7. Separatist Georgia
To be clear, we’re talking about the country that can be found at the volatile crossroads where Asia meets Europe. This is a country that has been ripped apart by civil war for the last several years. While things have calmed down of late (the capital city of Tbilisi is considered relatively safe), there are still parts of the country being held by separatist factions that would just love to grab a Western tourist and get their name in the papers.
8. Caracas, Venezuela
Let’s start here: Venezuela has the forty-second highest population in the world, but the second highest rate of homicides. Even in areas where tourism is common and safety is generally assumed, street crime in the country’s capital is a virus. Armed robberies are constant, as are kidnappings and frequent demonstrations and protests. According to the State Department, as much as 80 percent of kidnappings go unreported. Just noodle that one over before you plan on heading to Caracas.
9. Western Russia
This one is really a sad inclusion, honestly, because the culture of Russia — it’s history, it’s contribution to literature and architecture — are really a phenomenal part of the human story. Unfortunately, the country is now being run by a fascist tool. Not only can you get picked up for speaking loudly about the government (or being a member of any number of special interest groups), but street crime like pick-pocketing and assault is abundant on the streets of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Watch your back, and if you do find yourself in Russia, stick to bottled water.
