The world's most controversial travel destinations: should you go?

The world's most controversial travel destinations: should you go?

We look at some of the world's most controversial destinations that continue to draw the crowds

Should we go or not?

There are some destinations that, no matter how perfect their landscapes or how historic their ancient lands, will always provoke a strong reaction in travel circles. Whether for political, geographical or social reasons, opinions on the world's most controversial travel destinations are likely to be divided for a very long time.

Below we look at some of the most controversial and contentious destinations that, rightly or wrongly, attract the tourist crowds year after year.

Marrakech, Morocco

“Fuck yourself,” the man with the monkey hissed at me, “and fuck your mother too.”

We had just arrived in Marrakesh and started walking around the central square when a man with a chained monkey came up to us and asked for money for a photo. We didn't really want a photo of a chained monkey, so we politely declined to elicit the above reaction. Charming.

You could say that this is an isolated case, but I'm not the only one who finds Marrakech a bit aggressive and soulless: just ask your friends who have been there, read the opinions of travel journalists or do a quick Google search. Some will share equally confrontational experiences with Marrakesh's traders, while others will extol their virtues.

I should say that Morocco as a country is not that divisive. Personally, I loved my time in Essaouira, Merzouga and the rest of the southeastern desert. My belief and the general consensus online is that Marrakesh does not reflect the rest of Morocco.

Israel

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Israel is the embodiment of controversy and continues to be one of the most controversial travel destinations in the world. Let's avoid a history lesson here and assume that most people will know the basics when it comes to the Middle East debate and Israel's involvement. Very few can remain neutral about Israel's somewhat questionable, if not downright aggressive, foreign policy.

It's probably safe to assume that most of Israel's immediate neighbors aren't keen on the place as a holiday destination. However, Europe and the rest of the world are more divided.

Over three million tourists visit Israel every year, with Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eliat among the most popular destinations. Some will find this difficult to digest since Israel has violently occupied land in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Palestine.

Vietnam

I've never been to Vietnam and wasn't aware of how controversial it is among travelers. After reading travel blogger Nomadic Matt's article and the 300 (and counting) comments that follow, I can understand why it might be tiring or even annoying for some visitors - especially Americans.

Matt makes a compelling argument, explaining that he has struggled with hostility when it comes to paying for services and goods. He suggests this could be due to the difference between luxury and backpackers:

"Vietnamese people are taught that all their problems are caused by the West, especially France and the US, and that Westerners 'owe' Vietnamese people. They expect Westerners to spend money in Vietnam, and when they see travelers trying to pinch a dime, they become angry and therefore look down on backpackers and treat them badly."

If you have deep pockets, you might have a great time...

Thailand

alt="dividing travel destinations">Atlas & Boots

Too touristy? Too shabby? Too loud? Too many hippies trying to find Alex Garland Beach? Too many white guys in their 50s with Thai girls in their 20s?

Thailand is probably to blame for all of this, and I have to admit that I didn't fall in love with the country when I visited in 2011. I enjoyed Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia and Malaysia much more than Thailand.

Thailand is a great country with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, but years of pandering to hordes of “self-seeking” tourists have taken their toll on the country’s locals, as well as its outlook as a whole.

Dubai (and Las Vegas!)

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These two cities rise from the desert on opposite sides of the world. Each comes from a very different cultural background with a similar end result.

Completely unnatural, completely incongruous with their surroundings, they are arguably two of the most debauched cities in the world, indulging in excessive indulgence, be it gambling or simply self-indulgent consumption.

However, both of these cities have impressive skylines and what they lack in culture and history, they make up for in pure entertainment. Plus, they're making history whether you like it or not.

Mt Everest, Nepal

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Over 8,000 people have climbed Mt. Everest since Sir Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first climbed the mountain in 1953.

Is it environmentally friendly that so many descend (climb?) the mountain every year and leave their trash, trash and deceased on the mountainside? By the way, is it ethical to have another 16 deaths in 2014?

Recently, rumors of overcrowding, dangerous "traffic jams" at 8,000 meters, excessive littering and massive brawls at base camp have made headlines.

In any case, I would like to add myself to the list of summiteers - does that make me a bad person?

Saudi Arabia

In 2012, over three million Muslims made the pilgrimage, or Hajj, to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This was a record year and the numbers have been rising steadily for decades, with well over two million expected each year. The Hajj itself is not the controversy here; it is Saudi Arabia's terrible human rights record.

Corporal punishment is still widespread and includes flogging and amputations for "crimes" such as adultery as well as sexual deviance and robbery. The death penalty is imposed and can be carried out by beheading with a sword, stoning or shooting followed by crucifixion.

Women are discriminated against in almost all areas of life, religious freedom is non-existent, political freedom is non-existent, and God help you if you are gay!

Granted, it is not a traditional tourist destination, but the fact remains that millions visit it despite its many vagabonds, some of whom certainly undermine the teachings of Islam.

Any others?

The list of disputed countries could go on and on.

After years in darkness, Burma is finally working its way into the light thanks to Aung San Suu Kyi, but still manages to divide opinion after years under a military junta. If you're an American, Cuba could well be on this list. If not, then you've probably emerged from the Cold War with the rest of the world.

And what about the world's superpower destinations? China executes thousands of its own people every year, and the US has the highest gun ownership rate in the world (a staggering 88 per 100 people), not to mention its own penchant for the death penalty. Both are arguably among the most controversial travel destinations in the world and yet still attract hordes of tourists year after year.

Main image asiapundits.com

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