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Columnist: Robin Esrock
Vancouver-based travel writer Robin Esrock is co-host of the hit OLN series, Word Travels. He has been published in over a dozen major newspapers worldwide, held lectures across the country, and continues to search for offbeat destinations and "gonzo" adventures. For more information visit www.moderngonzo.com.
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You can follow travel writer Robin Esrock’s adventures to 12 countries on 6 continents on the OLN show Word Travels. Read more of Robin’s adventures at: www.moderngonzo.com

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5 Danger Zones Worth a Visit

5 Danger Zones Worth a Visit

Photos and words by Robin Esrock

Travel advisories frequently paint in broad strokes. There might be a regional conflict here and an unfortunate incident there, but between official advisories, the media, and the rumour mill, the entire canvas is drowned in UPPERCASE critical warnings, guaranteed to scare the hell out of anyone. As a result, visiting some of these fantastic countries below might not seem like a good idea, but with a little common sense (namely, stay away from the trouble zones) you might just find yourself enjoying the best adventure of all.

Robin’s Disclaimer: Bad stuff can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. Wherever you decide to go, do your research, listen to advice, and take your personal safety seriously.

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Colombia
Desperately in need of some good PR, Colombia is most often associated with kidnapping, murder, drugs and jungle guerrillas. Fortunately, the reality is anything but. I wandered the streets of Bogota during an annual carnival and found locals to be sincerely welcoming. Security is tight, but as a tourist this made me feel safe. Heading to the Caribbean and UNESCO Heritage Site of Cartagena, I discovered a cobblestone old town rich with history, culture, and outstanding bars and restaurants. Certainly there are parts of Colombia no tourist (or anyone else for that matter) should stray into, particular border areas. But locals will look out for you as they are distinctly proud of their beautiful country and eager to show visitors the best it has to offer.

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Vox Pop (Total responses:33)

Give a response.

Have you visited any of these countries?

Robin Esrock says:

Thanks for all your comments. You'll probably be interested in checking out my TV show Word Travels on OLN - there are two eps from my experiences in Ethiopia, and one from Colombia, and we've just finished shooting episodes in Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Magic places all. You might also be interested in reading my full reports on my time in these and other places on my website - www.moderngonzo.com. I go into far more detail and there are some wonderful pictures. These destinations, like many others, might be considered dangerous, but in response to a question I often get about my travels: Isn't it dangerous? The response is always: "no". Common sense prevails every time. Travel safe, and bests from Transylvania!

Jill says:

Thank you for featuring the Phiilippines but I must disagree to its being classified as a dangerous zone...Thailand's beach destinations increased due to the movie "The Beach", too bad it wasn't filmed where it should have been...The Philippines welcomes you...

Marina says:

In Colombia, as opposed to other countries, accept and welcome tourist and newcomers regardless of race, wealth, language, culture, religeous believes, sex and else. It is like a beautiful rose with some thorns, but still a rose that you should not miss to visit at least once in your lifetime.

Norma says:

I lived in Addis Ababa for 5 months and although I had to adjust to days of limited electricity during the conservation program, it was a small inconvenience compared to the opportunity to know some lovely people. It is wretchedly poor and the poorest of the poor always find something to share with the truly destitute. It was a lesson in generosity and humility. The people who live there are proud of their rich culture and heritage and always anxious to share their stories and experiences. Everyone wants to invite you to a coffee ceremony and I am not exaggerating when I say it is the most mellow and flavourful coffee I have ever tasted.

Anonymous says:

Finally!!! I mean with all the bad media that is given to colombia, is kind of hard to show the real beauty that this amazing country has to offer....and yes I know colombia has gone through its rough times,with drugs, the guerrilla and stuff like that but I mean is just soo rich in culture... there is soo much history.. and too much beauty.. I am serious its one of the most beautifull countries in the world...

Anonymous says:

I just returned to Canada from living in Colombia, I lived in San Gil, and have visited much of Colombia, I am so glad to see it on this list, as there are very few places in the world where you can spend the day on the beach and later head to the mountains to play in the snow. The people are unbelievably friendly and inviting, helpful. I have never felt more welcomed anywhere in my life.

Anonymous says:

I was born and raised in the Philippines. I agree that it is a little corrupt, but it is worth visiting. It is gorgeous and breath-taking. Thank you for putting Philippines on this list. I should go back and visit soon :)

Anonymous says:

I have not visited any of these countries but I have been to Zimbabwe and South Africa and wholeheartedly agree with what the author said about if you're willing to let go of having some luxuries that you'll have a once in a lifetime experience. I was discouraged from travelling to Zimbabwe but I found my experience safe, hassle-free, the people wonderful, kind and generous and the lanscape indescribable. The people I met in Zimbabwe were more concerned about my safari in Johannesburg than my safety in Zim!

LV says:

Anonymous, you were clearly missinformed - Albania is not the poorest and most underdeveloped country in Europe. How about you do some research before you offer advice?! Although it lacks a good tourist infrastructure, Albania has some amazing beaches in the south. It is an ideal destination for travellers that are not high maintenance but are looking for beautiful scenery, great food and lively, friendly people. >>>Anonymous says: Albania!!! The poorest most underdeveloped country in all of Europe!! Poor choice in going there if you ask me! I think a beautiful place to go that is dangerous...how about Lebanon, Syria or Tunisia...but Albania that's just funny.

freddy says:

My wife is a Filipino. Of course many of our friends now are also Filipino. I am very surprised to find The Philippines even listed as a dangerous place to visit. The culture and the prople are something we should envy. They are a gracious and wonderful people but of course as we all realise they are despertly poor nation with an unbelieably corrupt government and police force. There is a definite two tier wealth system and of course despertly poor people sometimes do despertate things but robbery, beatings and kidnappings are simply not part of the plan. Out right begging for monwy for food and prosititurion are perhaps the biggest problems. I have a close friend who has lived there since December 2007 and he is still reluctant to come home. My wife and I fully expect and are planning to spend our retirement years in the Philippines. DO NOT believe for one instant that this is a dangerous country, no more so dangerous than the USA or Mexico.

Anonymous says:

I'm surprised that there was no mention of South Africa. With it's national parks, oceans, mountains, spectacular weather and unique culture wrapped into one country, it is a must!

Anonymous says:

I have been to Albania and I must say that it is is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It is not more dangerous than New York, so I don't understand why it's on the list?

Anonymous says:

I was in Haiti last year for the first time. There are some very beautiful areas to explore there. In the north around Cap-Haitien was so amazing. We were treated very well everywhere we went, but there are times and areas to avoid for sure. Anyway...there are my two cents!!

Julia Brown Trudeau says:

Helloo, I truly find all of these countries wonderfull.. If anybody could refer me one that would be a life changing experience please do at julia_milano@hotmail.com. I am going on a trip for my 21st bday and I want it to be unforgetable... not just pretty beaches but a learning voyage

Question Mark says:

You might have also mentioned that the crime rate in Albania is currently lower than in the US. It is a kind of statistics that is essential to what you have written, easy to obtain and doesn't take much space.

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