a caveat when it comes to this entry on the top ten worst countries to visit. The Philippines is kinda amazing, I’m not going to lie. But it’s also a bit shit in other ways!
Whilst there are plenty of things to love in the Philippines. Things here are not exactly perfect, and those good things can often paper over the cracks of a country with a high rate of corruption, inequality, poverty, religious dogma and crime.
Manila and areas in the south of the country can feel super unsafe, and it’s common to see babies living rough on the streets just a few metres from a gated community. The food here is weird AF for the most part, it’s super sweet, unhealthy and junk food is king… I guess you can blame the US for that!
If you hate flying as I do, then getting around on janky planes, hopping from island to island, is a logistical nightmare. Give me a rickety boat any day! Wifi is super slow and patchy anywhere outside of Metro Manila, and yeah, there are a fuck ton of jellyfish without adequate provisions on the islands… just ask Shorty’s left leg!
If you’re looking for island vibes without propeller planes and spaghetti covered in sugary tomato sauce, then head over to Indonesia. Here, things are still relatively affordable (especially outside of Bali) and many islands can be reached by ferry. Plus, you’ve got nasi goreng (or avo on toast if you’re in Bali) on tap.
Bali is all about the villas, get yourself either your own private villa or suite depending on your budget and embrace the Ubud lifestyle with a private pool, bathtub, breakfast and rice terrace views.
Ahhh Sweden! I mean, look, I have nothing actually against Sweden, it’s perfectly nice and all, but that’s kinda the problem. It’s not the worst country in the world, but honestly, it’s a little bit boring! It’s just cold, wet and expensive!
We visited Gothenburg one winter and found it to be a pleasant city. But it didn’t blow us away, and when it comes to bang for your buck, it’s probably one of the worst places to vacation in the world. I mean, at least India is cheap, and you get a proper culture shock!
I can’t even think of anything more to say about it; it’s that bland and unoffensive. Ok, so it gave us IKEA and their meatballs, and for that, I am forever grateful, but beyond that, I’m not too sure!
Good Things:
The people are super friendly and easygoing
Great for veggies with plenty of options everywhere
If you’re looking for Scandinavian culture without busting your wallet in the process, then Estonia is the perfect place. Here you’ll find saunas aplenty, open-minded people and an old town that looks like it’s straight from a fairytale.
Estonia is super affordable and has some great visa options if you’re a digital nomad; in fact, it’s recently become one of the best places in the world to base yourself.
Plus, if you do want to head over to Finland, it’s easy to do on the ferry, and there are even some great beaches for the summertime.
Who says you can’t be close to the Old Town and have a swimming pool? This luxury hotel offers relaxing spa facilities in a fantastic location to explore Tallinn from, plus they have a gym and restaurant.
Our Personal Best Countries To Visit (and a Note on the Worst)
Right then, let’s add in a little positivity, plus a word on why somewhere is the worst country for tourism in my eyes.
Why We Chose These Places As Our Worst Countries to Visit
Look, this is kinda like a disclaimer! I mean, why did I write this post in the first place? Was it for the clicks and rage bait, was it for a bit of fun, or was it to warn people about countries not to travel to?
Maybe a mixture of all three.
But these are my opinions, and even when I add somewhere to a list of the worst places in the world, I probably didn’t actually hate it… I don’t hate anywhere!
I suggest getting out there and seeing them for yourself.
Because some places I added, not because they are in fact the “worst country to visit” per se, but because they’re not beginner-friendly, or they didn’t live up to our expectations.
India was actually super interesting, and we met some great people. Image: The Roaming Renegades
The moral of the story – Check a place out for yourselves and always be willing to give it another go under different circumstances.
So hey, if there are any Swedish folks out there who want to show me why your country isn’t the worst place in the world, please let us know!
Plus. Let’s be honest, there are plenty of far worse countries to visit than these, but I’ve not been to ya know, Somalia or any other super unsafe countries to visit, so I’m not going to give them shit before going!
So maybe I should have named the article, worst holiday destinations, but it’s too late now!
Our Favourite Countries To Visit – Top 10
Thailand
Australia
New Zealand
Vietnam
Malaysia
Spain (Because actually, it’s just as good as it is shit, choose the right area!)
Indonesia
Croatia
Albania
India (Yes, we included this too because sometimes bad countries to visit are also great places to travel to at the same time!)
So as it happens, some of the worst countries to visit can be a little unsafe!
Even in boring old Sweden, you might find yourself choking on a meatball, which is why you should always travel with good-quality insurance.
We always recommend using a top provider who offers comprehensive cover. Look out for things like rolling monthly plans if you are a backpacker, long-term traveller or digital nomad.
Travel insurance is one of those annoying things that no one likes to think about, let alone pay for, when you’re planning your next trip. It can also be bloody annoying as a backpacker/long-term traveller to find affordable coverage that meets the itinerary-less lifestyle (*cough* World Nomads *cough*).
So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!
If you are headed to any of these places, then what makes some of them bad places to visit is their safety levels. So here are a few tips for staying safe.
Here are some tips for staying safe in countries that are unsafe to visit –
Never have valuables on show in sketchy areas and take steps to avoid pickpockets and muggings.
Well, there you have it, the worst travel destinations, as chosen by me!
And that’s the most important thing to remember here before you go getting your knickers in a twist. This post is intended with a hint of jest and is just my opinion.
I would love to know your (civilised!) views on what your worst countries to visit are and where you reckon the worst countries for tourism are!
Equally, I am fully open to being told why you love anywhere on this list and why I got it wrong when it comes to the worst places to visit.
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
Don’t visit US because it’s full of Americans? Wow! This is one of the more close-minded takes I’ve seen. And the OP describes rampant gun violence as if there are just people with guns everywhere shooting at each other. In 48 years in the US I’ve never seen anyone brandish a gun, let alone shoot at someone. You might be better off in your smug little UK bubble.
Oh, so you’re a stand-up comedian travel guide. Now do UK. Maybe THAT will be funny. Until then, keep sucking that gruel through those crooked teeth while you ponder how far you can bend sarcasm well beyond the boundaries of humour.
You.pissed off Americans, in their defence tho I have to say that while I agree with most of the countries you listed (I’ve been to most, my foot will never step on Indian soil as I’m a blonde female with light skin) I don’t think US belongs there. I’ve lived in the US for years, visited many cities, states, it’s not really dangerous. Yes people have guns but they have them for protection, not to shoot at each other at random. It’s an amazing country and people are very polite and helpful. It’s also an enormous country and absolutely worth visiting.
I enjoyed your honesty and sense of humor. Spain is currently my favorite country to visit, probably because I avoid the not-so-good locations. Sydney Australia is magnificent! Bali Indonesia is amazing and can actually be done fairly inexpensively. I’m literally in Bali as I type this! The people here might just be the friendliest, warmest, kindest people on earth.
As an American, I got a big laugh from your America is filled with Americans. Love that kind of humor!!
As for gun crime… people outside the US don’t really understand the issue. I’m 57 years old and have never seen a gun crime. Nor has any family, friend or really anyone I have ever known. It’s completely dependent on where you live. The vast majority of gun crime is in poor, gang-infested parts of certain large cities. A typical American would never visit those places, nor would a tourist. And the chance of being a victim of random gun crime or a mass shooting is minuscule. These incidents just make for good clickbait. We have a much higher chance of dying in a car accident than from a gun. That said, we do have way, way too many guns in the US. And our gun control laws need to be strengthened to keep them out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill.
All in all, a wonderful article. You’ve definitely inspired to check out New Zealand, Croatia and Portugal. Next year I already have Thailand scheduled. And Italy is also in my schedule, but I was smart enough to choose the fall, avoiding the summer crowds and heat.
Hey Doug. Thanks for your comment. I think you’re one of the only people to actually read it and see that it was meant in good humour. We actually love visiting the US, we got married there and have swung by a couple of times this year on our way in and out of South America. We’ve also got a lot of good friends who are American and we always love having a bit of banter.
Yeah you’re right, gun crime, whilst disproportionate I have to say in the US compared to other places, is often more location/ situation dependent and especially as a tourist, you’re unlikely to get caught up. I do personally feel there should be more gun control and increased legislation as you said, especially given the instances of school shootings, which is just so tragic and unavoidable. In other places I’ve lived, such as Australia and the UK, legislation is much tighter, but contrary to what some American’s believe, people still do and can own guns. They just need to be much more responsible people and have them kept in much more secure locations. In fact, I’ve actually shot a gun in Aus this year! So, I’m not completely against them. I just don’t think the public need access to high powered automatic weapons either!
Thanks for your time and your comment. It’s much appreciated. You’ll love Thailand I am sure, it’s one of our favourite places in the whole world, as it New Zealand. Portugal too is a wonderfully beautiful place to visit. Yes, we love Italy but not in summer!!
Bold, funny, and brutally honest — this post definitely doesn’t hold back! I love how you balance critique with constructive alternatives rather than just ranting. It’s refreshing to see a travel blog that isn’t afraid to be real about disappointing experiences while still keeping the wanderlust alive.
Really insightful blog — thanks for sharing such thorough advice ! I especially appreciated the practical travel tips and the link to Ezy Book Airport parking which made it easy to plan ahead.
Thanks, Nic, for the travel insights. My friend and I had a great discussion and fabulous laughs about the list… Especially, as Americans, why not to visit the US. Great points… To which we added our own, too.
Interesting perspective! Every traveler experiences places differently. Sometimes expectations shape the trip more than the destination itself. Even controversial opinions help start useful conversations about culture, travel choices, and realistic experiences.
Liar. Just went to Vietnam. I got mugged. Went to Thailand. Lady boys were trying to drag me in their massage parlors. And I’m a woman! Went to Malaysia. Boring as hell. No night life, what the hell was that all about. Went to Indonesia. Dirty dirty country.
Thanks for your input, we all have our own unique experiences in different places, these are ours and we’ve loved all those countries and never had an issues anywhere in the world, not Asia, Europe, South America or anywhere else. Maybe you just attract lady boys, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Thanks for your comment, you’ll be pleased to know that this is in fact my “day job” and your comment helps boost my engagement and ranking, so thanks for supporting the site. Have a great day.
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England is a fucking shithouse too. Boring, expensive, pretentious, horrible weather, not good at anything even soccer, ect….
At least when we Americans claim to be best at basketball we actually go out there and kick everyone’s ass…
Ha ha, love it!
Don’t visit US because it’s full of Americans? Wow! This is one of the more close-minded takes I’ve seen. And the OP describes rampant gun violence as if there are just people with guns everywhere shooting at each other. In 48 years in the US I’ve never seen anyone brandish a gun, let alone shoot at someone. You might be better off in your smug little UK bubble.
Ha ha, I guess you’ve not left the US long enough to learn about the use of humour and sarcasm! Thanks for the laugh and the point proven!
Oh, so you’re a stand-up comedian travel guide. Now do UK. Maybe THAT will be funny. Until then, keep sucking that gruel through those crooked teeth while you ponder how far you can bend sarcasm well beyond the boundaries of humour.
Haaaaaaa!! Now that is funny stuff!
full of americans? gee thanks. ive lived 65 years, ive never even seen a gun here. (by the way, your incredibly unattractive)
By the way, it’s “you’re” not your! Thanks for the engagement Georgie boy!
You.pissed off Americans, in their defence tho I have to say that while I agree with most of the countries you listed (I’ve been to most, my foot will never step on Indian soil as I’m a blonde female with light skin) I don’t think US belongs there. I’ve lived in the US for years, visited many cities, states, it’s not really dangerous. Yes people have guns but they have them for protection, not to shoot at each other at random. It’s an amazing country and people are very polite and helpful. It’s also an enormous country and absolutely worth visiting.
Great article Nic!
I enjoyed your honesty and sense of humor. Spain is currently my favorite country to visit, probably because I avoid the not-so-good locations. Sydney Australia is magnificent! Bali Indonesia is amazing and can actually be done fairly inexpensively. I’m literally in Bali as I type this! The people here might just be the friendliest, warmest, kindest people on earth.
As an American, I got a big laugh from your America is filled with Americans. Love that kind of humor!!
As for gun crime… people outside the US don’t really understand the issue. I’m 57 years old and have never seen a gun crime. Nor has any family, friend or really anyone I have ever known. It’s completely dependent on where you live. The vast majority of gun crime is in poor, gang-infested parts of certain large cities. A typical American would never visit those places, nor would a tourist. And the chance of being a victim of random gun crime or a mass shooting is minuscule. These incidents just make for good clickbait. We have a much higher chance of dying in a car accident than from a gun. That said, we do have way, way too many guns in the US. And our gun control laws need to be strengthened to keep them out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill.
All in all, a wonderful article. You’ve definitely inspired to check out New Zealand, Croatia and Portugal. Next year I already have Thailand scheduled. And Italy is also in my schedule, but I was smart enough to choose the fall, avoiding the summer crowds and heat.
Cheers!
Doug
Hey Doug. Thanks for your comment. I think you’re one of the only people to actually read it and see that it was meant in good humour. We actually love visiting the US, we got married there and have swung by a couple of times this year on our way in and out of South America. We’ve also got a lot of good friends who are American and we always love having a bit of banter.
Yeah you’re right, gun crime, whilst disproportionate I have to say in the US compared to other places, is often more location/ situation dependent and especially as a tourist, you’re unlikely to get caught up. I do personally feel there should be more gun control and increased legislation as you said, especially given the instances of school shootings, which is just so tragic and unavoidable. In other places I’ve lived, such as Australia and the UK, legislation is much tighter, but contrary to what some American’s believe, people still do and can own guns. They just need to be much more responsible people and have them kept in much more secure locations. In fact, I’ve actually shot a gun in Aus this year! So, I’m not completely against them. I just don’t think the public need access to high powered automatic weapons either!
Thanks for your time and your comment. It’s much appreciated. You’ll love Thailand I am sure, it’s one of our favourite places in the whole world, as it New Zealand. Portugal too is a wonderfully beautiful place to visit. Yes, we love Italy but not in summer!!
Bold, funny, and brutally honest — this post definitely doesn’t hold back! I love how you balance critique with constructive alternatives rather than just ranting. It’s refreshing to see a travel blog that isn’t afraid to be real about disappointing experiences while still keeping the wanderlust alive.
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate someone getting the humour this post was written in and also seeing the balance I tried to bring to it.
Really insightful blog — thanks for sharing such thorough advice ! I especially appreciated the practical travel tips and the link to Ezy Book Airport parking which made it easy to plan ahead.
Thanks, Nic, for the travel insights. My friend and I had a great discussion and fabulous laughs about the list… Especially, as Americans, why not to visit the US. Great points… To which we added our own, too.
Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you were able to see the funny side!!
Interesting perspective! Every traveler experiences places differently. Sometimes expectations shape the trip more than the destination itself. Even controversial opinions help start useful conversations about culture, travel choices, and realistic experiences.
Liar. Just went to Vietnam. I got mugged. Went to Thailand. Lady boys were trying to drag me in their massage parlors. And I’m a woman! Went to Malaysia. Boring as hell. No night life, what the hell was that all about. Went to Indonesia. Dirty dirty country.
Thanks for your input, we all have our own unique experiences in different places, these are ours and we’ve loved all those countries and never had an issues anywhere in the world, not Asia, Europe, South America or anywhere else. Maybe you just attract lady boys, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Close-minded asshole. Don’t quit your day job!
Thanks for your comment, you’ll be pleased to know that this is in fact my “day job” and your comment helps boost my engagement and ranking, so thanks for supporting the site. Have a great day.