Two years after the dangers of Covid-19 led to lockdowns that prevented large-scale traveling, it’s time to globetrot. For those who still want to live life on the edge, these dangerous travel destinations are calling your name.  

Death Valley, California 

This destination is the hottest place in the world with temperatures reaching to 134 degrees Fahrenheit; Yet, Death Valley, located about 130 miles west of Las Vegas, is one of the most visited tourist spots with one million people visiting per year. Activities include hiking, backcountry driving, camping, and night exploration. While hiking itself might not always be considered dangerous, the extreme heat has taken the lives of many visitors who were careless enough to stray off the roads. Many dangers vary from single-car accidents to dehydration to rattle snake bites. 

Mount Everest, Nepal 

Every year around 1,200 people will attempt to climb Mount Everest, located 278 miles from Tibet—this destination takes a 23-hour flight from Newark Airport, NJ. As climbers ascend trying to reach the highest peak on earth, the conditions become worse since oxygen levels drop down and there are freezing temperatures. As a result, half make it to the top—many turn back, and others die trying. Morbid fact: More than 200 deceased bodies remain on the mountain.  Less dangerous activities around the area include hiking, camping, gondola rides, mountain biking and water rafting.  

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California 

While this destination features beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and woodlands, Half Dome is one of the most dangerous places that tourists visit. Many visitors have perished from bear attacks, lightning strikes and falling off the very high mountains in attempts to get to the top. Located 311.4 miles north of Los Angeles, activities include hiking, swimming, nature watching, and going to museums (Museum, luckily, aren’t so dangerous).  

Bikini Atoll, The Marshall Islands 

While the Marshall Islands area is a beautiful destination (located between Hawaii and Australia) with clear water and clean beaches, Bikini Atoll specifically is one of the areas that hosted numerous explosive nuclear tests. The tests killed the wildlife and put the site at high levels of radiation. Over time, this led to it having inhabitable, sometimes contaminated soil and water. Although, it is not hazardous to health of humans at the levels measured—increased radiation might not be the risk to those who scuba dive and swim visiting the wrecks the bombs have caused. 

Snake Island, Brazil 

You can tell by the name why this island is a little frightening. Snake island is the habitat of thousands of golden lancehead vipers, one of the most venomous snake species alive. Legend has it that the last fisherman who strayed too close to its shores was found days later adrift in his own boat, lifeless in a pool of blood. Located 605 miles from Brazil, activities include snorkeling, swimming, hiking, cave explorations, and avoiding horrifying snakes. Tourists would be wise to watch where they put their feet.