Make no mistake about it, their are some dangerous places out there. It is exacerbated by poverty,corruption and tourists (even backpackers) strolling around town with a ton of travel money in a pouch around their neck. Crime can happen in the safest places (Scandinavia), however there are places where even the seasoned traveller should not dare leave the hotel/hostel at night. In general most of Africa is safer than it’s reputation, while parts of Central America get my nod as most dangerous in the world. Otherwise you have your collection of failed states (Somalia) and religious extremism (most countries that end in stan) to avoid.

Buses at a bus station in El Savador
In Central America, there are plenty of contenders: Colon Panama, Tegucigalpa Honduras, Belize City Belize, however the winner is San Salvador, El Salvador. Our hostel had the most barb wire and caged steel I had ever seen. We were repeatedly warned not to leave at night. Through the double alarm steel doors and barb wire surrounding the hostel, we were offered an armed escort of a local, who was previously convicted of murder in California, so we could go to the entertainment district at night.
I am sure it must be better now? I hope so.
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