Most Popular Travel-safety articles

Most Popular Travel-safety articleshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/Contents/Item/Display/301180Most Popular Travel-safety articleshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/colombia/beware-the-dangers-of-bogotaHow safe is Bogota for tourists? From choosing safe accommodation to transport options, here's what you should know.2026-07-14T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/colombia/beware-the-dangers-of-bogotahttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="callout purple"> At a Glance <ul> <li>Safety in Colombia varies significantly by region, from high-risk areas to tourist-friendly cities like Bogotá</li> <li>Bogotá is generally safe and popular with travelers, but awareness is important</li> <li>Travelers should keep a low profile and avoid displaying valuables</li> <li>Using trusted transport, staying in safe neighborhoods, and watching for scams helps reduce risk</li> </ul> </div> Colombia was long viewed as highly dangerous for tourists, due both to a decades-long <a href="https://nacla.org/violence-colombia-timeline/">civil war,</a> and the brutal violence of infamous drug kingpins like Pablo Escobar. Fortunately, conditions in this South American nation have improved over the past decade thanks to more forceful policing of drug trafficking, and a 2016 peace deal between the Colombian government and the country’s main guerilla army. That is not to say Colombia is now a stable nation, as it still has ongoing issues with guerrilla warfare and remains a <a href="https://www.thedial.world/articles/news/issue-14/colombia-drug-trade-cocaine-legalization">hub</a> of global cocaine production. But Colombia’s reputation for traveler safety has improved so greatly that it’s become one of South America’s most-visited nations, receiving more than <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/colombia-tourism-with-purpose-world-biodiversity/">6 million</a> tourists in 2025. Here’s your guide to safely enjoying this beautiful, diverse country. <h2>Does Bogota deserve its reputation as a dangerous city?</h2> Colombia’s capital, Bogota, is a gigantic city of about 12 million people perched at an altitude of 2,600m, high in the Andes Mountains. Fortunately, for residents and tourists, Bogota is 350km from the border with Venezuela, along which terrorism, narco-violence, and human trafficking is rife. This complex situation is highlighted by the <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/colombia">Australian Government’s travel advisories</a> for Colombia. While it ranks multiple parts of Colombia at level 4 – which means Do Not Travel – Bogota is only rated at level 2, which indicates it is relatively safe for visiting. However, Bogota still poses many risks to tourists, such as: <ul> <li>Fake taxis that are used to perform kidnappings, theft or robberies against unsuspecting foreigners.</li> <li>Drinks being spiked with a drug that essentially turns the victim into a compliant zombie, who will blindly follow instructions.</li> <li>Robberies by night and pickpocketing by day in busy areas of Bogota’s chief tourist precinct, La Candelaria.</li> </ul> <h2>How to avoid being conspicuous</h2> One of the riskiest things a tourist can do in Bogota is to stand out from the crowd. While most travelers will avoid a city’s most dangerous neighbourhood or walking alone at night, many seem unaware their conspicuous clothing and behaviour can attract the attention of street criminals. Here’s five tips for remaining more anonymous in Bogota: <ul> <li>Avoid wearing clothes that are blatantly touristy: bright colours, brash patterns, or emblazoned with the names of foreign places like “Harvard” or “London”. Instead, blend into the crowd by wearing plain clothes in muted colours.</li> <li>If using an ATM, or changing money at a currency exchange, make sure to quickly and subtly put all your currency in your wallet or purse, and tuck that in a safe spot, before you begin walking away. Bogota pickpockets are known to linger at such sites.</li> <li>Reconsider your need to carry a selfie stick. No item screams “tourist” louder than this long, obtrusive photography tool. Instead, just do standard selfies, which are much quicker and more discrete.</li> <li>In public, keep your valuables out of view whenever possible. Put your camera back in its bag once you finish shooting images, and don’t carry your phone in your hand when not using it.</li> </ul> <h2>Bogota nightlife</h2> Bogota is a city that dances and drinks deep into the evening. But while enjoying its wonderful nightlife, tourists need to take heed of the following risks. <ul> <li>Bogota is infamous for drink spiking incidents involving a terrifying drug called <a href="https://www.drugs.com/illicit/devils-breath.html">scopolamine</a>, which is very difficult to detect due to being flavourless and odourless. This substance puts victims into a waking, yet zombie-like state, during which criminals can easily get them to withdraw money from ATMs, or sexually assault them.</li> <li>Bars and nightclubs in Bogota are known for having no-nonsense security guards, who have a short fuse when it comes to drunken or disrespectful behaviour. Tourists who misbehave in these venues may face swift, violent action.</li> <li>Solo female travelers are discouraged from partying alone in Bogota, due to the risk of drink spiking, in particular.</li> </ul> <h2>Kidnapping is a threat</h2> Express kidnappings are widespread in Colombia, according to the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/colombia/safety-and-security">UK Government</a>, which advises its citizens to be wary of these brief, opportunistic abductions. It warns foreigners are key targets of these kidnappings, which typically occur late at night, and involve a criminal posing as a taxi driver. This person threatens their passenger with violence if they don’t either send them money online immediately, or accompany them to an ATM to make a large withdrawal. Although they normally release the abducted person soon after, <a href="https://thebogotapost.com/paseo-millionario-dont-be-taken-for-a-ride/54575/">sometimes</a> the victim is beaten or murdered. Guerrilla soldiers and drug gangs also carry out many kidnappings in Colombia, but they tend to abduct wealthy locals more often than tourists. <h2>Which forms of transport are trustworthy?</h2> Picking the correct form of transport is one of the key ways to boost your safety while traveling in Bogota. The <a href="https://co.usembassy.gov/travel-advisory-colombia-march-2026/">US Government</a> bans its staff based in Colombia from riding motorcycles, hailing taxis on the street, or using any form of public transport. Here’s the lowdown on taxis, rideshares, buses and trains: <ul> <li>Given the aforementioned scourge of fake taxi kidnappings, it is advisable not to hop into a random taxi on the street.</li> <li>Instead, use a ride sharing or taxi app, like Uber, Cabify, or DiDi. This offers you far greater safety, because the app lets you track your location, and discloses the identity of your driver. If you’re uncertain which app to use, get advice from the front desk staff at your hotel.</li> <li>Bogota’s extensive <a href="https://ppp.worldbank.org/transportation/transmilenio-bus-rapid-transit-project-bogota-colombia">Bus Rapid Transit</a> system is hit or miss. Safety is reasonable on board the buses, but its stations are known to be laden with pickpockets and robbers.</li> <li><a href="https://turistren.com.co/">Tren Turistico</a> is a tourist sightseeing train that departs several times a week from Bogota, doing a scenic round trip into the surrounding countryside. It has a good level of security, with few crimes reported on board.</li> </ul> <h2>Should you consider travel insurance when visiting Bogota?</h2> Travel insurance may be something to consider when visiting Bogota. While taking precautions can help reduce risks, unexpected situations such as medical issues or theft may still occur. Having a policy in place may help travelers manage some of the financial and logistical challenges that can arise while abroad, and the emergency assistance line may help ease the mind when dealing with a problem. As with any insurance, coverage and benefits vary, so it’s important to review the details carefully to understand what may be included before you travel. *Travel insurance coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverageiStock/ChandraDhas 0486836024 iStock Barrio de Usaquen viewed from La Calera, Bogota

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/ecuador/galapagos-islands-safety-guideOne of the greatest natural wonders on the planet, the Galapagos is a must see for any traveller to Ecuador. Here's how to enjoy the natural beauty safely.2026-07-14T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/ecuador/galapagos-islands-safety-guidehttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="callout purple"> At a glance <ul> <li>The Galapagos Islands are generally considered safe, with low crime and minimal natural disaster risk</li> <li>Travelers should still take precautions on mainland Ecuador, including avoiding street crime and scams</li> <li>On the islands, be mindful of changing weather conditions, especially during the wet season</li> <li>Exercise caution around wildlife and follow safety guidelines when on boats</li> </ul> </div> Dubbed a “living museum”, the Galapagos Islands are one of our planet’s most unique and important wildlife sanctuaries. This group of 13 main islands – 600 miles to the east of Ecuador’s mainland – is so biodiverse that a visit to its shores in 1835 shaped Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking research on evolution. Tourism to this archipelago is tightly controlled, due to its status as a both a protected marine park and a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1/">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>. Here’s what you need to know to avoid danger while visiting this natural wonder. <h2>Safety on mainland Ecuador</h2> Unless they visit the Galapagos Islands on a large cruise ship, most travelers reach this archipelago by flying into the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, before taking a flight or a boat to Galapagos. Safety varies greatly across Ecuador. The <a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/ecuador.html">US</a> and <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/ecuador">Australian</a> Governments recommend its citizens avoid the country’s far north, where kidnappings and violence are rife. But Quito is a relatively safe destination, especially if you follow these tips: <ul> <li>While in Quito, steer clear of certain troubled areas. Avoid the hiking trails between the <a href="https://teleferico.com.ec/home/">Quito cable car</a> and Rucu Pichincha volcano, where tourists have been robbed. Pickpockets and thieves also commonly target foreigners in Quito at La Carolina park, El Ejido park, La Mariscal, and La Marin.</li> <li>Tourists must be careful when using ATMs, which can be fitted with card skimming devices, and are also spots where thieves linger. The solution: always use an ATM located inside a bank in Quito.</li> <li>Lastly, only use the official yellow taxis, as unofficial taxis cruise around looking for victims to scam or rob.</li> </ul> <h2>Boat safety is paramount</h2> Tour and transport operators in the Galapagos often don’t uphold safety or maintenance standards, warn both the US and Australian Governments, in their travel advisories about this archipelago. As a result, it is recommended tourists take the following precautions: <ul> <li>Choose your tour operator carefully. Before you book with them, request evidence of their safety equipment and procedures to assess how reliable they are. Above all, make sure any boat you board has sufficient life jackets.</li> <li>Do not get seduced by cheap prices: Budget tour and transport operators tend to cut corners with safety and maintenance to keep their expenses low.</li> <li>Ensure your travel insurance covers you for boat trips, and also for any adventure activities you may wish to do in the Galapagos: diving, snorkelling, hiking, mountain biking.</li> </ul> <h2>Why Consider Travel Insurance</h2> As aforementioned, you may want to get travel insurance that will cover you for any activity you may wish to join on the Galapagos. Especially those which are inherently risky, like diving and snorkelling. Here’s three things to bear in mind in regards to insurance and medical treatment: <ul> <li>The Galapagos Islands have limited medical facilities, and if you aren’t insured, its hospitals and medical clinics can be very expensive.</li> <li>Any significant injuries or medical issues will need to be dealt with at one of the larger hospitals back on mainland Ecuador. That will require being flown more than 700 miles back to the cities of Quito or If you aren’t insured, this process could be quite costly.</li> <li>You may or may not need to head back to the mainland if you have a mishap while scuba diving. One of the most common problems people experience while diving if ascending too quickly from deep waters, which causes a range of health issues and requires immediate treatment in a decompression chamber. These chambers are available on the Galapagos Islands at the towns of Puerto Ayora and Santa Cruz.</li> </ul> *Travel insurance coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage <h2>Safety around animals</h2> Wildlife is the calling card of the <a href="https://www.galapagos.org/about_galapagos/biodiversity/">Galapagos Islands</a>, which are among the world’s most biodiverse locations, teeming with unique creatures. About 97% of its reptiles and land mammals, and about 80% of its land birds, do not exist anywhere else on this planet. Here’s what to know about staying safe in their presence: <ul> <li>While none of these animals are inherently dangerous to humans, tourists need to know how to behave respectfully and safely around the islands’ famous penguins, iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, and giant tortoises.</li> <li>When diving, snorkelling or walking on land be wary of sea lions, which can become aggressive if you get too close to their children or harem of breeding partners.</li> <li>In the ocean, always wear strong reef shoes to protect your feet from being cut by coral or poisoned by the spikes of stonefish.</li> <li>Bleeding while diving or snorkelling is dangerous, as it can attract sharks, many different species of which prowl the ocean waters surround Galapagos.</li> <li>Whether on land or in water, avoid touching any creatures. Not only could they react aggressively, and bite or sting you, but you may disturb them emotionally and even potentially make them ill from your foreign bacteria.</li> </ul> <h2>Best time of year to visit</h2> Because of the unpredictable weather during the June to December wet season, it is advisable to visit the Galapagos Islands between May and November, when it is drier and cooler. Here’s several things to know about how the seasons affect tourism on this archipelago: <ul> <li>Many tours still operate during the wet season, but your experience can be marred by rough seas, which hinder diving and snorkelling, and rain storms, which affect land activities like hiking and cycling.</li> <li>Fortunately, the iconic wildlife of this archipelago are busy and visible for most of the year. So you’ll be likely to catch a peek at giant tortoises, Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, sea lions and lava lizards.</li> <li>February is a particularly popular month for tourism on the Galapagos Islands, as that’s when colonies of <a href="https://www.galapagosislands.com/travel/tips/when-to-go.html">penguins</a> return to the archipelago.</li> </ul>iStock/DC_Colombia 0470028282 iStock View from Bartolome Island

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/turkey/how-strict-is-islam-in-turkeyTurkey is a predominantly Muslim country, but how strict is the adherence to Islam, and is there a need to modify your behavior?2026-07-09T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/turkey/how-strict-is-islam-in-turkeyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="callout purple"> At a Glance:  <ul> <li>2026 data from World Population Review shows that 94.5% of Turkey’s population is Muslim.</li> <li>The most prevalent form of Islam practiced in Turkey is Sunni Islam. </li> <li>The call to prayer happens five times each day in Turkey.</li> <li>Ramadan is called Ramazan in Turkey, and it is a month-long period of fasting that Muslims observe each year. </li> <li>Mosques are open to all visitors in Turkey, except during prayer times. </li> <li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/turkey.html?nb_mobile_app=1">US State Department Travel Advisory for Turkey</a> (as of July 2026): Level 4 in the border region with Syria and Iraq and Level 2 for the rest of the country due to terrorism, armed conflict, and arbitrary detentions </li> </ul> </div> Due in part to how Western media portrays Muslim countries, some travelers may have concerns about visiting Turkey.  In reality, Islam shapes travelers’ experiences in overwhelmingly positive ways — through the indelible impressions it has left on everything from Turkish foodways to the country’s iconic architecture.  Islam in Turkey dates back to the 8th century, when Turkic tribes fought alongside Arab Muslims against Chinese forces at the Battle of Talas in 751 A.D. Spurred by the influence of ruling dynasties, many people converted to Islam over the next few centuries. Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 as a distinctly secular republic — a key difference between Turkey and countries such as Saudi Arabia or Pakistan — but Islam remains inextricably intertwined with Turkish culture.  Turkish children are designated Muslim at birth unless their parents are affiliated with another religion, and according to 2026 data from World Population Review, 94.5% of Turkey's population is Muslim. However, there is diversity in how individuals and families observce Islam. Regardless of where they personally fall on the spectrum, Turkish people tend to approach religion with respect and decorum. We spoke with Fatih Özkan, from the Süleymaniye Mosque Cultural Info Center, about what you should keep in mind while traveling in Turkey so you can do the same. <ul> <li><a href="#muslim-practices-in-turkey">Muslim practices in Turkey</a></li> <li><a href="#call-to-prayer-in-turkey">Call to prayer in Turkey</a></li> <li><a href="#ramadan">Ramadan</a></li> <li><a href="#visiting-a-mosque-in-turkey">Visiting a mosque in Turkey</a></li> <li><a href="#eating-and-drinking-in turkey">Eating and drinking in Turkey</a></li> <li><a href="#other-public-behavior-to-avoid-in-Turkey">Other public behavior to avoid in Turkey</a></li> <li><a href="#religious-extremism-in-turkey">Religious extremism in Turkey</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="muslim-practices-in-turkey">Muslim practices in Turkey</h2> The most prevalent form of Islam practiced in Turkey is Sunni Islam — another departure from neighboring countries where most people adhere to Shia Islam. Turkey is also known for its Sufi community, an Islamic mystic tradition associated with the city of Konya and the poet Rumi.  Devotees, known in the West as “whirling dervishes” use a spinning movement to deepen their spiritual connection. Some groups provide demonstrations where visitors can observe this tradition in person.  It’s good to know the roots of religious traditions but, ultimately, Özkan cautions against putting too much emphasis on the different titles and sects of Islam, which the Prophet Mohammed never mentioned and are not in the Koran.  <h2 id="call-to-prayer-in-turkey">Call to prayer in Turkey</h2> One way that observant Muslims show their devotion is by praying throughout the day.  In every Turkish city, the call to prayer reverberates from mosque speakers five times daily, announcing central tenets of the Islamic faith and reminding Muslims to pray. The first one takes place before sunrise and admonishes the faithful to remember that “prayer is better than sleep.”  When they hear the call, practicing Muslims stop what they’re doing, kneel facing Mecca, and pray. Non-Muslims are not expected to partake in this, but there is some etiquette you should practice when you encounter others who do:  <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Avoid standing in front of anyone who is praying. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Stay silent during the call. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Give worshippers their space and refrain from taking pictures of them.</li> </ul> <h2 id="ramadan">Ramadan</h2> Ramadan, called Ramazan in Turkey, is a <a href="/explore/worldwide/traveling-muslim-countries-ramadan">month-long period of fasting</a> that Muslims around the world observe each year (the actual dates vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar). Participants eschew food and beverages — this includes water — from sunrise to sunset, breaking their daily fast <a href="/stories/connection/breaking-fast">with a celebratory meal</a>, or iftar. Taking part in the fast “is a kind of praying,” explains Özkan, and people who do are intentionally “kind of starving” as a way to build empathy. “They are trying to understand what poor people feel. Otherwise, how can we understand that?” No one expects visiting foreigners to fast – many Turks don’t. But if, during Ramadan, you happen to be traveling in any Muslim country — or even a predominantly Muslim community or neighborhood — you can be courteous by not eating and drinking in public during the day. Opt for indoor seating in restaurants and if you need water, sip it discreetly. At sunset, head to restaurants to sample special bread, dates, and other delicacies that are traditionally served at the meal. <h2 id="visiting-a-mosque-in-turkey">Visiting a mosque in Turkey</h2> Visiting a mosque is one of the best ways to learn about Muslim culture and experience unparalleled examples of Islamic architecture and design, which is typified by jewel tones, gold embellishment, and constellations of geometric patterns. Many historic mosques, including the Süleymaniye Mosque where Özkan works, are part of larger complexes that once included schools, cemeteries, and shops.  Mosques are open to all visitors except during prayer times. (Non-Turkish Muslim travelers are always free to join in prayers, says Özkan.) You can also engage registered guides for an educational tour of mosques like Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Blue Mosque, and Kariye Mosque.  The Süleymaniye Mosque Cultural Info Center offers 20-minute presentations about Turkish culture, with complimentary tea or Turkish coffee — and sometimes even soup and baklava, says Özkan. The center’s volunteers are also available inside the mosque to answer questions about the history and architecture of this striking space. When entering a mosque, both men and women need to have their legs covered and shoes removed. Women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf. (Don’t worry if you forget; most mosques have scarves you can borrow.)  Note that many Muslims come to mosques to pray or read the Koran or just relax in a sacred space even outside scheduled prayer times. <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/respectful-travel">Respect them</a> by refraining from public displays of affection, taking pictures of them, or engaging in disruptive and loud behavior. <h2 id="eating-and-drinking-in turkey">Eating and drinking in Turkey</h2> Islam does have some guidelines for food and drink, but they are unlikely to affect travelers, particularly in major cities like Istanbul.  Pork is not widely available and very few restaurants serve it. Alcohol, on the other hand, is, even though Islam technically prohibits intoxicants.  That being said, Özkan suggests having “clear limits” when you are drinking in public. Keep it close to your hotel if you can and understand that no one really wants to deal with drunk, rowdy foreigners.  <h2 id="other-public-behavior-to-avoid-in-Turkey">Other public behavior to avoid in Turkey</h2> In addition to public drunkenness, public displays of affection are not customary in Turkey. While kissing both cheeks is a typical greeting, kissing on the mouth is considered private.  “Muslims in Turkey and generally [in the] Islamic world, they keep these touches [and] physical things in their houses,” says Özkan.  Some Turkish women also tend to dress more modestly than their Western counterparts, particularly in conservative communities like Fatih or Uskudar in Istanbul or smaller towns and villages. That being said, Özkan believes that men should refrain from staring at women — something male travelers should also keep in mind during their time in Turkey. “Allah created us and… we have a freedom” of behavior, he says, but “that free will brings us responsibility.” <h2 id="religious-extremism-in-turkey">Religious extremism in Turkey</h2> Just because a community is conservative doesn’t mean it is a hotbed of religious or political extremism — or a threat to your safety.  Freedom of speech and assembly is handled differently in Turkey than in Western countries, so if you encounter protests or demonstrations during your travels, it’s best to simply walk on by. You can be arrested for criticizing the government. It's important to refrain from criticism on social media. too. Also, check your government’s current advisories before traveling to Turkey. As of July 2026, the <a class="Hyperlink TrackedChange TrackChangeHyperlinkInstruction SCXW52095111 BCX0" href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/turkey.html?nb_mobile_app=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US State Department’s travel advisory for Turkey</a><a class="Hyperlink TrackedChange TrackChangeHyperlinkInstruction SCXW52095111 BCX0" href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/turkey.html?nb_mobile_app=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> is a </a>Level 4 in the border region with Syria and Iraq, and they advise travelers not to travel within six miles of the borders. The rest of the country has a Level 2 advisory. There is a continued threat of <a class="Hyperlink TrackedChange TrackChangeHyperlinkInstruction SCXW52095111 BCX0" href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/middle-east/turkey/the-threat-of-terrorism-in-turkey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrorist attacks</a><a class="Hyperlink TrackedChange TrackChangeHyperlinkInstruction SCXW52095111 BCX0" href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/middle-east/turkey/the-threat-of-terrorism-in-turkey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">, armed conflict, and </a>arbitrary detentions.   Getty Images/SkyVizyon 1486479684 Getty Images Aerial view of a mosque in Turkey