Despite the warnings to avoid countries that are unsafe, a new trend of tourists has begun to emerge, in which they ignore travel guidelines and visit dangerous places.

For years, Libya is considered one of the most dangerous places to travel – yet tourists continue to come.

Libya has been immersed for decades in turmoil after the assassination of dictator Muammar Gaddafi by NATO backed forces.

Since then, the battle for power continues between opposing groups from the East and West of the country.

Conflicts have led many countries to call Libya unsafe for tourism, but this has not stopped some bold travelers to follow fashion for “Danger Tourism” or “Dark Tourism”.

The United States has issued travel directive 4, the highest level, against travel to Libya, warning “crime, terrorism, social upheaval, kidnappings and armed conflicts”.

The British government also “recommends that any trip is avoided” in the particular African country.

However, Libya attracts about 100,000 foreign tourists each year, according to Travel and Tour World.

Recent developments and low stabilization have led some countries, such as India, to relax travel restrictions, while some travelers say they have visited Libya without stress or problems.

“We felt safe throughout our stay,” said Hudson and Emily, creators of content who visited Libya in 2024.

The couple traveled with a bodyguard who was “very serious with their job” and even accompanied them to the toilets. Despite the additional security measures, they enjoyed their time admiring the ancient ruins and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Leptis Magna, the “beautiful” Tripoli and the “very friendly people”.

However, there are still risks.

Last May, a British tourist was held for seven hours under the threat of weapon at a military checkpoint in Libya.

Daniel Pinto, 26, arrived in the country on May 29, 2024 and traveled for 21 days because it was a “mysterious” place he wanted to see.

He describes himself as a “tourist of danger” and has visited Iran, Iraq and Syria. But this time, his journey had a serious overthrow when he was held for hours under the threat of arms by the army. He did not explain how he managed to get out of the situation, but he did not seem particularly troubled when he narrated his “frightening” experience.

Pinto and others who ignore travel instructions and visiting countries that are considered unsafe, are part of a growing trend of travelers who bypass conventional holidays and looking for emotions.

Travel experts report increased interest in visits to places where natural disasters, mass killings or other tragic situations have occurred.