What attracts terrorists?
Terrorism and travel have, sadly, become topics that many of us now consider in tandem when we do our trip planning. We may not like to admit to ourselves that terrorists scare us away from travel destinations we would like to visit. And we all know that terrorists could theoretically strike anywhere at any time. But there are places that have not been hit and are unlikely terrorism targets but are fascinating travel destinations.
How do terrorists choose where to attack? Forgive our language but terrorists are attention whores. They crave extensive press coverage. Sometimes their goal is to exert their disgusting ideology to socially disrupt countries they deem as enemies (places where people aren’t cool with public beheadings for instance). They also attack to make governments they scorn look weak.
So how did we choose the destinations on this list? They are places that have probably never pissed off an Islamist (or other terrorist group of your choice) extremist anywhere. These destinations are not political or social threats that keep ISIS awake at night. ISIS most likely does not even know some of these places exist.
These destinations do not have natural resources, money or political power that would benefit terrorists. Their press (if they even really have one) would not get global attention. And some of the destinations are cold. When was the last time you saw a terrorist in a down parka?
What destinations are fun but not attractive to terrorists?
Terrorism and travel don’t go together in Cuba
Cuba is open to tourists and thrilled to have them. If you’re American you need to go on a person-to-person trip or else figure it out on your own using some of the fairly loosey goosey visa options available. Take your choice but it’s easiest to do the person-to-person route as there just isn’t the infrastructure yet to make it easy to book and organize independent travel in Cuba. There are cruises that stop at Cuba now, photo-oriented or language learning trips and other fun options that didn’t used to exist. Plus it’s nice and warm in case you’re somewhere cold and want a change of temperature.
Patagonia
Patagonia, both in Argentina and Chile, has many appealing options for travelers. You can take a cruise along the coast as we did. You can go inland to rustic or luxurious accommodations. There are mountains and glaciers to trek, barbecued lamb to eat, robust wines to drink, horses to ride, clean air, blue skies and nice people.Patagonia is truly a unique and under-experienced part of the world.
And, by the way, this is the warmest and best time of year to go there. If you want to go, get in touch with our BFFs at SwoopPatagonia and they will make it all happen.
You won’t find terrorim if you travel in Iceland
Once again a country with beautiful scenery, friendly and very attractive English-speaking people. There is nature to enjoy, wonderful food in Reykjavik and Akureyri, a whole country with a good sense of humor and a great music scene. This is the time of year to go and hope to see the Northern Lights. Summer is wonderful as you can have nearly 24 hours of daylight and can sightsee yourself into exhaustion.
Iceland’s main religion seems to be a charming belief in elves (honestly) which is an unusual “ideology” but would probably be a brain stumper for terrorists.
Antarctica
Blonde has been trying to get to Antarctica and indeed got as far as Buenos Aires before her cruise was cancelled. She isn’t yearning to go there specifically to avoid terrorists but is happy to be confident they won’t be going there. For one thing there isn’t a government. There is a treaty that some countries acknowledge and others don’t but mostly it’s research stations and nature. Otherwise it’s very cold, inhospitable weather and amazingly beautiful nature.
Unless terrorists suddenly need to load up on penguins or export icebergs, what would they do in Antarctica? Plus most terrorists seem to be desert dudes and dudettes, not sailors who could survive Drake’s Passage. The idea of a seasick terrorist is entertaining but unlikely.
Exuma in The Bahamas
Have you seen pictures of the adorable swimming pigs of Exuma? Many so-called “religious” terrorists don’t eat ham and probably also don’t swim with pigs – if at all.
How often do you hear people murmuring about overthrowing the government of Exuma? Do they have an equivalent of Donald Trump on the news every night? (Other than the pigs.) Do they even have news?
They do have beautiful beaches, high-end accommodations, and a laid-back atmosphere. You can snorkel or dive or just go out on a boat for the fun of it. None of those are terrorist-attracting features.
Go have fun – it’s actually a great form of revenge against terrorists!
Whatever you do, don’t let terrorism end your travels. You might want to cancel your trip to Yemen but there are many places you can go and not give a thought to terrorists.
So go to some of them and have fun as a great way of giving the finger of freedom to terrorists.