Perhaps what makes traveling so special is that everything tends to be in a state of flux. And this can be for a multitude of reasons, such as a former hidden gem now being overrun to saturation point, a formerly friendly people now becoming hostile, or worse still the visa regime no longer even supporting visitors.
So, it is with this multitude of factors taken in that I have decided to put together my list of the 11 countries, or places, that you should avoid traveling to, or at least making plans to visit. I will though be soon leveling up the playing field by introducing 11 hidden gems you need to visit in 2026.
Table of Contents
11 Places to Avoid Traveling to in 2026
The list is fully my own opinion and as always counts from 11–1, with the worst saved for last. I take zero responsibility if you are butt hurt about including your place in my avoid traveling-to list.
11) Avoid Visiting North Korea
OK, so I have to qualify this one. Basically I get enquiries about North Korea every day, but the sad fact is that not only is it closed, but it is unlikely to reopen this year. Do not overspend going to the Pyongyang Marathon with Koryo just to tick off a country.
10) Avoid Visiting Socotra
Socotra is sadly locked in a geopolitical struggle between Yemen, the UAE and Saudi, to such a degree that a group recently got stuck there. Essentially, wait for things to calm down, which could take a while.
9) Avoid Visiting Palawan
Up until last year I visited Palawan every year, but sadly every year it has gotten more developed and lost some of its charm. Currently I am looking for the “New Palawan”, but until it is found, avoid visiting.
8) Avoid Visiting Hong Kong
I used to absolutely love Hong Kong, but where it used to be “the future” it is now fast becoming the past. This means that the previous cockiness that seemed endearing now just comes across as being assholes. And no, it is not all China’s fault.
7) Avoid Visiting Fiji
Another one of those countries that just comes across as being really fake. Not as friendly as it is made out to be and really a place in decline. Suva, for example, is really dangerous, but without the charm of Port Moresby.
6) Avoid Visiting Brunei
When I say you should avoid visiting Brunei I feel a bit bad as the people are really nice and indeed it is very safe. It is also the single most boring country on earth.
5) Avoid Visiting Sudan
OK, so again I will qualify this. If Sudan finds peace and reopens to tourism, you should visit. As things stand though it is only Port Sudan that is open, which is not great. Don’t just tick it off as a country collector, see the real Sudan.
4) Avoid Visiting Bali
OK, so I write this whilst in Bali, and indeed I will come again for work, but this place is so fake, pretentious and over-visited and hyped. I despise when people visit Bali and then finish with Indonesia. Indonesia is HUGE and there is so much more to see here.
3) Do Not Visit Haiti
Haiti is by far my least favorite country in the world to visit and right now it is the very definition of a failed state. Still possible to tick off via Cap-Haïtien, but again this, like Port Sudan, is the pussy way out. Simply bide your time and wait to do it properly.
2) Do Not Visit Thailand in 2026
Thailand I hear you scream? Yes, that Thailand, the same Thailand that keeps turning away people at the border and deporting them as far afield as the UK. How long do tourists have to keep giving bail they appreciate it? And honestly Cambodia is just next door and by far a superior product. Don’t say you have not been warned! Avoid visiting Thailand at all costs.
1) Do Not Visit the USA in 2026
The USA? Controversial, well not really. They have now essentially banned people from 75 countries from visiting, as well as introducing draconian new measures for the rest of us. Of course, that is while ignoring that those of us who have been to Iraq et al already have to get a visa. The World Cup looks like it will be a disaster and if I’m truly honest I think the FIFA Peace Prize might have lost some credibility.
So, there you have it! Eleven places to avoid traveling to in 2026, the list no one asked for, nor dare I say needed.
Bonus Round – Israel and Palestine…
Yeah I’m not even gonna go there…
Check out my International Tours with YPT, which include some of these places.
