Dangerous travel for the ‘added thrill’ is on the rise as visitors flock to high-risk countries. This phenomenon, often referred to as dark tourism, intrigues those drawn to places marred by tragedy and conflict. It involves travelers setting foot in areas that bear the scars of natural disasters, mass violence, or other dire events. Countries like Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan have found themselves on the itinerary of these so-called “risk travelers.”
Among these intrepid souls is Eli Snyder, a 20-something from Kansas City, Missouri. He recently backpacked through Afghanistan, a destination seldom considered by conventional tourists.
Snyder offered his perspective on this unusual hobby, remarking, “I live for visiting places as dissimilar as possible from how I’ve grown up in suburban America outside of Kansas City.” His affinity for adventure seemingly outweighs the potential dangers, as he continued, “Sometimes this means visiting a dangerous place. But it remains true, I’d much rather visit Pyongyang than Winnipeg.”
Rob DelliBovi, the CEO of RDB Hospitality Group based in New York, calls this unsettling trend “thematic travel.” He explains that many individuals are on a quest for experiences—some uplifting, others steeped in darkness. This emotional dichotomy is intriguing. “It’s akin to gastronomes traveling merely to taste the world’s finest cuisine, yet seeking the emotional toll of darker locales,” he shared with Fox News via email.
“The sense of thrill can be intoxicating,” DelliBovi noted, referring to travelers who purposely venture into danger zones or evade hurricanes during their journey. Places in the Middle East, Central America, and Africa attract the most visitors seeking such perilous escapades.
Interestingly, DelliBovi’s observations reveal a curious trend among risk travelers. “We often see individuals purchase our membership and visit a country that has a Level 3 travel warning,” he said, elaborating on how some travelers might find themselves in a host country that escalates to Level 4—strongly advising against travel—while they are still there.
This growing fascination with high-stakes destinations raises essential questions about the nature of adventure and risk. Businesses providing travel risk memberships—short-term and annual—aim to guide travelers through this precarious landscape.
These travel advisories consider various risk indicators, from crime and terrorism to civil unrest and natural calamities. Hotspots like Afghanistan, Lebanon, Haiti, Iran, and Bangladesh have all been designated as Level 4 “do not travel” zones, signaling severe danger.
“Conditions in any country may change at any time.”
However, tracking the exact number of American travelers in these volatile regions remains elusive, as U.S. citizens are not required to register their journeys with governmental authorities. A spokesperson for FocusPoint international lamented, “Your government is not going to evacuate you under most circumstances.”
This stark reality can be sobering. In moments of panic, the feeling of isolation can accentuate the weight of one’s decisions. The world outside might continue to spin, but within the confines of a high-risk area, time may feel distorted.
A FocusPoint membership does not cover those who venture into territories where travel advisories discourage visits, reminding customers of the potential consequences. “During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance,” a State Department representative warned, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of global conditions.
As stories of thrill-seeking adventurers emerge, they serve as poignant reminders that the allure of danger comes with not just excitement, but also responsibility. Engaging in such risky travel can blur the lines between adventure and recklessness, compelling us to reflect on the gravity of our choices amidst a world sometimes marred by chaos.
