As I grew up and as my sense of wanderlust grew with me, I’ve always heard about countries being labeled “unsafe travel destinations”. From drug lords and cartel stories to war zones, countries were dubbed “unsafe” merely because of incidents that happened at some point in time. Even my own homeland, Egypt, has fallen victim to that.

Luckily, the more I traveled and explored, and the more I got to network with travelers and people with different ethnic backgrounds, this was all proven wrong. It’s safe to say that the term “unsafe travel destinations” is nothing but a big fat lie, a myth we feed ourselves, or to be more accurate, the media feeds us.

I reached out to travelers and 9 gorgeous ladies reached out and decided to share their own experiences at 9 so-called “unsafe travel destinations”. From the heart of Medellin to the wilderness of Madagascar, here’s everything you need to hear about those places that are, in fact, far from being unsafe travel destinations.

9 Not so “Unsafe Travel Destinations”

Somalia

“Not your usual destination to celebrate your 30th Birthday but for me it is! Somali’s have a huge heart and always looked out for me. There were plenty of smiles to be had as well as tears shared for a recent loss. It’s their perseverance and welcoming spirit that made this a birthday to remember.”

– Petro Marais

Iran

“ ‘Are you crazy?’ I can’t tell you how many times I heard that question while planning my solo trip to Iran. Western media has destroyed the image of the country, so I understand the fears, but after spending a wonderful month there I can tell you, Iran is one of the most amazing places you can visit in the world. It’s so diverse that everyone will find something they love (form history, to nature, to architecture…). The people are among the most hospitable I encountered during all my years traveling. And I’ve never felt safer. Women are respected, you don’t even hear about crime, and Iranians want tourism to improve, so (almost) no one will try to scam you or overcharge you. All in all, it’s an incredible destination, I couldn’t recommend it more!”

– Coni from Experiencing the Globe

India

“I studied abroad in Bangalore, India for two months when I was in university. My college life there was so similar to college life in the States. I think I actually went out MORE in India because the prices for getting around and eating out are so much cheaper. After classes, my group of friends (both local and foreign) would go to ladies night at the bar, check out new restaurants, see some live bands, we even had some 2 am drunk McDonald’s nights! I loved it so much that I’ve been back to India twice as a backpacker. “

– Erika from Erika Travelventures

Kosovo

“Kosovo might still be associated with its civil war, even though that was almost twenty years ago. However, Kosovo was one of the most rewarding holiday destinations I have been to. There is such a variety of things to do that there is something for everyone, whether you love nature, culture, or great food. On top of that, Kosovo has some of the friendliest people in Europe.”

– Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Colombia

“Medellin was once known as the most dangerous city in the world. But what media and TV shows, like Narcos, forgot to mention is that this happened more than 20 years ago. The urban wars and drug cartels that took over the city are just old stories now. The 21st century Medellin is a modern city with rapid development. In terms of infrastructure and urban planning, it has several international distinctions and was nominated as the best city in South America. We spent 10 days in Medellin with our 2-year-old son and had a wonderful time there. Walking around the city feels like you’re in a huge botanical garden, with lush trees and tropical flowers, and it hides lots of attractions for kids. Of course, it is still a city under development, with lots of citizens living in poor conditions.”

– Alina from The Happy Kid

Brazil

“Brazil is, by far, one of the most underrated countries in the travel sphere which suffers a lot from bad news. People believe they’ll be scammed from the instant they get out of the airport, and that’s just not true. Naturally, common sense is required and there are a few places that are more dangerous than others, just like your hometown, but most people are kind, lively, and willing to help. We had great a chat with a waiter bringing us beer on the beach, and we also noticed that friendliness in other people we talked to as well. More importantly, we didn’t have a single problem in Brazil. Can’t wait to go back!”

– Bruna from I Heart Brazil

Egypt

“It’s always been a dream of mine to experience Egypt and although I was hesitant at first to travel there, given its turbulent recent history, it quickly became my first of many visits. What you see in the media about Egypt couldn’t have been further from the truth. I’ve now had the opportunity to travel to some of the most amazing places all over Egypt and that feeling of safety and comfort is true throughout. Take what you hear about an ‘unsafe’ country with a grain of salt and ask travelers that have recently gone to get an understanding of their experiences first hand!”

– Monica from Ahlan Monica

Mexico

“Mexico has a bad reputation as a country, plagued by cartel violence. And while I don’t want to shed light on the violence that does exist, I haven’t once felt threatened in the two and a half years I’ve lived here. Instead, I’ve been amazed by Mexico’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, delicious food and drink, vibrant music and dance, and the overall warmth of its people. This whole country, not just Cancún, deserves to be on your bucket list.”

– Jaime from Time Given Us

Madagascar

“Madagascar may conjure images of wild landscapes and lemurs and chameleons, but it’s also gotten a name for itself for being a bit lawless. One of the poorest countries in the world, Madagascar does have its share of issues. With areas known as “red zones” and dahalos (cattle robbers/bandits), it can sound a bit intimidating to tourists. My experience as a tourist in Madagascar was one where I was met with friendly guides and locals. While staying aware of the potential issues, I never felt like I was unsafe in Madagascar, either in cities or in smaller villages. I had a fantastic time hiking in the National Parks and seeing lots of amazing and unique wildlife.”

– Brianna from Curious Travel Bug

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