America is a country known for its hospitality and generosity however crime continues to plague the most dangerous cities in America.

America is a country known for its hospitality and generosity however crime continues to plague the most dangerous cities in America. Factors in the rates of crime include poverty, gang violence, armed robberies, and lack of police funding. The good news is that violent crime has decreased dramatically in the past quarter century. Most notable is the decrease in property crimes such as burglary and motor vehicle theft. FBI reports show the drop in crime rates across the country although many citizens believe the crime rates to be higher than they are.
<h2>1. Detroit, Michigan</h2>
The violent crime rate in Detroit, Michigan is 2,123 crimes per 100,000 people making it the most dangerous city in America. It is important to note that the rates of crime in Detroit have been decreasing. The city’s crime rates have been the highest of other American cities since the 1970s. Most common crimes include:
<ul>
 	<li>Drug-related</li>
 	<li>Aggravated assault</li>
 	<li>Assault with a deadly weapon</li>
 	<li>Rape</li>
 	<li>Armed robbery</li>
 	<li>Murder</li>
 	<li>Non-negligent manslaughter</li>
</ul>
<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/838017520-1024x512.jpg" alt="dangerous cities in america " width="1024" height="512" /><span class="image-caption">Kyle Stopczynski / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Oakland, California</h2>
Oakland, California’s crime rate is 1,993 crimes per 100,000 people making it the second most dangerous city in America. The city’s crime rate started escalating in the 1960s. Although it ranks high on the list of America’s most dangerous cities, there has been significant progress in crime reduction. Crimes committed with guns are mostly in neighborhoods that are plagued by poverty. Most crimes connect to the city’s drug trade as it is a major center for heroin and cocaine distribution. The rates of robbery are high, and the narcotics trade incites gang violence with the use of weapons.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/895763946-1024x767.jpg" alt="dangerous cities in the us" width="1024" height="767" /><span class="image-caption">DianeBentleyRaymond / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. St. Louis, Missouri</h2>
The crime rate in St. Louis, Missouri is one of the highest in America with 1,777 crimes committed per 100,000 people. Crime rates peaked in 1993 and have been steadily on the decrease. The homicide rates are high compared to other states in America. Men commit most murders. Many of the crimes are centralized in a triangular area in the north part of St. Louis.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/108316090-1024x683.jpg" alt="dangerous cities america " width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">pawel.gaul / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Memphis, Tennessee</h2>
Memphis, Tennessee is the fourth most dangerous city in the United States. Crime rates are 1,750 per 100,000 people. This populous city has been amongst the top violent cities for the past ten years. Violent crime is decreasing. Two factors contributing to the high crime rate include poverty and a high unemployment rate.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/902966078-1024x684.jpg" alt="dangerous cities in the country " width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">Sean Pavone / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. Stockton, California</h2>
Stockton, California ranks fifth on the list of America’s top ten most dangerous cities having a crime rate of 1,548 crimes per 100,000 people. Aggravated assault is the most committed crime in the city. The incidents of rape and homicide have gone up slightly. Other crimes are decreasing including property crimes and burglary.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/615746094-1024x683.jpg" alt="dangerous cities in the states" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">f1monaco31 / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. Birmingham, Alabama</h2>
Birmingham, Alabama, the most populated city in the state, ranks sixth in the top ten most dangerous cities in America. The crime rate is 1,518 per 100,000 people. Like other cities in the United States, the poverty rate is high in areas prone to acts of crime. Another major factor in crime is the region’s problem with the drug trade. The upside is that the rates of crime have been decreasing since their peak in the mid-1990s.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/530160167-1024x678.jpg" alt="most dangerous cities" width="1024" height="678" /><span class="image-caption">SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. Baltimore, Maryland</h2>
The city of Baltimore, Maryland is the largest city in the state; it has a crime rate of 1,405 crimes per 100,000 people making it the seventh most dangerous city in America. While many neighborhoods are safe, there are areas where the region is infested with violent crimes in the city proper. The violent crime rates are higher than the national average.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/542183012-1024x683.jpg" alt="dangerous cities in the USA" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. Cleveland, Ohio</h2>
Cleveland, Ohio has a crime rate of 1,384 crimes per 100,000 people making it the eight most dangerous city in America. Homicide and robbery rates have increased. There was a noticeable decrease in the numbers of rapes, non-fatal shootings, and aggravated assaults. Citizens have a one in five chance of becoming a victim of a crime.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/533442912-1024x683.jpg" alt="most dangerous cities in the us" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">ChrisBoswell / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. Atlanta, Georgia</h2>
The ninth most dangerous city in America is Atlanta, Georgia; there are on average 1,379 crimes committed per 100,000 people. The city is a major access point in the drug trade creating conditions favorable for narcotics-related crimes. Most crimes are committed in the western parts of the city and the neighborhoods of Grove Park, Center Hill, and Bankhead.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/916152336-1024x683.jpg" alt="what are the most dangerous cities " width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Sean Pavone / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. Buffalo, New York</h2>
Buffalo, New York has a crime rate of 1,238 crimes per 100,000 people. It is the tenth most dangerous city in America. The crime rates have been decreasing from the high levels in the 1990s. Because of the city’s 30 percent poverty rate, the police are finding it difficult to lower the number of incidents. Gang patrols helped to lower the homicide rates; murder incidents are the lowest they have been in ten years.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/639142754-1024x618.jpg" alt="what are the most dangerous cities in the US" width="1024" height="618" /><span class="image-caption">DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images</span>


<h2>11. Beaumont, Texas</h2>
Although it may not be the most dangerous city in America, Beaumont, with a population of around 118,000, ranks near the top for murder and other violent crimes. In fact, one among every 94 people across the city is likely to become a victim. Beaumont lies about 85 miles east of Houston, an area of the state that regularly deals with major destruction due to hurricanes and their aftermath. According to crime analytics, the neighborhoods with the highest number of crimes are in the northeastern sections of the city.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43406" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_1304229289.jpg" alt="Beaumont is a Town in South East Texas" width="1000" height="749" />


<h2>12. Chattanooga, Tennessee</h2>
Statistics show that the state of Tennessee has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. Top tourism experts have named Chattanooga one of the best travel destinations in the country, but when compared to other cities with similar population sizes, Chattanooga's crime rates are extremely high. The number of rapes, murders, armed robberies, and assaults across the city is among the highest in the U.S., with one out of every 93 people being a potential victim. Motor vehicle theft is a huge issue here as well, with an 85% increase in 2020.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43407" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_1012876474.jpg" alt="Chattanooga Tennessee Downtown Riverfront Aerial" width="1000" height="749" />


<h2>13. Hartford, Connecticut</h2>
Located about halfway between Boston and New York City, Connecticut has long been a popular destination for skiers, hikers, and history buffs. But Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut, deals with two major problems — crime and a struggling economy. Unemployment and poverty rates are high here, which economists say have led to increased criminal activity. In the first six months of 2019, there were 505 violent crimes across the city, including 11 murders. Around 225 people reported stolen vehicles, and residents reported 181 burglaries.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43408" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_288321785.jpg" alt="Hartford, Connecticut, USA downtown skyline." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>14. Houston, Texas</h2>
When you look at population numbers across Texas, Houston is not only one of its largest cities but also one of its most diverse. There are more than 145 languages spoken by residents of this metropolis, which takes up about 655 miles in the southeast part of the state. By July 2021, statisticians say population numbers will surpass 2.4 million residents, with millions of visitors traveling to the city each year. It has the sixth-highest number of robberies when compared with other larger cities in the U.S. and experiences more than double the national murder rate. Between January of 2018 and June 2019, more than 13,000 people reported that they were victims of aggravated assault.

[caption id="attachment_43409" align="alignnone" width="2127"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43409" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/GettyImages-1199086623.jpg" alt="Houston is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas, fourth most populous city in the United States" width="2127" height="1410" /> DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>15. Chicago, Illinois</h2>
More than 70 community areas and 100 neighborhoods making up the city of Chicago. Despite a police force of more than 13,000, around 3 million people live in the Windy City, with millions more traveling here for both business and pleasure. That leads to a long list of criminal opportunities and numerous potential victims. Overall, the city ranks low on the list for personal safety. Crime statistics data shows that overall crime numbers dropped in 2019. Law enforcement investigated 492 murders. However, within Cook County, which includes the city of Chicago, more than 700 murders occurred by the end of 2020, along with 4000 shootings.

[caption id="attachment_43410" align="alignnone" width="2348"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43410" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/GettyImages-1227226232.jpg" alt="chicago skyline from the park" width="2348" height="1276" /> franckreporter / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>16. Minneapolis, Minnesota</h2>
Although the state of Minnesota ranks as one of the safest in the U.S., the city of Minneapolis doesn't fare as well. FBI statistics released in 2021 show that 46 murders occurred here in 2019. Local police say 2020 was worse, with 49 homicides occurring within the first eight months of the year. For every 100,000 residents, 926 of them are victims of a violent crime. The city is most dangerous after dark, especially in poorly lit areas and in the downtown area, although muggings occur around the clock.

[caption id="attachment_43411" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43411" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/GettyImages-164333885.jpg" alt="USA, Minnesota, Minneapolis, St. Paul, skyline from Raspberry Island" width="2121" height="1414" /> Walter Bibikow / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>17. New Orleans, Louisiana</h2>
It may be one of the top travel destinations in the world, but it's also one of the most dangerous cities in America. The state of Louisiana ranks at the bottom of the list of safe states, landing in 49th place. Each year, there is an average of 4,500 violent crimes in New Orleans alone, and the city's total crime rate is 160% higher than the national rate. In 2019, police investigated 121 murders within the city limits, and 359 individuals reported a rape. Driving can be treacherous as well. More than 8300 people were injured in car crashes in 2020 in the New Orleans area.

[caption id="attachment_43412" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43412" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/GettyImages-583741640.jpg" alt="Wrought iron balconies along Frenchman Street in New Orleans." width="2121" height="1414" /> Richard T. Nowitz / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>18. Lansing, Michigan</h2>
One out of every 89 people in Lansing is likely to become a victim of violent crime, according to crime statistics. Overall crime rates here are 58% above the national average, but violent crimes are 191% higher. In 2019, police investigated 12 murders, 983 assaults, and 140 sexual assaults in the city. Only 20% of residents deem it to be a safe community to live in. Around half of those polled describe the city's crime as "rampant."

[caption id="attachment_43414" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43414" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/GettyImages-508193366.jpg" alt="Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan" width="2121" height="1414" /> DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>19. Anchorage, Alaska</h2>
The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage, has a population of around 283,000 people and sits within the Anchorage metropolitan area, which has a total of 385,000. More than 40% of its residents live inside Anchorage's city limits. Demographic experts say that the city is on the verge of a growth spurt, which will include both a population increase with new employment opportunities and economic growth. Drug-related crimes, muggings, and break-ins are significant problems. In 2019, there were 32 murders, 540 sexual assaults, and 621 robberies in Anchorage. Each year, Alaska's crime numbers land it at the top of crime data lists. A shortage of police officers in recent years has made the issues worse.

[caption id="attachment_43415" align="alignnone" width="2130"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43415" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/GettyImages-515205385.jpg" alt="The view of 4th Avenue the the main commercial venue in Anchorage." width="2130" height="1407" /> Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>20. San Bernardino, California</h2>
Few would guess that San Bernardino — an eclectic, Southern California travel destination east of Los Angeles — had a crime rate that was 2.3 times the national average and higher than 97.8% of other U.S. cities. With 46 murders, 75 cases of arson, 2,078 auto thefts, and 140 sexual assaults in 2019, this city deals with significant crime issues. Additionally, statistics show 743 registered sex offenders living in San Bernardino.

[caption id="attachment_43416" align="alignnone" width="2118"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43416" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/GettyImages-1151895306.jpg" alt="San Bernardino is a city located in the Riverside–San Bernardino metropolitan area and that serves as the county seat of San Bernardino County, California, United States" width="2118" height="1416" /> DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images[/caption]

Trip Planning

Precautions

The Most Dangerous Cities in America

Anywhere you go there's a possibility of danger, the threat of violence, but if you're respectful, practice common sense, and do your best to stay out of trouble; then you're less likely to be the victim of a crime. Best to do your homework before buying a plane ticket.

Anywhere you go there's a possibility of danger, the threat of violence, but if you're respectful, practice common sense, and do your best to stay out of trouble; then you're less likely to be the victim of a crime. Best to do your homework before buying a plane ticket. Good luck!
<h2>1. Los Cabos, Mexico</h2>
Mexico gets a pretty bad rap these days. The drug cartels are in control of the country and dominate several of the states of Mexico, including the Pacific parts of Michoacan, Colima, Guerrero, and Sinaloa. A few years ago the U.S. State Department placed these areas in the same danger category as worn torn Syria. In 2018, the warning reduced to a Level Two Travel Advisory which urges citizens to use increased caution.

&nbsp;

Los Cabos is the murder capital of the world. More people meet a violent end here than anywhere else on earth. The area averages one million foreign visitors a year, but these travelers probably stick to their resorts. Recently, six men were found hanging from three different bridges in the Los Cabos region. Authorities found a mass grave of 14 people near the city. Many blame the rise of drug cartels.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/476073575-1024x603.jpg" alt="dangerous cities" width="1024" height="603" /><span class="image-caption">fallbrook / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Mazatlan, Mexico</h2>
Away from Baja, California is the historic Mazatlan, Mexico, an oasis of golden sandy beaches, diverse marine life, and rich cultural heritage. This would-be paradise witnessed 192 murders in 2017. At the end of January 2017, 58 gang murders took place within four weeks.

&nbsp;

Authorities believe that a powerful drug cartel has their base in Sinaloa. The Citizens' Council of Public Safety and Criminal Justice Report urges citizens to defer travel from Sinaloa except for tourist resorts in Mazatlan, Port of Topolobampo, and Los Mochis.

&nbsp;

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/691927004-1024x768.jpg" alt="crimes cities" width="1024" height="768" /><span class="image-caption">L. Daley / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. Guatemala City, Guatemala</h2>
Guatemala is a colorful nation with warm and kind people around every corner. Unfortunately for many of them, violence is routine. Guatemala experienced a brutal civil war which lasted for three decades.

In 2017, 1705 murders were committed in Guatemala City. The previous year, the city averaged 101 homicides per week with the highest crime rate in Latin America. In comparison, fewer innocent civilians were killed during the U.S. invasion of Iraq, than in Guatemala City in 2016 according to 'The New Yorker.' Supposedly, all it takes to hire an assassin is $500 in Guatemala City.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/472202329-1024x683.jpg" alt="city travel warnings" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Opla / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Durban, South Africa</h2>
Durban is experiencing an epidemic of politically motivated murders since early in 2016. Experts confirm there have been 104 political homicides which were ignited by 2016 elections. In July of 2016, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress, someone shot and killed Sindiso Magaqa and wounded two of his colleagues. Magaqa was in the process of exposing corruption and malfeasance when his enemies savagely murdered him.

&nbsp;

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/891522568-1024x683.jpg" alt="dangerous cities to travel" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">filrom / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. San Juan, Puerto Rico</h2>
Massive storms bring poverty, increased violence, power outages, sewage overflows, and rampant illness. San Juan, Puerto Rico has struggled with disorder since the United States claimed it as a territory in 1898.

&nbsp;

The FBI warns travelers to exercise 'high levels of caution' if they must visit the island. The location of Puerto Rico between the most the U.S. and several developing Caribbean nations make the island and the city of San Juan vulnerable to gangs and drug-related crime.

&nbsp;

After Hurricane Maria, the island was devastated leaving 1.47 million homes without electricity which was the most massive blackout in the history of the United States, and the second most extensive blackout in world records. Sociologists agree that post-storm violence is common. San Juan experienced 32 murders in just eleven days.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/916304058-1024x684.jpg" alt="dangerous cities to live" width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">HaizhanZheng / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. San Salvador, El Salvador</h2>
El Salvador is another nation razed by a brutal civil war which went on for 12 years. In 2017, 1057 homicides were committed in the capital city of San Salvador. Authorities warn visitors that the area is considered a critical threat to the safety of U.S. citizens. Violence against women is rampant in San Salvador.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/640183464-1024x684.jpg" alt="dangerous cities to visit" width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">cineuno / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. Tijuana, Mexico</h2>
Tijuana is less than 20 miles from San Diego. It's a favorite spot for rowdy bachelor and bachelorette parties and hedonistic nightlife. However, 1897 murders took place in Tijuana in 2017.

&nbsp;

The Calle Coahuila is the infamous red light district of Tijuana. Pickpockets, scam artists, and thugs wait for opportunities to relieve drunks of their money and valuables. The U.S. government lists Tijuana as a critical threat to the safety of U.S. citizens.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/477709402-1024x671.jpg" alt="dangerous cities in mexico" width="1024" height="671" /><span class="image-caption">stellalevi / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. St. Louis, Missouri</h2>
Often referred to as the 'Gateway to the West,' St. Louis is also one of the most violent cities in North America. As of April in 2017, St. Louis experienced 205 homicides and officially became the city with the highest murder rate in the country. Authorities explain that 67 percent of all murders occur within the northern part of the city and appear connected to violent gang activity.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/589132868-1024x683.jpg" alt="dangerous cities in the USA" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">f11photo / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. Detroit, Michigan</h2>
If you ask people what they think of Detroit, Michigan, you'll get a description of a dangerous city, full of abandoned homes, polluted water sources, and violent criminals. In 2017, Detroit endured 267 murders which surged the violent crime rate by 16.3 percent between 2015 and 2016. Alarmingly, aggravated assault crimes increased by 30.6 percent in the same period. Detroit is a city where you need to pay attention to the people and things around you, and you'll be fine.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/902074140-1024x682.jpg" alt="dangerous places in America" width="1024" height="682" /><span class="image-caption">pawel.gaul / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. Chicago, Illinois</h2>
There are lots of things to love about Chicago, including Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, numerous museums and historical monuments. The cross-section of multiple cultures provides a unique environment for cultural exchange. However, Chicago doesn't come without its thorns. In 2016, there were 765 murders which are more than all the homicides in both Los Angeles and New York City combined. Authorities report that 76 percent of all murder victims have an arrest record and 70 percent of all homicides take place between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/865190052-1024x575.jpg" alt="dangerous cities in the USA" width="1024" height="575" /><span class="image-caption">Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography / Getty Images</span>

Ten of the World's Most Dangerous Cities

Most people have a general idea of the countries they should avoid due to ongoing conflict or poor relationships with the U.S. The annual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report ranks the most dangerous countries to visit, based on the extent to which tourists may be endangered.

Most people have a general idea of the countries they should avoid due to ongoing conflict or poor relationships with the U.S. Places such as Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, and Syria don't exactly bring to mind a safe and carefree vacation. Recently, the World Economic Forum released its annual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, which studies tourism in 136 nations. The report ranks the most dangerous countries to visit, based on the extent to which tourists may be endangered by crime, terrorism, and violence.
<h2>1. Pakistan</h2>
The continuing presence of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban are particularly dangerous to Americans. The government forbids foreigners from traveling in certain regions because of ongoing religious conflict and terrorist activity that has racked the country for decades. The Pakistan armed forces are currently battling militants, mainly in the North-West Frontier, but in other regions as well. The U.S. Department of State recently raised the travel advisory for Pakistan to a level 3: "reconsider travel."

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1936 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-683076926-1.jpg" alt="most dangerous countries to visit Pakistan " width="1000" height="717" />

<h2>2. Bangladesh</h2>
Extremist violence continues to plague Bangladesh; political turmoil and ethnic conflicts currently affect millions of Rohingya Muslims. Because of their persecution, they are fleeing Bangladesh. A number of attacks against both Bangladeshi nationals and foreign visitors have occurred over the past few years. Terrorists have threatened, and in some cases killed, writers, publishers, and journalists, including one American blogger. The U.S. Department of State recently set the travel advisory for Bangladesh to a level 2: "exercise increased caution."

[caption id="attachment_1937" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1937" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-469641422-1.jpg" alt="Tarzan9280 / Getty Images" width="1000" height="665" /> Tarzan9280 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Colombia</h2>
One travel site recently named Medellin one of the best tourist destinations in South America. However, armed gangs, drug traffickers, and organized crime groups continue the legacy of the infamous Pablo Escobar, who ruled Colombia for years before he was finally caught. The U.S. Department of State recently set the travel advisory for Colombia to a level 2.

[caption id="attachment_1938" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1938" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-840550228-1.jpg" alt="Charly Boillot / Getty Images" width="1000" height="666" /> Charly Boillot / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Lebanon</h2>
Its location in the Middle East's most contested territory between Israel and Syria makes Lebanon a dangerous place to visit any time of the year. Hezbollah militants stage frequent roadblocks, and Al-Qaeda continues its presence in the country. The southern part of the country is littered with landmines and unexploded ordinance, and the U.S. Embassy can’t promise you assistance if you need evacuation. Lebanon ranks a level 3 on the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory.

[caption id="attachment_1939" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1939" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-626502584-1.jpg" alt="Lucen64 / Getty Images" width="1000" height="562" /> Lucen64 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Mali</h2>
Terrorists hit the capital city of Bamako frequently, and attacks also occur in the central and northern parts of Mali, in West Africa. It can be a dangerous place for tourists because many of these terrorist incidents happen at restaurants and hotels. In 2015, several people were taken hostage and later killed in a Radisson hotel in Bamako. The U.S. Department of State firmly advises against travel to Mali at this time, ranking it at a level 4.

[caption id="attachment_1940" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1940" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-824219178-1.jpg" alt="ROUSSEL N'DIAYE MARJORIE / Getty Images" width="1000" height="666" /> ROUSSEL N'DIAYE MARJORIE / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Venezuela</h2>
Venezuela has been racked by shortages of basic goods and a spiraling inflation rate. Despite the recent election of Nicolas Maduro as president, the opposition continues to bring civil unrest to the country. Anti-government demonstrations occur almost daily. Violent crime is rampant, frequently targeting upscale neighborhoods and tourist areas. Venezuela is considered the homicide capital of the world. The U.S. Department of State recently raised the travel advisory for Venezuela to a level 3.

[caption id="attachment_1945" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1945" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-500750930-1.jpg" alt="DouglasOlivares / Getty Images" width="1000" height="631" /> DouglasOlivares / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Kenya</h2>
The terrorist group Al-Shabaab is a major threat in Kenya. The group killed 147 people at a college in Nairobi in one of its largest operations. Kenya faces extreme threats from insurgent groups originating in Somalia, their next door neighbor. Kenya still hosts tourists without incident every year, but terrorist groups seem to target tourist locations such as nightclubs, shopping areas, resorts, and airports. The country currently sits at a level 2 travel advisory rating.

[caption id="attachment_1946" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1946" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-692556208-1.jpg" alt="Delbars / Getty Images" width="1000" height="666" /> Delbars / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. The Philippines</h2>
Crime, terrorism, civil unrest and an outbreak of measles make the Philippines a dangerous place to travel these days. The State Department warns travelers to avoid the Sulu Archipelago, Marawi City, and the Sulu Sea area, where many foreigners are the target of kidnappings. The government has also declared a “State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence" on the island of Mindanao. An outbreak of measles in the summer of 2018 led to some fatalities. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers "exercise increased caution" in this country.

[caption id="attachment_1944" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1944" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-478352918-1.jpg" alt="holgs / Getty Images" width="1000" height="666" /> holgs / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Ukraine</h2>
Russian-backed army separatists are fighting the Ukrainian army in the South Eastern and Eastern parts of this country. Many civilians have been killed or flushed from their homes by the fighting. Avoid the regions of Crimea, Donetsk Oblast, and Luhansk oblast. Ukraine is currently ranked at a level 2.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1943 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-486251966-1.jpg" alt="most dangerous countries to visit" width="1000" height="753" />anmbph / Getty Images

<h2>10. Honduras</h2>
In Honduras, violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery, is extremely common. Criminal gang activity fuels extortion, violent street crime, narcotics, and human trafficking. Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world. In particular, travelers should stay away from the department of Gracias a Dios, a region of the country almost no one, not even the police, will enter because of drug trafficking and organized gangs. Honduras currently holds a level 3 travel advisory.

[caption id="attachment_1942" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1942" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-499519870-1.jpg" alt="sorincolac / Getty Images" width="1000" height="666" /> sorincolac / Getty Images[/caption]

Precautions

Trip Planning

The Latest

The Most Dangerous Cities in America

Ten of the World's Most Dangerous Cities

10 of the Most Dangerous Countries to Visit