If terrorist activity, earthquakes, military conflict and the chance of a kidnapping is your kind of holiday destination RALPH lists places you’d be mad to visit.
GAZA STRIP
Location: Middle East
Population: 1.5 million
Tourist attractions:
Sorry, got nothing.
Tourist detractions:
Strip club: Actually, there isn’t a stripper for miles. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says, “We strongly advise you not to travel to the Gaza Strip because of the possibility of civil unrest and military conflict.” We think possibility is a typo — it should say probability.
Rocket and roll: Terrorist activity is common in and around Gaza, especially on religious and national holidays. If you’re stranded there during an attack, don’t even bother with a bulletproof vest — they’re no match for missiles and grenades.
Natural disasters: If the rockets don’t get you, the earthquakes and sandstorms will. There’s also kidnapping. Last year, a British journo was released after being held captive for 114 days.
Fun police: Taking photos of cops, soldiers and the buildings they operate out of is illegal. Public drunkenness earns you a week in the slammer. And unmarried couples can’t share accommodation.
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA
Location: Africa
Population: From 1.5-3 million
Tourist attractions:Visit your favourite locations from Black Hawk Down.
Tourist detractions:Keep out: The top humanitarian organisations agree that the Somali capital is too dangerous — even for aid workers. Ordinary folk, unless armed to the teeth, have virtually no chance.
Bloody war: The place is so dangerous because of ongoing internal conflict, which has left thousands dead and drives 20,000 people from their homes each month.
Operation hopeless: Up until 1988, Mogadishu was pretty stable. But after rebel forces stormed the city in 1990, the government fell and the President was sent packing by various militias. The Seppos and the UN stepped in and in 1992, the harebrained Operation Restore Hope began. After restoring shit all, the peacekeeping troops left in 1995.
Sea patrol: The lack of government means Mogadishu is one of the world’s most lawless cities. The water surrounding it is no safer, with the coast a haven for pirates with guns and machetes.
Which place in Australia do you think you’d be mad to visit? Have your say and enter your comments below.
