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Polo's Bastards Top 10 Worst Destinations
With the current conflict going on between Ethiopia and Somalia, my mind immediately began to wonder what the writers at Polo's Bastards had been up to and what dangerous lands they've been exploring. Last time I checked in they'd just posted a piece on Rio's favelas. Since then North Korea and Chechnya have also made their blog pages. To round off the year though, Lee Ridley spent a little bit of his Christmas day highlighting some of the world's worst destinations in 2006. Iraq assumes the position of No. 1, which doesn't come as a shocker at all. The conflict created by the Hezbollah kidnappings of Israeli soldiers earned Lebanon the No. 10 spot, and in the middle you'll find Haiti, Afghanistan, the entire Horn of Africa (poor Eritrea), Nepal, Chad, Chechnya and North Korea. If you've been in the dark concerning the political climate of these particular areas, you might want to mosey over and see what the deal is. Otherwise, just be sure to proceed with caution in the upcoming year. It is a far, far more dangerous world out there.
Filed under: Blogs, Photos, Stories, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Haiti
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 3)
Karyn Powers Jan 4th 2007 11:51PM
I lived for five years outside of the US and loved the places and people I met. I've been pick-pocketed in Chicago and had my car vanadlized in front of my house in the good, old USA. I've been lost, sick, broke, separated from my luggage or stuck in snow storms in other countries and people reached out to help. It's all in how you react. My father's cap was taken at midnight mass in Mexico City. His response: "All he got was a cap. I got a great story!"
Jaimashi Jan 4th 2007 11:55PM
Is it any coincidence that the only negative input is from people who aren't well-traveled? Traveling is the only way to truly learn about the world. Yes, we have more blessings than any other country on earth, but it is our duty to learn about and know our "brothers and sisters" across the globe. There is so much more to travel than whether you like the food. To close yourself off from the millions of moments shared between people of different cultures is to deny yourself the most enlightening experiences in life. Turn off the TV, ignore the media, and get out there and LIVE. "A ship in the harbor is safe...but that's not what ships were built for."
BufSolja Jan 5th 2007 12:06AM
The CIA World Factbook. Don't leave home without reading it.
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
BufSolja Jan 5th 2007 11:12AM
Oops! I forgot the other important piece of info: U.S. State Department Travel Warnings.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Inge Clements Jan 5th 2007 12:38AM
I could not believe the many, many spelling mistakes I saw so many spelling mistakesin these articles. This is a sad example of American schools. I learned better English as a second language in a German high school in four years. As far as a travel experience I have seen more of this country than most Americans. There are so many National Parks (Death Valley being my favorite),one never has to leave this country, keep your money here.
Jay Jan 5th 2007 12:14AM
I visited Key West for the first time in summer of 06'. I must say I had the time of my life. The beaches aren't the greatest...its more of place where you go to do things on the water or underneath i.e. scuba diving, boating,jetskiing,sailing,snorkeling, parasailing, fishing (big game, and party boat fishing which is the cheaper way to go), the night life is great...plenty of night clubs...live music...whatever your speed is there is a place for you. The main strip DuVal St. is lined with an eclectic selection of eateries, and I cant forget the fine selection of watering holes...you have to go to "Sloppy Joes" and "Hogs Breath". All and all the Key West folks were some great people who didn't seem to have a worry in the world...cool place to go to just get away from it all, and let your guard down and just be yourself...i hope to go back soon. Oh yeah dont rent a car...if you go to Key West rent a moped or a bicyle...car parking is hard to come by....have a blast!
debbie Jan 5th 2007 10:58AM
America isn't a country. It's a continent. The United States of America is a country. America includes many countries. Just fyi.
G Jan 5th 2007 12:31AM
it's amazing how poorly Americans spell, but at least if they stay in America, the rest of the world won't realize how dumb we've become...
Bea Jan 5th 2007 12:43AM
For me nothing beats the thrill of seeing something truly unique and as for most Americans that means visiting a 3rd world country. Two of my favorites were Uzbeckistan and Kygyzstan and the very best part was the wonderful kindness of the people there ... all Islamic.
Ejay Queja Jan 5th 2007 3:25PM
TO: Kay Clark
It may be true that third world countries are not as stable as your first world. but a lot of thirld world countries are happier to be living in, simpler, cheaper and people are real. think about what youre saying
Gavin Jan 5th 2007 1:34AM
Well, I haven't been to any 3rd world countries, although there are lots of places I'd love to visit. Scotland is absolutely gorgeous (in the highlands), and Stockholm, Sweden is a very beatiful city.
Yes, there are some great places here in the U.S. (many of which I still need to get to), but don't stay here just for the sake of staying here. There are some great cultures, beautiful countries & great people outsided of the U.S.
All that said, I wouldn't go to any country that there was any sort of military strife. That's just asking for trouble.
becca Jan 5th 2007 12:58AM
I am not that old but I have probably traveled to more places than the average american my age. I have been to over 35 states, Canada, Peru, Brazil, and soon to join that list will be Argintina, and Paraguay.And even if it is a small city in Brazil or a big tourist place in the US, I think every place is special and unique. I think that those ten places on that list are wonderful places to see in times of peace and stability. War and politics are the reasons the places are on that list because I think the people in those countries are just as nice as a lot of the people I have met in my travels.
John Hayes Jan 5th 2007 1:08AM
I find that it is 2 different things to like a place to visit or to live. Some places that are great to visit make terrible places to live and terrible places to visit can be great places to live. Keeping that in mind can often give you a different idea about where you are.
Places that are unsafe generally aren't worth the risk unless you are one of those risk junkies.
Segen Jan 5th 2007 1:13AM
I am a proud Eritrean and for this article to say that Eritrea is one of the worst destinations angers me. Ive been to Eritrea many times and honestly, it's one of the safest places ive ever been. A person can leave their car in the middle of the street, opened with the keys inside and no one would steal it. The people there are all warm-hearted generous people and they keep Eritrea safe. Yes, we were in a long lasting war with Ethiopia (about 30 years) but over the past decade, Eritrea is a new beautiful place and in my opinion the greatest country in Africa. I love Eritrea with all my heart and please everyone don't let this article make you think by personal opinions on what places you shouldn't visit.
Laura Jan 5th 2007 1:25AM
I have enjoyed reading these various comments, but to be fair, I think at least they can spell better!
SPELL CHECK anyone????
Erin Jan 5th 2007 1:32AM
There appears to be a lot of ignorance regarding the world outside of the United States. I've done my share of traveling: Europe, Asia, Africa...and most of these places more culturally rich than the U.S. I have been to third world countries and Ethiopia is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited -both in terms of its scenery and its people. Kay...perhaps you should open your mind and get more informed before making such bigoted comments. There's enough intolerance in the world, don't you think?
vincent walters Jan 5th 2007 10:15PM
I found Switzerland beautiful, relaxing and quite expensive. It was almost difficult to find English speaking people in many parts of London...every one seemed to come from one European country or another...but my overall experience was very positive. Although i met some friendly French people, it was my bad luck that two of the most impolite persons that i met were french...one was a border guard and the other an embassy employee. Italians were warm, outgoing and friendly.
ailina Jan 5th 2007 2:13AM
SOUTHern germany, bavaria, Munich is the place to go.. food is fabulous and the people are so civilized ..the alps are breathtaking as are the castles in the region..head into austria too.. amazing mountain towns ...you wont be disappointed..
Robert Glazebrook Jan 5th 2007 2:19AM
I've been about everywhere except Asia and Africa. (I just don't want to go).
Trust me on this:
New Zealand (southern part)----beautiful country and THE NICEST people I've met on this planet!
Norway---super people and the Fjord area is stunning (been there 4 times).
Alaska--You have to drive it to see it. The beauty is unexplainable.
Canada--beautiful country---friendly people (especially Nova Scotia) except for Quebec--even the Canadians can't stomach the french.
Third world countries?
Go on a cruise. That way the guy serving you food actually bathed today (and yesterday) which is a big improvement over the indigenous population. Your stuff is safe on board ship and off ship security is the best available because the people in power do not wish to have all the cruise ships avoid their country next year. Attacking a lone tourist is one thing---- what are you going to do to the country--tell all your friends not to go? But when you attack a cruise ship passenger, you take future dollars from people in power who then arrange to have pieces of you mailed to all your friends.
Brooks
BOO Jan 5th 2007 2:50AM
Join the Navy - see the world. It's not just a job, it's an adventure. I did and IT WAS!! I have far more respect for other countries and cultures, unlike so many ugly Americans. Peace Out.