170 Countries Visited: 5 To Never Go To

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Post on Dec 03, 2024

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170 Countries Visited: 5 I'd Rather Skip Next Time

So, I've been lucky enough to travel to 170 countries. Seriously, it's been an amazing adventure! But let's be real, not every place was a dream come true. Some… well, some were less than stellar. This isn't about bashing places, more like sharing some hard-learned lessons from my globe-trotting escapades. These are five countries I wouldn't rush back to, and why. Consider this your friendly warning, fellow adventurers!

1. Nauru: A Micronesian Microcosm of Disappointment

Nauru. The name itself sounds kind of…meh. And that feeling pretty much sums up the whole experience. Picture this: a tiny, scorching island, ravaged by phosphate mining. The landscape is bleak, seriously depressing. Beyond the environmental devastation, the vibe is just…off. Not much to see or do, and the overall atmosphere felt kind of… soul-crushing. I'd rather spend my vacation time somewhere a little more…vibrant.

2. Turkmenistan: A Concrete Jungle with a Seriously Stifling Atmosphere

Turkmenistan, man. Where to even begin? The authoritarian regime makes it feel like you're constantly being watched. The architecture is bizarre, lots of garish concrete structures, almost like something out of a dystopian novel. It felt incredibly sterile, lacking any real cultural exchange or authentic experience. The whole thing felt...claustrophobic. Seriously, my creativity felt stifled.

3. Syria (Pre-Conflict - Note: Currently unsafe for travel)

Now, this one is a bit different. Before the devastating conflict, I had the chance to visit Syria. Even then, parts of the experience were less than ideal. Bureaucracy was insane, getting around was a nightmare. The frustrating restrictions on movement and the palpable tension in the air really soured the trip. Sadly, the beauty of the ancient sites was overshadowed by the stifling atmosphere. It goes without saying, but Syria is currently a war zone and absolutely not safe to visit.

4. Kiribati: A Sinking Feeling (Literally and Figuratively)

Kiribati. Beautiful beaches, no doubt. Paradise, right? Well, kinda. The rising sea levels are a major issue here, a constant, unsettling reminder of climate change. It's disheartening to see such a stunning place threatened by environmental disaster. Beyond that, there just wasn't much to do there, which is a bummer. It was stunning, but ultimately a bit of a letdown.

5. North Korea: A Controlled Experience (aka, Not a Vacation)

North Korea. Need I say more? The heavily controlled environment, the constant surveillance, the propaganda… it all felt incredibly artificial. You're essentially seeing a curated version of reality, a highly staged experience that doesn't reflect the actual lives of the people. While I appreciate the historical significance, it felt more like a bizarre, unsettling performance than an actual travel experience. It's kinda surreal, but definitely not relaxing!

The Bottom Line: Travel Smart

Look, everyone's travel experiences are subjective. What one person finds amazing, another might find underwhelming. But these five countries, for me, were definitely on the "wouldn't go back" list. This isn't to dissuade you from exploring, though! Just use this as a reminder to research your destinations thoroughly, manage your expectations, and prioritize your safety and well-being above all else. Happy travels!