Most Dangerous Holiday Destination For Woman

Sex attacks, muggings and harassment: World's most dangerous holiday destinations for women (and some of the places may surprise you)

Travelling to far-flung exotic destinations can be a hugely rewarding experience that many women in the West take for granted. 

For most, it is an entirely safe and liberating adventure that they will never forget - for all the right reasons.

But while wolf whistles, cat calls and belligerent taxi drivers may be an annoyance for some solo travellers, there are some countries where women may be exposed to misogyny, pestering and, in some extreme cases, danger.

There are some countries where women exposed to misogyny, pestering and, in some cases, danger

Horrific crimes against women have become worryingly commonplace in countries such as India, but there are a number of popular holiday hotspots, such as Turkey and Morocco, that may not be as female-friendly as you think, according to experts.

 Julie Kreutzer, co-owner of website the International Women's Travel Center, has written extensively on the issue of women's safety abroad, and believes that honesty is the best policy when it comes to discussing the dangers that solo female travellers face.

 She said: 'I'm truly appalled at how unsafe and how unfriendly some places are. You can't even enter some countries if you're a woman, yet most travel websites just skirt around the issue and prefer to focus on what lipstick a woman should wear.

'We're absolutely in favour of women being adventurous and having a great time, but let's not delude ourselves and say that women are welcome everywhere. 

Blogger and frequent traveller Amanda Williams advises female travels to be smart and listen to their gut

'There's a big different from going to Brazil versus Denmark as a female traveller, at least let's be honest about what the dangers are.'

London-based American blogger Stephanie Yodel has travelled extensively and says she's always felt relatively safe on her travels, and stresses the importance separating the reality from the hype.

'I've been very fortunate. I honestly don't feel like I've been anywhere particularly dangerous, but I was definitely more on edge in South America than anywhere else.

'Crime rates are higher there and tourists can be targets for muggings, so I was careful never to carry many valuables and not to be out alone after dark.' 

Expat traveller Ali Garland now lives in Berlin and agrees that women have a few extra challenges to deal with than men while travelling, although she says it's no reason to stay at home.

'There certainly are places where women are sort of second class citizens, and that can be frustrating. But I just try to remember that most people are genuinely nice, and I do my best to dress appropriately so I don't attract unwanted attention.'

And if you do travel to danger hot-spots, social media consultant and explorer Liz Borod Wright advises against being too forthcoming on when sharing your experiences.

'Be wary of posting real-time updates on social media about where are you in case someone is paying a little too close attention.

It's safer to post that awesome photo to Instagram when you're on to the next destination, especially if you plan to geo-tag it.

'And while the instinct is to live-tweet your trip, it may be best to rave (or rant) about your accommodations after you have checked out.'

Intrepid traveller and blogger Amanda Williams advises female travellers to use their common sense. 

'I would say to women just be smart and listen to your gut. Don't do anything you wouldn't do at home - don't drink too much alone, don't go wandering alone at night, don't go home with strangers, and read up on common scams.'

MailOnline Travel has rounded up a number of popular destinations that solo female travellers should visit with caution.

Some reports suggest that a sexual assault is reported every twenty minutes in India

1) India 

Gang rapes of local women and tourists have reached worrying levels in parts of the country with reports suggesting that a sexual assault is reported every twenty minutes.

The authorities struggle to bring many perpetrators to justice, and according to the country's National Crime Record Bureau crimes against women have increased by 7.1 per cent since 2010. 

Earlier this month a Japanese student was drugged and raped in northern India, and last week horrifying video footage of two woman being gang raped by grinning men was released by a campaign group in a bid to name and shame the attackers.

Ms Williams says India is the only place she would think twice about visiting, although not because she's concerned about her personal safety.

'It's just a personal thing. I know plenty of women who have been there and loved it. I just don't think I could deal with the grabbing and lack of personal space,' she explains.

Reports of rape increased by 157% between 2009 and 2012, according to the Brazilian Health Ministry

2) Brazil

Stunning images of scantily-clad women from Rio's world-famous Carnival does little to mask the fact that much of Brazil remains in the grip of widespread violence led by criminal gangs and abusive police.

And, according to the Brazilian Health Ministry, rape increased by 157 per cent between 2009 and 2012, spurred the country's machismo culture.  

Two years ago, an American tourist was gang raped on a public bus while her handcuffed boyfriend looked on helplessly. 

The authorities tried to clean up their act for the FIFA World Cup last year, but rape, gender-based violence and gunpoint robberies of tourists remain a problem.

Istanbul is just hours from London although it is poles apart when it comes to attitudes towards woman

3) Turkey

Istanbul is less than a four-hour flight from London, but it is poles apart when it comes to attitudes towards woman.

The attempted rape and subsequent murder of 20-year-old student Ozgecan Aslan last week thrust the thorny issue of gender-based violence directly into the headlines.

The horrific crime sparked dozens of protests by women seeking to raise awareness of violence against women, which is still a taboo subject in Turkey.

According to Thailand Domestic Violence Information Center, violence against women is a growing problem

4) Thailand

Millions of tourists flock to Thailand every year, but the brutal murder of British backpackers David Miller and Hannah Witheridge, who was also raped, in Koh Tao last September lifted the lid on the country's seedy, and often violent, underbelly.

In 2013, Thai police threatened to arrest a 20-year-old female Scottish student who had been gang raped when no witnesses came forward to support her claim. 

According to Thailand Domestic Violence Information Center, violence against women is a growing problem in Thailand, fuelled, in part, by the widespread availability recreational drug Yah Bah as well as alcohol.

In the aftermath of the 2011 revolution Egypt has seen a wave of sexual violence against women

5) Egypt 

Package holidays to Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada have been the mainstay of tourism in Egypt for a number of years.

But in the aftermath of the 2011 revolution the country has been gripped by instability and an unprecedented wave of sexual violence against women.

With fewer police on the streets, a sharp increase in the number of sex attacks - including a British journalism student in Cairo's Tahrir Square - has seen visitor numbers at the country's famous ruins dwindle.

Bogota, Colombia was found to have the most dangerous public transport system for women 

6) Colombia

Tourism in Colombia has enjoyed an enormous boost in recent years as the conflict-torn country works towards addressing it troubled past. 

But while the country is undoubtedly far safer than it was even 10 years ago, sexual violence against women remains widespread, particularly against displaced women in poorer areas. 

Colombia's capital Bogota, which has no train system but a network of red buses, was found to have the most unsafe public transport in a poll conducted by YouGov in 2014 for the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

According to Human Rights Watch, corrupt police also have a poor track record when it comes to protecting women, and rapists are rarely brought to justice. 

More than 66,000 sexual offenses were reported in South Africa in 2012 and 2013

7) South Africa 

With a new domestic airline - Skywise - launching in March, tourism in South Africa is going from strength-to-strength. 

Yet despite its continuing popularity, it remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world.

The African nation has one of the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, and robberies at gunpoint are commonplace.

More than 66,000 sexual offenses were reported in 2012-2013, a rate of 127 sexual offenses per 100,000 population.

A popular short-haul destination with Britons, Morocco has a poor record when it comes to women's rights

8) Morocco

Another popular short-haul destination with Britons, Morocco has a poor record when it comes to women's rights.

Female travellers are advised to dress modestly and cover up in the conservative Muslim country.

Although the Foreign Office advises that violent crime isn't currently major issue, it's common for female tourists, particularly those travelling on their own, to be routinely harassed by men.

Many tourists travel to Mexico's beaches without problem, but violence persists in some parts of the country

9) Mexico

Although millions of Americans - including high-profile celebrities - travel safely to Mexico every year, parts of the country remain in the grip of utter lawlessness.

While the Mexican government does strive to protect tourist hotspots, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, reports of gun crime and violence still persist.

According to the Foreign Office, violent rapes against women travelling on public transport ('micros') is also a significant threat. 

A UN report said 'women of all ages, education levels, and social groups' are subjected to violence in Kenya

10) Kenya 

Kenya has built a thriving tourist trade on the back of its incredible wildlife and safari parks. What is less well-know, however, is its reputation for violence against women. 

According to a report from United Nations Development Fund for Women, 'women of all ages, education levels, and social groups, in rural and urban settings are subjected to violence in Kenya.'

In 2010, a national survey indicated that 32 per cent of girls experienced sexual violence before becoming adults, and in November last year, a sex attack on a young woman wearing a short skirt provoked demonstrations by women highlighting the country's widespread violence against women. 

Kidnappings and sexual assaults against tourists are also not uncommon. 

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World’s Weirdest Hotels

1. CasAnus

CasAnus is a giant sculpture of a human intestine that is located in Kemzeke, Belgium. CasAnus was created by Joep Van Lieshout. It contains a double bed, heater, shower, and toilet. CasAnus is run by a couple of Belgian art collectors. While it might not look especially appealing from the outside, except for being in the middle of nature, the inside of the room is as comfy as any place else.
This one-room hotel is extremely popular with couples since it’s situated in a quiet and remote place. It is visited by 200-250 people per year. Joep Van Lieshout once said that he was inspired by human body and he had cherished the idea of such a hotel for a long time. This hotel is made of natural materials such as wood, PU foam and it is printed with naturalistic reddish color. The interesting thing is that the sculpture anatomically corresponds to the human digestive system from the tongue to the anus. Despite the immense size of the construction, it took a few months to finish the sculpture. When the building was presented to the public the reaction was utterly approving!

2. Das Park Hotel

Das Park Hotel located in Linz, Austria is actually a number of repurposed drainpipes that have been turned into rooms. It’s one of the greatest examples of how people can reuse materials and goods. The workers used only varnish and wall paintings to transform the pipes into comfortable accommodation. Since the space of each room is about 2 square meters, there are only a bed, light, power and ventilation in the room. You can also find some place for your luggage. Bathroom facilities and kitchen are not too far from the pipes, however you will have to pay for them.
Concrete is a wonderful sound-proofing material, so you won’t be disturbed by the outer noise. The pipes keep cool temperature during the summer months and protect you from cold weather in autumn and spring, since the hotel is available from May to October. Andreas Strauss, the creator, emphasizes that Das Park Hotel is non-commercial project. It was designed to demonstrate hospitality and to lure tourists.

3. Palacio de Sal

 

This hotel is in Bolivia and is made entirely from salt. The floors, walls, and ceiling are made from salt. Even the bed and chairs are made of salt. Each room has a private bath. The Palacio de Sal is located at the eastern shore of the Great Salar de Uyuni, near the world’s biggest salt flat. The current hotel was built in 2007, though the original building (1993-1995) was dismantled due to sanitary problems. Now, however, you can be sure that all the discrepancies are removed. Since the building and some furniture are made entirely of salt, there are some specific rules the guests should follow. For example, visitors are prohibited from licking the walls and they also should be careful with salt furniture.
All in all, the hotel is supplied with 16 rooms, steam room, whirlpool, massage room and several golf courses, available from May to November. Typically, the Bolivians treat their guests to salty meat and veggies. The Palacio de Sal leaves lasting impression.

4. Dog Bark Park Inn

 

Located in Cottonwood, Idaho, this hotel is actually in the shape of a dog. The room sleeps 4 and contains a full bath, a microwave, air conditioning, books, games, and puzzles, but no television or telephone. The owners say that you will feel the rural atmosphere more vividly without external influences. I think that Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin, the creators of this whimsical accommodation, were inspired by the love of animals and dogs in particular. When it came to the hotel, they decided to create a beagle-shaped building in order to lure more tourists and guests. And they were right! Their hobby and passion developed into one of the most unusual places in the world.

The hotel consists of two parts: Sweet Willy and Toby. Since this hotel is extremely popular with visitors, you should book the place in advance. Every detail inside displays the love of dogs: pillows, carpets, books, and even cookies. Moreover, the toilet is hydrant-shaped! When you stay you’ll also be treated to a continental self-serve breakfast and even dog food!

5. The Hobbit Motel

The Hobbit Motel can be found in Woodlyn Park, New Zealand. The hotel is made of polystyrene blocks, which keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. The roof is covered with thick grass and you always have amazing view from the window.
If you stay at the Hobbit Motel, you will have a chance to enjoy Billy Black’s Kiwi Culture Show. This performance draws people from all over the world and allows you to participate in the really unique New Zealand experience. You will have fun and you will learn a lot about their culture, traditions and nature. The inside of the hotel is very cozy and homelike. The accommodation is clean, neat, with well-equipped kitchenette and all the bathroom facilities. I was really satisfied with the stuff. They are friendly, positive and helpful. If you are in New Zealand, you cannot lose the chance to stay in this fantastical place!

6. Null Stern Hotel

The world’s first zero star hotel is located in Teufen, Appenzellerland, Switzerland. Their catch-phrase is “the only star is you.” The hotel was built in a cold war bunker and there are no windows. This hotel is another example of reusing old disused buildings. The Null Stern Hotel was nominated for the best innovation of the year at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards (2009). In 2010 it was included to the top 100 hotels in Europe. Frank and Patrik Riklin, the conceptual artists and twin brothers, decided to leave the interior of the shelter intact: the concrete walls and pipes. However they added a touch of a comfort by supplying the rooms with beds, furniture and lights.

The bathrooms are shared, and there is a lounge, and two large rooms for 14 people with 4 double-beds and all the rest single. All in all, there is nothing unusual about the interior. The bunker is supplied with essential things. The designers wanted to call attention to the problems of environment. Thus, this hotel is originally an installation. You won’t find luxury and prosperity here. But this place is definitely worth visiting.

7. Capsule Hotels

In Japan capsule hotels are quite popular. The idea of capsule hotels first appeared in 1979. Since that time capsule hotels are part and parcel of Japanese culture. These hotels are perfect for unpretentious people who need overnight accommodation and basic service. Moreover, the Japanese often rent capsule hotels for a considerable period of time when they experience hard financial times. Such accommodations didn’t gain much popularity outside Japan, but they begat counterparts all over the world. They are small measuring only 1 x 2 meters. Many of the capsule hotels do offer television and wireless internet, but usually don’t allow eating inside the capsule. Bathrooms are shared and there are restaurants. They are very basic and quite cheap to rent running approximately $25-50/night.

The great thing about capsule hotels is that you can take the place without prior booking. It is explained by the bigger number of places available than in any other hotel. 

8. IceHotel

 

If you’re looking for a unique experience, the IceHotel is a must. Opened in 1990, this hotel in Lapland, Sweden is rebuilt every winter. The designers and architects say that IceHotel is more than just beds and rooms; it’s an art project made of snow and ice that constantly challenges their imagination.
The IceHotel is the original. It has 65 rooms with beds made of ice. Opt for Ice Rooms, Snow Rooms, Art Suits, Northern Light Rooms or Deluxe Suits. While the temperature inside will be a chilly -5 Celsius, it’s warmer than the -15 Celsius outside. The hotel also has an IceBar, sauna, and restaurants.
The IceHotel is extremely popular with visitors. Nearly 50,000 people from all over the world come here to experience northern lights, calmness and complete wilderness.

9. V8 Hotel

Are you a car fanatic? The V8 Hotel in Meilenwerk, Germany may be your cup of tea. Both design and architecture are about automobiles: legendary vintage cars, sporty timers, exclusive cars and rarities will definitely create the racing mood! Each room has an automotive theme as well. You can sleep in a bed made from a white Mercedes or sleep in the workshop room where your car bed is actually lifted up on jacks. This hotel is child friendly. There is a CD player in each room, wireless internet, free parking, and laundry services.
The hotel is supplied with 34 places, 10 of them with unique design. You can order a tour to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and learn the 125-year history of automobiles. Moreover, the V8 Hotel isn’t located in somewhere; it is located in a special and unique area – the Motorworld Stuttgard. Car specialists, enthusiasts, people who love technology and technical aesthetics can find everything here.

10. Forest Hut Hotel

 
This one is considered to be the most primitive Sweden hotel, since there is no electricity and showers. So you will face pure natural mystic here . The rooms are applied with 2 beds, fireplace, candles and lamps. Facilities are outside and the shower is replaced by a dip in a lake. Be ready to sleep on wooden beds, which are much harder and less comfortable than your home beds. 
If you would rather not forage for your own food, you can have food dropped to your site. There are numerous wildlife tours to choose from, and with the guide’s help you will see many unique wild animals. You can also choose hiking and blueberry-picking. Of course such vacation is not to everyone’s taste. 
But if you’re looking for a new and unique experience, one of these hotels might be a nice change of pace and give you a once in a lifetime experience.