best and worst countries to visit

Level 4 (Do Not Travel)

Worst Countries To Visit 2024

Travel is highly subjective, with each individual's personal preferences influencing whether they think a given country is one of the worst countries in the world to visit (or live in ) or one of the best countries to visit (or in which to study abroad ).

Moreover, most travel enthusiasts generally feel that every country is worth a visit, from the world's most-visited countries to its least-visited countries . Ordinarily, these factors would make it impossible to compile an accurate and objective list of the "worst" countries for tourists. However, in a handful of countries, visitors face an unsettlingly increased risk of being violently harrassed or kidnapped, unlawfully imprisoned, seriously harmed, or even killed. These countries qualify as the worst countries in the world to visit.

The US Department of State's Travel Advisory system

The US Department of State conducts an ongoing Travel Advisory system that tracks conditions in each of the world's countries and territories and places each one into one of four categories:

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel
• Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department further designates the specific threats that earned each country its rank. While most of these concerns are man-made, such as crime, terrorism, and civil unrest, they can also include naturally occurring elements such as dangerous weather or natural disasters. Some countries, such as Russia and Ukraine or Israel and Palestine 's Gaza Strip, are currently at war . The travel advisories are frequently updated to reflect the current conditions in each country. As of February 2024, 19 countries carried a level 4 travel advisory, and three additional countries had an "other" advisory that warranted a customized ranking.

The 21 Worst Countries in the World to Visit (2024-02):

Profiles of the worst countries in the world for tourists to visit, afghanistan.

Since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan upon the withdrawal of US forces in August 2021, the country has become even more dangerous—particularly for US citizens.

Belarus is a close ally of Russia and has allowed Russian forces to mass on the Belarusan/Ukrainian border, which has introduced elements of danger and civil unrest. The risk of unlawful detention is also high in Belarus, whose government has arrested thousands of people, including many US citizens, based upon often-unproven claims that those individuals have participated in political demonstrations or otherwise attempted to undermine the government.

Burkina Faso

Terrorist activity is a significant concern in Burkina Faso, where several areas are considered to be in a state of emergency. Insurgents may attack targets ranging from hotels and restaurants to police stations and places of worship with little or no warning. Kidnapping and hostage taking are additional ongoing concerns.

Central African Republic

Although Westerners are not believed to be specific targets, violent crimes such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide are common in the Central African Republic. Additional dangers include civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence.

Kidnapping and ransom are a significant concern in Haiti. Carjackings and armed robberies are also quite common.

US citizens in Iran are often specifically targeted for unlawful kidnapping, arrest, and/or detention by the government, under the fictitious claim that they represent a threat to the country's national security.

Terrorist attacks are an ongoing threat in Iraq, where even peaceful demonstrations and protests can turn violent with little warning. US citizens are also at high risk for violence or kidnapping.

As of early 2024, Israel's 2023 conflict with the Gaza Strip region of Palestine was still ongoing, significantly increasing the likelihood of terrorist activity, violent civil unrest, or even armed conflict.

Libya is mired in civil unrest. Crime levels are high, and gunfire between various armed factions could break out with little to no notice in most locations. Westerners are frequently kidnapped and held for ransom, militia groups may capture or detain individuals illegally, and protests can turn violent.

Terrorism is high in Mali, where armed groups are known to attack locations ranging from places of worship to night clubs, Malian government offices, important infrastructure sites, or locations known to attract Westerners. Violent crimes including armed robbery and kidnapping are also common, particularly during local holidays or seasonal events, and are often facilitated by the use of roadblocks.

Currently locked in a drug war, Mexico is one of two countries whose current travel advisory falls outside the Level 1-4 system. While the states of Yucatan and Campeche are relatively safe, in many other parts of Mexico, foreign tourists are frequent targets for crimes ranging from pickpocketing and muggings to kidnapping, carjacking, and homicide.

Myanmar's elected government was deposed by a military coup d'état in 2021, leaving the country—which was already engaged in the world's longest running civil war —under military rule. Civil unrest and armed conflict are possible, landmines and other unexploded ordnance make some areas dangerous to traverse, and unlawful detentions have been reported. Myanmar also suffers from limited and/or inadequate healthcare resources.

North Korea

Known for its secrecy and its third-generation dictator, Kim Jong-un, North Korea is considered an extremely risky destination for international travelers. The lives of people in North Korea are very tightly controlled and policed, and once a tourist enters the country, there is no guarantee they will be allowed to leave again. US citizens are currently banned from traveling to North Korea. The US government instituted the ban in 2017, after an American student named Otto Warmbier, who had been detained in North Korea and imprisoned for 17 months, was returned to the United States in a coma, passing one week later. The ban is currently renewed 12 months at a time, with the most recent renewal having taken place in August of 2022.

Palestine (Gaza Strip, West Bank )

One of three countries, along with Mexico, that currently do not fit within the level 1-4 framework. As of early 2024, Palestine (particularly the Gaza Strip) was still locked in armed conflict with Israel, increasing the chances of terrorist activity, armed conflict, and civil unrest, rendering both countries unsuitable for travellers.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, visiting Russia has become more dangerous and logistically challenging for international travelers (and US citizens in particular). Travel in and out of the country is extremely limited, US credit cards no longer work in the country, and Russian law enforcement officials are known to target US citizens and arbitrarily levy harsh punishments. The most highly publicized example of this is the case of Brittney Griner, a WNBA player who was apprehended in Russia with less than a gram of hashish oil, for which she had a US prescription, but which is prohibited in Russia. Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Both civil unrest and terrorist activity are routine in Somalia. Illegal roadblocks, kidnapping and murder are common, and schools and other facilities are often repurposed as "cultural rehabilitation" centers where people are unlawfully detained and may be physically abused. Terrorist attacks often include suicide bombers, car bombs, physical attacks, or mortar fire; and often target places with large crowds and frequent Western visitors, such as airports, seaports, hotels, or shopping centers. Offshore, piracy is also a concern, particularly in international waters, with Somali pirates hijacking ships and either robbing the ships or holding the crew and passenger hostage in exchange for ransom.

South Sudan

Armed conflict is ongoing in South Sudan . Violent crimes occur frequently, including carjackings, shootings, robberies, kidnappings, and cattle raids. Foreign nationals have experienced armed robberies, sexual assault, and rape. Journalistic reporting is illegal unless one is properly licensed, and even journalists with their paperwork in order may be harassed or killed.

While Sudan's capital city of Khartoum is relatively secure (though travelers are still advised to steer clear of protests and demonstrations, in case they are violently dispersed), the rest of the country is notably less stable. The areas bordering Chad and South Sudan are particularly dangerous, as terrorist activity is known to be higher there.

The US has not operated an embassy in Syria since 2012 due to the threat of violence stemming from the country's ongoing civil war. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Kidnappings, terrorist attacks, unjust arrest, chemical warfare, aerial bombardment, torture, and extrajudicial killings have all been reported, and the country has long-standing border issues with Israel, Turkey , Iraq, Lebanon , and Jordan . US citizens and other Westerners are often sought-after targets for kidnappers as well as the corrupt government, which may be responsible for the disappearance of more than 100,000 people.

Although most travel experts consider Ukraine a beautiful place to visit during times of peace, Russia's invasion of the country has earned both nations a level 4 advisor, which will likely remain in place until sometime after the invasion ends.

Ruled by a dictatorial regime, Venezuela is currently experiencing frequent shortages of food, gasoline, electricity, water, and medical supplies. Violent crimes are common, including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking. Finally, the government is known to violate human rights with acts including unlawful detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Although the death toll in Yemen's ongoing civil war decreased greatly in 2022, violent terrorist attacks can still happen with little warning, particularly in public places. The fighting has also taken a toll on local infrastructure, which has impacted the reliability and obtainability of electricity, clean water, and medical care.

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What is the most dangerous country to visit?

Frequently asked questions.

• Travel Advisories - U.S. Department of State
• 13 Worst Countries to Visit - Travelversed

Atlas & Boots

The UK's most popular outdoor travel blog

Ranked: most dangerous countries in the world 2024

The most dangerous countries in the world to visit in 2024 have been updated in the latest Travel Risk Map

The most dangerous countries to visit in 2024 are Afghanistan, the Central African Republic , Iraq, Libya, Mali , Somalia, South Sudan, Syria , Ukraine and Yemen according to the latest Travel Risk Map , an interactive tool produced by security specialists at  International SOS .

The map is used to predict the safest and, conversely, the least safe countries in the world to visit and has four layers in total covering a country’s security risk, medical risk, and the impact of the pandemic on travel and domestic operations.

For the security layer of the map, countries are indexed according to their travel security risk rating, which uses five risk definitions : insignificant, low, medium, high and extreme.

International SOS uses several criteria to assess how the conditions in the country may impact visitors’ safety and security.

These include the threat posed to travellers by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) and violent and petty crime.

Other factors assessed include transport infrastructure, the capability of security and emergency services, and the threat of natural disasters. It’s also possible to use the map to assess medical risk and road safety standards around the world.

MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

These are the nine most dangerous countries in the world according to International SOS. They have been assessed as carrying an ‘extreme travel security risk’.

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• South Sudan

The most dangerous countries in the world include Ukraine, where Russia launched an invasion in February 2022; Afghanistan, which saw the Taliban take over in August 2021 as foreign forces pulled out of the country; Syria, which has been embroiled in civil war since 2011; and Yemen, which has also been mired in a years-long civil war leading to the deaths of thousands and a major humanitarian crisis .

Despite ongoing instability in Mali – which saw the UNESCO-listed historic city of Timbuktu taken under siege by jihadists in September 2023 – the West African nation has been reassessed as ‘high security risk’ as opposed to ‘extreme’.

“Government control and law and order may be minimal or non-existent across large areas. Serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travellers and international assignees. Government and transport services are barely functional. Large parts of the country are inaccessible to foreigners.” International SOS

In October 2023, Israel launched an invasion of the Gaza Strip in Palestine after a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel led to the death of 1,200 people and 240 hostages. As of 16 February 2024, the retaliatory campaign has killed over 28,000 Palestinians. To date, International SOS has not updated the map to reflect this.

SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

At the other end of the spectrum, the following 18 countries or territories have been assessed as carrying an ‘insignificant travel security risk’ to travellers and therefore the safest countries to visit.

• American Samoa
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Switzerland

“Rates of violent crime are very low. There is no significant political violence or civil unrest and little sectarian, communal, racial or targeted violence against foreigners. Security and emergency services are effective and infrastructure is sound. Transport services are of a high standard with good safety records and only occasional travel disruption. Industrial action affecting essential services is rare.” International SOS

Complete rankings

Most countries in Europe along with the USA , Australia , New Zealand and Canada  have been assessed as carrying a ‘low travel security risk’. Ukraine is the only European country categorised as a ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ security risk.

Many countries in Asia and the Middle East including Jordan , Oman , Singapore, Japan , China , South Korea , Vietnam , Malaysia and Brunei are considered ‘low risk’.

The most dangerous countries in Asia are Afghanistan and Pakistan ; and Syria, Iraq and Yemen in the Middle East.

The most dangerous countries in Africa are the Central African Republic, Libya, Somalia and South Sudan. In the Americas, Haiti , Honduras and Venezuela are considered ‘high security risk’.

EXTREME (15) Afghanistan Central African Republic Iraq Libya Somalia South Sudan Syria Ukraine Yemen

HIGH (15) Burkina Faso DR Congo Egypt Ethiopia Haiti Honduras Mali Myanmar Nigeria Pakistan Papua New Guinea Venezuela

MEDIUM (68) Algeria Angola Bahrain Bangladesh Belize Bolivia Brazil Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Chad Colombia Comoros Congo Costa Rica Djibouti Dominican Republic East Timor El Salvador Eritrea Fiji Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana India India Indonesia Iran Israel Ivory Coast Jamaica Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, North Kosovo Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Madagascar Mauritania Mexico Mongolia Mozambique Myanmar Nepal Nicaragua Niger Peru Philippines Russia Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Solomon Islands South Africa Sri Lanka Sudan Swaziland (Eswatini) Tajikistan Tanzania Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Uganda Ukraine Zimbabwe

LOW (91) Albania Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Barbados Belarus Belgium Benin Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile China Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Dominica Ecuador Equatorial Guinea Estonia France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Hungary Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Korea, South Kuwait Latvia Lithuania Macedonia Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Mauritius Micronesia Moldova Monaco Montenegro Morocco Namibia Netherlands New Zealand Oman Panama Palau Paraguay Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Rwanda Saint Kitts & Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Serbia Singapore Slovakia Spain Suriname Sweden Taiwan Thailand Tonga UAE United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Vietnam Zambia

INSIGNIFICANT (17) Andorra Cape Verde Denmark Finland Greenland Iceland Kiribati Liechtenstein Luxembourg Marshall Islands Nauru Norway San Marino Seychelles Slovenia Switzerland Turks & Caicos Tuvalu

The full interactive map by International SOS can be accessed here .

More rankings and articles can be found in our  remote work  area: ►  Best cities in the world ► Countries with the best healthcare in the world ►  World’s worst countries to drive in ►  Most peaceful countries in the world ►  Best countries for women ►  Poorest countries in the world – ranked ►  Happiest countries in the world ►  World’s most powerful passport ►  Countries with the fastest internet in the world ►  Most stressed countries in the world ►  Most expensive cities for expats ►  World’s most democratic countries

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The 29 riskiest countries for Americans to travel to

• The US State Department's public travel advisories outline the potential dangers Americans face traveling abroad.
• The agency uses four levels of travel guidance to inform potential visitors whether the country poses danger, or in some cases, is completely off-limits.
• These 29 countries are designated "reconsider travel" or "do not travel."
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

The US State Department's public travel advisories let Americans know what countries are safe to travel to and which ones they should be wary of visiting.

The agency uses four levels of travel guidance to let Americans know what to expect in each country:

Level 1 - Exercise normal precautions

Level 2 - Exercise increased caution

Level 3 - Reconsider travel

Level 4 - Do not travel

Twenty-nine countries around the world are designated "reconsider travel" or "do not travel," mostly because of ongoing armed conflicts. These are the nations we've outlined here.

Here are most dangerous countries in the world, ranked from least to most risky based on the State Department's designation levels.

Burundi - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of armed conflict and violent crime, including grenade attacks and armed robbery, which are common in Burundi amid fiery political tensions.

US authorities have limited abilities to deliver emergency assistance to travelers, even in the case of police raids and violent clashes at the border.

Honduras - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery, that runs rampant amid high-level criminal activity, including gang activity, rape, narcotics, and human trafficking.

The Gracias a Dios region is marked as especially dangerous for visitors, as it's "an isolated area with high levels of criminal activity and drug trafficking," where US government agents aren't able to deliver reliable emergency services.

Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador are the three Northern Triangle countries where the majority of migrants are fleeing to come to the US via Mexico.

Mauritania - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism and violent crime, including mugging, armed robbery, and assault.

El Salvador - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of violent crime, such as murder, assault, rape, and armed robbery in addition to widespread gang activity that includes extortion, violent street crime, narcotics, and arms trafficking.

Chad - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism, unmapped minefields along the borders with Libya and Sudan , and violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and muggings.

Nicaragua - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The   US State Department   warns of civil unrest, crime, limited healthcare availability, and arbitrary enforcement of laws, and it says violent crime, including sexual assault and armed robbery, is common.

People pretending to be police known as parapolice are also dangerous, the agency warns, and road blocks may prevent food or fuel from reaching some areas.

Democratic Republic of the Congo - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of civil protests descending into violence and violent crime including armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault sometimes committed by people posing as police or security agents.

The warning specifies threats of crime, Ebola, and kidnapping in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the northeast and armed conflict in the east of the country.

Lebanon - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

The agency does not recommend traveling to the borders with Syria or Israel due to terrorism and armed conflict, or to refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict.

Niger - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime including armed robbery.

The advisory warns of heightened terrorist activity in the areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, and throughout northern Niger. The US government has limited abilities to provide emergency services to travelers as they are restricted to the country's capital and required to maintain thorough security escorts.

Nigeria - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns   of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and piracy breaking out in rural and urban areas.

US government authorities have limited access to provide emergency services to US citizens who may experience violence, according to the advisory.

Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism as attacks on major hubs across the country continue.

"Terrorist attacks continue to happen across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and KPK, including the former FATA," the advisory says. "Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in hundreds of casualties."

The US government has a limited ability to provide emergency service to traveling citizens and the US Consulate General in Peshawar is unable to provide any consular services, according to the advisory.

Turkey - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism and arbitrary detentions, which the US government has very limited ability to confront if an American citizen is affected. 

The agency also warns travelers to avoid areas near the Syria and Iraq border "due to terrorism and kidnapping."

Guinea-Bissau - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of civil unrest and violent crime, usually perpetrated by aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and criminals who target foreigners at popular spots in the country, including the airport and Bandim Market.

Furthermore, there is no US embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

Sri Lanka - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism that targets busy areas across Sri Lanka.

In April 2019, the agency ordered all school-age family members of US government employees to leave the country, and allowed "the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members."

Burkina Faso - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The State Department warns of crime, kidnapping, and terrorism.

The advisory describes a military effort to cut down on widespread terrorism that resulted in declaring a state of emergency in several regions. The agency also warns travelers to avoid certain areas of Ouagadougou, the country's capital city.

Haiti - Level 4: Do not travel

The   US State Department   warns of crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. In February 2019, the agency ordered all nonemergency US personnel and their families to return to the US.

Royal Caribbean operates a private cruise port called Labadee   on the island, and the area is fenced in and under tight security.

North Korea - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of US nationals and says a US passport is not valid to travel to the country without special permission from the agency.

The advisory also describes how the complicated political relationship between the US and North Korea complicates travelers' safety:

"The US government is unable to provide emergency services to US citizens in North Korea as it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea. Sweden serves as the protecting power for the United States in North Korea, providing limited emergency services. The North Korean government routinely delays or denies Swedish officials access to detained US citizens."

Afghanistan - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

The advisory cites the "critical levels of kidnappings, hostage taking, suicide bombings, widespread military combat operations, landmines, and terrorist and insurgent attacks, including attacks using vehicle-borne, magnetic, or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide vests, and grenades," as threats to visitors across the country.

US government employees are under strict travel guidelines and require additional security measures for their time in the country.

Central African Republic - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of common violent crimes including armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide.

The warning also references armed groups that control large areas and often kidnap civilians, and the US government has limited ability to assist US citizens in the country.

Iran - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of kidnapping, arrest, detention of US citizens in Iran that the US government cannot confront with emergency services.

The advisory says:

"Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison US citizens, particularly Iranian-Americans, including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics, on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Consular access to detained US citizens is often denied."

Libya - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and crime.

Terrorist and militia groups are of particular concern for the threats they pose to travelers, including detaining them at random and without access to legal or embassy resources

"Outbreaks of violence between competing armed groups can occur with little warning and have the potential to impact US citizens. The capital, Tripoli, and other cities, such as Surman, Al-Jufra, Misrata, Ajdabiya, Benghazi, Sabha, and Dernah, have witnessed fighting among armed groups, as well as terrorist attacks. Hotels and airports frequented by Westerners have been caught in the crossfire. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence."

Mali - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime that is especially prevalent in certain areas and targets popular nightclubs, hotels, and places of worship.

The US government has restricted abilities to deliver emergency services to affected visitors.

Somalia - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of crime, kidnapping, piracy, and terrorism that could affect areas frequented by visitors.

Violent crime including murder is common throughout the country, as are illegal roadblocks.

South Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of armed conflict, kidnapping, and violent crime including carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings.

Conflicts among various political and ethnic groups have created widespread armed conflict an created a restrictive atmosphere for the abilities of foreign agents like journalists and US government officials, according to the report.

Syria - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

The advisory says that "no part of Syria is safe from violence," including "kidnappings, the use of chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment."

The US Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in February 2012, and the agency warns that US citizens and Westerners are a target for kidnapping.

Venezuela - Level 4: Do not travel

The   State Department   warns of crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, and the arbitrary arrest and detention of US citizens. The agency ordered government employees and their families to leave the country in January 2019.

Read more:   Water from sewer pipes, cooking with tiny candles, and a Happy Meal that costs a month's pay: Photos by ordinary Venezuelans show life under an economic meltdown

Yemen - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, and armed conflict across Yemen.

Terrorism and military activity have devastated the country's infrastructure, which is already struggling to deliver food, electricity, water, and adequate medical treatment to citizens amid the world's largest cholera outbreak.

The advisory notes that the US Embassy in Sana'a suspended its operations in February 2015.

Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and violent crime including kidnapping, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking . In April 2019, the department ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees.

Iraq - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict that can be targeted particularly at Westerners and US citizens.

In May 2019, the agency ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees.

The advisory includes a warning against US citizens traveling to Iraq to engage in armed conflict, saying they would face kidnapping, injury, or death and consequences including arrest, fines, and expulsion.

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All 44 Countries in Europe, Ranked From Worst to First

European countries, ranked.

Europe — the land of high culture, high fashion, delicious food and centuries-spanning history. What’s not to love? 

Well, we asked ourselves this question, and considering how many countries are in Europe, we decided there are plenty of things not to love. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but a good deal of Europe’s 44 official countries (as recognized by the United Nations) have no business being among the Greeces, Spains and Swedens of the continent. 

Armed with the knowledge that, in fact, not all of Europe is so superior to the rest of the world, we set out to decide which countries are enviable and which ones just aren’t. We’re wholly certain many readers will be astonished by our conclusions. Which is to say, we fully expect many people will vehemently disagree, especially if they already have strong opinions about the best European countries to live in and visit.

Here’s our ranking of all 44 countries in Europe, from worst to best. 

44. Vatican City

Capital: Vatican City

Official language: Italian 

Population: 618 

How the Vatican Compares

Even if you’re a true believer, why would you visit this city-state ? It’s so crowded that the only things you’ll actually “see” are the sweaty bodies of the 10 million others who were let through the gates at the exact same time, all with camera phones at the ready. 

Sights like the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica are incredibly impressive, sure, but as “The Chicago Tribune” accurately put it , “Overtourism [is] gripping the great treasures of humanity."

Capital: Moscow

Official language: Russian

Population: 146.7 million 

How Russia Compares

There's no mystery about what Russia is today and why it landed in this spot.

Global conflicts aside, we’ll admit that the European cities of Russia have their charms — Moscow and St. Petersburg offer much in the way of history and culture — but a tense political situation and brutal weather make the country a hard sell on the whole, even in better times. 

42. Belarus

Capital: Minsk

Official languages: Belarusian, Russian

Population: 9.4 million

How Belarus Compares

Easily the worst of the former Soviet republics, this place is ruled by a dictator , and photography is forbidden everywhere you’d want to take a picture . If you’ve had a few drinks, you can forget about taking the subway in Minsk — security is known to keep people who seem at all intoxicated off the trains . Oh, and Minsk has been named the worst city in all of Europe .

If you value freedom and human rights, go literally anywhere else. 

Capital: Monaco

Official language: French

Population: 38,300

How Monaco Compares

This European city-state is small to the point of absurdity — at 499 acres, it’s roughly the size of New York City’s Central Park. And yet, despite its micro-size, it manages to have a ton of ungodly rich people living here, with 32 percent of the population made up of millionaires .

This ensures plenty of outrageous behavior from trust-fund kids who seem to think the rules don’t apply to them, plus over-the-top events like the Monaco Yacht Show that are essentially inaccessible to anyone who’s not fabulously loaded. 

That’s fine — the uber-rich can have their gold-plated toilet seats and 2 miles of French Riviera. We’ll go somewhere we can actually afford to have a good time.

40. United Kingdom

Capital: London

Official language: English

Population: 67.9 million

How the United Kingdom Compares

What’s wrong with the U.K., you’re wondering? Well, where do we even begin? 

We actually wonder why anyone would want to visit this place, let alone live there. The food is drab, and the weather is worse . They serve beer at room temp. The museums are free, but they stole the art from cultures with far superior artists. Oh, and Brexit certainly didn't help.

There’s much for history buffs to love — we have to give it that — but that’s true in tons of European countries that also have a lot more good stuff going on.

39. Moldova

Capital: Chisinau

Official language: Romanian

Population: 2.7 million

How Moldova Compares

We feel sorry for Moldova, as it’s easily Europe’s most forgotten country. With fewer than 150,000 annual visitors, it’s one of the least-visited nations in the world . Its people are also among the least happy on Earth , in part because the country hasn’t recovered well from Soviet rule (have any of us really?).

Moldova is something of a living time capsule of that period, in fact. Which, if you're into that — you do you.

38. Liechtenstein

Capital: Vaduz

Official language: German

Population:  38,557

How Liechtenstein Compares

This landlocked microstate between Austria and Switzerland is the birthplace of the greatest pop artist of all time, Roy Lichtenstein. Actually that’s not true at all — their names aren’t even spelled the same.

Nothing noteworthy has ever happened in Liechtenstein, a country routinely described as straight-up “boring,” which is why you’ll forget it as fast as you read this. 

37. San Marino

Capital: San Marino

Official language: Italian

Population:  33,344

How San Marino Compares

If you thought San Marino was a small Southern California city with luxe real estate where it’s always sunny, you were spot on. But there’s another San Marino: a European country landlocked by Italy that’s half the size of San Francisco.

Its greatest claim to fame is that it has more cars than people, largely due to its tax-haven status. Also, it’s super old — having been around since 301 AD, it’s the oldest republic on Earth . 

Other than that ... well, there’s not much to say.

36. North Macedonia

Capital: Skopje

Official languages: Macedonian, Albanian

Population:  2 million

How North Macedonia Compares

Yugoslavia left a bunch of countries in its path of destruction in the 1990s when it was broken up during a period of extreme political upheaval. And perhaps no nation is worse off now than North Macedonia, which you’ve never heard of and will never visit. Among many lingering issues, corruption is an enduring issue here, and it’s one of the most polluted countries in Europe . 

That said, the nation is working hard to improve — it’s even in talks to join the EU — so maybe one day in the distant future it will land on some bucket lists. Hey, stranger things have happened.

35. Iceland

Capital: Reykjavik

Official language: Icelandic

Population:  364,260

How Iceland Compares

We get it, Iceland, you’re pretty. You have strange geographical anomalies, weird lights appear in your skies at various times of the year, your residents are friendly to a fault, and your hotels are made of ice. 

But a lot of your cool features come with major downsides. Sure, the Northern Lights are amazing, but they’re extremely elusive, and the trade-off is near-total darkness for months on end . Your unique natural beauty has made you extremely overtouristed , which in turn is making you less beautiful. And it turns out sleeping in an ice hotel, while awesome for Insta shots, is in no way comfortable. Because, well, it involves sleeping on ice.

Also, we just think the whole layover offer is so pathetic and wastes time we’d rather be spending in the less icy parts of Europe.

34. Montenegro

Capital: Podgorica

Official languages: Montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, Croatian

Population: 631,219

How Montenegro Compares

The coolest part about this small Balkan country is how weirdly tall everyone is — the average height is more than 6 feet.

Otherwise, Montenegro is mostly known for its extremely aggressive drivers, who have rightfully been described as “ insane .” 

Also, according to Tripadvisor , the country’s architecture “is not, in the main of an imaginative or attractive style.” Translation: It’s pretty ugly. 

33. Andorra

Capital: Andorra la Vella

Official language: Catalan

Population:  77,543

How Andorra Compares

Skiing and duty-free shopping are your only reasons for existence.

We could just go to Oregon for that, where there are better beer and legal cannabis. 

32. Luxembourg

Capital: Luxembourg City

Official language: Luxembourgish, French, German

Population:  613,894

How Luxembourg Compares

We’re really tired of the European microstate. These places all seem to exist because of some long-standing feud that literally no one who presently lives there understands or cares about at all. 

The one thing you’ve got going for you, Luxembourg, is that one of your official languages is Luxembourgish, which sounds like you’re only partly committed to it. And since only half your population speaks it, that’s pretty appropriate. 

Capital: Valletta

Official languages: Maltese, English

Population:  493,559

How Malta Compares

It’s small and full of history. It’s got a little bit of Italian flavor and some influence from Northern Africa. It’s a Mediterranean archipelago. What could possibly go wrong? A lot, it turns out. 

The small islands that comprise Malta are overcrowded with tourists and residents . The beaches, the destination's main draw, are particularly swarmed with crowds. And worst of all, the food is generic and chain-heavy. 

30. Slovenia

Capital: Ljubljana

Official language: Slovene

Population:  2.09 million

How Slovenia Compares

Slovenia is one of Europe’s greenest countries, and that’s about it. There’s nothing particularly noteworthy about this former Yugoslav republic except that it’s near cooler countries — its neighbors are Austria, Italy, Croatia and Hungary, which must give it an incredible chip on its shoulder. 

If you’re the type who vacations for the sleep, this is your destination. There’s so little to do here that you can sleep for days without feeling guilty or missing anything. 

29. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Capital: Sarajevo

Official Languages: Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian

Population:  3.5 million

How Bosnia and Herzegovina Compare

Another one of Tito’s children from socialist Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina could be higher on this list. The country survived the last major war of the 20th century and has come a long way since then. The people are warm, the food is rich and decadent, the wilds are super-wild, it’s dirt-cheap to travel here. Plus, the cities are vibrant and unafraid of their conflict-filled past. 

The problem is how incredibly difficult it is to get around, thanks to a dearth of major highways and poor road conditions. Better brush up on those donkey-caravan-passing skills. 

28. Switzerland

Capital: Bern (de facto capital)

Official languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh

Population:  8.57 million

How Switzerland Compares

If we were comparing European countries to jobs, the land of chocolate and snowsports would be the CPA. It’s well-educated and wealthy, just kind of boring.

There’s nothing wrong with it — not in the least — but the food and nightlife scenes aren’t particularly thrilling, especially compared to other European countries. And the cleanliness and tidiness the country is known for can also make it feel a little sterile.

We like accountants as much as the next person. We just don't want to party with them, you know?

27. Ukraine

Capital: Kiev

Official language: Ukrainian

Population: 42 million

How Ukraine Compares

Despite its history with Russian conflict, Ukraine has the beautiful Carpathian Mountains and a capital that's more than 1,500 years old.

We're not sure when people will feel safe visiting this country again, but it's worth a visit when they do.

26. Finland

Capital: Helsinki

Official languages: Finnish, Swedish

Population: 5.5 million

How Finland Compares

When we think of Nordic countries, we are always surprised to remember that Finland exists. 

In the pro column: It’s the happiest place on Earth . 

In the con column: It’s way up there, which means it’s dark and cold. And its entertainment is, um, questionable — wife carrying, swamp soccer and mosquito hunting are all popular.

25. Bulgaria

Capital: Sofia

Official language: Bulgarian

Population: 7 million

How Bulgaria Compares

In Bulgaria, you nod your head when you mean no and shake it for yes. But other than this confusing quirk, it’s a great place with a deep history. 

The Cyrillic alphabet was invented here ; its yogurt contains a special bacteria that only exists in Bulgaria ; UNESCO says the country’s official calendar is the most accurate in the world ; and they revere an old blind lady named Vanga who predicts the future . Cool!

Capital: Oslo

Official languages: Norwegian, Sami

Population: 5.37 million

How Norway Compares

Norway is fairly middling when it comes to Europe. The food is sometimes questionable (they eat sheep heads and cure fish with lye), and most of the year it’s freezing and dark.

But they did invent the cheese slicer and also have more reindeer than anyone would ever need , so there’s that.

23. Albania

Capital: Tirana

Official language: Albanian

Population: 2.85 million

How Albania Compares

We largely forgot Albania existed until about 5 minutes ago. No offense, it’s just a really small country surrounded by more interesting countries. And no one has ever said, “Gee, I really wish we’d visited Albania this time.” 

The country touts a fairly dramatic Adriatic coastline, gorgeous mountains and a bunch of cool old castles. But the most interesting thing about Albania is that, totally randomly, it has some of the best internet service in Europe . Who knew?

22. Slovakia

Capital: Bratislava

Official language: Slovak

Population: 5.45 million

How Slovakia Compares

Not to be confused with souvlaki, the delicious Greek barbecue dish, Slovakia is somewhere in Europe, we’re sure of it. 

Just kidding, this country is actually pretty interesting, thanks in large part to its abundance of caves and castles. Fun fact: It has more castles per person than anywhere else in the world.

21. Romania

Capital: Bucharest

How Romania Compares

This country is like the cool goth kid of Europe. It’s proudly defiant, with a completely different language and alphabet than all those other Slavic nations. And much of its identity is wrapped around a guy named Vlad the Impaler (the original Dracula).

Honestly, we’re into it.

Capital: Belgrade

Official language: Serbian

Population: 6.96 million

How Serbia Compares

Many will scoff at this ranking, saying Serbia isn’t even located in Europe (it’s some vast tundra of middle Russia, right?) Oh, poor uncultured soul. If not for its abysmal nationalist politics and icy relations with neighbors, we’d rank Serbia much higher for one reason: rakija (rah-key-uh). It’s a plum spirit and the national beverage, and everyone has a family member who makes it. 

Make friends with a Serb, and drink to your health.

19. Lithuania

Capital: Vilnius

Official language: Lithuanian

Population: 2.79 million

How Lithuania Compares

Kudos to Lithuania for telling the Soviets to shove it back in 1990 and starting the breakup of that union. It’s also believed that Lithuanian culture survived the Iron Curtain thanks to secret home schools and smuggled history texts, which makes its people sound really awesome.

We also like the country's surprisingly good basketball team and are super-jealous of its world’s-fastest-internet status .

Capital: Riga

Official language: Latvia

Population: 1.92 million

How Latvia Compares

Admit it: George Costanza’s failed attempt to convert to Latvian Orthodox is your only experience with this former Soviet republic. 

But while this Baltic state might not show up on anyone’s radar, it’s home to some really interesting stuff. Its forests and generally unspoiled lands are unmatched in Europe, with stunning beaches to boot. And it hosts a weeklong Song and Dance Festival once every five years that’s truly epic.

17. Estonia

Capital: Tallinn

Official language: Estonian

Population: 1.33 million

How It Compares

Estonia is the third and last of the Baltic states, which are much more worthy of Western tourism dollars than any Francophile or Anglophile will ever admit. No longer under the grip of the Soviet Union, Estonia has become a surprisingly compelling place to visit, with lots of medieval history, an exciting city in the form of Tallinn and one of the world’s most beautiful national parks, Lehamaa. 

Also, it was the first country in the world to allow online voting in elections and has some of the world’s most mysterious meteorite craters . That has to count for something.

16. Czechia

Capital: Prague

Official language: Czech

Population: 10.65 million

How Czechia Compares

Don’t call it Czechoslovakia, don’t put ice in your pilsner and certainly don’t refer to the region it’s in as Eastern Europe. It’s Central Europe, and you’ll get yelled at for arguing otherwise. 

Make like every 20-something backpacker and head to Prague, then chill out and grab a pint along with that 15-link sausage sampler in this thoroughly satisfying European nation.

Capital: Paris

Population: 67 million

How France Compares

Mon dieu, man, what gives? How did France end up as only the 15th-best European nation? Sacre bleu! 

Let’s all just take some breaths and think about this. France has everything and always will, which is terribly frustrating. And they know this and so they deserve to be put in their place whenever possible. When asked to choose the most arrogant people in Europe, French people chose ... themselves . That should tell you something. 

Sure, the food is perfection, the art scene is out of control, and there’s enough history to fill several volumes of textbooks. But can’t the French be more humble about it!?

14. Ireland

Capital: Dublin

Official languages: English, Irish, Ulster Scots

Population: 6.6 million (4.8 million in the Republic of Ireland and 1.8 million in Northern Ireland)

How Ireland Compares

Lush landscapes? Check. Incredible dairy products? Check. Guinness for days? Check. An aversion to the UK? Check. 

Ireland is a beautiful place inhabited by strong accents, super-friendly locals and a distinct flair for a good time. Stereotyped to death, it still manages to evoke charm and mystique that few other European nations can ever hope for. 

And congrats on finally besting France at anything (i.e., this important list).

13. Belgium

Capital: Brussels

Official languages: Dutch, French, German

Population: 11.5 million

How Belgium Compares

Like France, but with better chocolate and beer. Like Germany, but with better chocolate and beer. Like the Netherlands, but with better chocolate and beer. Like anywhere, but with better — oh, you get the idea. 

The Belgian fries here also destroy whatever pomme frites you’ll find in la République.

12. Austria

Capital: Vienna

Population: 8.9 million

How Austria Compares

Austria has everything Western Europe has going for it — palaces, world-class museums, unparalleled natural beauty — without all the crowds. It’s also a music-lover’s dream, with a rich classical-music history (Schubert,  Haydn and Schoenberg are all from here) and exciting contemporary live-music scene.  

And what about those tiny sausages from Vienna? How could you not like those, you heathen!

11. Croatia

Capital: Zagreb

Official language: Croatian

Population: 4.1 million

How Croatia Compares

The darling of the former Yugoslavia, Croatia boasts incredible natural beauty and some of the most interesting food and drink in all of Europe. (Try the black risotto. Trust us.) It also has by far the most beautiful stretch of Adriatic coast and well over 1,000 islands to roam around. 

And, yes, “Game of Thrones” filmed a lot of scenes along its Dalmatian coast. But considering the travesty that was the final season, that fact holds less appeal than it once did.

10. Germany

Capital: Berlin

Population: 83 million

How Germany Compares

There are many things that make Germany great, from its boots of beer to its divine cuisine (Pretzels! Spätzle ! So many sausages!) to its distinctive mix of fraught history and progressive present. 

But all that pales in comparison to its really big words. 

We’re big fans of Germany mostly because of its language and the many awesome singular words that describe something more complex. Everyone knows schadenfreude and wanderlust, but how about kummerspeck and backpfeifengesicht? Respectively, they mean the weight gained from emotional stress and the need to slap someone in the face who definitely has it coming. 

The German language is the best language, basically.

Capital: Budapest

Official language: Hungarian

Population: 9.77 million

How Hungary Compares

You definitely need an appetite when you travel in Hungary, as it easily has the most underrated food scene in all of Europe. It might not be as refined as French food or as creative as Spanish cuisine, but it checks off all the boxes when it comes to simple and flavorful, starting with perfectly satisfying cheeses and breads.

Add to that a wine industry that’s also massively overlooked and enough urban-rural interplay to satisfy everyone, and we’ll pretend those centuries of autocracy were just a phase. 

Capital: Rome

Population: 60.3 million

How Italy Compares

Italy has its quirks — half a million exorcisms take place there annually, wine flows freely from fountains in town squares, and locals drink an unseemly amount of caffeine every day.

Then again, it has the best wine and food in the world and some of the oldest, most interesting cities you’ll ever see, from arts-hub Florence to history-mecca Rome to fashion-forward Milan. 

So really, it doesn’t matter how weird Italy can be. We’ll still never want to leave.

Capital: Stockholm

Official language: Swedish

Population: 10.3 million

How Sweden Compares

They put blonde hair dye in the water here and only eat cured fish, so how could it rank so high? 

Because of its global contributions to those little things called prosperity, equality, science and technology and health, that’s why. 

Locals know how to treat strangers well, they actually give parents time off to raise their kids, and if the economy isn’t humming along, the government will pay you to leave your job and relax for a while. 

Actually, forget visiting Sweden. Can we move here instead?

6. Netherlands

Capital: Amsterdam

Official language: Dutch

Population: 17.4 million

How the Netherlands Compares

You must be doing something right when your country is known for its wooden shoes, mild cheeses, legal cannabis and insanely large flower industry. Bikes rule over cars. Dutch people are direct, tolerant and generally friendly. The cities are organized and clean, and the standard of living is as high as the tourists in Amsterdam’s red-light district.  

What’s not to love?

Capital: Warsaw

Official language: Polish

Population: 38.39 million

How Poland Compares

We’re eagerly anticipating the reactions to this one. Yes, Poland is the fifth-best country in Europe. Why?

First of all, Poland is likely responsible for the bagel — a food so perfect that God must be Polish. It also has natural beauty, incredible cities, interesting food and tons of history, good and bad. Plus, it's much more affordable to travel there than, say, all of Western Europe. 

And it’s on no one’s radar. Shine on, Poland.

Capital: Madrid

Official language: Spanish

Population: 47 million

How Spain Compares

The siesta is real and you best not mess with it. In Spain, don’t expect to find a morning bun and coffee unless the morning starts at 1 p.m. What you will find is some of the best cuisine in the world, wines that are too delicious and affordable to be real, and a populace that just wants to party, sleep, party and sleep some more. 

There are pretty beaches and fascinating cities, and a ham that takes three years to make from a pig breed that only exists here. Yes, please. 

Capital: Athens

Official language: Greek

Population: 10.77 million

How Greece Compares

Where would Western Civilization be without Greece? The sentinel of the Mediterranean gave us democracy, the Olympics, sunny days, the Greek Salad, the oldest written language still around and, according to Hollywood, big fat weddings. 

Aside from all those statues with the blank eyeballs , this place is magical.

2. Portugal

Capital: Lisbon

Official language: Portuguese

Population: 10.28 million

How Portugal Compares

Portugal has everything people love about Western Europe — food, drink, scenery, sunny beaches, history, memorable cities — in a smaller, cheaper and more accessible package. You’ll never find the tourist crowds of France, Spain and Italy, and none of the smug locals either. 

It’s also the third-most-peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index . And none of its neighbors are remotely close. 

Still, there's one European country that bests even it...

Capital: Copenhagen

Official language: Danish

Population: 5.8 million

How Denmark Compares

When it comes to the essentials in life, no one does it better than the Danes. They might not have the museums of France, the cuisine of Italy, the beaches of Spain and Portugal, or the wine of Croatia, but the overall quality of life in this Scandinavian country is tops in the world . 

It starts with incredible and affordable health care, housing and transit. But there’s so much more. Jobs are plentiful, education is accessible, pollution and crime barely exist, and people spend very little time feeling sad and depressed about the future. 

Danes even have a word called “ janteloven ” that basically means, we’re all equal and important and deserve each other’s respect. This makes it an awesome place to live in, an awesome place for all to visit and the best country in Europe.

And that's just a fact.

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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

From far-flung destinations to hometown favorites, 2022 is the year to get back out there and turn your dream trips into reality.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Planning new adventures as a new year approaches is always a thrill, but finding the best places to visit in 2022 is unique. After two years of border closures, cruise cancellations, and travel restrictions galore , 2022 is the year we hope to get back out there, uninhibited (albeit vaccinated and COVID tested ), return to our favorite destinations, and cross new ones off our lists.

Though the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many properties used the forced downtime to renovate rooms, add new amenities, and expand outdoor spaces to offer even more once guests return. 2022 is when many travelers will venture further from home, and even overseas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, finally reaping the benefits of these valiant efforts.

Although COVID variants remain, regulations are still evolving, and precautions must still be taken, many of the destinations we chose for 2022 offer what we believe travelers are looking for in a post-pandemic world, from hotels with private accommodations to destinations teeming with fresh-air activities . Others, like Las Vegas, are for those who are ready and raring to make up for all the social time they missed — with a few splashy headliners, including Adele and the Raiders, thrown in for good measure.

As cruising makes its comeback , we included unforgettable places to see by water, from Antarctica to the Nile, and as hard-hit destinations like Italy and Asia recover, we found the buzziest reasons to return. Of course we didn't forget about all the stateside gems we got to know while domestic travel was surging, from Alaska and California to Florida and Michigan.

Our 2022 list, organized alphabetically, doesn't hold back, with aspirational trips as far away as India, Mozambique, Qatar, and even space — but we're also including hometown favorites, like Walt Disney World and its new Star Wars hotel ; the wellness retreats of beautiful Sedona; and the simple pleasures of small-town, farm-to-table living in Franklin, Tennessee. Because no matter what type of trip you've been dreaming of, we want to help you turn 2022 into the year you get back out there and make it a reality.

— Edited by Nina Ruggiero and Scott Bay

1. Abruzzo, Italy

Stretching from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea on the peninsula's southeastern side, Abruzzo, Italy has long been one of the country's most overlooked destinations despite its unspoiled villages, picturesque Trabocchi Coast, and stunning natural escapes. Over the past few years, however, it has gone from a sleepy underdog to an ambitious harbinger of slow travel, sustainable gastronomy, and conscious hospitality. Villa Corallo , a 19th-century mansion near Civitella del Tronto was transformed into a five-star hotel in 2019. Dimore Montane , an eco-lodge opened in 2020 in Majella National Park, marries glamping with environmentally-friendly facilities with a zero waste policy. Meanwhile, restaurants like Bottega Culinaria in San Vito Chietino and Materia Prima in Castel di Sangro are redefining the region as one of Italy's most exciting food hotspots for their innovative and sustainable takes on local produce and traditional dishes (in case Niko Romito's three-Michelin-starred Reale wasn't enough). And completing construction this Spring is Via Verde dei Trabocchi: a cycling and pedestrian path along the Adriatic sea that's being built on a disused railway route. — Marianna Cerini

With many international borders closed over the last two years, many eager U.S. travelers' eyes turned to Alaska. The vast state, famous for its towering, snow-capped peaks, pristine wilderness, massive national parks, and colorful locals, made for a dynamic destination with no passport required. But as borders reopen, interest in the 49th state is showing no signs of slowing down. Alaska's tourism board said early forecasts are projecting that more than 1.57 million cruise ship passengers could visit southeast Alaska in summer 2022. That's an 18% jump from 2019, the previous record year. Many perennial favorite cruise lines , like Holland America, will be returning to full strength after a non-existent 2020 and abbreviated 2021. Others, like Windstar Cruises, UnCruise, and Hurtigruten are rolling out fresh itineraries or are launching new ships. On dry land, Alaska is set to see myriad new offerings and events. In Juneau, the Sealaska Heritage Institute will open their Arts Campus (where visitors will be able to learn about Alaska Native art and culture) and will host Celebration , one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous peoples. In Anchorage, Fur Rendezvous , Alaska's oldest and largest winter festival, will be back from Feb. 25 to March 6 (which also happens to be peak aurora season ). The event hosts activities like the Running of the Reindeer and the Outhouse Races, before culminating with the 50th running of the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race . — Bailey Berg

3. Anguilla

This easy-going Caribbean gem is simpler than ever to get to with American Airlines launching the first-ever nonstop, direct flight from Miami on Dec. 11. Private charter flights by Tradewind Aviation have also resumed service to the island. And the just-opened Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club has a fleet of jets to ferry guests from key U.S. cities. The sprawling luxury resort will include a few restaurants overseen by chef Abram Bissell, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad, and The Modern. Quintessence , a boutique luxury resort with perks like butler service and a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio, is opening a more affordable annex of suites called Quinn that will debut in 2022 (along with a Champagne cellar tasting room and Art Bar). New Restaurant Uchu at Belmond Cap Juluca is taking inspiration from Belmond's collection of properties in Peru. Named after the Quechuan word for spice, the menu will feature contemporary Peruvian cuisine inspired by three of the country's regions: the coast, the jungle, and the highlands. — Scott Bay

4. Antarctica

The pandemic shutdown created a compelling reason to visit Antarctica in 2022: See how the whales, seals, and penguins react after nearly two years without seeing humans. New polar-class expedition ships and new ways to get to the White Continent are reasons to pack your boots too. Viking Expeditions will be in Antarctica for the first time in 2022 with new, twin 378-passenger expedition ships. Ponant's new 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot introduces eco-friendlier sailing, as the first hybrid-electric ship fueled by liquified natural gas (rather than heavy fuel). Quark Expeditions' long-awaited 199-passenger Ultramarine delivers exciting heli-hiking adventures via two eight-seat twin-engine helicopters. Hit a craps table in between icy exploration on the luxurious new all-suite 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor . Silversea Cruises' posh, 144-passenger, all-suite Silver Explorer returns with a debut travel option: Skip the notorious (for rough water) Drake Passage and catch a private flight directly from Chile to Antarctica to board the ship. — Fran Golden

American travelers have long loved the Bahamas for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and sunshine just about 50 miles off the coast of Florida, but there are even more reasons to visit the island nation in 2022. Baha Mar on the Island of New Providence has a brand new water park equipped with everything from a lazy river to a surf simulator, and day passes are available for purchase to those who aren't resort guests. For more rest and relaxation, journey to the outer islands of the Bahamas. While charter flights will get you exactly where you need to go, Crystal Cruises is offering a Bahamas-centric cruise that brings guests to some of the quieter and more remote islands. On its mid-July cruise, guests will embark and disembark from Nassau and then be whisked away via "6-star" service to the islands of Bimini, Great Exuma, San Salvador, and Long Island. Beyond the beach, don't forget to indulge in some local food and culture. The Island archipelago is famous for its conch, stew fish, and rock lobster. From late April through early May, Carnival is celebrated in Nassau and back after a pandemic hiatus. Keep an eye out for the famous sound and dance of the junkanoo. — Jamie Aranoff

6. Barbados

Whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive stay or a vibrant vacation filled with dining and nightlife, Barbados has you covered. Nowhere is that more evident than the pedestrian-friendly South Coast, which is teeming with new resorts and restaurants. The O2 Beach Club & Spa is an all-inclusive resort set on the white sands of Dover Beach, with three pools, six dining options, seven bars, and the Acqua spa, featuring the only hammam treatment room on the island. It joins other luxurious South Coast hotels, including Sandals and Sea Breeze Beach House . If you can pull yourself away from the resort pools, head along the coast to Worthing Square Food Garden, an outdoor food hall with 20 vendors serving dishes from around the Caribbean. Or stroll down the mile-long boardwalk for easy access to ocean-front food and drinks at local favorites like Champers, Salt Café, Tiki Bar, and Chill Café & Bar. — Kevin Gray

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

A favorite of adventure travelers for its rainforests and divers who explore the Great Blue Hole and expansive barrier reef, Belize offers an abundance of casual spots and a handful of luxe resorts. The latest arrival is Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection Hotel , in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, opened mid-2021 with plans to add to its already extensive guest room, suite, and oceanfront villa accommodations. Major airlines are also recognizing the destination's potential with nonstop flights and convenient connections from most U.S. cities. In addition to United and Delta's nonstop flights from Houston and Atlanta, respectively, Alaska Airlines added nonstop service from Los Angeles and Seattle to Belize City in November, and Frontier Airlines will start weekly nonstop flights from Denver and Orlando. — Patricia Doherty

8. Budapest, Hungary

Very few places in the world capture both old-world charm and elegant modernity like Hungary's capital city, and Budapest's latest 130-room luxury hotel, Matild Palace , is a shining example. The neo-baroque palace-turned-hotel, which opened last summer in the city's District V, is a UNESCO-protected site that once housed the city's royalty. The hotel is now home to Wolfgang Punk's famed restaurant, Spago , the first of its kind in central Europe. It also hosts the Duchess bar — a rooftop "liquor library" that mixes craft cocktails using local wines and pálinka, Hungarian fruit brandy, which can be enjoyed alongside panoramic views of the Danube river. Surrounded by 22 wine regions, Budapest is a city for oenophiles. Enjoy a glass of Kékfrankos or Kadarka in the Castle District's newly opened wine bar, Takler Borbár Buda , founded by one of the country's renowned winemaking families. Don't leave the city without visiting Marlou , a biodynamic wine bar near the Hungarian State Opera, and Portobello , an unassuming coffee and natural wine bar around the corner from Matild Palace. — Stephanie Andrews

9. Burgundy, France

The region of Burgundy is known for — you guessed it — its Burgundy wine, but French wine isn't the only reason Burgundy is a must-visit in 2022. In the spring, the region's capital city of Dijon will welcome the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin (International City of Gastronomy and Wine), an expansive complex with a cooking school, a new hotel, a handful of restaurants, and a wine cellar with over 250 by-the-glass offerings. The new project is perfectly situated at the starting point of Burgundy's famed wine route — Route des Grands Crus — which runs from Dijon to Santenay and produces some of the country's most well-regarded wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc. — Evie Carrick

10. British Virgin Islands

Within the Caribbean, the 60 islands that comprise the British Virgin Islands have long held the reputation of luxury draped in relaxation. And now it's doubling down on that brand of island spirit with Richard Branson's second private island, the 125-acre Moskito Island that opened in October and sits right across from his first BVI paradise, Necker Island (which received a serious upgrade when it reopened last year after a two-year closure). The new destination will eventually have 10 private estates that can be rented through Virgin Limited Edition , but among the ones already available are Point Estate, starting at $17,500 a night, and Oasis Estate for $19,000. But Moskito isn't the only shiny new reason to visit BVI. Proving the area's resilience following the devastation after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Saba Rock , the private island long known for its diving, went through a complete reconstruction before reopening in October; the Bitter End Yacht Club reopened in December with BVI's first over-the-water bungalows; and Oil Nut Bay will expand in early 2022 with new villas, a watersports center, and spa. Also on tap for 2022, the solar-powered White Bay Villas and new hilltop suites at Long Bay Beach Resort . And with the Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival returning in the spring of 2022 after being canceled for two years, BVI is proving it's truly back and stronger than ever. — Rachel Chang

11. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

You're likely to glimpse Europe's pro athlete and yachting crowds at Marriott's four hotels on the Costa Smeralda, the glitzy Italian destination known for its Caribbean-like beaches and luxury resorts. Its glamorous Hotel Cala di Volpe has gradually been unveiling room renovations alongside new dining options, including its Harrods Suite, with a roof terrace and sea-facing plunge pool, and BeefBar 's first Italian outpost. The entire area is one big " Billionaire Experience ," but Formula One and entertainment mogul Flavio Briatore snagged the term for his new dining and nightlife venue in designer shopping destination Porto Cervo. For more of a low-key, family-friendly escape, the Baglioni Resort Sardinia opened an hour south in San Teodoro in June, overlooking the stunning Tavolara Marine Reserve . — Nina Ruggiero

12. Crete, Greece

The Greek Islands have long been a perennial favorite vacation destination for discerning travelers, and Crete, the largest of the 227 islands in the archipelago, deserves a spot atop your must-see list. Yes, it's a place where you can find the white-washed buildings and blue roofs you've lusted after on Instagram for years, and a spot where you can dive into the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean at every turn. And of course you can dig deep into both history and mythology as humans have lived on the island since the 7th millennium B.C ., not to mention the fact that Crete is the birthplace of Zeus . It's little surprise then, with all this beauty and history, that Crete continues to harbor a rich creative community, mostly centered in the neighborhood of Chania. There, visitors can peruse works in museums like the Mediterranean Architecture Center , or seek out unique pieces in galleries like the Municipal Art Gallery or the Redd Gallery . To visit Crete, hop aboard a sailing with Silversea , which takes guests to Crete and several other stellar islands, or book a stay at the Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort , named one of the Top 10 Greece Resort Hotels in Travel + Leisure 's World's Best Awards, 2021. — Stacey Leasca

13. Walt Disney World

The " World's Most Magical Celebration " — Walt Disney World's 18-month-long 50th anniversary event that kicked off on Oct. 1 — continues through 2022 with enchanting touches and highly anticipated ride and hotel openings. Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser will begin offering its immersive, two-night adventures in a galaxy far, far away on March 1. The interactive, choose-your-own-adventure experience will have guests wielding lightsabers, sleeping on the ship, brushing shoulders with Star Wars characters, eating intergalactic cuisine, and maybe even going on a secret mission, making this a truly unique experience that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Other 2022 openings include the Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind indoor coaster at Epcot, slated for summer. — Elizabeth Rhodes

14. Doha, Qatar

As we ask ourselves what cities of the future should look like, we naturally look around for examples. Places like Shanghai, Tokyo, and New York City seem to fit the description on paper, but I'd argue that no city better encapsulates that definition than Doha, the capital of Qatar. There is so much to discover — from East-West/West-East , a series of four steel monoliths created by sculptor Richard Serra to the Museum of Islamic Art , the massive 560,000-square-foot gallery. Eat at Syrian comfort food spot Damasca One, Em Sherif a rooftop spot that serves up authentic regional dishes, and the lively corner restaurant Nourlaya Contemporary for Sri Lankan cuisine. Stay at the Mandarin Oriental Doha or Banyan Tree Doha . (Read Robinson's full dispatch on Doha in the July 2021 edition of Travel + Leisure) — Whitney Robinson

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

The Auld Reekie is buzzing with new energy. The highly anticipated Hotel W , designed by Jestico and Whiles in conjunction with Allan Murray Architects, is opening next winter. And several other hotels have recently opened in and around the city — Marine North Berwick , the Market Street hotel , Rusacks St. Andrews , and ship-turned-luxury-hotel Fingal . Gleneagles Townhouse , a first-ever city outpost from the famed Gleneagles estate, is opening in the spring. St James Quarter, a developing area of the city, and where Hotel W is being built, is opening next year with 85 shops, 30 restaurants, and a cinema. New in whisky is the September christening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street . And promising to shake up the scotch scene in the capital city is Leith Distillery , opening in the summer. — Scott Bay

16. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes have bolstered their wellness and culinary offerings in recent years, carving out a name for themselves in the luxury travel realm. Inns of Aurora , comprising five historic mansions, debuted a holistic wellness facility in 2021 — set on 350 acres overlooking Cayuga Lake, complete with hydrotherapy pools, meditation areas, and a farm fresh cafe. Forty miles west of Cayuga, The Lakehouse on Canandaigua — situated on, yes, Canandaigua Lake — recently unveiled the Willowbrook Spa, which boasts lakeside barrel sauna sessions among other innovative treatments. Sandwiched between Cayuga and Canandaigua lakes is Seneca Lake, home to the largest of the Finger Lakes wine trails (this might be riesling country, but don't knock the lighter-bodied reds till you try 'em) and foodie draws like the 14-seat F.L.X. Table . Travelers visiting in the coming year will also see the Finger Lakes festival roster return in full force, including Rochester's Lilac Festival in May and International Jazz Festival in July, as well as attractions for the historically inclined road tripper, like Cayuga County's celebration of Harriet Tubman's birth through a number of walking tours and activations rolled out through 2022. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

17. Franklin, Tennessee

Despite its count of more than 80,000 year-round residents, the very walkable Franklin firmly grasps onto its small-town charms , starting with a quintessentially quaint downtown chock-full of shops and restaurants finding shelter in brick storefronts lining the sidewalks. The uninitiated might know this place for its past — Civil War museums, battleground sites, and historical markers telling the stories of a slave market, race riots, and Black soldiers in the U.S. Colored Troop division of the army all offer points of education and reflection. But the southern city has many modern-day draws as well — for starters, an exciting food and drink scene that includes the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and Arrington Vineyards , the largest winery in the region. Musical events and venues abound, too: The Pilgrimage Music Festival is one of the biggest in the state, and the 7,500-seat FirstBank Amphitheater , newly opened inside a former rock quarry, has welcomed the likes of the Jonas Brothers and Santana to its stage. There's also Leiper's Fork , a quirky-cool enclave filled with antique shops and art galleries. Even more brand-new to the scene is Southall , a 325-acre farm and inn with 62 rooms and suites and 16 cottages opening this June. The lush setting amid rolling hills makes active adventures (hiking, biking, kayaking), wellness pursuits (a spa, meditation, yoga, and two outdoor pools), and nourishing food (the restaurant uses ingredients grown, raised, and foraged on the property) easy to find. All of this and more lie just a short, 30-minute drive from bustling Nashville, making it tempting to tack onto a visit to the capital city. — Alisha Prakash

18. Galápagos Islands

The world's largest marine biosphere reserve will expand more than 20,000 square miles next year thanks to a recent presidential decree . The conservation measure seeks to combat illegal fishing by offering increased protection to the thousands of species that populate the archipelago's waters as well as a migration corridor stretching up to Costa Rica used by sharks, whales and other sea life. Come January, travelers can cruise this UNESCO-protected region on new nine-day adventures from Hurtigruten Expeditions and outfitter Metropolitan Touring aboard the 90-guest carbon-neutral MS Santa Cruz II. For a more intimate experience, passengers can book Aqua Expeditions ' seven-suite 164-foot superyacht, Aqua Mare, when it debuts in May. At the end of the year, eco-enthusiasts can sail to lesser-explored islands to spot giant tortoises, sea lions, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas on Quasar Expeditions ' new sustainable yacht — the 18-passenger M/Y Conservation featuring biodegradable amenities, renewable energy and a carbon-neutral footprint. Those with timid sea legs should check into the locally owned and run Montemar in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. — Nora Walsh

19. Greater Palm Springs, California

Greater Palm Springs is kicking its signature self-care into high gear in the coming year. Taking a cue from its sister property, Sensei Lanai , the new Sensei Porcupine Creek is converting a 230-acre private estate into a luxury wellness experience in Rancho Mirage in 2022. In Palm Springs proper, Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza will celebrate Indigenous art and history alongside the new Spa at Séc-he , where visitors will soak in approximately 12,000-year-old hot springs. Nearby, Fleur Noire Hotel just opened its adults-only casitas and bungalows, with a speakeasy Champagne bar to follow. Unexpectedly, the desert has a budding surf scene — the former Wet 'n Wild waterpark is becoming Palm Springs Surf Club , with a state-of-the-art wave pool, spa, restaurant, and bar; DSRT Surf is set to open a 5.5-acre wave lagoon in Palm Desert; and Kelly Slater himself is bringing a green energy–powered wave basin to Coral Mountain , a proposed new wellness resort with a hotel and residences, set to open in La Quinta by 2023 pending city approvals. And for entertainment outside the splash zone, the $250-million Coachella Valley Arena will host hockey, concerts, and more live events by the end of the year. — Nina Ruggiero

20. Greenville, South Carolina

Once in the shadow of Charleston and Asheville, Greenville has emerged in recent years as a go-to destination in its own right — and it keeps giving travelers more reasons to visit. In 2022, the city of just over 70,000 people will welcome a luxury boutique hotel, unveil a new public gathering place, and build on its well-earned reputation as a culinary and craft beer hotspot. The long-awaited, 187-room Grand Bohemian hotel is expected to open its doors this spring, complete with a two-story restaurant and bar, art gallery, and spa. The 60-acre Unity Park will feature plenty of greenspace, an observation tower, baseball fields, playgrounds, and walking and biking trails. And recently opened restaurants, including French Laundry alum Drew Erickson's Camp , Urban Wren, Coral, and an outpost of Nashville's famous Prince's Hot Chicken located inside Yee-Haw Brewing will ensure you're well-fed while in town. — Kevin Gray

21. Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

While South Africa and Uganda grab headlines for African wildlife, Mozambique has been quietly making strides protecting 17 percent of its land — including beaches, coral reefs, and islands — showcasing its dedication to its natural beauty both on land and underwater. Ever since the country's 16-year civil war ended in 1992, the southeastern African nation has been aiming to build back in the right ways. Case in point: the private island of Ilha Caldeira, less than seven miles off the coast as part of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, located within the marine-protected area with 20 percent of the country's intact living coral. It's here that the eco-luxury Banyan Tree resort chain has developed one of its most ambitious projects yet, a five-star property — accessible by jetty or helicopter — with 40 private pool villas that will be completely solar powered. Add to that a fish market restaurant with a 270-degree ocean view, the brand's trademark Banyan Tree Spa, and world-class diving, all in a too-pristine-to-believe beach setting, and this island escape is sure to draw attention away from its Indian Ocean neighbors when it opens at the end of 2022. — Rachel Chang

22. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Those wary of traveling internationally in 2022 will find solace in Jackson Hole, a mountain town with endless open space (Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S.) and plenty to do. In the winter, life revolves around Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , home to some of the nation's best skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, plan your trip around the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Summer Festival (June 23-25) or head to the nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. For easy access to the mountain town, travelers can hop on one of Aero's high-end, seasonal flights and stay at The Cloudveil off the Town Square or the Caldera House at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. — Evie Carrick

23. Kafue National Park, Zambia

Straddling three regions of Zambia, Kafue National Park is the largest (and oldest) in the country, measuring 8,648 miles. In the wildlife-rich Busanga plains — located in the secluded northern side of the park — spend the night at newly opened Chisa Busanga Camp in their bird's nest shaped rooms. Enjoy a silent safari, thanks to e-cruisers or an e-bike safari provided by the property. See wildlife from above with a hot air balloon safari from Shumba Camp or Busanga Bush Camp . Other accommodation offerings in the park include riverfront Ila Safari Lodge and Mukambi Safari Lodge . Both properties offer fishing, walking safaris, boat cruises, and have Instagram worthy pools (perfect for a soak and the traditional safari sundowner: a gin and tonic). — Mazuba Kapambwe

24. Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas, Lithuania has a lofty New Year's resolution. After a century of wars, Soviet rule, and, since the 1990s, independence, this UNESCO Creative City of Design is ready to cultivate a new identity — and it's doing so as one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2022 (alongside Novi Sad, Serbia). The festivities commence in January, with thousands of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and events throughout the year to celebrate Kaunas' history while cementing its path forward . Also this year, Kaunas will welcome the highly anticipated $30 million Science Island, Lithuania's first national science and innovation center designed by UK firm Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC). By May, the city's former Magnus Hotel will reopen with sparkly new digs and a posh rooftop under the ibis Styles umbrella . This lively city is also a main stop on the recently unveiled 1,330-mile Forest Trail across the Baltics. And, a host of just-announced Ryanair flight routes, including Madrid to Kaunas, will make visiting this capital of culture a breeze. — Stephanie Vermillion

25. Kyushu, Japan

Kyushu may be less than two hours from Tokyo by plane, but it feels far from Honshū's well-beaten tourist circuit. The southwesternmost Japanese main island is still largely unexplored, providing those willing to venture off the beaten path with a much different Japan than the one they'll find in its cities. As a warm, subtropical island, Kyushu is home to long, golden beaches and some of Japan's best snorkeling and scuba diving. Inland, the country's most active volcano, Mt. Aso, feeds the island's myriad natural hot springs — many of which offer sea views. And while the island has accommodations that include both hot spring resorts and luxury beachfront villas , nothing tops a stay at Hirado Castle , which was recently restored and renovated to welcome visitors overnight . — Evie Carrick

26. Lanai, Hawaii

Wellness opportunities and cultural awareness are showcased along with luxury at Lanai's two Four Seasons resorts. At Sensei Lāna'i, A Four Seasons Resort , guests can now choose the Discover Sensei Experience , offering the ability to enjoy the retreat's amenities without joining the more comprehensive programs. New "Optimal Wellbeing" programs focus on improving performance in tennis and golf along with overall wellness. Four Seasons Resort Lanai is adding an observatory as part of "Love Lanai," featuring cultural experiences designed to share the island's rich heritage. The observatory program will center around the history of Pacific voyaging, native traditions, and astronomy. — Patricia Doherty

27. Las Vegas, Nevada

Never bet against the house: The pandemic may have put a damper on Las Vegas, but the ever-on-the-move city is back in a big way for 2022. A massive new development on the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas, opened in June, has three distinct Hilton properties under one enormous roof, not to mention more than 40 restaurants and bars, plus pools (plural), and a handful of $15,000-a-night villas . Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the Cromwell , and downtown's Circa Resort & Casino are also giving visitors fresh options on where to stay. The city's pro sports teams — also now plural — are drawing in fans. And off-Strip "immersive experiences," like the Omega Mart by Meow Wolf and the Illuminarium, both at Area15 , are lending an additional layer of things to do beyond the expected. Not that there's anything wrong with splashing out on dinner and a show after the past two years. Live acts — like Adele's just-announced residency at The Colosseum — are once again hot tickets, as is a table at chic new supper club Delilah , at the Wynn Las Vegas. Some things, thankfully, never change. — Paul Brady

28. Louisville, Kentucky

Your cowboy boots were made for walking the streets of Louisville. Nicknamed "The Bourbon City," an official gateway to Kentucky's bourbon trail, the city is expanding its bourbon footprint in 2022. In October, the Urban Bourbon Trail welcomed the first and only African American–owned distillery in the state, Brough Brothers . Meanwhile, its trailmate, Angel's Envy , will wrap its $8.2-million expansion project complete with a new event space and five tasting rooms in the spring. The city is most well known for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby every spring at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, and the Downs will open the first installment of its multi-year expansion plan, the Homestretch Club , just in time for the 2022 Derby. There, attendees will be able to enjoy the race with an all-new trackside lounge experience. — Hannah Streck

29. Malaysia

Malaysia is home to a beautiful medley of cultures (Chinese, Indian, and Malay) and a diverse smattering of terrain: bustling cities with towering buildings, verdant rain forests with incredible wildlife, and idyllic islands with dreamy beaches. But all of this and more has been closed to the world for much of the pandemic. Now that the island of Langkawi is open via a travel bubble, with the rest of the country expected to follow suit in 2022, travelers can once again experience Malaysia's many gifts. Langkawi, a beach lover's paradise, blends unspoiled nature (UNESCO-listed Kilim Karst Geoforest Park ) and unparalleled luxury ( Four Seasons Resort , Datai Langkawi ), while cosmopolitan capital Kuala Lumpur draws visitors with its gleaming Petronas Towers, delicious hawker food stalls, and shopping. Then there's Borneo, complete with wildlife-packed jungles and a rich Indigenous culture, as well as Desaru Coast, a 3,900-acre area that's home to coveted resorts like the One&Only Desaru Coast , a tropical oasis that opened in early September 2020 (the brand's first in Asia). — Alisha Prakash

30. Maldives

The Maldives' 1,000+ islands sit in the Indian Ocean like a string of turquoise pearls. The tropical nirvana has 166 accommodation options, including the new Joali Being nature retreat, which leads guests on a transformative wellness journey. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives debuts in February with 80 beach and overwater villas on the Raa Atoll. Coming to the same atoll in May, also with 80 luxury villas, is Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa on a massive lagoon primed for snorkeling. The ever-innovative Soneva Fushi has a new experience that includes zip-lining to a six-course meal 30 feet about the sand. Along with Soneva Jani, they've debuted Soneva Soul , a new spa complex melding ancient and modern techniques. Other vacation favorites are unveiling new digs like the sleek, contemporary renovation of Naladhu Private Island and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island , debuting in February. — Katie Lockhart

31. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is considered one of the sailing capitals of the world. It is home to the largest fleet of America's Cup 12 Meter yachts , most of which are available for charter. In May, the coastal town is welcoming a Sailing Museum that is sure to solidify that title. Over the past few years, a slew of hotel openings have closed a much-needed gap for luxury accommodations, including Hammett's Hotel , Brenton Hotel , and The Wayfinder Hotel . The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection is debuting the property's highly anticipated transformation conceived by Dallas-based design collective Swoon — the lobby, dining room, and shared areas are now complete with guest rooms finishing early next year. Renowned beverage executive Maxwell Britten has joined the team as chief cocktail curator alongside an amazing chef who cooks up a selection of elevated pub-inspired dishes. And don't miss Giusto , at Hammett's Hotel, which serves up excellent Italian with a Rhode Island twist. — Scott Bay

32. Nile Cruise, Egypt

There is no trip that will convert you to a life of river cruising quite like a sail down (well, technically, up) the Nile. In fact, the world's first river cruises sailed in Egypt, a country designed around the central waterway, where it makes sense that the Nile would act as your home base. A typical Egyptian river cruise sets sail from Cairo to Luxor and then Aswan, with the occasional stop to visit an island temple along the way — complete with sights like the Pyramids, Valley of Kings and Queens, Nefertari's tomb, and the Temple of Kom Ombo. In 2022, there's more than one new river cruise to choose from, between Uniworld's newly launched S.S. Sphinx and AmaWaterways' Amadahlia , both of which sailed their inaugural voyages in fall 2021. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

In late 2021, Panama launched a tourism platform along with the coolest tagline in travel: " Live for More ." With a booming coffee scene and a renewed focus on its culture, history, and biodiversity , the Central American nation is ready for its moment in the spotlight. It's an attractive place for those looking to get out of resort mode and into a world open for exploration and adventure. Immersive environmental experiences abound here, including trekking through the rainforest on its suspended hanging bridges and walking to the top of the Volcán Barú, an active volcano with both Pacific and Atlantic Ocean views from the top. There is also abundant opportunity to learn from Panama's seven Indigenous communities, each of whom offer their own personalized experiences and are happy to share their craftsmanship and traditions. Panama offers plenty of luxury, too. In its capital city, check into the American Trade Hotel , centrally located in Panama's Casco Viejo district, a historic neighborhood which happens to also be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. — Stacey Leasca

34. Phuket, Thailand

Before the pandemic, Phuket was beautiful but crowded, full of beach bars and tourists chasing all-nighters. It's still full of energy and surrounded by the same pristine sea glass–colored water, but its luxurious side is finally getting the attention it deserves, from its high-end coffee shops to its cocktail bars. Hide from the world in paradise with a stay in one of the private pool residences at Trisara , featuring kitchens, a private chef, butler service, and breathtaking views over the sea, as well as access to the resort's PRU restaurant , which has earned both a Michelin star and a Michelin green star. Or book a stay at the brand-new V Villas Phuket , which offers a curated selection of 19 private-pool, 1-, 3-, and 4-bedroom villas. Later, party the night away in Phuket Old Town with inventive cocktails at Club No. 43 (think: rum with grilled pineapple juice and espuma), or settle in for a great dinner and a night of daring performances at the Junkyard Theatre , which just launched a weekly Saturday night show. — Alison Fox

35. Pico, Portugal

The islands of the Azores — a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean some 900 miles west of Lisbon — are more popular than ever, and for 2022, travelers will want to fix their eyes firmly on the second-largest isle: Pico, an alluring, otherworldly locale covered with black, volcanic rocks. Conquering Portugal's highest peak, the cloud-shrouded, 7,713-foot-high Mount Pico, used to be the island's main draw, but a recent uptick in hospitality infrastructure has allowed for more opportunity to partake of Pico's most important agricultural output: wine. Renowned Portuguese winemaker Antonio Maçanita just opened a new winery that comes with bookable design-forward apartments adjacent to the island's unique vineyards. On Pico, grapes are planted on volcanic terroir that are then protected from Atlantic winds with rock walls. Maçanita's ​​ Azores Wine Company 's mineral, sometimes slightly salty wines could be the perfect celebratory drink after a grueling hike.The crashing waves around Pico are beginning to seduce surfers, too. And there are also ample opportunities to watch for marine life thanks to 20 species of dolphins and whales (including humpbacks and orcas) that can be spotted in these waters. But if you'd rather eat what's in the water: Try lapas, a local shellfish delicacy best served grilled with butter and garlic and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Thankfully, getting to experience all of this has never been easier: Starting July 1, United Airlines will for the first time connect Newark to the island of São Miguel (the Azores' largest island), and from there, it's a quick hop over to Pico. Or you could always get there via direct flights from Lisbon or Porto with Tap Air Portugal's stopover program. — Chadner Navarro

36. Quebec, Canada

After over a year of tight pandemic restrictions, Canada reopened to American tourists in 2021, so now might finally be time to plan that trip to the Great White North, starting with the province of Quebec. From the charming, French-influenced cities of Montreal and Quebec City to the region's snow-capped mountains, there's something new to explore every season. In December 2021, the first Club Med mountain resort in Canada, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix , opened, offering all-inclusive ski vacations just a short flight from several major U.S. cities. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a foliage-packed autumn cruise from New York to Montreal in October. No matter what time of year you visit, Le Capitole Hotel in Quebec City and Humaniti Hotel Montreal are top picks for places to stay in the major cities. — Elizabeth Rhodes

37. Queensland, Australia

Australia's highly anticipated international border reopening will be well worth the wait, especially as more travelers seek nuanced cultural experiences and sustainable stays. The northeastern state has long been the gateway for visits to the rightly beloved Great Barrier Reef, and beginning in 2022, visitors can learn about conservation efforts and the ecosystem directly from the area's Traditional Land Owners and Indigenous guides during day trips from Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel . Aboriginal elders and Traditional Land Owners are also working with local operator Gudjuda Tours on a daylong excursion to tag and rescue one of the reef's most beloved creatures: sea turtles. Those who want to take a more extended trip to the Whitsunday Islands can look to Elysian Retreat , recently certified as the area's first fully solar-powered resort, or its carbon-negative sister property Pumpkin Island . Back on the mainland, within the verdant Daintree Rainforest UNESCO World Heritage Site, eco-luxury hideaway Silky Oaks Lodge will finally welcome guests back after its $15-million overhaul. — Sarah Bruning

38. Santa Ynez Valley, California

Two hours from L.A., the Santa Ynez Valley is rural, unassuming, and coming into its own. The region has grown grapes for decades and has even made a Hollywood cameo in the movie Sideways. The arrival of newer tasting rooms, restaurants, and hotels in recent years has firmly put the area on oenophiles' and travelers' radars. Start with a private olive oil tasting at Global Gardens and hard cider at Tin City Cider in Los Olivos. Follow with pizza pies at Full of Life Flatbread and vino at nearby female-owned A Tribute to Grace and Casa Dumetz . Detour to Firestone Walker 's outpost in Buellton for a few limited edition craft brews and finish with dishes such as roasted tomato and fennel risotto at the Ballard Inn's Gathering Table . Though it's technically just beyond the boundaries of the valley in Lompoc, The Hilt Estate , is too good to miss. And once it opens this year as an Auberge property, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern will make for the perfect base from which to explore it all. — Tanvi Chheda

39. São Paulo, Brazil

Known for its dynamic combination of luxury, design, and fashion influence, São Paulo is an international metropolitan hub of arts and culture. It's the largest city in South America, hosting an array of entertainment opportunities such as fabulous hotels, decadent restaurants, high-class museums, and iconic mid-century architecture. With airlines including American adding flights throughout Brazil in 2022 and a flourishing hospitality renaissance throughout the city, São Paulo is well prepared for its anticipated influx of new travelers. A must-visit destination for 2022 is the Rosewood São Paulo , located in the heart of São Paulo's Cidade Matarazzo and housed in a historic landmark building. Here, visitors will encounter 200-plus luxurious guest rooms, suites, and residences, plus six restaurants and bars and two pools. — Molly O'Brien

40. Savannah, Georgia

This coastal Georgia city is rightly famous for its atmospheric, moss-draped streets and squares, not to mention its hundreds of years of history. But lately Savannah has been boosted by creativity and innovation outside the sometimes frozen-in-amber Old Town, which means now is a particularly compelling time to visit. Make home base the brand-new Thompson Savannah , a slick 13-story tower with interiors by Studio 11 Design that anchors the still-developing Eastern Wharf neighborhood. Phase one of the 54-acre development, which aims to turn a once-industrial waterfront into a contemporary mixed-use destination, includes hundreds of apartments, fitness trails, access to the Savannah River, and multiple bars and restaurants, including Fleeting , a seasonally driven spot inside the Thompson. At the same time, Savannah's other major waterfront destination has also come into its own. The Plant Riverside District, a stone's throw from Old Town, marked its official grand opening in November 2021, putting a bow on a bustling JW Marriott hotel , countless restaurants and bars, and multiple live performance venues all along a rebuilt waterfront. Not that all the action is along the river: The ever-evolving Starland District, a short drive from Johnson Square, has its share of hangouts including Starland Yard , a food truck park that's also home to the excellent Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana ; Two Tides Brewing Company , which pours hazy ales and delicious sours in a super-cool taproom; and Troupial , a Venezuelan cafe. You'll also want to pack Wildsam Savannah , a newly released field guide that helps visitors understand the layers of history (and the contemporary politics) that are fueling the latest renaissance in Savannah. — Paul Brady

41. Seattle, Washington

Few places offer both an urban and a natural escape in one destination — and the Emerald City might be one of the best. The city center is world-class with top hotel accommodations ( Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and Thompson Seattle ), locally focused fine dining, and countless cultural sites. Then, just minutes away from all of that is some of the most stunning outdoor recreation out there. Adding to the city's luster is the newly opened Lotte Hotel Seattle . The 189-room tower is bringing high design and refined service to the area. Charlotte , the hotel's restaurant on the 18th floor, serves up an inventive menu that is sure to become an all-time favorite dining experience. The landmark Fairmont Olympic Hotel recently completed a $25-million historic restoration of its public spaces, quickly becoming one of the most Instagrammable spots in town. Plus, its buzzy new culinary showpiece will debut in the months to come. Before leaving Seattle, don't miss a meal at celebrated pasta specialist Brian Clevenger's new restaurant, Autumn . — Scott Bay

42. Sedona, Arizona

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

With tourism already surging thanks to the Instagram fame of attractions like Devil's Bridge, Sedona garnered even more of a following during the pandemic among cooped-up city dwellers enthralled by the destination's red rocks and energy vortexes. In 2022, set your sights on North America's first landscape hotel, Ambiente , home to 40 standalone accommodations (called "atriums"), most with private rooftop decks perfect for stargazing. Opening in May, the sustainability-focused retreat will offer on-site trailhead access — further immersing guests in the Sedona landscape while combating traffic along the city's main highway — and reactivate an ancient waterway to populate a stream running throughout the hotel. Experience Sedona's culinary clout right on property at Ambiente's restaurant, Forty1, housed in a refurbished airstream, or venture next door to Mariposa , the city's must-visit restaurant by chef Lisa Dahl, who pioneered fine dining in this town. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

43. Singapore

Singapore reopened to vaccinated American travelers in October 2021 with the introduction of the country's Vaccinated Travel Lane . Travelers can fly from the U.S. on Singapore Airlines' vaccine-mandatory flights ; the World's Best airline 26 years running launched Vaccinated Travel Lane flights this fall, and United Airlines plans to follow suit by January 2022. Even in the early stages of reopening to foreign travelers, the city-state is already unveiling new culinary ventures. Recently, chef Julien Royer, behind three-Michelin-star Odette, opened Claudine , and Raffles Singapore unveiled Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse, while Marina Bay Sands plans to debut chef Tetsuya Wakuda's second restaurant within the hotel in the new year. Of course, there's just as much flavor to be found at Singapore's famed hawker centers, now on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. As tourists return to Singapore, new cultural attractions follow — from the return of Singapore Art Week, beginning Jan. 14, to the recent unveiling of SkyHelix Sentosa , an open-air ride towering 300 feet above sea level, for anyone still in need of thrills after a 17-hour flight over the Pacific. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

44. Southwest Michigan

Beaches with ocean-like views were once the main draw to Michigan's southwest coast, but new high-style accommodations and hyper-local experiences are giving us more reasons to go. Where to stay with so many options? Consider the cool new motel-turned-boutique Lake Shore Resort in Saugatuck; The Fields glamping retreat with new spa tents in South Haven; the revamped, modern Harbor Grand Hotel in New Buffalo; or anywhere along the coast with high-touch Bluefish Vacation Rentals , which has killer lakefront homes now stocked with handmade local goods. Hop on the new pedestrian/bike trail in Union Pier, and definitely shop two new woman-owned standouts: the beautifully curated Haven and Ariane Prewitt's AP Cottage, scheduled to open this spring. Women are showing off the culinary scene, too, with everything from a special saison ale — winner of the 2021 Great American Beer Festival — at woman-owned Waypost Brewing Co. , to new herb-inspired cocktails at James Beard-winning chef Melissa Corey's Penny Royal Café & Provisions , to James Beard nominee Abra Beherns' Granor Farm , where dinners return this year in a new glass-enclosed barn. — Nina Kokotas Hahn

45. St. Moritz, Switzerland

If you're on the hunt for glitz, glamour, and powder for days, look no further than St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Alpine ski town has long been considered the birthplace of winter vacationing. Tourists first flocked to the mountain town in 1864 , when hotelier Johannes Badrutt took a few British travelers to the community, promising them bluebird days all winter. It wasn't long until others learned about this hidden winter oasis. Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts flocked to the mountain, which has now hosted the Winter Olympic Games not once, but twice. It's an ideal place for ski bunnies too, thanks to its luxury shopping, and its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants . This winter, head to St. Moritz for its fantastic events like White Surf (Feb. 6, 13, and 20, 2022), an international horse race that takes place across the frozen Lake St. Moritz, and the Snow Polo World Cup (Jan. 28-30, 2022), which happens to be the world's only high-goal tournament on snow. Book a stay at the Badrutt's Palace Hotel , which officially reopened on Dec. 3 for the 2021/2022 season and offers guests the chance to try their hand at high-octane winter sports like skijöring, snowkiting, tobogganing, and even private helicopter tours to the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü. — Stacey Leasca

46. St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida

The beaches of St. Petersburg and nearby Clearwater are consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. and even the world , but there's more to this destination than white sand, pristine waters, and 361 days of sunshine per year. St. Pete/Clearwater offers more than 30 museums and galleries featuring world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, as well as the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside of Spain. One could say brewing the perfect beer is also an artform that St. Pete/Clearwater has mastered, with its trail of 35+ locally owned craft breweries. Playfully nicknamed the " Gulp Coast ," complete your experience with a digital passport that tracks your beer-sampling progress. These year-round offerings mean you can visit any time, but head over in June 2022 to revel in the 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride , the largest Pride event in Florida, hosting events for everyone from friends and families to couples and solo travelers. — Jessica Poitevien

47. Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos is one of Mexico's pueblo mágicos, or "magic towns," and locals are working to retain its history and culture while embracing the steady stream of travelers who have begun venturing an hour north of Cabo San Lucas to discover its charm. The area saw a handful of new boutique resorts pop up in 2021 that provide luxury amenities while keeping the rugged land and local flora the centerpiece. Wellness-focused Paradero describes itself as a "landscaping project" that just so happens to have luxurious suites, and El Perdido , an all-villa resort less than five miles south, provides all-terrain vehicles so visitors can get to Los Cerritos beach, the local surf break of choice. Oceanfront Rancho Pescadero 's multimillion-dollar transformation will be complete in the spring. Bookings for its oceanfront villas and penthouse rooms — some with private rooftops and plunge pools — open in January. Todos Santos has fully embraced farm-to-table dining, with Javier Plascencia's orchard-adjacent Jazamango leading the way, and Santa Terra , a cosmopolitan oyster bar meets arts and entertainment venue concept, is in the process of adding multiple bars and restaurants, plus a glamping site and amphitheater, according to its developer, "without chopping down a single tree." — Nina Ruggiero

48. Udaipur, India

After an extremely challenging 20-month closure, India reopened to vaccinated travelers on Nov. 15, 2021. Those looking toward South Asia in the new year, perhaps to see the Taj Mahal in Agra or hit the Goan beaches, should make sure Udaipur is on the itinerary. The city of lakes in southern Rajasthan is thought of as the most romantic Indian destination (even called the "Venice of the East") — but it's not just for honeymooners. From the vibrance of Hathi Pol bazaar and Shilpgram , an artisanal compound on the outskirts of the city with a festival set to return on Jan. 22, to the serenity of Lake Pichola, the artificial lake made in the 14th century, Udaipur is a city where you can fully immerse in Rajasthani culture. A hub of Indian luxury, Udaipur is now home to the country's first Raffles hotel, which opened in October. This private island hotel on Udai Sagar Lake is accessible only by boat — something of a trademark for the over-the-top hotels of Udaipur. Meant to be a flagship hotel in the Raffles portfolio, complete with brand staples (think: bars, both Long and Writers), 101 lavish suites, Rasoi cooking school, and lakeside open-air restaurant Belvedere Point. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

49. Wales, United Kingdom

The only path in the world to follow the whole of a country's coastline, the Wales Coastal Path celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2022. Walking its 870 miles would take three months, but its most spectacular stretches can be seen in one visit — and in style. St David's in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, is Britain's smallest city with a mere population of 1,600 and is home to a Medieval cathedral , a luxury hotel inside Roch Castle , some excellent pubs, and the upscale St David's Gin & Kitchen . Hiking paths with unbeatable coastal vistas are within easy reach (try the St David's Head loop ) and pass neolithic tombs and hillforts. — Jamie Carter

50. Yucatán, Mexico

Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, has emerged as one of Mexico's most popular cities thanks to its lively restaurant scene, a busy calendar of cultural events, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Increasingly, however, travelers are venturing beyond the city to explore the state's unspoiled nature reserves, ancient Maya sites, and sprawling haciendas — a number now converted into hotels. Among the destinations that are drawing travelers to Yucatán are El Cuyo, a quiet beach town that was long a closely guarded secret of windsurfers. Now visitors can also enjoy gourmet Mexican fare at the El Chile Gordo restaurant and boho-chic lodgings at the new Casa Mate . In Espita, a charming colonial town near Valladolid, is the Casona los Cedros hotel which opened in summer 2021. Sisal, a historic port in the western part of the state, has attracted new interest since being named a Pueblo Mágico at the end of 2020. A new highway completed in April now connects Sisal to Hunucmá (and then beyond to Mérida) making it easier for beachcombers to visit, and perhaps spend the night at the cool Club de Patos . — John Newton

51. Bonus: Space

This was a monumental year for human spaceflight — not only did NASA and SpaceX achieve a regular cadence of astronaut launches for the first time since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011, but space tourism has also lifted off in a major way, making space a top destination to visit in 2022. And it's a realistic trip, too, so long as you have the budget for it. Both Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic succeeded in taking passengers to space on short suborbital hops this year, and each company plans to ramp up those flights in 2022 — Virgin Galactic already has more than 600 bookings. The price for a quick jaunt to space? A few hundred thousand dollars . If you have an even bigger budget (say, a couple hundred million dollars), you could charter your own orbital flight in a SpaceX Dragon Capsule, as did entrepreneur Jared Issacman with his Inspiration4 mission in September. There are also tourism trips to the International Space Station in the works; Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa launches on his multi-day journey in December, courtesy of space travel agency Space Adventures and Russia's Roscosmos space agency, which plans to take even more " citizen space explorers " to the orbiting laboratory in the near future. Of course, not everyone has pockets deep enough to cover space travel, but more affordable journeys are on the horizon. Startup Space Perspective plans to launch high-altitude balloon rides to the edge of space in 2024 , for the relatively low price of $125,000. Potential dealbreaker, though — the balloons don't actually reach space, maxing out at 100,000 feet in altitude, while space is considered to begin somewhere between 264,000 feet (50 miles) and 327,360 feet ​​(62 miles). But hey, at least there's a bar on board. — Stefanie Waldek

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Home » Budget Travel » Top 10 WORST Countries to Visit – Honest Backpacker Experiences (2024)

Top 10 WORST Countries to Visit – Honest Backpacker Experiences (2024)

With 195 countries scattered across the globe, the world is your playground offering endless opportunities for exploration. Some countries beg for your attention, with endless recommendations from reliable sources (like us!).

We travel to open our minds and “find ourselves”. But sometimes, we end up finding a big, steaming heap of shit instead. 

At The Broke Backpacker, we’ve ended up at some of the most unexpected, worst countries to visit. They left us empty, hoodwinked, and perplexed. It’s not because they’re necessarily “bad” or dangerous countries, it’s just that they don’t always match the postcard-perfect image we’ve been sold.

In the midst of it all, trying to figure out the gems from the duds is a skill I’m yet to fully master. Usually, the only way to know is to hit the road and see for yourself.

Or… I ask my team mates 😉 W hich is the worst country to travel in the world? Because we’ve had our fair share of terrible travel destinations – and t hey were quick to answer with some hard truths. 

In the end, you’ll have two options:

• Option one: ignore all of us and do you, baby.
• Option two: make like Forrest Gump and RUN. 

Whatever path you choose, I’ve warned you.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

2. Dubai, UAE

5. costa rica, 6. bali – indonesia, 7. honduras, 10. bolivia, final thoughts on the worst countries to visit.

‘Magical, mysterious Morocco’ has been a stalwart of the backpacking and indie-traveller scene for almost a century now.

As far back as the 1940s, Beat Generation writers like William Burroughs would spend extended sabbaticals in the pretty but gritty port city of Tangier (writing poetry and taking full advantage of the region’s laissez-faire attitude towards sex tourism). Then, of course, the first-wave hippies were quick to ride on the Marrakesh Express.

Morocco is entry-level North Africa for many budget backpackers seeking a taste of an Aladdin fairy tale. Each year, millions are tempted by promises of abundant hashish, surreal landscapes, and ancient Moor and Berber cities.

But what I found in Morocco was relentless, punishing heat, and some of the worst people I have ever encountered in all my travels.

Let’s start with Marrakech. As a foreigner, you will not be left alone. Ever. Aggressive and rude shopkeepers, panhandlers, beggars, con artists and drug-pushers will plague you every time you step outside your Riad.

And while Marrakech is the worst example, it doesn’t end there. I had panhandlers trying to hard-sell pieces of utter tat on hiking trails and even inside the plunge pool of a fucking waterfall.

And yet some people love travelling to Morocco . Romantic Essaouira was the slaver city of Astador in Game of Thrones, the hash IS good, and there are plenty of lovely street cats.

Aiden : Gear Manager & Senior Editor

As a connoisseur of vintage cinema, I was excited to visit Casablanca but was of course totally disappointed by the squalid, dirty, and sad shithole that I found. I even sought out ‘Rick’s Cafe’ and was served an overpriced, tepid beer which made me ill.

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I’m going to start this with a quote from a fitting meme: “ you can tell a lot about a person by how they feel about Dubai .”

Now I’m not judging… Ok fuck it, I kinda am. Most of the people I’ve met who love travelling to Dubai are dicks.

Yet I am an eternal optimist when it comes to travel. So in fact, it was quite hard to come up with somewhere I hated. I didn’t hate Dubai : I found it interesting to observe the excesses of capitalism gone wild from an outside perspective.

Though, I felt like an outsider who couldn’t get below the surface of the city – because it felt like it didn’t go any deeper. Everything about Dubai felt “top show”. There were no pavements to wander and to get lost in the rhythm of footsteps.

Instead, it was a battle against traffic consisting of as many supercars as taxis. Even the cultural areas of the city felt fake like a Disneyland version of the Arab world made palatable for Western suitabilities.

Gone are the busy, hot, dirty, and lively souks with locals flogging tanned leather goods and exotic ingredients. Instead replaced by an outdoor museum for the benefit of the tourists. 

Journey further out and you find the other side of relentless development of mega-cities. Impoverished immigrants live in poor conditions, tempted here by the prospect of riches and rewards, only to end up trapped thousands of miles away from home working in terribly dangerous environments. 

A playground where the rich try to outdo each other by building a new fuck-off skyscraper, diamond-encrusted Rolex, or gas-guzzling vehicle. All at the expense of the environment and immigrants filled with false hope.

Nic : Editor & Roaming Renegade

Dubai is sickening, fake and everything that the world shouldn’t be. Although, yeah, it’s one of the worst places to travel in my opinion, it’s still interesting to see.

A multicoloured land of incredible scenery and colourful traditions, India had long captured my imagination as a child. I yearned to visit the Taj Mahal, to bask in the ancient power of fallen civilisations, and to feast upon spiced meat of questionable origin.

A whirling juxtaposition of teeming metropolises and empty, vast landscapes, India would keep me guessing. I spent two years wandering dusty roads, camping out in dilapidated train stations and relying on the kindness of the Couchsurfing community to shave my scraggly beard and mend my tattered clothes.

I met incredible, amazing, generous, horrible, disgusting, and dishonest people during my journey – and India left a deep, lasting impression on me.

In truth, India remains one of my favourite countries. And yet, the country as it stands is in a freaking shambles – it’s one of the worst places to travel. With corrupt politicians pilfering the poor and everybody out to fuck everybody else over, I found it difficult to connect with people.

India, in fact, turned me into a bit of an asshole. I found myself increasingly turning to aggression to shake the touts who, (wrongly) assumed I had money. There are only so many times one can be grabbed on the street, or shaken rudely awake, as some motherfucker gazes upon thee with the three immortal India questions…

“What country you from?”

“You want look at my shop?”

And, of course…

“Are you married?” and if not “why?”

India stretched my patience, but it also stretched my cash and gave me incredible personal development. Whilst shouting at folks to “get the fuck out of my face”, I felt myself grow in confidence and wisdom.

Will : Founder & Chief Adventurer

India is an absolute gem, uniquely beautiful and horrible at the same time . If you’re broke and in search of adventure, go. If you don’t want to share personal space with human excrement, don’t.

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After endless recommendations and a lifetime of dreams, I was pumped to visit Vietnam . Young sprites talk about the cheap, life-changing voyage that always tops backpackers’ favourite destinations. 

What I was not expecting was the inordinate intensity of Vietnam.

From the moment I landed in Ho Chi Minh, I was greeted by extraordinary heat and humidity mixed with a waft of rotting food. Then there’s the locals – who can’t bring themselves to muster even a hint of a smile at any point in the day.

It’ll change after I get out of Ho Chi Minh – I told myself. 

oh, how naive of me.

The sheer amount of people is insanely overwhelming and the bikes… fuck me. Even I got road rage and I wasn’t even driving.

It seemed that my mere presence on the streets at any point pissed off any and every local, and I ended up adopting the same passive-aggressive attitude that 90% of people I crossed seemed to have.

Don’t get me wrong: Vietnam is still a fan favourite with many backpackers. If you’re a keen (and extremely confident) motorbiker, I’m assured the driving the Ha-Giang Loop is a must-do for you. Even most of the other Broke Backpacker team members have a deep passion for this country. 

So don’t just take my word for it. But if you’re looking for a relaxing, welcoming, easy-going country, Vietnam is one of the worst places to visit in the world.

Laura : Senior Editor & Chill Goddess

I spent six long, stressful weeks travelling North to Hanoi. It was rainy season too, so all my stuff was humid for the entire trip and I spent Christmas day trying to dry out my backpack (that was growing its own fungus farm at this time) with a hairdryer.

Many people swear by Costa Rica being their favourite backpacking spots , and I can see why. The nature is stunning, the pura vida lifestyle is incredibly infectious and the geography of the country is just magnificent.

The cultural cocktail of volcanoes, jungles, and Pacific and Caribbean vibes here is phenomenal. Sounds idyllic, right?

I want to make one thing clear… I did (kinda) enjoy my trip to Costa Rica. HOWEVER, my time there was forcibly extremely brief.

Well because no one warned me how expensive Costa Rica is !

I spent 5 months backpacking Central America in 2023. Whilst Costa Rica was beautiful, it was more of the same and about triple the price when compared to neighbouring countries such as Nicaragua. Costa Rica ran through my budget like Usain Bolt. 

In comparison to the rest of Latin America, it is far from the most dangerous of countries. Yet, I can confidently say it’s an overrated Instagram-hyped destination full of American tourists on “vacation”.

Joe : Editor & Lover of Life

Don’t get me wrong, Costa Rica is gorgeous. I will come back one day. But, some advice for my fellow budget backpackers: guys… give this one a miss.

When you hear someone say “ That’s so Bali ”, they are usually talking about lush clothes shops, bangin’ brunch spots, or beautiful yoga studios.

Canggu is the pinnacle of this. Sexy Aussies roam the streets, HUGE billboards tower from above, and scooters zoom around playing Tetris on the roads.

There is a reason why everyone is backpacking in Bali ; it’s got it all. Whatever you dream of, you can have it here. And the cherry on top, it’s at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at home. 

Sounds bloody fantastic, right? 

Well, unfortunately, the desire to experience Balinese culture and get off the beaten track often gets lost on the sidelines. 

I’m not going to lie, I had a great time eating mind-blowing food and getting 10x hotter at the un-airconditioned gyms. But did I get to experience local culture and nature here? Hell no. 

The hubs of Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu are brimming with bustling streets, wild traffic, and locals trying to sell you penis bottle openers to take home to gift ya mum. It’s just not a bad place to visit as a tourist right now. I encourage you to venture out of these swarms of tourists and ex-pats into nature and local Balinese life. 

Where are these hidden gems in Bali, you ask? The good news is, you don’t have to travel far to find them. If you drive just 10 minutes out of the madness, you will be rewarded with magical, lush landscapes that fill your soul with happiness. 

To dive into the good stuff; head up north . Experience the magic of Amed, Munduk, or Sideman. Get off the beaten track , climb a mountain, marvel at vibrant coral reefs, or splash around in the waterfalls. 

Bali can be FUCKING AMAZING; if you let it show you what it’s got. 

Dani : Junior Editor & Oceanic Explorer

An abundance of rice paddy fields, majestic temples, and authentic local warungs (restaurants) packed with friendly faces await. You’ll feel the true Bali that lives underneath all its shiny, gentrified layers.

To be fair, my 72 hours in Honduras were very experimental. I went in with high hopes despite the HORROR stories of violence, I gave it a chance.

The first red flag was the look on the immigration officer’s face as I handed over my passport. His first comment was “You sure you aren’t going to Nicaragua?” I had a pit in my stomach, but I pushed my doubts to the side and embodied the badass female solo traveller persona. 

As I crossed the physical border, I was overwhelmed with unwanted attention. In Spanish, we call it “Mal de Ojo” Or Evil eye. As me and my friend boarded a bus, all eyes were on us, in the worst of ways. 

My Intuition was literally screaming “ ABORT ABORT” so I did. I found shelter in a hotel and took the next bus to Nicaragua. To be fair, I’ve also heard lots of amazing stories about Utila and Roatan , the best diving spots in Central America .

Amanda : Junior Editor & Senior Dreamer

If I could go back, I would definitely plan a bit better, hire a car, and travel with locals. Honduras Is INCREDIBLE, I just had a shit start to my experience.

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It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Japan is a country that is on almost every traveller’s bucket list, it’s one of those dream destinations to visit . It’s a place that stands proud of its uniqueness, travellers here will often find themselves mumbling the words “only in Japan” and shaking their heads in utter culture shock.

From snow-capped mountaintops to world-class scuba diving, from ancient villages to futuristic cities, Japan truly has got it all.

Whilst I am extremely grateful that I got to experience this extraordinary country, travelling here I never really felt like I could relax, take a breath, and connect to the people around me. Japan is INTENSE … 

The Japanese culture is one that I found difficult to relate to. There is an epidemic of loneliness in Japan, which has led to high suicide rates and a rapidly declining population .

In my greatest attempts to learn the language , and immerse myself in the culture, I was often met with smiling faces – yet a withdrawn and uninterested attitude.

In Tokyo, the metros were often packed shoulder to shoulder yet so quiet you could hear a pen drop, in the world’s largest city, I felt so surrounded by humanity yet so utterly alone . Japan is truly gorgeous but for many backpackers , it isn’t the most friendly or welcoming country and it can be hard to connect here with others and even to stay in touch with yourself!

Audy : Junior Editor & Hitchiking Hero

Whilst I found parts of Japan to be utterly magical, ultimately, I found it one of the loneliest places I have ever visited. It’s important to note that Japan had an isolationist policy for hundreds of years and that this is a country where most people ONLY speak their native tongue.

Have you ever been hit in the face with an invisible brick wall? 

If your answer is no, then I’m just going to assume you haven’t yet been to Bahrain… I’m here to inform you of all the things you haven’t missed out on.

My visit to this minuscule Middle Eastern nation was the last stop on an otherwise glorious European summer that also took me to Oman. Though in Bahrain’s neighbourhood, Oman wowed with turquoise wadis, salty days in the Arabian Sea, and other magical moments that still have me yearning to return. 

But Bahrain… well… it may just be one of the most boring places I’ve ever visited in my life. In my books, THAT alone makes it the worst travel destination.

And it is absolutely ranked firmly as the hottest.

Even as I type this, the moment of stepping outside of a deep air-conditioned home to be smacked by heat so thick and all-consuming it felt like an assault rushes back in. If you think Bali’s hot, or another Asian, African, or South American country… rest assured that this tiny Kingdom has got it beat. 

But still: I tried. I visited the famous souq, spent a (admittedly nice) fiery sunset at a historical fort, and even popped into the desert for a bit. And even though I wasn’t too experienced of a traveller at the time, I couldn’t help but feel a distinct lack of life.

Natural beauty was all but non-existent, and any semblance of cultural exchange seemed to be out of reach. Perhaps the closest I came was while visiting the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, which is decked from top to bottom in creamy marble and despite being one of the largest mosques in the world, was still devoid of character that I’ve found in the dozens of places of worship I’ve visited in the years since then.

Though I spotted some apparent locals in the souqs, nearly everyone actually working appeared to be from somewhere else. There was nothing akin to the colourful Omani hats and distinct local vibe I’d seen just a few hundred miles away. To be brutally honest: I quite frankly felt like I was in a colony on the moon.

If culture, local life, and natural scenery call you the way it does me – Bahrain won’t be your cup of tea. But if you somehow find yourself there the way I did, you can visit the Sultanate of Oman , just an hour’s flight away. 

Samantha : Travel Writer & Adventure Expert

Though I’d love to round Bahrain up with a positive, I’m on the struggle bus trying to find one.

Many say that Bolivia is the destination that separates comfortable backpackers from the adventurous. Cheap food, unique landscapes (like the famous Salar de Uyuni), colourful markets, and the best-preserved native culture in Latin America.

This was my first backpacking trip – hoping to have new experiences. And mate, did I have them.

After crossing the border from Argentina into Bolivia, I could feel the gazes of the locals. The energy as a whole isn’t welcoming, yet understandable if you consider the context of Bolivian history . At first glance, the street seemed like a vision of the past, as if technological advances had not reached this country.

The open-air markets, with questionable hygienic conditions (I’m talking about the heads dead animals hanging in the open air with flies dancing happily around them) , give off a smell of rotting food.

You’ll face long lines of shouting sellers harassing you to buy goods – to the point of being almost aggressive. And something as common as drinking water is scarce.

It’s one of the worst places I’ve travelled as a tourist in 10 years.

I spend 3 weeks exploring Bolivia , and the transportation (oh my god, the transportation) , it’s literally a pain in the ass with bused slamming down as we trudged across these routes with huge potholes. Long trips on packed, uncomfortable buses, with a cocktail of local food vendors, unbathed humans, heat and dust. You get the picture: at the very least – it’s the worst place to visit in South America, in my opinion.

But not everything is bad. As soon as you leave the tourist route, you’ll find places where time stops and smiles welcome you – because they rarely see a person from another country. You can contemplate what simple life is like, people know, talk, and help each other. 

Seba : Digital Wizard & Latino Legend

Bolivia will give you a large dose of grounding and humility. After travelling for 10 years, my perception would be very different and I think I would love to return.

Get Insured Before Your Travels

Even some top travel destinations can become some of the most dangerous countries in the world if you’re not well prepared. Solid travel insurance should be the first thing on your list when you’re jetting off for any adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Look, in the opinion of The Broke Backpacker, most of the worst countries in the world to travel aren’t what you’d expect. Actually, we even had some pretty hard debates between us when we put this list together. 

Sometimes, it just comes down to the fact that it’s waaaay more expensive than our poor budgets can afford. Other times, it’s just because of how lonely and isolated we felt when we were solo travelling there. Though often, giving a country another chance can completely flip your perspective too – so there’s hope for Vietnam yet. 

Through it all, I believe the biggest takeaway is for you is to trust your gut and embrace the opportunity to explore. Think of how much Nic discovered about life in Dubai: each experience teaches you something valuable.

But yeah, if you still desperately want to visit Dubai – I’m probably going to think you’re a bit of a dick. 

Have you got a different opinion about some of the worst places you’ve visited? Let us know in the comments!

• Don’t forget the essentials with our in-depth backpacking packing list . 
• Sort your international SIM card out to avoid unnecessary hassle.
• Real adventures begin when you learn how to travel off the beaten track .
• Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
• Get yourself covered with trusty travel insurance before you leave.  
• Investing in the best travel backpack for you will change your life!

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The Broke Backpacker’s list of the worst countries to visit is an eye-opener, providing a unique perspective on travel destinations. It’s not a typical “best places to visit” list, but rather a collection of countries that may not live up to the hype or expectations, which is a refreshing take on travel content.

So nice to hear you enjoyed and understood the concept of the post! Which countries did you expect to see and why?

Thoroughly disagree about Bolivia. It’s a harsh place to travel in lots of ways but I’d rate it as the most interesting, and maybe most beautiful, place I’ve ever been. Sucre is a fantastic, friendly city. LaPaz is chaos but usually in a good way. The culture is much more Incan than Spanish. It’s dirt cheap. The scenery everywhere is otherworldly. They’ve definitely been knocked around by history and poverty but to me it’s a must visit.

That’s awesome to hear that you loved Bolivia! I will definitely give it a second chance next time I’m in South America. It’s been 7 years since I was last there so it’s about time. Thanks for the recommendations!

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Why These Countries Should Be Crossed Off Your Bucket List Immediately

Are you planning your next vacation and looking for the perfect destination? While there are many amazing countries to choose from, there are also some places to avoid. Whether due to political instability, safety concerns, or other factors, these countries can make for a less-than-ideal vacation experience. Curious to know what countries are in this category? Keep reading to find out.

Once renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, Venezuela has become one of the most dangerous countries for travel. Rising political unrest, high crime rates, violence, and severe shortages of essentials have led  the  US Department of State  to issue a Level 4 travel advisory,  warning against travel due to risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other dangers.

North Korea

Due to its authoritarian regime and tight control over its citizens and visitors, North Korea is not one of the best places  for vacations. Limited entry, strict activity and communication restrictions, and intense surveillance pose challenges to travelers. Moreover, any criticism or law violations can result in severe penalties, including detention or imprisonment.

Yemen has been plagued by ongoing political conflicts and violence, making it a high-risk country for travelers. The  US Department of State  advises against travel due to the unpredictable security situation, including terrorism and armed clashes. This situation has led to widespread destruction of infrastructure and a lack of essential services, making it a challenging destination for tourists.

Once a popular destination for its rich history and beautiful landmarks, Syria has been devastated by an ongoing civil war.  The  United States  has issued a Level 4 travel advisory,  warning against all travel to Syria due to terrorism and armed conflicts. Travelers could face kidnapping, assault, and other dangers in this war-torn country.

Afghanistan

With ongoing violence, terrorist attacks, and high crime rates, Afghanistan is another top contender for the worst countries to visit on vacation.  A Level 4 travel advisory has been issued,   advising  against all travel due to the risk of kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Visitors could also face strict cultural and social restrictions, making it a challenging destination.

Due to ongoing violence, piracy, and terrorism,  Somalia is considered one of the most dangerous countries  for travelers. The  US government  advises against all travel due to risks of kidnapping, armed conflict, and terrorism. The country also lacks essential services and infrastructure, making it an unsafe destination.

Libya has been facing political and social turmoil since the overthrow of its leader in 2011. Ongoing violence, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest have made it a problematic destination for travelers. You are  advised  not to travel to Libya, as kidnapping, armed conflicts, and terrorism are significant risks.

With ongoing political unrest, high crime rates, and terrorist activities, Iraq is another country to avoid for vacation. It has a Level 4  travel advisory  issued by the United States due to the risks of kidnapping, armed conflict, and terrorism. Travelers could also face absurd and challenging restrictions in this country.

South Sudan

Continuing political instability, armed conflict, and high crime rates make South Sudan a dangerous destination for travelers. You are  advised  not to travel to this country due to the risks of kidnapping, armed clashes, and terrorism. Additionally, the country lacks essential services and infrastructure, making it a no-go for vacationers.

Central African Republic

With a recent history of civil war and ongoing political instability, the Central African Republic is one of the  worst  countries for a vacation. The country has seen widespread violence, terrorism, and armed conflicts. Avoid all travel to this country due to the risks of kidnapping, armed clashes, and other dangers.

Burkina Faso

Despite its beautiful landscapes and rich culture, Burkina Faso has been facing ongoing violence and terrorism, making it a risky destination for travelers. The country lacks essential services and infrastructure and has a Level 4  travel advisory  issued by the US government, warning against all travel. 

While Iran has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination, it still poses significant risks to travelers. The country has a Level 4  travel advisory  issued due to the dangers of terrorism and kidnapping. Cultural and social restrictions, crime rates, and intense surveillance by the government are high in this country. Moreover, any criticism or law violations could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. 

You cannot plan a memorable vacation and choose Sudan as your destination. Sudan is on our list because it has been facing ongoing instability, armed conflict, and high crime rates, making it a dangerous place for travelers. A place with a Level 4 travel advisory, like Sudan, is never  safe  for a vacation, so avoid all travel to Sudan. 

Did you know that Mali has a famous World Heritage site called Timbuktu? Unfortunately, this beautiful country is struggling with safety issues. The risks of armed conflict and terrorism are so severe that the US government  advises  travel to Mali. With its rich history and culture, Mali could have been an excellent tourist destination without these risks.

You are  advised  not to travel to Myanmar due to the risks of violence, terrorism, and civil unrest. Visitors could face strict cultural and social restrictions in this country.  Additionally, the government has been accused of human rights violations  and discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities.

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Confidence Anadi

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The Best And Worst Cities For Traveling Alone, According To Solo Travelers Who Have Been All Over The Globe

"I think people overlook this country when planning a trip, but it should be high on any solo traveler's radar."

BuzzFeed Staff

Maybe you love traveling alone , or perhaps you're thinking of embarking on your first solo adventure. Whatever the situation, there are certain destinations that are especially great for solo travel and others that are best for visiting with a companion or group. So I rounded up responses from the subreddit r/travel of the best and worst destinations for anyone thinking of traveling alone.

And of course, there's always risk involved with any type of travel, so it's important to do your own research and take precautions whether going solo or with a group.

1. Best: Japan

"Japan is a great place to travel alone. The country is clean, safe, has great food, lots to see, cool night life, and people will even approach you to you and ask if need help. I've never experienced that while traveling anywhere else!"

— u/margikarp

"Even if you don't speak the language, people will gladly help you. The food is amazing (and it's very common to eat alone). Plus, I never felt afraid or unsafe even after dark."

— u/UnimpressionableBot

2. Best: Ireland

"I had a blast in Ireland by myself. I took a week-long bus trip, spent another week in a hostel in Dublin, and in both places I was surrounded by other tourists so I always had people to hang out with. Plus, if you're outgoing in just about any pub you'll become instant friends with a bunch of Irish people." 

— u/ihopeyoulikeapples

3. Worst: Paris

"I did not enjoy traveling alone in Paris. I found the people to be rude, and it was one of the most expensive cities I've ever visited."

— u/ tastesliketurtles

"Having lived in Paris, I wouldn’t naturally say it’s safe for a woman traveling alone. I’ve been followed many times, I've had random men approach me, and I have even had a few try to grab me or a friend. There are definitely certain areas I wouldn’t go to unless I was accompanied by someone else. Paris is also a pretty racist city for a capital city, so for Black Asian travelers especially, there is a lot of covert prejudice and discrimination."

— just a harmless potato

4. Best: Taiwan

"I spent a month in Taiwan and had an amazing time. I spent more of my time in Taipei, but I also visited Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. I went solo and met lots of great people in my hostel in Taipei. Taipei boasts tons of things to do, great food, interesting culture, and it's not nearly as touristy as most popular destinations like Hong Kong and Tokyo. The only downside is that because it's less touristy, it can be a bit tricky to get around if you don't speak Chinese. That being said, it's really worth a visit and I'd go back to Taipei in a heartbeat."

— u/skincareaddiction987

5. Best: The Netherlands

"Holland is a fantastic place to visit alone. I've found Dutch people to be very welcoming and helpful, plus I've always felt safe in the three major cities I visited (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag). Everyone speaks English, the streets are clean, and weed is legal. Things are organized and calm, but locals know how to party and get down. It was a great experience traveling there solo."

— u/Traveler2121

6. Worst: Colombia

"I would not recommend visiting Colombia alone. I visited Bogota and was robbed at knife point on my first night there. I definitely recommend traveling to this country, but it's better with a travel partner or a local guide.

7. Best: Portugal

"Both Porto and Lisbon are great cities for solo travel. In fact, the country is just so wonderful, not to mention super affordable. I feel like people often overlook Portugal when planning European travel, but it should be high on your radar."

8. Best: Guatemala

"Guatemala was great solo, especially Lake Atitlan. There are so many calm, laid-back, and beautiful places to stay and relax. But Guatemala can also be a lot of fun if you're looking for adventure or a party scene."

— u/ silentsunfox

9. Best: Argentina

"When I was traveling in Argentina, there were a ton of backpackers on long-term trips who were interested in hanging out. There were tons of cheap activities and amazing yet affordable food (think: Argentinian steak). I even stayed at a hostel with free wine, which made conversations flow and friendships easy to make."

— u/ Andromeda321

10. Worst: Rome

"IMO, Rome is tough for solo travel. It's very hard to find non-touristy places (it's doable, but you have to search hard), and everything is crowded with tourists. Wherever you go, people are hassling you trying to get you to buy things or eat at their restaurant. I was there in the off-season, so I can't imagine how unpleasant it is during the summer."

11. Best: New Zealand

"My first solo trip was to New Zealand, and I fell in love with the place. I came back three years later on a Working Holiday Visa and never left. It's a great place to travel on your own. There are tons of people traveling alone and backpackers (similar to hostels, but nicer) nearly everywhere. These accommodations are a great way to meet people."

— u/ ratguy

12. Best: Portland, Oregon

"Everyone is so friendly. You'll have 10 new best friends within a few hours of arriving in the city."

— u/ Yazbremski

13. Best: Thailand

"I was there recently and met so many fellow solo travelers. The great thing about traveling in Thailand is that you can do so many things from chilling on a beach in the south to heading to Northern Thailand for delicious food and culture. The whole country was pretty cheap, felt safe, and it was relatively easy to get around."

14. Worst: Marrakesh

"Marrakesh still holds the record as my worst solo travel experience. I experienced lots of hasslers, threats, and unwanted stares while exploring alone in the Medina. I think Marrakesh isn’t the best place for exploring alone, and it's better to hire a reputable local tour guide. I also found it hard to meet others while staying at a riad." 

— u/ Varekai79

15. Best: Crete, Greece

"I spent two months this summer backpacking around Europe, and Crete was by far my favorite place. The island is so huge that you can't run out of places to explore. And the bus system is fantastic." 

— robj4e3e3ff32

16. Best: Mexico

"Mexico has hugely diverse ecosystems and cultures so it will cater to any kind of traveller. You'll find a mix of ecotourism and all-inclusive hotels to stay at. There's pre-colonial history including well-preserved ruins you can visit, thriving Indigenous communities and artesian industries, world-class nightlife, museums, beautiful beaches, and some of the best food in the world, IMO. Plus, Mexico is easy to navigate and has several great bus systems. The whole country is quite affordable for travelers coming from western countries. No matter where you visit (even somewhere touristy like Cancun), you can always find incredible off-the-beaten-path experiences."

— u/eastvankitty

17. Worst: Ibiza, Spain

"I went to ibiza alone, and while the festivals and clubs were lively and fun, I still felt extremely out of place going out by myself. I also had my phone stolen. I wouldn’t go back to Ibiza myself and wouldn't recommend it as a solo trip to others, but I think with a group, Ibiza would be one of the most fun places on the planet."

— u/c11anderson

18. Best: New York City

"I've been lucky enough to circle the globe a couple of times, and I still find that NYC is one of the most social cities I've ever visited, perfect for solo travelers. I'm pretty shy, but every single night in New York I ended up meeting a group of strangers to socialize with. It made my experience very memorable."

— u/AutoSuggestUsername2

19. Best: Hanoi, Vietnam

"I would say Hanoi is one of the best cities for solo travel, and it's the best option in Southeast Asia. The city has charm, culture, hospitality, and affordable prices, whereas other urban hubs like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are very heavily modernized. In Hanoi, there are many vibrant hostels filled with backpackers near the French Quarter and its beautiful architecture. It's really easy to meet fellow travelers here to travel to the northern reaches of Vietnam (Sapa, Ha Giang) or head down to Saigon.

20. Worst: Egypt

"I was constantly hassled and physically touched. Kids grab you and beg for money, which is horribly sad. The country was stunning, but the experience was unsettling."

— u/Dreaming-of-books

"I remember a man said I was worth five camels while other men asked me where my father was. A man screamed at me at the pyramids of Giza because I asked him to stop following me, and I was heckled so badly at the Cairo Market. I absolutely loved the food, learning about the incredible history, and seeing how different the whole Egyptian way of life is, but as an American woman I never felt safe." 

— u/lsigfrid

21. Worst: India

"IMO, India is not a good place to travel alone. I felt that I was constantly being scammed, and at least in Delhi, it didn't feel entirely safe. Plus, it is so crowded and so loud that you'll experience a lot of confusion for the first few days. India has a ton to offer and so many beautiful sites that it's well worth a visit, but I would suggest going with others." 

— u/i_don_wan

22. Best: Malta

"Malta is insanely beautiful and serene. It's small and easy to get around by bus, and the locals are incredibly nice and helpful. I spent a total of 36 hours there during my two-week solo European vacation, and I can say without a doubt that it is the best place for soul searching. Most importantly, I felt extremely safe."

— sparklesmuggler

23. Worst: South Africa

"I loved South Africa, but it's better to visit this country with company. The personal safety concerns are real and something I was constantly aware of during my time there. I felt the most comfortable when I was with a local friend." 

— u/ sfhkkkgftyg

24. Best: Iceland

"Iceland is a great country to choose for your first solo trip. There's lots to see, there's basically no crime, and it's easy to navigate. It is fairly expensive though, so be prepared. There's so much to see and do like the Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park and Gulfoss), Southern Iceland loop (Vik, Jokulsarlon, Skaftafell), and, of course, the city of Reykjavik. Iceland was one of the travel highlights of my lifetime."

— u/ thuyghe

25. Best: Republic of Georgia

"Georgia is home to super-welcoming people and amazing food and wine. I found other travelers tended to be incredibly friendly. You won’t be alone for long once you arrive, nor will you feel unsafe."

—Porgirella

26. Best: South Korea

"As a solo traveler, South Korea was an extremely fulfilling experience. I never felt out of place, no one gave me any funny looks, and as a woman, I was never harassed or felt uncomfortable. Both Seoul and Busan have everything there is to offer in terms of sightseeing. And even in the metropolis of Seoul, you can easily get away from the city to do some hiking. In nature I think it would be an ideal place for other people who are embarking on their first solo travel adventure. In addition, Korea is more affordable than other popular Asian countries like Japan. You can eat well and use the public transportation on a budget."

— u/deleted

If you've traveled alone, what destinations would you recommend and which would you warn solo travelers to avoid? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!

Disclaimer: This article was written to provide travel recommendations or suggestions; however, it’s important to keep in mind your own health, community health, and COVID-19 exposure risk.

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Top 13 Most Dangerous Countries for Americans to Travel to Right Now

Posted: May 18, 2024 | Last updated: May 18, 2024

Some places are not safe for everyone. These restrictions may include political, religious, humanitarian, or sanctions boundaries. Travel advisors have suggested a list in which countries are stated with their status of visit. These are the countries that are currently the least safe for Americans to travel to, according to the U.S. Department of State.

1. Venezuela

Americans should avoid traveling to Venezuela due to high levels of violent crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. The U.S. Department of State has withdrawn all diplomatic personnel, leaving no consular services available to assist citizens in emergencies. Political demonstrations often turn violent, and the country faces severe shortages of essential services such as gasoline, electricity, and medical supplies. Additionally, there is a significant risk of wrongful detentions and terrorist activity, particularly near the borders with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana.

Americans should avoid traveling to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the invasion of Ukraine, the risk of harassment and detention by Russian security officials, and the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide assistance. The situation is further complicated by restricted flight options, cash shortages, and non-functional U.S. credit and debit cards. There is also a significant risk of terrorism and wrongful detentions, particularly for dual nationals. The U.S. government urges citizens to leave Russia immediately and exercise extreme caution due to the potential for arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the ongoing conflict.

3. Burma (Myanmar)

Burma is currently listed as a Do Not Travel country. Americans should avoid traveling to Burma due to ongoing civil unrest, armed conflict, and the risk of arbitrary detention. The military regime has deposed elected officials, leading to widespread protests and violent crackdowns. There are significant dangers from landmines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in specific regions, and the healthcare system is severely inadequate. The U.S. government has limited ability to assist citizens in Burma, and there is a high risk of wrongful detention without due process.

4. Afghanistan

Afghanistan and American relations have been intense for almost 20 years. Since the Taliban took over in 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, leaving the U.S. government unable to provide emergency services to its citizens. Multiple terrorist groups are active, and foreigners, especially U.S. citizens, are at risk of being targeted for wrongful detention or kidnapping. The Taliban’s treatment of detained individuals is harsh, with limited access to medical care and a high risk of abuse. U.S. citizens currently in Afghanistan are strongly urged to leave immediately by commercial means if possible.

Belarus is a strong ally of Russia. Americans should avoid traveling to Belarus due to the country’s support of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and potential civil unrest. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk has suspended operations, leaving the U.S. government unable to provide consular services. U.S. citizens in Belarus face the risk of wrongful detention and harassment, especially near demonstrations, and should depart immediately. Travel is further complicated by potential closures of border crossings and a ban on U.S. aircraft operating in Belarusian airspace.

The Iranian authorities have unjustly detained U.S. nationals, especially dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, on false charges. The U.S. government has no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran and cannot provide emergency services. Extremist groups, including ISIS, operate in Iran, posing significant risks. Additionally, companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation, putting U.S. citizens at risk.

Americans are strongly advised against traveling to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the limited capacity of the U.S. Mission in Iraq to provide support to U.S. citizens. Although the Ordered Departure status for U.S. Embassy Baghdad and U.S. Consulate General Erbil was terminated on April 1, 2024, the Travel Advisory for Iraq remains at Level 4, indicating that U.S. citizens should not travel to Iraq.

8. North Korea

Do not travel to North Korea due to the high risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals. U.S. passports are invalid for travel to North Korea unless specially validated, and such validations are rarely granted. The U.S. government cannot provide emergency services in North Korea; limited assistance is available through Sweden, but access is often delayed or denied by North Korean authorities. Consult the FAA’s notices for aviation risks in the area.

Do not travel to Libya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Crime levels and kidnapping threats are high, especially targeting Westerners and U.S. citizens. Terrorist groups are active, and violent outbreaks between armed groups occur frequently, affecting cities like Tripoli and Benghazi. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli is closed, and the U.S. government cannot provide emergency assistance; consult FAA notices for aviation risks.

The U.S. Embassy in Damascus is closed, with the Czech Republic serving as the protecting power. No part of Syria is safe, with ongoing violence, including chemical warfare, posing significant risks. U.S. citizens engaging in armed conflict face extreme personal dangers, including kidnapping and death, while protests are met with aggressive tactics by government forces. Due to limited consular assistance, the U.S. government strongly advises against travel to Syria.

In Mali, there is currently a lot of crime, terrorism, and kidnappings. This is especially true during local holidays and events. Terrorist and armed groups frequently target foreigners and may attack with little warning, targeting various public places. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services outside of Bamako is limited, and civil aviation in Mali poses risks, as indicated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

12. Somalia

Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy. Violent crime, including kidnapping and murder, is widespread, with illegal roadblocks common. Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks targeting various locations, including airports, government buildings, and areas frequented by Westerners. Civil unrest is frequent and medical facilities are limited, while piracy remains a threat in the waters off the Horn of Africa. The U.S. government has minimal capacity to provide emergency services in Somalia due to the lack of a permanent consular presence, and civil aviation poses risks as highlighted by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Due to the unstable political condition of Yemen, its peace is shattered. Civil war, fear of terrorism, bad health conditions, and absence of laws in this country, Americans are advised not to visit this country.

Source: U.S. Department of State

12 Things That Surprised Me About Moscow, Russia (As an American)

Prior to the Ukraine invasion, an American shares their perspective of living in Moscow, Russia.

Read more: 12 Things That Surprised Me About Moscow, Russia (As an American)

10 of the Best Countries in the World to Visit, According to World Travelers

Recently on an online platform, travel enthusiasts shared about their favorite countries to visit. These destinations have everything from stunning natural beauty to a rich culture and friendly locals. Let’s discover which country is the best place to travel.

Read more: 10 of the Best Countries in the World to Visit, According to World Travelers

Americans’ Ranking of the 13 Worst U.S. States to Live In

Unfortunately, not every state is a desirable place to live. In fact, some states can be downright unpleasant due to various factors, such as high taxes, poor infrastructure, and low quality of life. Americans have identified some of the worst states to settle down in the United States based on their own experiences and opinions on an internet site.

Read more: Americans’ Ranking of the 13 Worst U.S. States to Live In

10 Not-So-Obvious Travel Tips People Must Know

One should know these not-so-obvious but useful tips for a better traveling experience and the essence of a trip. Travelers recently shared some of these helpful tips on an online platform. These are discussed below.

Read more: 10 Not-So-Obvious Travel Tips People Must Know

14 of the Most Magical Places in the World to Experience at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Have you ever traveled to a place so magical that it felt like you were in another world? Well, many people have, and they have shared their favorite places on an online platform recently. From the serene landscapes of New Zealand to the vibrant culture of Colombia, these places are sure to give you a sense of wanderlust. So, prepare to be transported to a world of magic and wonder!

Read more: 14 of the Most Magical Places in the World to Experience at Least Once in Your Lifetime

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Revealed: The best (and worst) tourist attractions in the world

Stasher studied 99 tourist attractions around the globe

In the age of vibrant filters and flashy 15-second snippets of people’s trips, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing the hype around certain tourist attractions. There’s nothing worse than wasting your time and money on a trip that really doesn’t deserve it.

Well, thanks to Stasher ’s list of the best and the worst tourist attractions in the world, you might never have to suffer from that lukewarm ‘is this it?’ feeling again. The company’s data analysts studied 99 global attractions that tourists are drawn to, looking at Google reviews, distance from the nearest international airport, tourist safety, TikTok popularity and more. They then gave each attraction a score out of ten. 

Their findings showed the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest  was the world’s best tourist attraction, with a score of 7.34. The neo-Gothic building by the River Danube is home to the country’s National Assembly. 

The runner-up was the happiest place on earth aka Disneyland Paris . Scoring 7.17, the 30-year-old resort welcomes millions of visitors each year. 

Iceland ’s picturesque geothermal Blue Lagoon took third place. Visitors can expect a breathtaking volcanic landscape and silica-rich waters that are believed to have healing powers.

Here’s what Stasher named as the 10 best tourist attractions in the world:

• The Hungarian Parliament Building ( Hungary )
• Disneyland Paris ( France )
• The Blue Lagoon ( Iceland )
• Plaza de Espana ( Spain )
• Angkor Wat ( Cambodia )
• St. Peter's Basilica ( Italy )
• El Ateneo Grand Splendid ( Argentina )
• Acropolis of Athens ( Greece )
• Museum of New Zealand ( New Zealand )
• Christ the Redeemer ( Brazil )

Of course, not everything can be a winner. The world’s worst tourist attraction was found to be the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a score of 3.42. The world-famous attraction honours the stars of the entertainment industry and is free to visit. But, many travellers were found to describe it as dirty, unsafe, and overcrowded. 

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul , thought to be one of the oldest malls in the world, ranked second-worst with modern visitors not being very keen on it. It got a score of 3.48. 

And the third worst tourist attraction in the world was the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, India . Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site, many who have stopped by have shared their disappointment. 

Here’s what Stasher named as the 10 worst tourist attractions in the world:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame ( United States )
• Grand Bazaar (Turkey)
• Taj Mahal ( India )
• Busch Gardens ( United States )
• Lotte World ( South Korea )
• Victoria Harbour ( Hong Kong )
• Ocean Park ( Hong Kong )
• Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine ( Japan )
• Great Wall of China ( China )
• Everland ( South Korea )

Did you read about this year’s best airports around the world ?

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• Beril Naz Hassan Writer, Time Out Travel

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The Best and Worst Countries for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Lgbtq+ travel.

In order to help LGBTQ+ tourists travel safely, the German portal Spartacus started publishing the Gay Travel Index in 2012. In the 2024 edition, the ranking compared 213 countries and territories based on the situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people in each location.

According to the index, last year’s leading destination Malta is joined at the top by Spain, Canada, New Zealand and Portugal as the safest and most open places for LGBT+ travelers in 2024, with each of these five countries receiving 12 points. According to the report, Estonia made the greatest improvements in the past year, obtaining 6 points (in contrast to the previous index’s 2 points). This was thanks to the approval of the law in 2023 to legalize equal marriage. The first Latin American country to appear in the 2024 ranking is Uruguay, sharing the third position along with Denmark, Iceland, Germany and Norway, with 10 points each.

At the other end of the spectrum come Saudi Arabia, Iran, the Republic of Chechnya in Russia and Afghanistan, all with a score of -21 points, signaling that they are dangerous countries for LGBT+ travelers, where homosexuals are persecuted and killed. Russia too features far down this list (-17 points), having once again “significantly tightened its anti-LGBT+ legislation and equates the movement with extremist organizations."

To develop the index, the creators looked at 18 categories ranging from marriage for all to the death penalty for LGBTQ+ people. The creators focus on political decisions affecting queer people, the legal framework and whether there are episodes of violence against them, among other parameters.

According to the authors of the report, the index is intended with all kinds of travelers in mind, including those looking to travel to countries where the LGBT+ community is an accepted and loved part of society as well as for those consciously looking to travel to a country in order to enter into a dialogue with the oppressed local queer community.

Description

This chart shows the safest and least safe countries for LGBTQ+ travelers according to the Gay Travel Index 2024.

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Texas ranked worst state to live in the US, see where other states stand

How does life in your state compare to the rest of America?

CNBC released its rankings of the best and worst states to live in the United States last week.

Its rankings come from the network's yearly research on the best states for business in 2023. One of the 10 criteria for the list is Life, Health & Inclusion, from which CNBC determines the best and worst states to live.

CNBC allots 350 possible points to each state, measuring categories such as per capita crime rates, environmental quality, health care and worker protections.

The research also examines anti-discrimination laws, voting rights and access to childcare. Surveys indicate a large percentage of women consider reproductive rights in deciding where they are willing to live and work, so CNBC includes abortion laws in this category.

Texas ranked the worst state to live in the US

Texas has received the number one spot on a not-so-pleasant list: The top 10 worst places in America to live and work in 2023.

While Texas landed at number six on CNBC's yearly  America's Top States for Business study , the state scored significantly low in one category: Life, Health & Inclusion. Factors in this category include:

• crime rates
• environmental quality
• health care
• quality and availability of childcare
• inclusiveness in state laws such as reproductive rights, protections against discrimination and voting rights.

Texas received 53 out of 350 points for its 2023 Life, Health & Inclusion score, giving it an F in its Top States grade and the lowest nationwide, securing its number one spot on the list.

CNBC did mention the boom in economic opportunity across the state. In the overall Top States for Business study, Texas  received  sixth place, with North Carolina taking the number one spot.

Top 10 worst states to live and work

The rest of the states that landed on the top 10 worst states to live and work for 2023 were:

• South Carolina and Alabama (tie)

Vermont ranked the best state to live in the US

By contrast, Vermont won the acclaimed spot of the best place to live . Residents are statistically more stress-free and healthy. With the beautiful Green Mountains, Vermont offers the best air quality in the United States. The state provides the most accessible childcare, broad anti-discrimination protections and easy access to voting.

CNBC gave Vermont an A+ in Life, Health and Inclusion. The state's largest weakness is worker protections, which are less stringent compared to some other states.

Top 10 best states to live and work

• Massachusetts and  Colorado (tie)
• Connecticut

America's top states for Business

CNBC examines on 86 metrics in 10 broad categories of business competitiveness when assigning its rankings. The research examines the workforce, infrastructure, cost of doing business, state laws and education, among other criteria.

Here is CNBC's ranking for 2023.

• North Carolina

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8 Best Places for Fishing in South Carolina in 2024

With its vast coastline, numerous inland lakes, and sprawling rivers, South Carolina is a haven for anglers of all skill levels. From the bustling beaches of Myrtle Beach to the tranquil waters of Lake Murray, there’s a perfect fishing spot waiting for you. As we embark on the new year, let’s explore the eight best places to cast your line in the Palmetto State in 2024.

Whether you’re an avid angler seeking a trophy catch or a casual fisherman looking for a relaxing day by the water, South Carolina’s diverse fishing opportunities offer something for everyone. Get ready to experience the thrill of reeling in a feisty redfish, battling a powerful striped bass, or outsmarting a cunning largemouth bass. So pack your tackle box, grab your favorite rod and reel, and let’s dive into the best fishing spots South Carolina has to offer.

1. Charleston Harbor

Nestled at the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, Charleston Harbor is a hub of fishing activity. Known for its stunning scenery and abundant fish population, it’s a paradise for both seasoned anglers and recreational fishermen. Cast your line for a variety of species, including flounder, sheepshead, trout, and redfish. The harbor’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for beginners or those looking for a relaxing fishing experience. For a more adventurous outing, venture out to the outer harbor, where you’ll find larger fish and stronger currents.

2. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is more than just a popular tourist destination; it’s also a prime fishing spot. Along its 60 miles of pristine beaches, you’ll have access to a wide range of fishing opportunities. Surf fishing is a popular choice, with anglers casting their lines from the shore in search of whiting, flounder, and bluefish. If you prefer to venture out on the water, charter a boat and head to the nearshore reefs, where you can target king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and red snapper.

3. Lake Murray

As the largest lake in South Carolina, Lake Murray boasts over 50,000 acres of fishing paradise. Known for its excellent bass fishing, the lake is home to abundant populations of largemouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass. The calm waters and numerous coves make it a suitable spot for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer casting from a boat or fishing from the shore, Lake Murray offers a scenic and rewarding fishing experience.

4. Winyah Bay

Nestled along the Grand Strand, Winyah Bay is a haven for anglers seeking a variety of saltwater species. The bay’s pristine waters are home to redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and black drum. Whether you choose to fish from a kayak, boat, or the shore, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to catch a trophy fish. The bay’s calm waters and abundance of structure make it a great spot for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

5. Edisto River

Flowing through the heart of South Carolina, the Edisto River is a renowned spot for freshwater fishing. Known for its clear waters and diverse fish population, the river offers excellent opportunities to catch catfish, bass, crappie, and bream. The river’s banks are lined with cypress trees and other vegetation, providing plenty of cover for fish. Whether you prefer to fish from a boat or wade in the shallows, the Edisto River is a picturesque and productive fishing destination.

6. Lake Hartwell

Straddling the border between South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Hartwell is a massive reservoir known for its exceptional fishing. The lake is home to a wide variety of species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish. The numerous islands, coves, and underwater structure provide ample hiding places for fish, making it a challenging yet rewarding spot to cast your line. Whether you’re trolling for stripers or flipping for bass, Lake Hartwell offers a diverse and exciting fishing experience.

7. Coosawhatchie River

Flowing through the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, the Coosawhatchie River is a pristine waterway teeming with fish. Known for its excellent bass fishing, the river also supports populations of catfish, crappie, and bream. The river’s tannin-stained waters add to its allure, giving it a mysterious and inviting quality. Whether you choose to fish from a kayak or cast from the bank, the Coosawhatchie River offers a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience.

8. Santee Cooper Lakes

The Santee Cooper Lakes, comprising Lakes Marion and Moultrie, form the largest freshwater lake system in South Carolina. These two interconnected lakes offer a vast expanse of fishing opportunities. The lakes are known for their excellent catfish, bass, and crappie fishing. The numerous creeks, coves, and underwater structure provide ample habitat for fish, making it a popular destination for both recreational and competitive anglers. Whether you’re looking to catch a trophy catfish or a limit of crappie, the Santee Cooper Lakes offer endless possibilities.

Culture, Transportation, Food, Hotels

Besides the exceptional fishing, South Carolina boasts a vibrant culture, rich history, and delectable cuisine. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting historic plantations, exploring charming small towns, and savoring the state’s iconic dishes, such as shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and sweet tea. Transportation to and around South Carolina is convenient, with major airports and highways connecting the state to the rest of the country. Whether you choose to fly into Charleston International Airport or drive along the scenic coastline, getting to your fishing destination is hassle-free.

When it comes to accommodation, South Carolina offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts, you’ll find plenty of places to rest and recharge after a day of fishing. The state’s friendly locals and warm hospitality will make your stay even more enjoyable.

Best Months to Visit

The best months to visit South Carolina for fishing vary depending on the species you’re targeting. For saltwater fishing, spring and fall offer the most favorable conditions. The waters are warmer, and the fish are more active during these seasons. For freshwater fishing, spring and summer are generally the best times to cast your line. However, each season offers unique opportunities, so it’s worth planning your trip around the species you’re most interested in catching.

South Carolina is an angler’s paradise, offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice fisherman, the state’s pristine waters and abundant fish populations promise an unforgettable fishing experience. From the bustling beaches of Myrtle Beach to the tranquil waters of Lake Murray, South Carolina has everything you need for a successful and enjoyable fishing adventure. So pack your gear, grab your fishing buddies, and get ready to experience the best fishing South Carolina has to offer in 2024.

Nathan David is a passionate traveler and an avid writer who delights in sharing his global adventures through captivating narratives. With an insatiable curiosity for exploring diverse cultures and uncovering hidden gems, Nathan has embarked on numerous journeys across the globe, each experience enriching his understanding of the world.

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2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government® Rankings

The Partnership for Public Service and Boston Consulting Group present the 2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government® rankings.

The full rankings for 17 large, 26 midsize and 30 small agencies as well as 459 subcomponents. Data is also included on employee views relating to eight workplace issues that affect employee engagement and satisfaction.

The rankings are determined by the Best Places to Work employee engagement and satisfaction index score, calculated by the Partnership and BCG.

The index score is calculated using a proprietary weighted formula that looks at responses to three different questions in the federal survey. The more the question predicts intent to remain, the higher the weighting.

• I recommend my organization as a good place to work. (Q. 46)    
• Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job? (Q. 70)    
• Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your organization? (Q. 72) 
• Supervisors in my work unit support employee development. (Q. 48)  
• My supervisor listens to what I have to say. (Q. 50)  
• My supervisor treats me with respect. (Q. 51)   
• I have trust and confidence in my supervisor. (Q. 52)   
• Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by your immediate supervisor? (Q. 54)   
• In my organization, senior leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce. (Q. 57)   
• My organization’s senior leaders maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. (Q. 58)   
• I have a high level of respect for my organization’s senior leaders. (Q. 62)   
• How satisfied are you with the information you receive from management on what’s going on in your organization? (Q. 68)  
• In my organization, senior leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce. (Q. 57)  
• My organization’s senior leaders maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. (Q. 58)  
• My supervisor treats me with respect. (Q. 51)  
• I have trust and confidence in my supervisor. (Q. 52)  
• My organization’s management practices promote diversity (e.g., outreach, recruitment, promotion opportunities). (Q. 73)  
• My supervisor demonstrates a commitment to workforce diversity (e.g., recruitment, promotion opportunities, development). (Q. 74)  
• I have similar access to advancement opportunities (e.g., promotion, career development, training) as others in my work unit. (Q. 75)  
• My supervisor provides opportunities fairly to all employees in my work unit (e.g., promotions, work assignments). (Q. 76)  
• In my work unit, excellent work is similarly recognized for all employees (e.g., awards, acknowledgements). (Q. 77)  
• Employees in my work make me feel I belong. (Q. 78)  
• Employees in my work care about me as a person. (Q. 79)  
• I am comfortable expressing opinions that are different from other employees in my work unit. (Q. 80)  
• In my work unit, people’s differences are respected. (Q. 81)  
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• I can easily make a request of my organization to meet my accessibility needs. (Q. 83)  
• My organization responds to my accessibility needs in a timely manner. (Q. 84)  
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• I can influence decisions in my work unit. (Q. 25)  
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• My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment. (Q. 3)  
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• Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your pay? (Q. 71 )  
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• Senior leaders demonstrate support for Work-Life programs. (Q. 63)  
• In my work unit, differences in performance are recognized in a meaningful way. (Q. 17)  
• Employees are recognized for providing high-quality products and services. (Q. 35)  
• How satisfied are you with the recognition you receive for doing a good job? (Q. 69)  
• I am given a real opportunity to improve my skills in my organization. (Q. 1)  
• My talents are used well in the workplace. (Q. 8)  
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Money latest: Popular music magazine closes months after online relaunch – but 90s lad mag is back

Q magazine has abruptly closed just months after its relaunch due to "business reasons" - but Loaded is back. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news - and leave a comment - below.

Monday 20 May 2024 13:31, UK

• August interest rate cut on cards - economists
• Virgin Trains could return to West Coast route
• Popular music magazine closes months after online relaunch – but 90s lad mag is back
• Two big moments this week - here's what's happening 

Essential reads

• Money Problem : 'My second-hand Ford is being written off with a known issue - but no one is taking responsibility'
• How to sell your home without an estate agent
• Tourist taxes to watch out for in popular holiday destinations
• Basically... What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

A popular music magazine has been closed down just months after being relaunched online. 

Q, which originally closed after 34 years in 2020, was revived as an online publication nearly six months ago after a licensing deal was struck by New-York based Empire Media Group. 

But its surprise closure, which came to light on Friday, means a team of six full-time staff have lost their jobs.

Writer Will Harris is one of them, saying he'd lost his "first full-time employment in a dozen years".

Writing on Substack , he said the move had been a "business decision" but that staff had been working long hours to "make it the best publication" possible. 

"We worked our shifts, worked before and after our shifts, and delivered consistently top-shelf content that was, to our way of thinking, exactly the sort of thing that a new incarnation of Q Magazine should offer," he wrote. 

Editor-in-chief Andrew Barker said the decision to shut the magazine down "came with no advance warning, and no indication that anything was wrong". 

"To say that we were shocked and devastated would be a colossal understatement." 

Sky News has contacted Empire Media Group for comment. 

Separately, last week saw the return of a 90s lads mag Loaded.

The magazine relaunched its website after disappearing nine years ago, offering a £9 monthly membership. 

As part of its revival, it has changed its tagline from "for men who should know better" to "for men who know better". 

"The relaunch of the platform is a digital rebellion for the modern man who refuses to fit into a stereotype, from the finest in music, sports, film, and anything else that is of interest," it said in a statement. 

"Loaded is about building a space where men challenge each other, celebrate wins, and tackle all that matters to them." 

Virgin Trains has applied for a licence that could see it return to running rail services on the West Coast route between London and Glasgow, five years after losing its contract.

The company had operated the service, which runs from London Euston via Birmingham and Manchester to Scotland, for 22 years before Avanti West Coast took over in 2019.

The company has now applied to the regulator - the Office of Rail and Road - for an Open Access licence. If granted, it means Virgin Trains receives no subsidy and runs services alongside the franchise, at its own risk.

A spokesperson for Virgin Group told Sky News: "While this application is just the first step towards exploring what might be possible, we think Open Access is the way forward.

"Open Access increases consumer choice and competition both of which Virgin has always supported."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

After four weeks of rises the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 250 index of the 101st to 350th most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange has begun a fifth week in positive territory - up 0.54%. 

If it ends this week higher than now it'll be the best run it has had since before the pandemic, in December 2019. 

The most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange - the FTSE 100 index - also started the week on a high, up 0.22%. Mexican mining company Fresnillo is the best performing company of the day so far with shares up 3.17% as copper hit an all-time peak.

The oil price is staying lower than all of April and most of March at $84.24 for a barrel of Brent crude oil - the benchmark price. 

A pound is equal to $1.2696 or €1.1675. 

The average salary advertised on job sites increased by 0.45% to £38,810 in April, according to vacancies website Adzuna. 

Only two sectors - legal and travel - experienced a fall in the average salary being offered.

"[This] demonstrates rising business confidence throughout the UK and that companies are keen to hire specialist staff," said Andrew Hunter, co-founder of Adzuna. 

"They are willing to pay well for new team members too."

He said the East Midlands continued to see the largest annual increases for the fifth month in a row - helped by roles in science, tech and professional services.

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

We bought a Ford C-Max second hand four years ago. It's less than eight years old now with 77,000 miles. Our garage says the car is a write-off due to a known issue with EcoBoost engines. Ford refuses to pay for repairs. Anything I can do? Rory Raftery

Rory did not leave his contact details so we haven't been able to talk to the dealership - but we had some luck with Ford. First though,  Scott Dixon, from The Complaints Resolver , lays out your basic rights...

Your contract is always with the trader who sold you the goods (in this case the garage), not the manufacturer.

Any reference to warranties is irrelevant, as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 overrides this and gives you an implied statutory warranty for free for up to six years in England and Wales and five years in Scotland.

The act states that goods ought to be:

• Fit for purpose
• As described
• Satisfactory quality
• Last a reasonable length of time

As we are past six months since you bought the car, the onus is on you to prove it had inherent faults when it was sold. 

I would seek an independent report to reinforce your case and dispute. Given that this has been a well-known issue with EcoBoost engines for quite some time, the trader who sold you the vehicle should have carried out additional checks.

A cursory Google search reveals that a loss of engine power and serious valve damage is commonplace on higher mileage EcoBoost engines.

I would check to see if this vehicle has been subject to a recall. Also check the MOT history to see if any advisory notices were flagged and not remedied before you bought the vehicle.

Is the garage a member of The Motor Ombudsman? You can check that too here .

How did you pay for it? 

You should always pay at least a deposit by credit card if possible, as it gives you additional free protection and joint liability under S75 Consumer Credit Act 1974 for purchases over £100.

If you paid a deposit by credit card, contact your credit card provider and say you want to raise a S75 dispute and claim for a faulty car.

They will ask for more details – say the supplier is in "breach of contract" under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and has supplied a defective/faulty car. You have exhausted all options with the retailer and cannot resolve your dispute.

If the car is on finance, they bought the defective vehicle from the dealer and own it. You can go down the same route and raise a S75 claim against them for a breach of contract under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

If you reach a stalemate with the credit card provider or finance company, ask for a deadlock letter setting out their final position so you can submit a formal complaint (with the final response/deadlock letter) to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

They do not like cases being referred to the FOS as it costs them money. The FOS will examine documents given to you as the customer at the point of sale. The dealership is responsible for any representations made in those documents. You are seeking to reject the car, so make this clear.

Offers made will be calculated on the anticipated lifespan of the goods – time of use and depreciation. Ask for any offers made to be evidenced with calculations to ascertain how the amount has been arrived at.

Car dealerships will often cite that they are entitled to deduct 45p a mile for use on refund calculations when you try to reject a faulty vehicle. This is a scam. The FOS has ruled that 25p a mile is fair and acceptable, so keep that in mind when any offers are made.

Statutory limitations on any consumer dispute is six years in England and Wales and five years in Scotland from the date the goods were received.

This does not detract from the expected lifespan of the goods – it is simply a limit on the time you have to resolve the dispute under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Options and next steps

If all else fails, you could take your case to the small claims court if it was England, or follow simple procedure in Scotland .

Ford response

A Ford spokesperson told the Money team: "Ford is confident in the robustness and reliability of its EcoBoost engine technology when the stated guidelines for maintenance and service are followed. 

"Ford UK is happy to investigate service support and/or compensation measures for any customer who believes they have had an EcoBoost engine issue and is happy to review cases with a full-service history for vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles.

"For any customers in the UK whose vehicle meets these parameters, you can speak to our customer relationship team and contact details can be found on our website here ."

Ford offered to look at this specific case - but sadly Rory didn't leave contact details for us to pass on.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:

• The form above - make sure you leave a phone number or email address
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here

A tiny Mexican taco stand has won a Michelin star. 

El Califa de Leon in Mexico City offers just four types of tacos, with McDonald's prices, no reservations and plates served in plastic bags.

"The secret is the simplicity of our taco. It has only a tortilla, red or green sauce, and that's it. That, and the quality of the meat," chef Arturo Rivera Martinez told AP. 

He's also probably the only Michelin-starred chef who, when asked what beverage should accompany his food, answers: "I like a Coke." 

Thousands of time a day, he grabs a fresh, thinly sliced fillet of beef from a stack and slaps it on the grill, tosses a pinch of salt over it, squeezes half a lime on top, and grabs a soft round of freshly rolled tortilla dough onto the solid metal slab to puff up.

After less than a minute - he won't say exactly how long because "that's a secret" - he flips the beef over with a spatula, flips the tortilla, and very quickly scoops it onto a plate - then calls out the customer's name who ordered it. 

Asked how it felt to get a Michelin star, he said in Mexico City slang, "esta chido ... esta padre," or "it's neat, it's cool". 

El Califa de Leon, which was founded in 1968, is the only taco stand among the 16 Mexican restaurants given one star, as well as two eateries that have got two stars.

Other than perhaps one street food stand in Bangkok, it is probably the smallest restaurant ever to get a star

Half of the 100 square-foot (9.29 square-metre) space is taken up by a solid steel plate grill.

The other half is packed with standing customers, and an assistant who rolls out the rounds of tortilla dough constantly.

The prices are quite high by Mexican standards: the tacos range in price from 53 Mexican pesos to 82 Mexican pesos - that works out at around £2.50 to £4. 

Waitrose's new Ottolenghi range has proved popular with customers, with sales reportedly 97% higher than predicted. 

The nine products created in partnership with restaurateur Yotam Ottlenghi launched in 275 stores last month. 

It marked the supermarket's first major deal with a celebrity chef since it ended its tie-up with Heston Blumenthal last year. 

According to The Grocer, demand has been "unprecedented", with five of the nine lines unavailable online last week. 

We checked and it seems stocks have since been replenished. 

Waitrose told the news outlet performance of the range had "exceeded expectations", with sales 97% higher than anticipated. 

The Pomegranate Harissa Paste has proved to be the top seller for the first two weeks.

The products have a 20% launch discount until 18 June.

A slim majority of economists believe the Bank of England will start cutting interest rates in August.

Thirty-eight of 71 polled by Reuters expect a cut to 5% in August - compared with 31 opting for June and two for September.

BoE governor Andrew Bailey said earlier this month that once they start falling, rates could dip lower than markets had been forecasting - prompting hope that mortgage holders could see rates closer to 3% next year.

The base rate has sat at 5.25%, a 16-year high, since August.

The aim was to reduce inflation by encouraging saving rather than spending, which tends to slow price rises.

Inflation has fallen dramatically from 11.1% in October to 3.2% in March - and April's figure, to be announced at 7am on Wednesday, is likely to put it closer to the target of 2%.

The next base rate decision is on 20 June.

"The reason I'm currently leaning a little bit more towards August rather than June is that with signs the economy is doing okay, the BoE is unlikely to feel the need to rush into cutting interest rates," said Dean Turner, chief eurozone and UK economist at UBS Global Wealth Management.

"They have time to ensure further progress on services inflation and wage pressures."

We're back for another week of consumer news, personal finance tips and all the latest on the economy - with two big moments playing out this week.

This is how the week in the Money blog is shaping up...

Today : Every week we ask industry experts to answer your Money Problems . Today, a reader's car has been written off with a known fault but they say no one is taking responsibility.

Tuesday : This week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about the FTSE.

Wednesday : It's inflation day - an announcement at 7am is expected to reveal that inflation returned to around the target level of 2% in April. But forecasters have been consistently off in the past year or two. We'll also have another Michelin chef picking their best Cheap Eats .

Thursday : Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back with her weekly insight into the savings market.

Friday : The energy price cap for July-September will be announced - with a drop predicted. We'll also have everything you need to know about the mortgage market this week with the guys from Moneyfacts.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

You'll also be able to stream  Business Live with Ian King on weekdays at 11.30am and 4.30pm.

Bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 8am, and through the day, each weekday.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

By Ollie Cooper , Money team

Estate agent fees are one of the big expenses in selling a house - but rule changes and the rise of private sale websites have made it more common for people to go it alone.

But how easy is it - and what do you need to know? We spoke to industry experts to find out.

Firstly, what do estate agents do for their money?

An estate agent will typically charge in the range of 1%-3.5% of the sale price. 

That means for the average house price (£284,691 from December) you could pay anywhere from £2,846 to £9,964 in commission fees.

"When you use an estate agent, their fee includes taking professional photographs, advertising your home, conducting property viewings, and negotiating a price on your behalf," says Jack Smithson  from the home ownership site  Better.co.uk .

In addition, an estate agent will compile comprehensive details of your house, including room sizes and descriptions of fixtures and fittings. 

"They will also provide a concise write-up about the local area, highlighting amenities, schools, and transportation links," Jack adds. 

And they'll conduct checks on buyers for you (more on this later).

It sounds like a lot, but...

"Selling your home yourself can be a manageable process with a few key steps," Jack says.

Preparation 

You should begin by thoroughly researching house prices in your area, using websites like Rightmove and Zoopla - but seek free valuations from local estate agents to ensure you have a realistic asking price in mind.

Next, you want to take high-quality photos of your house.

Jack advises using tutorials on YouTube to learn new shooting and editing techniques that can take you to the next level.

You then want to write down what makes your home unique.

"While browsing other listings for inspiration, take it a step further by emphasising what you love about living in your home and the surrounding area," Jack suggests.

"Whether it's the refreshing scent of the coastline or the tranquil sounds of village life, incorporating these details can help potential buyers visualise living there," he advises. 

Like using YouTube for photography tips, you can use free tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly if you need help with your writing, Jack says. 

Advertising

This is probably the biggest perk of going through an established estate agent - your home is much more likely to be viewed because they will have an established audience and a market. But it's very possible to do it alone. 

"When it comes to advertising your home, explore a variety of avenues including local newspapers and social media," Jack says.

"Consider using websites like Strike, which allow individuals to list their properties for free on platforms like Rightmove," he suggests.

Viewings 

Once you've secured some viewings, you've got the opportunity to make it a bit more personal than estate agents ever could - a real advantage. 

"Explain the reasons behind your decision to purchase the property, highlight its unique features, and share the aspects of your neighbourhood that make it a desirable place to live," Jack says. 

The small things matter when showing people round - so try to take an objective look around before you bring anyone in.

Do the things you'd do normally - make sure it smells nice and it's clean and tidy.

"Lastly, it's worth knowing that you must legally provide potential buyers with a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)."

The sale itself

Perhaps the most daunting aspect is the physical exchange of contracts and money. 

An estate agent would typically oversee the process of the initial offer acceptance to the transfer of keys to the new owner.

However, if you go it alone, you'll need to become the central point of contact - bridging the gap between your solicitor or conveyancer and the buyer and their legal representative.

"Once you've accepted an offer on your property, your first task is to draft what's called a memorandum of sale," Jack says.  

This document is a written confirmation of your acceptance of the offer and details the agreed price along with any specific conditions you've both agreed to.

"It's then recommended to engage the services of a solicitor or conveyancer to ensure all legal obligations are met," Jack says (of course, you'll need to do this even if you have an estate agent).

The cost of hiring one typically ranges from a few hundred to over £1,000, depending on factors such as fixed fees, hourly rates, the complexity of the sale and additional costs like property searches or land registry fees.

"In the absence of an estate agent, you'll be responsible for keeping your buyer informed about the progress of the sale. This involves regular updates on the status of legal procedures and any relevant developments," Jack says, before adding that this can actually be a good thing.

"By taking on these responsibilities independently, you'll have greater control over the sale process. However, it will require you to be exceptionally organised, and you'll need to be very good at communicating too."  

Any risks to be aware of?

Rita Patel, legal director at law firm  Browne Jacobson , tells us the biggest risk for people selling their properties without an estate agent is the lack of a vetting and verification process of the potential buyer.

Estate agents will verify the buyer's identity and check the buyer's proof and source of funds - without this, there's no way to assess the buyer is legitimate and can afford to buy.

"Whilst this process is something lawyers can help with, this is often at an additional cost, and you'll need to start from square one if there is an issue with a potential buyer's identification and/or financial eligibility," Rita says. 

More generally, selling without an agent can extend the time it takes to sell. 

"Zoopla suggests this timeframe is normally around 17-34 weeks, but with no one on hand to consistently promote and drive the property sale at all stages, going solo drags this process out," Rita says. 

"Agents can also help mediate any potential breakdowns in communication between the buyer and seller - reducing the likelihood of having to go back to market and start again."

The advantages

Laura Owen-Brown, a PR manager from Gloucestershire, tells us she is set to sell her house without an estate agent in the near future.

"My disappointment with estate agents stems from their lack of familiarity with the properties they attempted to sell me when I was buying my current house," she says. 

"They couldn't tell me about the details that truly matter, like the optimal times for sunlight in the garden, how much council tax I'd pay, what the roof was made of, the places I could walk my dog off lead or the impact of post-football match traffic on Sundays.

"These types of details can shape the experience of living in a house for years and are just as important as the square footage, EPC rating or how many bedrooms a property has," she adds. 

She says the current "transactional" approach to selling houses feels "impersonal and outdated" to her. 

"Yes, I'll have to handle more admin, but the savings in both money and time will make it worthwhile. Liaising with buyers and solicitors directly without a third party slowing everything down will mean I can be in control and have transparency throughout the process, especially during negotiations," she says.

All in all...

As Laura says, it's very much a case of whether you can stomach the admin and are happy to take the risks on background financial checks. 

If you are aware of all the above and willing to take on the organisational burden, you could save yourself a serious chunk of cash. 

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2024’s Worst Cities for Grass Allergies This Summer

Where is your summertime picnic on the grass most likely to trigger a stuffy nose and itchy eyes?

To mark Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month this May, Lawn Love ranked 2024’s Worst Cities for Grass Allergies This Summer.

We compared nearly 380 of the biggest U.S. cities based on allergy risk, exacerbators, and access to detection and treatment resources. More specifically, we looked at grass pollen forecasts, allergen intensity, and lawn mowing frequency, among 8 total metrics. Get ahead of a congested allergy season with our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our methodology .

• Metro area rankings

Top 5 close up

• Key insights

Expert take

Behind the ranking, climate change: nothing to sneeze at, city rankings.

See how each city fared in our ranking:

Check out the slideshow below for highlights on our 5 worst cities for summertime grass allergies.

Key Insights

Stock up on allergy medication if you live in the nation’s capital — Washington (No. 1) tied with Lancaster, Pennsylvania (No. 8), for the highest presence of significant grass allergens in our ranking.

7 Illinois cities claim the most turf allergens overall — with high levels of mild, moderate, and significant allergens — followed by Philadelphia (No. 5), 6 Connecticut cities, and Washington . Thankfully, Chicago (No. 39) boasts the 2nd-best access to allergy care after New York (No. 311). 

Suburbs like Sandy Springs, Georgia (No. 370) and Paradise, Nevada (No. 377) have the worst access to allergy care , with no local allergists or immunologists to administer allergy tests and treatment. Luckily, their forecasts call for low levels of grass pollen this summer. Turf allergy risk is lowest in some parts of Florida and Minnesota , with Fort Myers, Florida , finishing in last place . These 2 states have low grass pollen forecasts and less severe lawn allergens .

Allergies have been around for centuries , yet there are still plenty of misconceptions surrounding hay fever. 

We asked experts to weigh in on seasonal grass allergies and offer advice on how to deal with the irritating symptoms. 

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen?

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? What are the most allergy-friendly grass types?

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies?

• How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold? 
• How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen? 

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end?

Ask The Experts

How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen?

Typically, grass-sensitized patients will have itching of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and post-nasal drainage when they are outdoors during the grass season. 

The grass season in the Midwest typically begins in late May and goes to mid-July, but varies regionally in some parts of the country.  Sometimes it is not evident to patients that grass is the culprit which can make  a diagnosis of grass allergy more challenging.

• Avoidance is difficult, but when indoors, keeping windows closed and running the A/C prevents outdoor allergens from coming indoors.
• Medications can help to treat the symptoms  or mild symptoms, an oral non-sedating antihistamine is effective for controlling itching, sneezing, and runny nose, but is not effective for nasal congestion. For moderate to severe symptoms, nasal sprays, such as a nasal corticosteroid or a nasal antihistamine spray, either alone or in combination, are very effective when used on a regular basis until the season ends.  
• For long term management, allergen immunotherapy to grass pollen is very effective at inducing tolerance and allowing patients to reduce or discontinue medications.  Allergen immunotherapy can be administered as sublingual tablets approved by the FDA or as subcutaneous injections.  The latter is more appropriate if patients are sensitized to multiple allergens.  Allergen immunotherapy, if effective at reducing patient-reported symptoms, should be continued for 3-5 years for optimal effectiveness although some patients may require longer courses.

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? 

The grasses will vary regionally but timothy, fescue, and brome are common grasses. Bermuda is not as cross-reactive. Most grasses are 80% or more cross-reactive, meaning they are homogeneous in the allergen structure.

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies? 

Many people believe allergies are a mild nuisance when in fact they have a significant impact on quality of life, work, and leisure activities.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?

A cold is self-limiting and goes a way after a few days, whereas allergies are more persistent and recurrent at the same time each year.  Allergies will improve when the patient goes into an air-conditioned environment and are more responsive to non-sedating antihistamines and nasal sprays.

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end?  

This will depend on the part of the country, but as discussed above, in the Midwest they begin in late May and end mid-July but could begin earlier and last longer.

The time of year that patients have symptoms can somewhat help distinguish what pollen may be causing the allergy symptoms.  For instance, trees typically pollinate in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall.  The only way to tell for certain however which pollen a patient is allergic to is by allergy testing.

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen? 

The three primary ways for alleviating allergy symptoms associated with grass pollen include:

•  Avoid as much as possible. Keeping the windows in the house and cars closed during grass pollen season can be helpful. 
• Another remedy includes changing clothes and taking a shower after working outdoors to rinse off the pollen. Nasal irrigation rinses can also be helpful after working outdoors. 
• Finally, allergy medications such as over-the-counter oral antihistamines or topical nasal corticosteroids can be helpful. Consult with your doctor if you have questions about taking these medications.

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? What are the most allergy-friendly grass types? 

Unfortunately, there really isn’t an allergy-friendly type of grass. Generally speaking, there are southern grasses and northern pasture grasses. There is extensive cross-reactivity among the pollen of the cool and warm-season grasses. When looking under the microscope these grass pollen look identical as they are all large and monoporate. 

The most common misconception about grass allergy is it will cause people symptoms all year long when they are mowing their lawn. The only part of the grass that people are allergic to is the pollen and that is only being produced at a specific time of year. 

If patients are having symptoms consistently throughout the year it could be more of a fungal spore allergy as mowing stirs up spores as well.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold? 

Patients with seasonal allergies can have symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, and post-nasal drainage.  Some of the symptoms can also overlap with the common cold.  

Allergy symptoms can be correlated with peaks in pollen counts whereas colds are not.  Allergies also typically do not cause fever which can be seen with viral infections.

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end? 

The exact onset of grass pollen season is more specific regionally but as a whole, grasses will pollinate in the late spring to early summer and, to a lesser extent, a brief pollination in the fall.  There is growing evidence through climate change that the length of grass pollination season is extending.

Grass pollen allergies and allergies to other types of pollen (cedar, olive tree, and others) will look the same with generally the same symptoms, but they will occur at different times of year, as you will only have symptoms when the tree or grass is pollinating. An allergy test can help distinguish which pollens one is sensitized to.

• Medications will probably be the most useful way for people to deal with the problem in the short run –– either an antihistamine or a nasal steroid spray. 
• Over the long term, allergy shots can reduce the symptoms in a more permanent fashion but do involve a number of visits to the clinic to get the shots. 
• Avoidance of the pollen is helpful in theory –– doing things like closing the windows at night and running your air conditioner or HEPA filter to filter out pollens –– but can come at the cost also avoiding things you might otherwise want to do in your life, like being outdoors, hiking, etc.

Unfortunately, grass pollens are highly cross-reactive, meaning that if you are sensitized to one pollen, you will react to most of them. However, your lawn is not usually the problem. Grass pollen is released when grass grows up and goes to seed, so the pollens causing your symptoms are not usually coming from your lawn, which is kept mowed.

A common misconception is that people with grass pollen allergies cannot play field sports like soccer or football. Your symptoms are not coming from the field you are playing on; it’s the wild grasses that have gone to seed that are the problem. 

Grass pollens can blow in the wind for miles, so ripping out your lawn or refusing to play field hockey will have little effect on your symptoms.

Itching is probably the major symptom that is different, with itching being much more prominent in allergies. Allergies also do not cause fevers, so if fever is present, it is not an allergy. 

Allergies will wax and wane from day to day depending on pollen exposure but will be present for days to weeks, or longer. Cold symptoms will start and end in a few days, typically, and follow a steady course of getting worse and then better.

The grass pollen season depends on where you live. In the San Francisco Bay Area, it will begin usually around May and end sometime in July. This is changing and expanding somewhat with changes in climate though.

First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Worst Cities for Grass Allergies This Summer. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 3 categories: Allergy Risk, Allergen Severity, and Lack of Access to Allergy Care. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.

For each of the 378 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.

Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city’s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked “Highest Risk” (No. 1) for grass allergies and the lowest “Lowest Risk” (No. 378) for grass allergies.

• The “Lowest Risk” among individual factors may not be No. 378 due to ties.
• “Historical Average Monthly Mows per Home” is based on internal customer data and covers the period of May and August 2022.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Lawn Love, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Pollen.com

Allergies are getting worse . 

Climate change is lengthening our allergy season by an average of 20 days and making allergens more intense. This is bad news for the more than 30% of Americans who sniffle, sneeze, and suffer from seasonal allergies. 

Man’s best friend isn’t exempt from allergy season, either. Dogs can experience allergies from weeds and exposure to grass types like ryegrass , bermudagrass , fescue , and alfalfa. 

There are some ways to minimize your exposure to grass pollen and resulting allergy symptoms, though — and they’re right in your own backyard: 

• Design an allergy-friendly landscape . 
• Plant low-pollen trees and flowers . 
• Avoid working outdoors in the morning, when pollen counts are highest.
• Keep an eye on your local pollen count before heading outside.
• Check the wind speed in your area — wind transmits a lot of pollen.
• Switch to artificial grass .
• Discover which grass allergens are most likely to affect your area this summer.

Grass already getting to you? Avoid grass pollen altogether by hiring a local Lawn Love pro to mow your lawn.

Media resources

Quotes from Lawn Love Editor-in-Chief Sharon Sullivan

• Corpus Christi, Texas (No. 125), has the highest average forecasted grass pollen index for this summer, followed by Richmond, Virginia (No. 245).
• Neighboring Ohio cities Canton (No. 82) and Massillon (No. 82) tied for the most monthly mows per home, followed by Dayton (No. 187) and its suburb Kettering (No. 326).
• 19 California cities such as San Francisco (No. 55) and Berkeley (No. 92) tied for the highest average historical wind speed during the summer months, over 13 mph , followed by Wichita, Kansas (No. 16)
• Philadelphia (No. 5) tied with Connecticut cities Milford (No. 9) and New Haven (No. 9) for the highest presence of moderate grass allergens . 
• Boston (No. 371), Rochester, New York (No. 329), and Lexington, Kentucky (No. 320), tied among 32 other cities with the no grass allergens with tests available .
• High-resolution images of cities
• 2023’s Worst Cities for Grass Allergies ranking results

Main photo credit: New Africa | Adobe Stock | Adobe License