9 "Dangerous" Places That Are Actually Safe to Visit
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Beach lovers flock to the idyllic coasts of Punta Cana and Semana, but many of them make it a point to avoid the island’s bustling capital city of old Santo Domingo. It has a rep for having a gritty stretch or two, so I was surprised to find a breezy colonial town that’s chock full of old world charm (it's actually the oldest European city in the New World.) Tucked along the historic quarters of Zona Colonial are long leafy boulevards, grand European-style squares like the Parque Colon, elegant restaurants, churches dating back to the 1500s, and quaint little shops. It has a few boutique hotel options, too—go for the ideally located Hostal Nicolas de Ovando, which is housed in a former 16th-century Spanish estate. I felt as completely at home sitting around its pool overlooking the Caribbean as I did strolling around the city’s main streets—which were safe to walk even at night. —Lindsay Talbot
Rio de Janeiro
For a long time, Rio deserved its reputation as a city to watch yourself in; violent street crime was rampant, and there were regular police raids in the favelas. Eight years ago, when I traveled there alone, I was more or less forbidden to venture anywhere by myself except the well-to-do neighborhoods of Ipanema and Leblon—and that was during the day. (Walking around at night? No way.) Today, in the wake of the World Cup and reforms under President Dilma Rousseff, Rio is transformed. There are now tours of favelas (don't miss the miniature city of Project Morrinho in the Pereira da Silva favela). As in any big city, you need to exercise good judgement. But put it this way: I took a bus back to my hotel at 9 p.m. last March, and felt perfectly safe. —Maria Shollenbarger
Rwanda
I'm very interested in going to Rwanda. The horrific inter-tribal genocide of the 1990s is a thing of the past but still remains the event most identified with this country in the mind of Americans. Instead, it should be more known for its beautiful high-altitude forests, its lakes, and Kigali, its capital city. Paul Kagame, Rwanda's highly effective if controversially autocratic president, is credited with putting the country's economy on the rise. And most of all, I want to see the mountain gorillas in their home in the Virunga Mountains. —Stephen Orr
Detroit, Michigan
No one will argue that this once thriving city has fallen on hard times, but for those in the know, there's never been a better time to visit. First, there are the museums (the Detroit Institute of Arts rivals many museums in America in terms of its architecture and collection. Don't miss the live music scene (this is, after all, birthplace of Motown), and the great food. Besides classics like the London Chop House and newer places like Slows, there are great ethnic spots in Greektown, Polish food in Hamtramck, Middle Eastern in Dearborn, and don’t forget Lafayette Coney Island for their famous chili cheese dogs. With such a bright future after the dark times—Detroit is heading up.—Calder Quinn
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Namibia
My friends are incredulous that I would risk exposure to Ebola by heading to Namibia over the New Year, but the truth is that I'm safer there (no cases have been reported) than in the U.S., where ten people have been treated for the disease, two of whom died. The odds of Namibia encountering a major outbreak are next to zero as well: It's the second least populous country in the world and nearly 3,000 miles from Guinea, where the scourge first appeared. And while I'm at it, it's also silly to avoid South Africa, Kenya, and a slew of other fascinating countries just because they happen to be in Africa. —Priscilla Eakeley
© David Noton Photography / AlamyCuba
Under Obama, traveling to Cuba legally from the U.S. has gotten much easier—whether on a group tour or a "people-to-people" trip. Beyond the embargo, the art scene in Cuba thrives—it's full of exciting and experimental work, and much of it is largely affordable. You can even bring artwork back with you to the States without much hassle. —Liz Dosta
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Iran
No matter what you think of its politics, the country is more stable than it's been in a long time. According to friends who've gone, there is much to recommend: lovely, gracious people and beautiful landscapes. You should, however, travel with an outfitter (like with Remote Lands) so it won't end up being a cheap trip. —Hanya Yanagihara
Kashmir
There are still occasional flare-ups (as this fall) and natural disasters (including a flood in early autumn) in Kashmir, but the days of larger-scale conflicts in this disputed territory in India's northwest seem to be over. It's completely unlike anywhere else in India. —Hanya Yanagihara
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David JefferysCartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, a perfectly preserved 17th-century port city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, has had a rough ride over the centuries. From pirates to prostitutes (aren't they synonymous?) the city has weathered its fair share of drama—thanks to everything from Gabriel García Márquez's remarkable novels of "magical realism" to the less-than-palatable shenanigans of U.S. Secret Service agents in 2012. Tips: Don't take a carriage ride through town, and avoid very late night stumbles through San Diego and Centro. Do, however, explore the up-and-coming Getsemaní neighborhood for its raucous Wednesday-night parties and interesting graffiti art (pictured). The chic Viceroy hotel group may deliver a new bolt-hole soon in a converted convent. Meanwhile, stay at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena.—David Jefferys