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Some places we visit stick with us for many years to come. We carry the memories as patches for soul soothing, and time and again we go down memory lane by revisiting them like it happened yesterday.
Some places, destinations, cities and entire countries are exactly the opposite. Not only do they not make a lasting impression on us, they surprise us in a rather unpleasant way. So today we’re taking a look at what countries smashed people’s expectations the most and they realized they’re not stepping foot there again.
Thanks to this thread “What is one country that you will never visit again?”, we have a lot of interesting stories to uncover, so scroll down below. Interestingly, the country that most people referred to as a place they wouldn't like to go back to was Egypt.
The thread was also picked up by the awesome Reddit community of Data Is Beautiful, where one of the users gathered people’s responses and made this visual map you’ll find below.
Image credits: stkfig
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Japan
Japan.
I'm fat, black, and none too cute. Older people spit at me, no one would sit next to me on the train (or would make it painfully obvious they were uncomfortable during rush hour(s)), young people (adults/teens/older kids) had no filter and would happily laugh at, make faces, or even throw things at me (though that was only in Shibuya). It was hard for me to get work as a teacher, even with my training and credentials, because I had to have my picture, and no one wanted a black (and ugly) teacher. I felt like a monster the entire time and slowly shut myself away until I had quit my jobs and only left at night to get to get food from a convenience store. The last time I went outside during the day in Japan, I was going to cancel my cellphone plan before I left, and there kids/teens pointed and laughed before running away screaming I was a monster. I was mortified when the adults looked at me and I could hear them go "well, look at her."
It took me 4 months back home to leave my apartment during the day in the states. I didn't go thinking I'd be loved, just thought I'd have a nice experience in my twenties. Japan is a modern, beautiful country with some wonderful people, but I just didn't get lucky enough to meet them. My pet peeve is when I mention this, people go "oh, Japan was great to me!" "you must of done something wrong..." I'm glad you had a good time. I hope the next person as a great time too, but this happened to be my experience, that's all.
isaberre replied:
that's horrible, and I'm also not surprised. I have heard from people that being black in Japan is really rough. People who say you "must have done something wrong" are ridiculously ignorant
WarMaiden666 replied:
I am not Black, but I am fat. I lived in Japan for three years. I actually wasn’t even that fat when I first got to Japan. But the way I was treated immediately changed. It made me stay home almost the entire time I was there, and since I stayed home almost exclusively I gained more weight. When people ask me about my time there I’m honest and I get the same responses as you.
Pippikapon replied:
I wanna apologise for my people. Shibuya is probably one of the s**ttiest ward in Tokyo for me and I grew up in Tokyo. That place is filthy but the people are more filthier, they really represent the worst of us. Young people are judgmental people with s**t manners, old people are just plain xenophobic, then there are those far-right ultranationalists.
This is the side of Japan I want everyone to be aware of. A lot of us are kind, polite and courteous but there's a lot of us who are just plain a**holes.
T. Unnamable 2 years ago
The Japanese can be extremely racist and xenophobic. As a 6'3", 220 pounds white man with a white beard and white hair (I am old, 71, have lived here since 1979) my heart goes out for you.
RELATED:
#2
Egypt
JESUS_CNT_KICK said:
Egypt. Honestly, I didn't like the vibe from the locals.
jiggamathing replied:
My 17-year-old sister got molested from behind by a local while going into the pyramid tomb at Giza. You have to hunch over and move a single file through a narrow dark tunnel, with people in front and people behind. You can’t turn around or go backwards. The man behind her escaped as soon as she got out of the tunnel, crying. My dad who was a few people ahead of her in the single file line could do nothing when he heard her yell out.
CleanAxe replied:
Egypt seems to be mentioned a bunch so far and I'd like to +100 that. I've travelled to over 15 countries and Egypt was the first that came to mind when I saw the title. A nice man sitting next to me on a bus to Cairo had the s**t kicked out of him by police at the Suez Canal checkpoint - they literally were punching him in the face as hard as they could while he was in the chair next to me begging them to stop until they dragged him off never to be seen again probably. Like people are bashing Morocco because of beggars or annoying negotiating tactics, but in Morocco I at least never once feared for my safety or the safety of my group once while in Morocco. You can travel that country relatively freely and have a decent enough time if you go to the right spots and have a "meh" time if you go to the wrong ones. Egypt crosses a totally different line, especially given the fact it is still considered somewhat a "tourist destination" and not lumped in with Syria/Afghanistan/Iraq etc. I'd definitely say it should be widely considered and grouped closer to Afghanistan or Syria than say Israel or Turkey.
The pyramids area was absolutely disgusting, so many people there to f**k you, mistreated camels, little children crawling through garbage piles. If you are a woman or have a woman in your group then holy f**k it's even worse. It is impossible to stay out past sunset as the danger and sketch levels go to 100. And I'm not just being "sensitive" - people assault and harass women, they'll berate you etc. I was so lucky I "looked Egyptian" (according to them) while I was there and it still didn't help much. F**k Egypt man. My good friend is Egyptian, amazing history, some great people for sure, but f**k that place (and he agrees 100% - especially since he's a Coptic Christian).
Two good things there:
1. Great swimming and chilling on the Sinai (went to Bir Sweir near Israel and it was not bad at all)
2. Some of the museums were pretty f*****g cool
MrFluffyHair replied:
I get it. As an Egyptian, I get it. Even I get harassed for money and even Egyptian women get harassed too. The comments about Egypt are both disgusting and true. The only way to enjoy Egypt as a tourist is to visit with a tour, or be with local friends who can fend off harassment. On the behalf of all decent Egyptians out there I apologize to the world.
Anon replied:
Locals are absolute creeps to women.
Na Schi 2 years ago (edited)
A an European Egypt is not so far away when taking a plane. But what I've heard and from time to time saw an documentaries, its not worth a visit. If you don't stay in your guarded hotel and being on a guarded bus tour to the pyramids or the lovely coral reefs there is no need to visit this country as a women! Though I remember times, the 90s and early 2000s, when things obviously have been different and a lot of people enjoyed their vacation there... But honestly I'm not going onto a vacation to be harrased and molested, there are so much other destination out there. (And I'm sorry for all the true, honest and truthful Egypts.)
#3
The Gambia In West Africa
The Gambia in West Africa.
I've travelled to over 40 countries in my life including Egypt, Morocco, India and Cameroon and the Gambia is by far the worst of the bunch!
Went there in 2009 with my girlfriend (we were 20 at the time), it is by far the most corrupt country in the world.
Let me start by saying it's a beautiful country and the people there are the friendliest people you could wish to meet, but the way they are treated by the government is disgusting.
We met a local guy there called Jimmy Brave who lived in a hut on the beach with his young family, amazing guy, cooked us dinner every night and never wanted anything but friendship in return (we have him a fair bit of money on our last day, more than we usually would because he genuinely didnt want it)
Anyway one night we decided we wanted to check out the nightlife in the tourist area where it was safe, so my friend Jimmy agreed to meet us by the hotel entrance at 7PM, then we would take him for dinner and hit a few bars.
We got to the front of the hotel just before 7pm and Jimmy wasnt there, we waited around an hour, still no Jimmy.
At this point we assumed he had forgot so we went back out of the rear exit onto the beach and to his hut, his wife said he had gone to meet us over an hour ago.
We searched for about 4 hours and still couldn't find him so his wife suggested we call the local tourist police, we called and they confirmed he had been arrested for loitering in front of the hotel.
We agreed to meet the head of police and arrived at the police station, this is where it got shady.
We went in and sat at a desk in a empty dark room, a bug African guy in army clothing came in and sat in front of us, the guy had 2 cigs in his mouth smoking both at the same time.
He slammed his fist on the table and started shouting at us, demanding £500 (probably a years wages over there!) to release Jimmy.
Obviously we refused, after about an hour of arguing and various threats against us (we were a young white couple at the time and they assumed we were wealthy) we managed to agree on £70 and a 200-pack of cigs.
We paid and were told to wait outside, we were out there for over 2 hours and they brought the wrong guy out (we only knew our friend as Jimmy Brave not his real name so this proved challenging), anyway I was invited in to show the police who Jimmy was and had to pick him out of a huge cell filled with atleast 300 people, some who were very close to death.
Anyway Jimmy spotted me straight away and we had him released, when we got far enough away from the police station Jimmy broke down in tears, ive never seen a grown man cry like this in my life, he lifted up his top and he had several large open wounds where they had been whipping him in the cell and the police truck, we immediately took him to hospital where he remained for 2 days at a cost of £240ish (the hospital doctors were great).
So bare in mind he was beaten/whipped around 50 times (Hard!), just for waiting outside our hotel to take us for drinks.
And he was only released because we paid, if we had never turned up he said he would have died in there, they dont release the 'criminals' until somebody pays the corrupt police chief.
There was people literally dying in front of my eyes in the cell, I've always swore if I become rich I will be going back there just to release as many of these people as I possibly can (except any dangerous people who actually deserve to be there obviously)
This wasnt the only corruption from the police we seen while there it's just the main point, we seen police walking down the street slapping women and kids for absolutely no reason, one cop told me he would murder anyone I point out right now for £50 (he had an AK47).
I saw people dragged in the back of trucks never to be seen again just for asking people for a bottle of water.
I feel really sorry for the majority of the population in Senegambia as they are amazing happy people who have to live in constant fear of the police/government.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that Jimmy managed to move to the UK in 2016 with the help of me and another British family he met in the Gambia, he now lives in Stoke-on-Trent which is a few hours from where I live but we talk on facebook regularly and meet up once or twice a year.
#4
Saudi Arabia
I can't believe no one mentioned Saudi Arabia. Food sucks, people constantly accosted me in the streets about being non Muslim while simultaneously asking me for western things and an invite to our compound. Hygiene is questionable. Driving is extremely dangerous. Lots of slaves and foreign workers, Saudis do nothing for themselves.
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
How anyone justifies taking a holiday in a country that is actively bombing and killing starving children, routinely keeps slaves, and doesn't even give citizenship to a huge proportion of its population is beyond me.
#5
Dubai
yeahokaysureyup said:
Dubai. While interesting, it's really just a total ripoff of western culture. I flew 12 hours from NYC only to be surrounded by cheesecake factory, Wendy's, California pizza kitchen, etc. No real "culture"
nurd_on_a_computer replied:
Their oldest building is from the 70s. Don't go there and expect some culture, I'd say.
There are literally buildings in NY older than Dubai itself. There are literally people older than Dubai.
EddaValkyrie:
As someone who has lived in Dubai for 6 years, don't go to there if you want some Middle Eastern culture. The best you'll get is the shows on the desert safari. If you like 5-star luxury then go ahead, which is the reason why I see most influencers go.
#6
Turkey
freyakj said:
Turkey… As a woman traveling alone, it wasn’t nice. Sleazy men stalking you everywhere.
Newspaperboyyy replied:
As a Turkish male, I really hate those uneducated bastards. We're trying to fix the country though, I mean... We will.
sugarbiscuits828 replied:
They have such a dead-eyed stare too, like sharks. I also got brazenly felt up on a tram. Not going back alone. Other than that, it was a lovely trip.
appayipyip__ replied:
Yeah, traveling, living, and being a woman is not easy here. Highly not recommend..
RachelWWV:
Absolutely beautiful country but the sexual harassment was too much. And no, I'm not particularly good-looking, either. Men literally followed me around. Thankfully I wasn't alone; if I had been I would have had to go back to my hotel (if I could make it there) and just stay in my room until my flight out. It was THAT bad.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Went there when I was, what, fifteen. My little brother, who would have been about twelve, was blond and blue-eyed (now brunet and blue-eyed). We were literally offered money for him.
#7
Afghanistan
Holiday_Platypus_526 said:
Afghanistan. Don't think I need to elaborate.
Stevo2881 replied:
I served in Kandahar and it was gorgeous. Reminded me a lot of Napa Valley California. Except that everyone was poor. And there were people trying to kill you. And the IEDs.
If it weren't for the fact it looks like there are going to be another 25 years of Taliban rule, I would have loved to go back as a tourist.
2OttersInACoat replied:
My parents went many years ago, before the Russians invaded and they said it was such a beautiful place and the people were lovely. Terribly sad what the poor Afghans have had to endure
Na Schi 2 years ago
I've seen documentaries on TV how the "old" Afghanistan was like, including European hippies to drive there with their VW-busses before heading further to Goa/India. A lovely country with stunning landscape and hospitable people. It's such an unbelievable, devastating shame how this country crumbled. And to see how women and girls are being treated worse than probably in the dark times in Europe.
#8
Qatar
Eveningroovers:
Qatar. I worked there for 15 months. Appalling treatment of workers, very very hot. Terrible food and the whole country is a building site getting ready for the world cup next year. After that the country will be empty. Nothing to do apart from work and shopping.
AlligatorSteak1983:
Qatar - watching rich ignorant Arab sheikhs beat their Nepalese slaves was horrifying
Na Schi 2 years ago
Still can't get it in my head how FIFA had chosen this country to host the upcoming World Cup. Considering all the slave labor and correlating deaths to build the stadiums. Not to mention the waste of energy to cool those stadiums. Not to mention that either women nor gays (LGBTQ) can safely walk in this country. Not to mention that all Europe has to gather at wintertime at public places, freezing their toes of, to have a collective experience (ok... maybe South of France and Spain is out... and cheers to you, Brasil 😉).
#9
Cambodia
omgahya:
Cambodia. Corrupt as hell. Glad I got to go see my Grandma and hang with her before she passed.
Linkan1234:
My wife and I visited Cambodia in 2008 and whilst the food and temples were beautiful, it was hard to look past the sex-tourism. We had dinner one night and an old German man on the table next to us were having dinner with a young girl who I wish was 18 but probably wasn’t and he was explaining at length and very loudly what he planned to do to her in bed. I wish I would have intervened somehow but we looked the other way so to speak. It’s stayed with me for 13+ years. F**k that guy and f**k a country that would allow that to happen in broad daylight
#10
China
wordnerdette said:
China. I had to go there a couple of times for work, but the feeling of being surveilled, the pollution, the horrible pedestrian experience, and getting scammed by a cabby turned me off.
JESUS_CNT_KICK replied:
Having lived in China for years this is one of my biggest pet peeves. All cities in China are wicked car centered. Everything is treated like a parking lot. Parking on the sidewalks is legal. Even in resort towns like Xiamen which is a little island, cars reign supreme. The beach promenade was turned into a parking lot. Scooters and bikes were kicked onto the sidewalk with old aunties so as to not get in the way of cars. Pedestrian crossings were replaced by bridges, so you're screwed if you're in a wheelchair, or a mother with a stroller, or a suitcase; you're gonna have to go up a flight of stairs. Of all countries, China has a legal right turn at the red light, so as pedestrians try to cross, drivers ignore the pedestrians at just drive at you. Of course, I could go on and on about how people drive.
Shutterstormphoto replied:
I felt like Shanghai was set up for pedestrians 100%. There was even a rumble strip down every sidewalk for blind people to follow.
thatdoesntmakecents replied:
This depends on the part of the country tbh. I've been to Beijing/Tianjin once and I most likely wouldn't go back. Guangzhou? Xiamen? Been to each at least 3 times and would still go back.
lara 2 years ago
My best friend, who is of Chinese descent and was born in the States, went to China. It was, for her, a dream come true. She was so excited. She and her partner went to Japan first, he is of Japanese descent, and then they went to China. She came back and she was so horrified. She said it was filthy and that the people were like sheep and that the presence of troops and police stopping people every where in the cities was overwhelmingly horrible. She said, that Japan was gorgeous and China was a pit of terror.
#11
South Africa
Ro_dog805 said:
South Africa, some random truck rolled up outside of our hotel and got in a shootout for no apparent reason. I walked out after the shooting to see around 7 people dead or at least injured including our tour guide.
T3mpist replied:
I grew up and lived in RSA and was fortunate enough to immigrate to the USA. Although there is a lot to love about the country if I never have to go back there it wouldn't bother me in the least (we still have family there so we go back to see them).
The problem is not that it's not an interesting and beautiful country, the problem is that the people that live there have adapted to a level of crime and violence that is insane. Things like avoiding areas altogether, not walking anywhere in the evenings, trying to prevent stopping at traffic lights (robots) in the evenings, living in a secure complex, and having electrified fencing and private security are all examples of everyday life in RSA. If you live overseas chances are all of those are very foreign concepts.
Andromeda321 replied:
Backpacked around in 2009, from Cape Town to Jo’burg, and just loved it. Legit my favorite country I traveled in, because it is so diverse in nature, people, just about every way. But as things get more dangerous, I’m just not sure if I’ll ever get back there. Seeing footage of the riots right now breaks my heart- if anyone from South Africa is reading this, btw, I wish you all the best and hope you stay safe.
rattified replied:
Beautiful place but the crime is horrible. Someone tried to kidnap me when I was 9.
Mabelbabel 2 years ago
I went to a medical conference in Cape Town a few years back. The organisers had arranged a few social activities, which were entertaining, but we were warned about leaving the hotel or conference centre, told never to go outside the hotel on our own, and to always take a taxi and not walk anywhere. We were escorted everywhere, no unaccompanied sightseeing because there were so many areas that were considered unsafe. I didn't feel comfortable at all.
#12
Iran
Royal_Seaworthiness3 said:
I won't visit my own country if I could gtfo of it. (Iran)
Edit: People think that I don't like Iran, Or I hate it, or whatever..., Which Is totally wrong.
I love Iran, My main concern is about economic problems and political issues that made people suffer (Everyone deserves a decent life).
I wish Iran was in a state that no one would think of leaving, And instead would work hard to restore its power and make it great again (Which is hard).
raccoon666baby
Iran. I’m half Iranian, but I was born and raised in Europe. I went a few time between 10 and 13 years old, and the last time I went, I started feeling the weight of being a woman. I was hanging out with my aunt in the capital, I turned my head around and my scarf fell off (I had full sleeve coverage in the middle of the summer). Immediately, the morale police circled us and asked why my head was uncovered. My aunt told them off, but that really stayed with me. It was over 15 years ago, and I can’t imagine my grown adult self fearing the police because my head scarf won’t stay in place. I do miss my family and I have amazing memories of visiting the historical sites, but I refuse to suppress my womanhood and self in order to be there.
anyavailablebane replied:
I work with 2 guys from Iran. One left as a refugee when a teenager the other grew up there, had a child there, then left. That family still goes back for holidays, his wife more than him because he doesn’t have enough holidays to spend as much time there as her. Obviously, the one that fled has never been back
It’s fascinating how different the two of them talk about their country.
Sue From Michigan 2 years ago
Hopefully, Iran will soon change for the better as Iranians (especially women) have had enough of the morality police.
#13
India
zacbdr said:
India, no cliches or anything else but I just can't stand the hygiene right there, was a hard trip 3 years ago.
Random_user-name_ replied:
Bad hygiene & a lack of civic sense is extreme. Have had cab drivers pull up on the sidewalk on multiple occasions so that they could pee. The garbage littering & cows roaming around on the streets s**tting everywhere is also such a common sight.
frick-you-fricker replied:
Our family of 4 has been to India twice. Loved it. Yes, the poverty is horrible.
Anon replied:
I got sexually assaulted, stalked, harassed, etc there. People are greedy and disgusting, nobody has heard of deodorant, everything is polluted, poverty is rampant and just sad, etc
Captain-Overboard replied:
Can't really argue that. There's a lot of difference compared to a developed country and it's definitely not easy to travel. Things are changing, but slowly.
jasmineliljensoe 2 years ago
I've been to India many many times. It's my favorite place to visit. I have never had a bad experience there personally and I have travelled all over by myself. I think you're you're disturbed by uncleanliness etc this place wouldn't be for you. But living and talking to the locals really makes the country so special. Indians are really beautiful and caring people. I think it helps to wear local clothing and learn a bit of the language though. And like in any country, not going out past dark and stayy sober will lessen your chances of something bad happening.
#14
Syria
guiscardv said:
Syria, I went before the civil war and it was honestly one of the loveliest places I’ve ever been, with super nice friendly people. Add to that the food is amazing. It would break my heart to see some of the places now.
fatimus_maximus replied:
Legit one of the most beautiful and historically interesting places I’ve ever been! Castles and the Knights of the round table in Syria? I learned so much...breaks my heart that all of these historically significant places are gone and a population is living in poverty. Heartbreaking
Anon replied:
My friend recently moved back after the war and the area she lives in is safe but there are a lot of refugees from other parts of Syria and it’s very sad how much infrastructure etc was damaged and how many lives were lost. Her grandma died at 65 years old because of poor healthcare infrastructure and medical sanctions.
#15
Venezuela
PissySquid said:
Venezuela. I visited my extended family there (near Caracas) as a young child and had an amazing time, but things there have REALLY gone south since then. Pretty much all my family members that were there have left for obvious reasons.
Plantayne replied:
I met a couple of Venezuelans in a bar back in like 2007. They told me about the government had come and seized their farm that had been in their family for like a hundred years.
They had no choice but to stay on as employees or leave. Eventually, they made their way to the US whey they were working as mechanics. One of the saddest stories I’d ever heard.
Alexcelsior replied:
To everyone thinking about visiting the country without family/friends/contacts, don’t.
#16
Brazil
Seattle_sucks:
Brazil. This won’t be a popular response I suppose but it is based on my personal experience. After a month of being warned that we could be robbed on the bus, the street, killed on the beach etc I ended my time there held hostage by two escaped criminals. That’s enough for me.
f**kin-slayer
Every backpacker I’ve met while traveling around South America has had some sort of mugging in Brazil. I don’t know what it is but as a photographer who usually has a camera on him, I’ve avoided Brazil for a while because of the all mugging I’ve heard about
#17
Moldova
Russianwinter1398 said:
Moldova, never again. Was attacked and robbed by smelly gopniks on the bus and I really think the driver was in on it
d0bermann replied:
Same here. Most depressing setting I've ever been in.
3 Owls In A Coat 2 years ago
Gopnik (derogatory) In Russia, Eastern Europe, former Soviet republics, and other Slavic countries, a member of a subculture of young people of lower-class low-income backgrounds, mostly millennials, who usually live in the Russian suburbs. Never heard that word before!
#18
France
Fivedayhangovers said:
France. I’ve been twice and wanted to love it but I f*****g hate it. The French are D***S. It’s really hard to get around on public transit if you don’t know French. And to top it all off I got sexually assaulted on the metro on the way to the Moulin Rouge. I’m never going back.
Broderick512 replied:
As an Italian who has been in France a lot, I can say that the attitude toward foreigners in France has absolutely no middle ground: they're either incredibly lovely or the absolute fucking worst, with nothing in between. I have the advantage that my family and I can speak French and, at one point, we were actually convincing (we're years out of practice now), and still we managed to find some absolute d**ks, especially around Paris. On the other hand, the reason why we have been to France a lot is that we have had a lot of pleasant memories there and we met a lot of awesome people.
chito25 replied:
Gotta say, Paris was one of the most disappointing cities I’ve ever been to. There was this pervasive sense of insecurity everywhere, there are conmen everywhere…. I’ve never been to another city where jumping the metro turn slides is so common.
The complete opposite of this was Barcelona, truly amazing.
Carol Emory 2 years ago
Like I said before...stop going to the major cities. I'd rather go to southern France where most of the artists hang out.
#19
Cambodia
Cambodia.
medievalduck said:
But only because I was mugged in Phnom Penh.
C_Taarg replied:
Cambodia kinda same for me (I was mugged too but in Colombia, which I’d probably go to again). I just found Cambodia sad and unsettling. A brutal recent history and a country that kind of has very little so virtually all you encounter is set up to appease tourists. Drunken Europeans and Americans walking around partying with a local girl under their arm, everywhere I went was like fighting off women trying to give you a happy ending massage, every cabbie and tuktuk driver trying to sell you drugs and women. I was only there a week and didn’t go too far out of Siam Reap and Phnom Penh, so certainly there’s more to the country outside those cities but the whole experience just bummed me out.
PA2SK replied:
I was drugged and robbed in siem reap. Be careful out there.
#20
Israel
anon:
Israel. Total illusion of peace and tranquility within the walls. It’s an ethnostate. I understand the motivation for wanting a homeland but 1) that’s painting a target on our backs and 2) don’t turn around and engage in many of the same hateful practices that were used against us in Nazi Germany!
Once was enough.
MovingSiren:
I have to agree. I have experienced racism in lots of places as a black person but my experience in Jerusalem was hands down the worst I've ever experienced. It was also directed at my then 3 year old child. We cut short our trip and flew to Cyprus 2 days later
Na Schi 2 years ago
Have visited Tel Avive two or three times on business trips (and once also the Dead Sea)... I have to say that it was quite a culture shock how 'arabian' culture mingled with European one. Once it was all common to you and in the next second you falter about something that you haven't expected at all. Nonetheless I would again visited, especially considering that I've never been treated bad by mid-aged/young Israelis.
#21
Haiti
Haiti. Went on a medical mission. One day was spent at the beach. We got caught in the middle of a protest. I was groped, several other people were punched. It was terrifying. They only stopped when one of our translators yelled that we were medical workers.
We only ended up spending one hour at the beach so we wouldn’t end up driving back through the same area at night. When we reached that area it was clear of people. A few overturned vehicles were on fire. A U.N. detail was hanging out in a big armored vehicle with a very large gun on top.
I can’t imagine how awful it must be now with all of the civil unrest.
ubermiguel
Haiti. Went and did medical relief in a field hospital after the earthquake. Recent stuff aside, that country is, and has been F****D.
- poor infrastructure.
- poor education
- no significant industries.
- no natural resource advantage.
- corrupt government, polarized political climate.
- Island nation, so all imports are more expensive.
- poor medical system.
Anything a country would need to get a leg up is just nonexistent. I'm a pretty positive person, and met the loveliest people there, but I've never been more depressed or pessimistic about a places' future.
#22
Morocco
hunterfam55 said:
Morocco, was basically confined to the hotel as you were confronted by aggressive beggars and shop workers
Elieolio replied:
Been to Morocco twice and I feel you. The solution for my partner and myself during our visit was to act totally indifferent to everyone trying to push whatever. I found wearing sunglasses made it easier for me. Keep your head high and play it cool. The pushers are only interested in your pocketbook.
feltonvillain
Impossible to let your guard down in Morocco. I did not enjoy it.
Lyuben Petkov 2 years ago
Just play being polite and stupid, act like speaking only super rare language (they cannot communicate to) and you will be left alone within 30 sec. Very important to be respectful to the locals and their traditions, believes, religions, must be very respectful to the women, other then that - make talks to seems impossible to them - I was answering only in Bulgarian and Hungarian language and beggars and shop owners were losing interest in me in seconds.
#23
Pakistan
Assuming I got the chance to leave it and move to USA, I would never visit my country Pakistan again. Society is regressing, corruption, banning culture, religious extremism, lack of safety, misogyny, oppression of minorities and the list goes on.
madgirl786 replied:
While I wasn't born in Pakistan and can't speak for being brought up there, my origin is Pakistani and I do get emotional everytime I visit. The country suffers so strongly from brain drain, with the best of the best leaving for a better quality of life and higher wages. Pakistan is ravaged by unethical men who get away with bloody murder, literally. Amongst other things. Look up bahria town and Malik Riaz, a man who founded these utopian societies on acres and acres of stolen land and got away with it.
100% the treatment of minority groups is insane and awful. Aside from that major, major issue, I do feel like a lot of the people of Pakistan are actually really chill, simple and generally want better standards in their country. Someone can work their whole lives to save up for their own rickshaw only to have it stolen by thugs in broad daylight. My uncle works for a major bank and had his car stolen on his way to work by very polite, heavily armed robbers. Like many countries out there, people just can't catch a break.
Mohammad Ammar 2 years ago (edited)
Hmmm. Visiting this country is actually great if you do it right, living here is indeed awful. I live in the capital and am relatively privileged so it's not that bad for me. But everyone who can afford to do so is leaving because the economy is now unbearably bad. People in general aren't open minded, opportunities are low, crime in some cities is high. Idk, come here if you know someone, just avoid Karachi and you'll be fine.
#24
Serbia
Serbia. If you're a POC, don't go.
I caught a connecting flight to London there so didn't leave the airport in my two hours layover. Every single soul in the airport was staring at me coldly and silently for two hours straight: must have been 150 people approximately. Even when I bought food, the cashier didn't talk to me, just stared until I said "Can I buy food or"?
Felt like I was a criminal who needed to be watched like a hawk. My heart rate must have tripled out of fear that they'd gang up on me especially when they won't let me board my flight. They've never seen a black woman with a British passport and needed thirty minutes to verify it wasn't a fake passport.
Monika Georgieva 2 years ago
Haha, yes, kind of the same for Bulgaria (I'm from there). Don't expect people to be polite. Usually when you shop or whatever you directly say what you want like - a cup of coffee or a pack of cigarettes. So don't expect greetings, please, or have a nice day. This is because most people don't find the need to be polite, haven't been taught to, no one around them does it, etc. And most are just generally unhappy with their jobs, lives, etc. and everything annoys them. However if you smile, make a compliment and show empathy you can see them being very nice and friendly :) Another thing - both countries are very patriarchal and a bit oriental. We don't have the American and western values of extreme tolerance, no offending, etc. More like the opposite. So yes, most people will be disgusted if you turn up being LGBTQ, black or sth. Not all of course, speaking in general. Also we have almost 0% black people so this is another reason they're looked strange upon.
#25
Thailand
pariisea:
Thailand... Went there during the coup in 2013. Got stuck. Too much prostitution and child p*rn/prostitution out in the open for me. Also being there during the coup and getting a crazy flu and hospitalized in Bangkok f*****g sucked. Love my Thai friends but Bangkok and Pattaya are just too crazy for me.
namelessghoul77:
Lived in Thailand for 12 years. Suggest you get as far away from BKK or Pattaya as possible - your opinion will change.
James016 2 years ago
Bangkok is a crazy place. My friend and I got thrown off a tuktuk as we refused to go where the driver wanted to go which was some shopping area while we wanted to go to a palace to see it. The driver got seriously pissed off and told us to get out and he drove off. Koh Samui was amazing though.
#26
Jamaica
aardvark_armyReport:
Jamaica. Everyone thinks that you owe them a tip for something, or runs up and puts a necklace on your SO and expects money immediately. Unless you're just into getting pumped for money by locals and worrying about being robbed, don't go there.
Thisismyusername89:
Jamaica…got mugged within the first 5 minutes I kid you not!
heyyouwtf:
I don't think people realize how impoverished a lot of Jamaica is. I'll never go back there either. I had a driver try to extort money from me on my honeymoon. The lady that set up the transportation at our resort was in on it. The driver accosted my wife demanding money for a previous ride he had given us but abandoned us so we had to find our own way back to the resort. I told my wife to go into the airport and he and I exchanged words. He wanted the money for the return trip plus extra because he drove to pick us up for no reason. Mind you we waited over an hour for him. Once he realized I wasn't going to back down and I wasn't afraid of him calling the cops he backed down and left.
Awkward Lady 2 years ago
I agree, it is not a safe place. We were warned not to leave the hotel grounds unless in an arranged taxi to a safe tourist area.
#27
Madagascar
Madagascar.
I loved the sights, but I couldn't enjoy anything from the guilt of having a vacation there while the locals were below the poverty line and completely mistreated by the frenchies who live there.
Diolla 2 years ago
What saddened me most in Madagaskar was not just the poverty in itself, but also how it kills off the spectacular and peculiar wildlife. Outside of the protected parks, nature is gone. Ppl use every available piece of land to grow rice (water) or graze cows (no water). Lots of bush fires set by ppl to create grass for the cows. Hardly any trees left. The erosion is horrific and the place is turning into a desert. Horrible.
#28
USA
RagePandazXD:
America, don't feel like I really have a reason to return and everything just feels too big to me. Don't have family there, thought it was grand and can see why some people love visiting but just not my cuppa, especially in the summer. Meanwhile I'd love to go back to Italy again but go further north this time.
Longjumping-Oven-631:
“Also USA. Worst place ever. An average American does not know anything outside the USA. They think they are the center of the world and they don't need to know anything about other countries. NYC is super polluted with beggars everywhere. I saw two people fighting with knifes at 1am. Over priced. Dirty. There are many racist people in the southern and middle States, add to this guns! People in the USA worship the dollar. They accept to do anything for money, no ethics. I didn't feel safe there.”
Hurts2hatelo:
The USA. Obviously not the same reasons as you guys have for Egypt and such..
I've been to NYC. It was pretty cool and I enjoyed it (although we didn't really do much touristy stuff like visit Liberty) but I don't really have any travel plans to the USA because I'm just not interested in it. I'm sure there are pretty places, but in terms of history, culture, food, etc. the US doesn't interest me.
I would quite like to visit Hawai'i some day, but I'm a little confused about what Hawaiians have said about how tourism negatively affects their economy, the lives of native Hawaiians, historical and cultural monuments and artefacts, etc. And I wouldn't want to visit a place where my tourism could be harmful to the people who live there. I can admire from afar.
Carol Emory 2 years ago
Stop going to the major cities of the USA. That's not where you find the awesomeness of the USA. Stop going to the touristy places...it's not worth fighting the crowds of other tourists. Go to Washington State and take a trip to the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. Travel down Hwy 2 and go to Leavenworth that is a Bavarian town at the base of the Cascade Mountains. And stop at the fruit stands to get fresh cherries, apples and pears that were picked from the orchards right behind the stands. Come skiing in Washington during the winter months. There are so many things to do that don't involve large cities. Just take time planning, go online to ask locals where the best places are and realize that the USA is a big place with lots to explore.
#29
Chad
PM_ME_YOUR_PRINTS said:
Chad. Definitely the most depressing country I have ever been to.
WhatDaufuskie replied:
I've heard Chad described as "the Mississippi of Africa"
human-potato_hybrid replied:
Fun fact, there is ONE movie theatre in the entire country.(As of several years ago). And the average internet speed is 1.2 Mbps (assuming you have coverage, and the electricity is on)
Lord Mysticlaw 2 years ago
Lol you don't go to Chad (or any part of Africa for that matter) for the movie theatres and Internet 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
#30
Laos
Laos. My family is from there. My mom’s side is problematic (abuse of all kinds, narcissism, etc). My dad’s side went through my bags and luggage trying to steal stuff.
I am sad because I’m a first generation Asian-American and I have no family in the states either that I can count on. I have no family in my immediate family. Everything is dysfunctional.
This went down a weird road. Sorry.
EDIT: I want to clarify that this is not a generalization of Laos as a country and Laotian people as a whole. This is specifically about my experience with my family and why I will not come back if it means seeing them again. I think this is a valid boundary to set for myself.
What do you think ?
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
Sounds like a lot of people complaining that they booked their vacation in a third-world country or a recent war zone and are then *shocked* that people are poor.
Claire 2 years ago
How is it xenophobia when some of the commenters/OPs were from the countries they mentioned? Also how is it xenophobia when women were literally sexually harassed? You are allowed to not like a country based on your experience there.
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setsuriseikou 2 years ago
How come Russia is not on the list? I was sure we'd be #1 now, all things considered. Oh, wait, nobody comes here in the first place, so no one to share their bad experiences :D
Dmitri K 2 years ago
It's become the world's Lord Voldemort - the country that must not be named (or mentioned for that matter).
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Becky Samuel 2 years ago
Sounds like a lot of people complaining that they booked their vacation in a third-world country or a recent war zone and are then *shocked* that people are poor.
Claire 2 years ago
How is it xenophobia when some of the commenters/OPs were from the countries they mentioned? Also how is it xenophobia when women were literally sexually harassed? You are allowed to not like a country based on your experience there.
Load More Replies... setsuriseikou 2 years ago
How come Russia is not on the list? I was sure we'd be #1 now, all things considered. Oh, wait, nobody comes here in the first place, so no one to share their bad experiences :D
Dmitri K 2 years ago
It's become the world's Lord Voldemort - the country that must not be named (or mentioned for that matter).
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