Some cities around the world show how unsafe the world can be.
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Because of rampant crime and violence from gangs, travelers should steer clear of these 12 cities and the perilous surroundings they offer.
Acapulco, Mexico
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Acapulco could be known as Mexico‘s most infamous city due to its drug cartels and organized crime syndicates. Acapulco was once a favored travel destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast, but it has become a city with high homicide and crime rates that are beyond the capabilities of local law enforcement to control.
The natural beauty and cultural charm of Acapulco are well known; however, due to ongoing safety issues, a number of governments have issued travel advisories for the area.
Buenaventura, Colombia
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Buenaventura is located on Colombia’s Pacific coast. Strategic for drug trafficking and other illegal activities, Buenaventura has been a place of concern for years. The poverty level is high, and the educational and employment opportunities, along with the accompanying crime, are also high. This situation is further exacerbated by powerful criminal organizations, as well as by armed groups, such as paramilitary and guerrilla units.
Homicides, disappearances, and incidents of extortion have become all too common in Buenaventura, generating fear and vulnerability for its local residents.
Cape Town, South Africa
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There is no denying the beauty of Cape Town and the culture around it. Yet Cape Town is not as perfect as it appears.
Cape Town is known for crime and danger. High unemployment, unequal income, and a lack of basic service access contribute to neighborhoods with gangs, robberies, assaults, and homicides. Although the local government and law enforcement have attempted to address the issues, crime is still rampant, and fear continues to spring from the hearts of the citizens and visitors of the city.
Caracas, Venezuela
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Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, is one of the most unsafe cities globally due to rampant drug trafficking, high homicide rates, gang-related violence, and overpopulation of poverty. All of these factors have caused a spike in criminal activity that threatens the safety of citizens and visitors.
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
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Ciudad Juárez has been in the headlines as one of the most dangerous places to live due to it being situated next more drug cartels and organized crime. Because of its location, the city has high levels of drug trafficking and human smuggling.
Situated along the U.S.-Mexico border, the city’s strategic location, combined with ongoing territorial battles between rival cartels, has resulted in a rise in homicides, kidnappings, and extortion.
Detroit, Michigan
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Detroit is known for being one of the most dangerous cities in America. Due to several decades of economic decline and a drop in population, much of the city has fallen into disarray. Abandoned structures and empty lots become safe spaces for crime.
Throw in high rates of poverty and unemployment, and Detroit residents have been driven to desperation, turning to crime and violence as a means to survive. Gang activity and drug trade in the city have also contributed to elevated homicide rates, which the already understaffed police force struggles to control.
Johannesburg, South Africa
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South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, is yet another area in the country that has gained notoriety for its high levels of crime and safety concerns. Johannesburg has a vibrant, enticing culture, but its deep-rooted issues of socio-economic disparities, unemployment, and a history of inequality have led to crime-ridden neighborhoods, armed robberies, carjackings, and assaults.
Kingston, Jamaica
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Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston, is known for its culture and rich history, but also its increasing crime levels in areas such as Trench Town and Spanish Town. High crime rates—particularly related to gang violence and drug trafficking—have been persistent issues throughout the city, spoiling Kingston’s reputation and deterring tourists to other Caribbean islands.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Rio de Janeiro, a city of unparalleled beauty and vibrant culture, sadly carries a reputation for danger and crime that tourists can’t overlook. A complex mix of gangs, drugs, and limited resources has seen a rise in Rio’s crime levels, especially in the city’s favelas.
Favelas are slums that are riddled with powerful drug gangs who frequently clash with rivals and law enforcement in a bid to gain control over turf. And although there are tourist areas in Rio that are far safer than the slums, pickpocketing and petty theft are prominent issues meaning no one is truly safe—no matter where you stay.
St. Louis, Missouri
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Joining Detroit as one of the most dangerous cities in America is St. Louis in Missouri. For years, St. Louis has been plagued by crime thanks to high poverty rates, racial segregation, and illicit drug trade. But on top of that, gang violence and gun-related incidents have factored into the city’s notoriety.
Tijuana, Mexico
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Mexico sadly has many cities that are high up on the world’s most dangerous list; however, Tijuana is one of the worst. The city’s location near the U.S. border, combined with its role as a major transit point for drug trafficking, has contributed to a rise in organized crime and violence, including human trafficking and illegal immigration.
Street gangs and drug cartels throughout the city battle for control over the lucrative drug trade, leading to frequent confrontations and turf wars that spill into public spaces. Although efforts have been—and still are being made—to improve safety in Tijuana, there are certain parts of the city that travelers should exercise with extreme caution.
Zamora, Mexico
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Of all the cities in Mexico, Zamora in Michoacán has the highest homicide rate, with an estimated 200 deaths per 100,000 people. Many of those deaths are related to gang violence as rival gangs clash against each other in a bid to assert dominance.
While homicide is Zamora’s biggest issue, the city also has many kidnappings, extortions, and petty theft, even with law enforcement trying to control these crimes.
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Are you going to visit Mexico soon? Don’t worry, we can help you with the bad guidance you may have gotten! We have identified travel mistakes to avoid, so your trip to Mexico remains enjoyable.
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Traveling is an experience everyone has to do, and even seasoned travelers have made mistakes before! Some things new travelers say can be very funny to people who have been traveling for a long time.
Traveling for the first time can be a fun event to create funny comments for the researchers. The Internet Shares the Funniest Comments From Inexperienced Travelers
