Insurers have determined that in Thailand, tourists most often suffer from food poisoning, get into accidents, and lose their belongings. Traffic in this country is left-hand, which in itself is a source of danger for our compatriots. Moreover, almost complete disregard for traffic rules, especially by bikers, of whom there are more than 12 million, creates chaos on the roads. According to statistics, over 17,000 people die annually in accidents in this country, mainly due to motorcyclists, drunk drivers, and speeding. To top it all off, Thailand has seen an increase in terrorist attacks and sex crimes.
Caribbean countries are contraindicated for those who suffer from allergies, especially to insect bites. In this region there are many varieties of poisonous crawling and flying creatures with chitinous shells. It is also where the highest number (over 3,000) of attacks by predatory marine inhabitants on swimmers and divers was recorded.
Travelers to South Africa face the risk of contracting malaria or parasites that enter the body when swimming in local fresh waters. In addition to natural hazards, tourists in these countries also face robbery or loss of property: the crime situation in the region leaves much to be desired, so traveling alone is strongly discouraged.
In prosperous Europe, Austria stands out, where the maximum number of injuries at ski resorts was recorded. However, other European countries are models of calm and reliability. The safest are considered Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. And Ireland turned out to be the leader.
However, in the Czech Republic, which recently joined the EU, things are not so good. This country is a leader in the number of pickpocketing thefts. Moreover, for the past two summer seasons, travel agencies are recommended to inform tourists about the danger of contracting tick-borne encephalitis. An increase in incidence has been noted in recent years both among the local population and among visitors. This is especially relevant due to the opening of new forest tourism routes.
In recent years, Egypt has become notorious for a huge number of traffic accidents involving tourist buses, in which dozens of travelers died. Divers also quite often suffer at Egyptian resorts. In Turkey, besides the high chance of being involved in a traffic accident, another danger awaits tourists. The probability of contracting an upset stomach, according to various estimates, ranges from 20% to 40%.
In China, tourists are at risk when consuming poorly or improperly prepared seafood. Infection with so-called "Guangzhou roundworms" is quite possible here. It occurs when consuming raw seafood and exotic creatures. Raw mollusks, some species of fish, shrimp, crabs, frogs, and snakes are especially dangerous. Most often, the worms cause inflammation of the brain, leading to dementia, sometimes death. The Chinese also love to profit from tourists who do not know local prices, and in the Celestial Empire this deception is so widespread that it is almost an element of the industry.
Russia is no less dangerous for tourists. Especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the harsh reality of Russian life and provincial hotels. Train stations and the subway are places where a tourist can easily lose a wallet, passport, or camera. Transport traditionally does not arrive on time, so sometimes you can miss a plane. In general, there are plenty of inconveniences.
Olga KOTOVA.
Turist.ru