Why I Travel to ‘Dangerous Places’
Last Updated on November 12, 2021
Whenever I tell people where I’m traveling next, the immediate question is often “why do you travel to dangerous places”? Here’s why.
In the past decade of travels, I’ve visited several places that are considered ‘dangerous’ by many: North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Haiti, Burma (or Myanmar), Afghanistan, amongst many.
Why? Because as a deeply curious traveler, I strongly believe that seeing a place for myself is the best way to mitigate everyone’s fears and bust the myths surrounding it. Traveling is my way of learning on-the-ground knowledge, and visiting these forbidden lands is a channel through which we see a place beyond the headlines. Here’s why I travel to ‘dangerous places’:
Table of Contents
Why Travel to Dangerous Places
To Learn Valuable Lessons
At the start of 2012, news of North Korea’s nuclear weapons was flashing across TV screens around the world. I had been reading about the country for years, and I was watching the country sink deeper and deeper into isolation from the world. D
PRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) is one of the most isolated nations in the world, having tucked itself into secrecy since its division with South Korea. Only local channels are shown on TV, there is no internet anywhere in the country and few foreign tourists visit the country each year (around 2,500 Western tourists not including the Chinese).
I’d heard that North Koreans were only fed the side of the story that their supreme leaders wanted them to hear; I couldn’t help but question if that’s happening to us too. Is the news media obscuring North Korea’s wider picture — is it all true or are our visions being skewed too?
Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers
I’ve been using Safety Wing for years now, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a frequent traveler. Their Nomad Insurance plan is affordable and provides solid coverage for medical emergencies regardless of where I’m traveling. It’s been super reliable for me, and I think you’ll find it just as helpful on your adventures!
I knew that visiting a country this controversial would subject myself and my work as a travel writer to scrutiny and that strict tourism laws in the country meant that we would be herded from place to place and shown only certain sights of the country. At the same time, I couldn’t miss up this excellent opportunity to step away from everything that’s been fed to us by the news media and make my own judgment for once.
Traveling to North Korea left me awed and overwhelmed. Regardless of the nation’s political standpoint, I found a country with an extreme camaraderie and pride, and people who were just as curious about me as I was of them. On the subway, I even interacted with people, showing them my photos and using sign language to talk to them.
To See A Country Beyond Headlines
In 2013, I went to Iran with no idea what to expect and it surprised me on so many levels. The urban sprawl was ridiculous, the sense of normality was slightly disappointing — but most of all, the warmth and hospitality of its people was unforgettable.
“Welcome!” was the word I heard most in Iran, I lost count of the number of times when Iranians warmly invited me into their country. Perhaps because of the hospitable nature of the Iranians or the fact that the country doesn’t see many foreigners, they are undoubtedly the friendliest people I’ve ever met on my travels. Locals came up to me ever so often, wanting to know where I’m from, what I was doing in Iran, and how I liked their country.
The people of Iran moved me with their genuine generosity and kindness — and it’s people like that who made my trip to Iran truly memorable.Traveling Iran as a solo female traveler can be an eye-opening experience, considering how misunderstood this Islamic Republic is. It is a rewarding place to visit especially for curious travelers who want to learn the basis of the country, who its people are, and what their culture stand for — beyond political issues and news headlines.
Reality vs What We See on TV
You have to understand that we see in the news doesn’t always reflect what is really happening on the ground.On my recent trip to Iraqi Kurdistan, I was surprised by how normal life was there and how safe I felt in Kurdistan.
Having been spared the war of 2003, Iraqi Kurdistan is a very different place from southern Iraq. Also known as “the other Iraq”, the semi-autonomous region is relatively safe, because of its strong military Peshmarga forces who have successfully defended the country from ISIS.
I was blown away by how different Iraqi Kurdistan was to how many of us imagined. It wasn’t what one would describe as “war torn” at all — instead, the cities were bustling and vibrant, and the natural sights were spectacular.
In all honesty, this trip to Iraqi Kurdistan was truly transformational. I didn’t know what to expect in Iraqi Kurdistan. I knew that it would be a learning experience, but I had no idea it would stir up so much emotions in me and change some of my perspectives in life.
To be Surprised
Part of the appeal of traveling to these off-the-radar places is just how authentic they are, having been closed off to the outside world. My recent trip to Saudi Arabia was such an eye-opening experience — it truly surprised me and gave me a rare glimpse into a world that few foreigners have seen, one that momentarily felt entirely untainted by outside influence.
As with the case for many countries I’ve been, Saudi Arabia turned out to be quite different from how it is often portrayed on the news media.
For one, I was overwhelmed by how vibrant the capital city of Riyadh was. Tall skyscrapers, sparkly new malls and neon-signed restaurants line Olaya Street, the main artery of the city. I spotted international brands everywhere — from Victoria’s Secret to Zara, McDonalds to Starbucks.
Every women in Saudi Arabia wore an abaya (black robe that every lady wears in Saudi Arabia), but I also noticed many had on Kim Kardashian-style makeup, immaculately polished nails, branded handbags and the trendiest sunglasses.
Considering that tourism is very new to them, I was expecting quite a bit of curious stares from locals. But boy was I wrong! Saudi Arabians are used to seeing foreigners as over 30% of the population are foreign workers and expats. Saudis are also a global and well-traveled bunch, many of them having studied and lived abroad.
People Are People
My experience in many places perceived as unsafe – from Iran to Burma – tells us that the story on the ground is often very different than what appears in media. And no matter what happens between governments, politicians and “leaders”, at the end of each day, people are people — they are generally good and life goes on for them in many fundamental ways just like it does for you and me.
Tourism Can Bring World Peace
Many of these regions need tourism badly to fight off poverty and resolve conflicts. Egypt for instance needs tourists now more than ever to revive the tourism industry that suffered severely due to the revolution; South Sudan is another good example of a brand new country whose fragile economy can benefit substantially from visitors. Most of all, tourism can be a powerful tool to fight off discrimination and advocate equality. If done correctly, it can help to educate the parties involved and the outside world, and bring peace.
Advise for Travel to Dangerous Places:
Traveling to ‘danger zones’ clearly has both its rewards and risks. For visitors, there are the obvious perils involved, such as terrorist attacks, kidnapping and other crimes; but with some safety precaution and advanced planning, you might be returning home with a gratifying travel experience.
If you’re planning to travel to ‘dangerous places’, there are a few things to keep in mind:
-
Check the latest blogs, websites, and forums to find out if it’s safe to visit.
-
Follow the news to keep yourself updated of the political situation from time to time.
-
Keep your plans flexible and be opened to last minute changes.
-
When in the country, blend in to the crowd by dressing conservatively and not attracting too much attention.
-
Be respectful of the locals and their ideas and do not try to force your opinions on them.
-
Keep your family informed of where you’ll be visiting and your hotel info. Leave instructions on who to contact if they don’t hear from you after a certain period of time.
-
If you are caught in a dire situation, report to your embassy in the destination as soon as possible.
Inspired? Pin it!
This is a chapter from my new book, The Adventure Traveler’s Handbook. To find out more about the book, read here or buy a copy from Amazon.
The Comments
Jeremy Branham
I like this post, especially the last section about tourism and world peace. Two years I wrote a post about how travel can change the world. Part of the inspiration for that posts was two things – the death of Osama bin Laden and my disdain for politics. People are caught up in the stuff that doesn't matter thinking that governments and politicians hold the key to peace. That is actually in our hands. The more we travel and build connections with people the more walls we break through and peace we can create. Great post!
Robert Brown
The only factor that I want to say is that you people are very fearless to check out those risky nations and get the attractiveness of the position for us to see it. Excellent job and hopefully I can also do it.
Nellie
Yes I definitely think the benefits of tourism outweigh other factors. Visiting these places doesn\’t mean that we support the regime or the government, it just means we want to see things for ourselves.
Rod Austin
NellieI think this is the bravest thing to do: to come to see it for ourselves. I think the world will be a better place if everyone tries to understand each other a little better.
Nellie
True, we also thought about it for a while whether it was the right thing to do. But after visiting, we know there\’s no right or wrong, nothing is as clear as everyone thinks it is, but at least we believe education through travel goes a long way.
Nellie
I have heard that some parts of Iraq are safe to visit and locals are very hospitable and kind. Iran also has a great reputation for hospitable people. Thank you for sharing!
Joanne Joseph
I enjoyed reading your views on traveling to places off most people's radar. I'm looking into a trip to North Korea next year so this post was one more push in that direction.
Nellie Huang
Joanne JosephThanks Joanne, I'm very glad that we helped push you towards making that decision. Visiting North Korea was definitely an eye opener and made me realize how far the truth is from what we see on TV everyday. Enjoy your trip and let me know how it goes!
Hannah
Traveling definitely has its rewards and one of those is being able to find out more about their culture. Although I have got to say, you are one heck of a courageous fellow traveling in forbidden lands. LOL
Nellie Huang
HannahAs compared to some other travelers we know, we're hardly courageous! There are still many 'forbidden lands' we'd love to visit – like Sudan and Afghanistan, both of which we've heard great things about.
Charles Rahm
I quote Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.”
That really brings it to the point! Thank you for this article.
Nellie Huang
Charles RahmLove the quote, thanks for sharing!
David DiGregorio
This is a great post . Nowhere on the planet should be forbidden. Only through visiting and sharing our combined experiences can we really grown to understand each other.
Katie
While precautions should always be taken, it's never as bad as you think its going to be …!
Nellie Huang
Great story! It's stories like this that really make us question all these information fed to us by the news media.
Nellie Huang
Thank you! ;)
Nellie
hi there! Thanks for dropping by! Yes I have been to Antarctica – it\’s definitely a place unlike ANYWHERE else in the world. It makes you feel like you\’re at the edge of the world. I\’ve written quite a lot about it here: https://wildjunket.com/tag/antarctica/
Marcello Arrambide
Lovely post! There's definitely a lot of misconception going around about these "dangerous" places. For a traveler to go to them helps shed light on reality. I have been to South Sudan, Israel, and even Colombia. There was never a time I felt unsafe.
Stephen
I’m stoked to see your take on Tajikistan and Afghanistan this summer – I have no doubt you’ll love them both every bit as much as I did.
Nellie Huang
StephenYes you were the one who inspired me to go there! Can’t wait!!!
Andreas Moser
I have made similarly positive experiences in Iran.
In my experience, most people who think that a place is “dangerous” have never been there. Actually, they have often never left their country or comfort zone at all. And that sometimes includes the people writing travel advisory warnings.
Emily Harper
Hey Nellie!
I admire your boldness. It once crossed my mind but I haven’t mustered enough courage to travel to risky places. Perhaps I have been watching too much TV. Who knows, after careful consideration and research, I will get to visit these countries one day. I am not closing my doors. :)
Paige
Hi! I love your blog. If you had to choose between visiting Iraq or Iran, which would you pick?
Nellie Huang
Paigehi Paige, that’s a hard question to ask. It really depends on what kind of travel experience you have, what type of travel you like, etc. Iran is very easy to travel, people are extremely welcoming and outgoing, and there are a lot of interesting sights. As for Iraq, I only visited the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq, which is apparently the only stable and safe part to travel at the moment. I would recommend traveling Iran then Iraq.