10 Countries You Shouldn't Be Afraid of Traveling To

The world can feel like a scary place sometimes, and the 24-hour news cycle has a way of conflating negative stories that turn travelers off to destinations they aren't so familiar with or more likely have never been to. Here are 10 countries you might be hesitant to visit but are in fact safe for Americans-receiving just a Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution) from the U.S. State Department-and likely to deliver a memorable vacation experience. Be sure to consult the State Department's website for the latest information, ensure your travel documents are up to date and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before your next trip abroad.

Despite all of the news coverage depicting "mysterious" deaths involving American tourists in the Dominican Republic, the data shows vacationing here is actually safer than living in some U.S. cities with the number of Americans who died of unnatural causes in the DR declining to just over a dozen annually in recent years. The State Department hasn't updated its advisory since the recent news surge and only warns against potential crime, encouraging visitors to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid displaying signs of wealth, especially in unfamiliar areas outside of their resort.

Mexico's reputation as a premier vacation destination for Americans has also taken a hit from the media in recent years, but the truth is that the country's top tourist spots, including places like Los Cabos, Mexico City and Cancun and other places throughout the Mexican Caribbean remain safe for foreign visitors, receiving just a Level 2 advisory for potential crime. Like anywhere else, there are places U.S. tourists should avoid in Mexico: the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.

In addition to enrolling in STEP, the U.S. State Department encourages visitors to Morocco to "stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners" and to "avoid demonstrations and crowds" due to the threat of terrorism. It's important to note that the department issues the same advisory for countries like Denmark, France and the United Kingdom. Within Morocco, destinations such as Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen and the Dades Valley are all but certain to wow visitors without putting them in a risky situation.

Terrorism concerns and the potential for civil unrest in some places is why the U.S. State Department has positioned Israel, the West Bank and Gaza at a Level 2 advisory. Americans are encouraged to avoid Gaza and reconsider travel to the West Bank given the potential for violent clashes. However, coveted areas such as Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and Eilat remain open for business. As is the case anywhere you go (even if it's just across town), the government encourages that you "maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times."

Hong Kong is only a Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) on the State Department's advisory scale while China is a Level 2 destination "due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws as well as special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese nationals." The U.S. government encourages travelers to ensure their safety by entering on their U.S. passport with a valid Chinese visa and keep it with them at all times. "If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately," the State Department recommends.

Egypt's tourism industry was devastated by the Arab Spring at the start of the decade but has made quite the recovery and is once again drawing curious tourists from all over the globe. The State Department recommends Americans avoid the Sinai Peninsula-with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air-as well as the Western Desert due to terrorism and Egyptian border areas due to military zones. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of excellent places to visit where even first-time visitors to Egypt will feel safe.

The U.S. State Department lists the Philippines as a Level 2 destination, encouraging Americans to avoid travel to the Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, "due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping" and Mindanao for similar reasons. Keep in mind that the Philippines is an archipelagic nation consisting of more than 7,000 islands so there are plenty of other fantastic places where visitors can explore safely. Some standout spots include the beautiful beaches of Palawan, the accessible and tourist-friendly Cebu and snorkeling and surfing favorites such as Apo Island and Siargao.

Russia has been in the news a ton and while the U.S. State Department does encourage Americans "exercise increased caution in Russia due to terrorism, harassment and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws," staying alert, monitoring breaking news and local media and traveling with up-to-date documents should ensure a seamless experience. Places to avoid include the north Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, and Crimea. However, Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major tourist draws shouldn't present any major threats.

India is the second-largest country in the world in terms of population and the seventh-largest in terms of area so traveling here can be quite daunting. However, following the U.S. State Department's advice and avoiding Jammu and Kashmir-"except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh"-as well as the India-Pakistan border should put your mind at ease. The government encourages Americans to not travel alone, especially women, and remain alert to their surroundings at all times. Iconic sites like the Taj Mahal and the historic Red Fort in sprawling Delhi are safe for tourists as are many other parts of this massive country, including lesser-known gems like Udaipur, which was recently recognized by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the world's best destinations for 2019.

Brazil is more accessible than ever and another expansive destination with lots of amazing places foreigners will feel safe exploring as well as several spots visitors would be wise to avoid. The latter include areas close to Brazil's land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Paraguay due to crime, with the exception of Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park, according to the U.S. State Department. Visitors to Recife are advised to avoid public buses in the area as well as Pina Beach from Dona Benvinda de Farias Street to the Brasilia Teimosa neighborhood after dark due to the threat of crime. Being aware of your surroundings, exercising caution at night and not displaying signs of wealth are good common sense tactics to ensure a safe trip regardless of where you're vacationing. Nonetheless, travelers don't need to be nervous or constantly looking over their shoulder in tourist-friendly places such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Fortaleza and the remarkable Iguazu Falls, among others.