No matter how adventurous you are, when you’re planning a trip to a new place, you want to know you’ll be safe there. Some destinations that have gorgeous views, rich history, and amazing places to see also have high crime rates.
So, does that mean it’s not safe for tourists to travel to these places? Not necessarily. In most cases, we are talking about countries that are still developing, where the whole system isn’t well-structured, and therefore, the crime rate is higher.
Of course, you still need to be careful, and there might be some parts that you should avoid, but, usually, all the tourist attractions are safe for you to visit. We created a list of cities and places that reportedly have high crime rates, but are actually safe for tourists.
Cape Town, South Africa
If you follow the news, you might find yourself wondering — is Cape Town safe to visit? While this city is often portrayed as unsafe, we are here to tell you that you can still have a beautiful trip there, and stay safe.
You should always be mindful of your possessions and stay with your group. If you do that, you are sure to have an amazing experience.
Cairo, Egypt
Unfortunately, due to events in its recent history, Cairo is often associated with terrorism. However, there are numerous countries in the world that have suffered at the hand of similar attacks.
You should always know where you and your friends or family are, and as long as you don’t go into areas that aren’t recommended for tourists, you should be good. Additionally, listen to your gut feeling — if you feel unsafe in a crowded place, simply avoid that area.
Jamaica
While there has been news regarding gang violence in Jamaica, none of these incidents have impacted tourist areas. Additionally, the police are doing everything in their power to secure the country for tourists.
In any case, wherever you go, you should use the same caution you normally would anywhere — be mindful of your possessions, don’t separate from the group, and be aware of where you are at all times.
Acapulco, Mexico
Of course, you should be wary when you’re visiting Acapulco, but you should be aware of the fact that most victims of violence there were involved with gangs, so the violence is gang-related in the majority of cases.
Acapulco has some breathtaking views, and you will be able to enjoy your time there. Just like in any country, you should be cautious, but at the same time do not give in to the paranoia. It can really ruin a perfectly good vacation.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Generally speaking, Rio de Janeiro is safe for tourists. That said, there are some parts of the city you should steer clear from. For example, the beach and central areas are safe for you, while areas up north should be avoided.
Rio de Janeiro is a big city, and you should approach your visit there just like you would a visit to any big city, like New York, and stay vigilant.
