There are many destinations that have a bad reputation or stigma that they can’t seem to shake. These places get slammed by the travel media, bloggers and tourists who can’t get past the outdated, inaccurate or superficial criticisms. Not every destination is created equally, but I can always find qualities I like in every place that I visit. There have been many times when I’ve told people that I’m heading to a country, for example, Morocco, Bosnia or Cuba and people question why I would ever go there. They are dangerous, war zones or the food is terrible, they tell me.

Below is a collection of posts from travellers who have had positive experiences in destinations that have had a bad reputation over the years. One of them is about Istanbul and since this was written, the city has been a victim of a suicide bombing that killed 11 foreigners in Sultanahmet district. I visited Istanbul in 2014 and would do so again, despite the attack. So, while these stories are positive, remember that any place in the world has its own dangers and no traveller is immune to that. But with common sense and an open mind, most of the world can be experienced in safety.

– Dave S. Clark





Nigeria – Suggested by Ben from Chartered Territory

When I first visited Nigeria media references were generally unflattering and most publications surmised it to be a place in which nobody of right mind would voluntarily set foot. This, I would later discover, with some irony, to be a sentiment shared by most Nigerians! Here was a place which nobody by choice, neither tourist nor trader, unless coerced by considerable arm-twisting, would ever dream of visiting.

Opinion-wise little has changed, which is a shame because it’s a country with enormous diversity in landscape, culture and people. Yes, city traffic is manic, corruption is rampant and many would have you believe that if a Lagos scammer doesn’t get you then Boko Haram will. Not the case at all. As with many countries, it’s good to exercise caution in big cities. Nigeria is no exception but, oddly enough, you can walk the streets untrammelled, free of the pestering traders and con-merchants prevalent elsewhere.

I have to admit that I really like Nigerians, big characters, friendly and with a wicked sense of humour – always joking, always playing the fool, even in the face of blatant adversity which for most constitutes everyday life. Taxi drivers are great, the market traders jolly and the sights, sounds and smells are certainly unforgettable. The people are endearing, I was made so welcome in many homes, so much so that arguments would often ensue as to who would have the last morsel of food or cold beer, resistance being futile, I was left on each occasion with no choice – I remain eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to visit.



Mazatlan, Mexico – Suggested by Nicolás at Nuoric

Last year in June my husband, my brother and I were going to fly to Mazatlan, Mexico and live there for a few months. My brother was a little indecisive because of bad press he had come across earlier in the year about the state of Sinaloa and wasn’t sure if it was a safe place to live. After reading several news articles he decided he wasn’t going to travel with us.

I believe this happens to a lot of people, who misjudge a place because of all the bad press there is out there. My husband and I lived in Mazatlan for three months and we have never felt more safe. We lived right on the boardwalk near downtown Mazatlan. Every night the streets would fill up with tourists from different Mexican states, as well as foreigners. You could feel the familiar, “fiesta” spirit of the Mexican culture as the aurigas passed by full of families shouting and dancing to Mexican Banda music. As you walked down the boardwalk you could taste the different Mexican flavors of the street food vendors. The Malecon is one of the longest seafront walkways in the world where you will encounter bicyclist, rollerbladers, runners and families at any time. There’s also a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels, bars and clubs to choose from at a short walking distance in any direction. Or you could hike up to the lighthouse early in the afternoon and enjoy some of the beautiful sunsets Mazatlan has to offer as you reach the top.

And of course, there is also the famous Carnaval celebrated on the week before Lent. The Mazatlan Carnaval is considered the third largest Carnaval celebration in the world. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay long enough to witness the multi-day Mexican Mardi Gras celebration, but it is definitely one of the many reasons we would love to go back to Mazatlan.



Jordan – Suggested by Kevin at Wandering Wagars

Are you crazy? Aren’t you scared? You’re bringing your children?! These were the standard comments given to us when we mentioned to friends and family our plans to visit the middle-eastern Kingdom of Jordan. Since the Arab Spring began in 2011, the middle-east has been embroiled in horrible civil and international wars and dangerous terrorist uprisings. In the midst of all this chaos, the Kingdom of Jordan offers an oasis of peace and stability.

Jordan shares its borders with Syria, Israel and the Palestinian Territory, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iraq and while Jordan’s proximity to many volatile environments is obvious from its military readiness and ever present police and security checkpoints, the country remains a very stable, safe and importantly, a very welcoming country for travellers. Jordan boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and though it remains a safe country to visit, its tourism industry has dropped nearly 95%, so if you’ve ever dreamed of having Petra, one of the 7 new wonders of the world, nearly to yourself, then now is the perfect time to visit!

Naples – Suggested by Karlie at Miss Wanderlust

Italian blood courses through my veins, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about the motherland – idyllic landscapes, mouth-watering food, world class art, fashion, cars and more. I’m not the only one who feels this way – almost 50 million people visited the boot-shaped nation in 2014 alone. Yet Naples, a city in the South pulsating with life – nestled in the breathtaking Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius looming over the city, the birthplace of pizza, home of artistic and archaeological treasures – is frequently and loudly passed over by travelers for the more palatable Sorrento and Capri, or those who avoid the South altogether. Stereotypes surrounding the mafia and media coverage of past garbage strikes plague the city and deter travelers from considering the city.

I visited Naples on my third trip to Italy and immediately regretted not going sooner. I was taken with the grandiose yet crumbling architecture. Busy Italians quickly passed me on the sidewalks, not knowing or caring that I was a tourist in their town. Yet, when I couldn’t find my B&B or needed directions, I was treated to the warmest smiles and helpful hand gestures. Wandering the streets around Spaccanapoli, the main street slicing through the historic centre, I tucked into hole in the wall restaurants and gorged on the most fantastic (and inexpensive) Italian food I’ve had. Roman and Greek antiquities and unearthed treasures from Pompeii and beyond fill the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums of its kind anywhere. There was nary another tourist in sight. Travelers who overlook this city deny themselves a full on Italian experience that engages and delights all of the senses.

Istanbul, Turkey – Suggested by Gabby Beckford at Packs Light

With the current state of the Middle East, most people are very wary to travel to that side of the world. However, despite the warnings from friends and family and despite the civil unrest happening there, I went to Istanbul anyway in June of 2015. I went with fears that I might have to escape to an embassy if the protests spread near me, or that a I would absentmindedly wear a tanktop and be chided for not wearing modest clothes. However, Istanbul proved to be a relaxing and beautiful city, in complete contrast to how the news portrays it.

Beautiful and lively, Istanbul was the perfect mix of European and Middle Eastern influence. And the people proved to be the most kind and respectful I’ve ever encounter: moreso than any European country I’ve been to. I visited the Sultan Ahmed Camii, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar and encountered no trouble at all. Tourists wore what I thought would’ve been immodest, and no one stared or even batted an eye. I used the metro and tram system and felt comfortable my entire stay, and blended right into the crowd. I saw no protests, felt no discrimination for being America, never felt in danger, and would go back in ten seconds if I could!

Bali – Suggested by Samantha at Travelling King

Bali is considered dangerous due to the 2002 Bali Bombings and the Bali 9, however resorts and companies have increased their security, including bomb checks under cars and bomb sniffing dogs.