5) Philippines
More than 7,000 islands make up the Philippines, an incredible destination in Southeast Asia offering beaches, rice terraces and volcanoes. However, travelers are strongly advised to avoid the Sulu Archipelago and the island of Mindanao. The area is a haven for terrorist and separatist groups that routinely commit attacks and kidnappings. In 2016, a bombing in Davao City killed 15 and injured 69. There have been at least 13 kidnappings of tourists on Mindanao since January 2016. Last year a Norwegian man was freed after a year of being held captive by the violent jihadist group Abu Sayyaf in the jungle. Two Canadians that were taken with him were beheaded. Kidnappings for ransom by the group are routine. Another safety issue that tourists should consider is that drug use is punishable by death.
