Cheap travel options abound, including cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms as well as cheap vacation packages to many destinations that acquired a bad rap in 2011. Destinations dealing with natural disasters, political unrest, problems with nuclear power plants often become travel bargains.
The following are some destinations that were hard hit with bad news in 2011:
Mexico turned off many would be visitors with its kidnappings, carjacking, extortion, and gang wars. Most tourist popular areas, with the exception of Acapulco, including Mexico City and the resorts of the Riviera Maya are considered safe for travelers. These regions witnessed less crime per capita in 2010 than Orlando or Washington, D.C.
Japans 2011 earthquake followed by a tsunami which claimed thousands of lives and then the massive meltdown of one of its nuclear plants resulted in significant radiation being released into nearby areas. Experts now recommend visiting Japan so long as visitors stay at least 50 miles away from the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
Chile suffered the sixth strongest earthquake on record in February of 2010. Because of its strict building codes, damage was mitigated and loss of life was measured in the hundreds vs. the thousands. This earthquake did not impact any of Chiles popular tourist destinations.
Egypt experienced great upheaval in 2011 with its longtime President stepping down after a storm of popular protests. Tourists would be well advised to wait and see the impact of a series of parliamentary elections that will continue through March.
Christchurch New Zealand was struck by two earthquakes in 2011. The city suffered serious damage and none of its major hotels are open. Tourists are encouraged to visit New Zealand and even pass through Christchurch, though not stay there, on their way to other parts of New Zealand.
Greece was rocked by economic turbulence and public protests in 2011. Given recent riots and strikes in Athens, tourists would be wise to stick to Greek islands and stay clear of Athens.
Thailand suffered from floodwaters in November that claimed hundreds of lives and spread over vast stretches of farmland. Many countries, including the U.S., issued travel alerts. Tourists should feel free to visit Phuket or the beaches, but use caution when considering visiting Bangkok.
Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake in January of 2010 which claimed over 300,000 lives. The U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning in August strongly discouraging U.S. citizens from visiting Haiti citing crime, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
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