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Traveling to the US can be a thrilling and eye-opening experience for foreigners. However, certain areas in this vast country can be dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
From sprawling metropolitan cities packed with activity to rural communities struggling with poverty, America is a land of contrasts, which makes it essential to know where not to go.
In this article, we will explore some of the most notorious places in America that you should avoid if you don’t want your vacation ruined!
With our insight into these dark corners of the US, you can make sure your travels remain safe as possible while still getting an enlightening travel experience.
#1. National Parks (Without Preparation)
Plenty of people abroad are interested in seeing the national parks.
Unfortunately, they’re often wildly unprepared.
While national parks themselves aren’t bad, always be prepared, pay attention to signs, and don’t engage with any animal or natural feature that hasn’t been deemed safe.
#2. Traveling via Greyhound
This isn’t a specific place, but a common thing that some foreigners will do while traveling.
Avoid Greyhound buses at all costs.
They’re less safe than one might think and are often a much slower way of getting to where you need to go.
#3. Hot and Arid Deserts
Deserts can be exciting to many who don’t live in America and who have seen photos.
But many people have come into southwestern deserts and have not survived to tell the tale.
Temperatures are often scorching, and those who don’t properly plan can lose their lives quickly if they’re not careful.
#4. Private Properties (Especially Southern States)
Southern states often have the small-town feel and charm many seek.
The problem?
They also have a ton of private property and relaxed gun laws.
If you ignore private property signs or don’t know where you are, it’s within the realm of possibility that you might end up harmed by a property owner who believes that they’re just protecting their home or land.
#5. Downtown Los Angeles at Night
Big cities are what often draw in tourists the most.
But that’s what typically makes them so dangerous.
You might be tempted to visit Downtown Los Angeles if you’re visiting California.
When all of the tourists are there, it’s typically safe.
But once it’s nighttime, it’s time for you to go back to your hotel.
There are also specific areas of LA to avoid, so make sure you do your research.
#6. Kensington, Philadelphia
Philadelphia, as a whole, isn’t the worst city to visit.
However, some areas are much worse than others.
One city that you should avoid at all costs is Kensington.
Kensington has an astonishingly high crime rate; even its residents don’t want to deal with it.
If you must pass through it, go quickly and don’t stop anywhere.
#7. Pueblo, Colorado
Pueblo, Colorado, isn’t too bad of an area, albeit a little run down.
So, why is it recommended as a place to avoid?
The answer lies in the tarantula migration.
Tarantulas start appearing around the end of August and flood the area through October, a sight that isn’t for the faint of heart.
If you do not like giant spiders, avoid Pueblo during this time.
#8. The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is seen as a place to be if you’re in California, but many locals warn against it.
You have a host of costumed people hounding you for money for photos, the streets aren’t well-kept, which means things look grimy, and it’s not as great as it’s made out to be.
There are plenty of other great places to be spending your time when you’re in California!
#9. The East Coast During Storm Seasons
The East Coast is truly a magic place.
The traditional seasons, the beautiful scenery, and the food are all things you can enjoy if you decide to visit a state on the East Coast.
The problem?
The East Coast is not where you want to be during the winter or when they expect storms.
Storms on the East Coast have become significantly more dangerous in recent years, which means that tourists will have to shelter in place and stay inside until it’s safe to go out again.
You don’t want to do this when you’re taking a vacation.
#10. Gary, Indiana
Gary, Indiana, isn’t as bad as it was, but it’s still not great.
Gary developed a reputation as a crime-ridden town in the 90s, which has dropped a bit but is still a significant concern for anyone planning to visit.
It’s also a major ghost town due to the industries it relied on leaving, so there’s not much to see if you stop there anyway.
#11. St. Louis, Missouri
When you think of places to avoid, what do you think about?
Some people might throw out the names of cities like Detroit.
But St. Louis, Missouri, is often what people believe Detroit to be.
St. Louis is ranked one of the most dangerous cities in America, and its crime rate makes it highly likely that you’ll become a victim of a crime while you’re there.
Avoid it at all costs.
#12. Camden, New Jersey
If you’re visiting New Jersey, you should also put Camden, another crime-ridden city, on your list.
The city has some excellent attractions, like the aquarium and an outdoor concert venue, that attract travelers to this city.
But there is a lot of crime in the city, and it’s easy to make one wrong turn, and suddenly, you are in a section of the city you don’t want to be in.
Because of this, it is better to avoid Camden.
#13. Large Chain Restaurants
Large chain restaurants can be compelling.
But one piece of advice that Americans have for travelers is to avoid large chain restaurants.
Sometimes, the local hole-in-the-wall will provide you with a much better experience.
#14. Area 51
Area 51 is well-known as a military base accused of housing aliens and alien material.
But that’s not why you should avoid it.
Area 51 is, after all, a military base.
It’s heavily guarded, and you will put yourself at legal and physical risk if you try to venture there.
#15. The South Side of Chicago
Chicago is a bustling city with a lot to offer, but not everywhere is safe for you to wander.
The South Side of Chicago is well-known for its high crime rates and impoverished neighborhood, which are best to avoid at all costs if you take a trip to the Windy City.
#16. Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton is New Jersey’s state capital, but it’s not somewhere you should go.
While it may have a few things to see, the city itself looks terrible, and many people are afraid to even stop at red lights at the risk of becoming a victim of a crime.
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This thread inspired this article.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
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