Five countries that will never see me again

I often get asked about my favorite country and I always have to think about for a while. I don’t hesitate to call my two favorite countries, but it would be very hard to create a top 5. However, it’s not that difficult when I have to name the five countries that will never see me again.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that these countries are “bad” and that I advise against traveling there. There are different reasons why I don’t want to revisit these countries, and I will give an explanation about all of them.

So, let’s start with the list. These are the five countries that will never see me again. The lower the number the more definite that I will never revisit the country.

#5: Vatican City

Why?

Being in the Vatican means standing in line most of the time. Sure, there are many sights in this micro-state, but alas, all these sights are extremely crowded. Even if you have fast lane tickets, you will be standing in line for an hour. And yes, for every sight! Another reason is that I usually don’t revisit a country for sightseeing. I have seen it and it was okay.

But that’s not all. The regular stories about child abuse in the Vatcian is another reason that this country isn’t on my “must go back”-list. Plus you can’t get a Gin Tonic in this country, because there are no bars. It can’t get worse, right?

Is there still a reason to visit the country?

The smallest state of the world has some really impressing sights such as St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens or Vatican Palace. My visit in the Vatican wasn’t a bad one in the end, but I believe that one visit is enough and I honestly don’t think that I will go back soon.

More Info: check out my travel report about country #55: Vatican City.

#4: Andorra

Why?

Getting there is a pain in the ass. Andorra is Europe’s least accessible country, because the nearest passenger airport is more than three hours away.

Long distances aren’t a problem for me though. The main reason why I don’t intend to visit Andorra again is that the country is very similar to my home country Switzerland. You have a lot of mountains in Andorra, the architecture I saw in the capital was quite similar to Swiss villages and skiing is one of the most popular sports there. In other words, I have all these things back home.

I simply don’t see the point in spending 1.5 hours on a plane and 3 hours on a bus to see the same stuff I have back home.

Is there still a reason to visit the country?

Andorra is the best country in this list and there are actually some good reasons to visit this country. It’s a beautiful country with nice landscapes, interesting architecture and many outdoor activities like hiking or skiing.

Moreover, Andorra is a tax haven and a shopping paradise therefore. Luxury brands are much cheaper than in the neighboring countries so that it doesn’t come as a surprise that many French and Spanish people head to the highest country in Europe.

More info: check out my travel report about country #78: Andorra.

#3: (the) Bahamas

Why?

This is a controversial one.

Many people call the Bahamas paradise. Pristine white sand beaches, clear and turquoise water plus hot, sunny days make the Bahamas a popular holiday destinations.

I am not a beach bum and relaxing stresses me out. That doesn’t mean that I never go to the beach. I enjoy beaches from time to time, but I get bored after two days. Therefore, I only enjoy beach destinations where you can do some activities other than sunbathing in front of the ocean or water-sports. And here is the catch…

There isn’t much to do on the Bahamas. The Bahamas are one of the most expensive travel destinations in the world. Everything costs a fortune and so does the limited amount of activities. That doesn’t sound like a cool place to me. I’m sure it does to many, but I want to have more active holidays. Not possible in the Bahamas…

Is there still a reason to visit the country?

Sure. The beaches are nice.

More info: check out my travel report about country #46: the Bahamas.

#2: Nigeria

Why?

Number two of the five countries that will never see me again goes to Nigeria. Seriously, this West-African country is hardcore.

Nigeria is Africa’s most-populous country, and Lagos the largest city on the continent. 21 million people live there. Most of them in slums. Crime-rate in Nigeria and especially in Lagos is ridiculously high even for African standards, infrastructure is terrible and traffic is one of the worst I’ve ever witnessed.

Moreover, the Nigerians don’t have the best reputation among other Africans. Ask someone from Ghana what he or she thinks about Nigerians. The answer will most likely not be very flattering. While I met many friendly Nigerians, I also made my negative experiences with the locals in Nigeria. My trip included people who threatened me plus locals who got their baksheesh out of me.

All in all, Nigeria is a frightening country. And I am even talking about the more or less civilized parts of the country, as the north of Nigeria is a no-go Boko Haram territory.

Is there still a reason to visit the country?

Nightlife in Lagos was the best I have experienced in Africa so far. The Nigerians know how to party.

More info: check out my travel report about country #67: Nigeria.

#1: Kuwait

Why?

When it comes to entertainment and activities, the Bahamas are like a huge amusement park compared to Kuwait. This oil-rich country has seriously nothing to offer to tourists except for shopping malls and a few mosques.

Kuwait is a hot country and also e very conservative one. Chances are high you won’t see a woman without a burka or no women at all. It goes without a saying that the country is dry. I have read the phrase “extreme capitalism meets fundamental Islam” many times with reference to Kuwait. And it’s true.

Kuwait is the most boring country I have ever been to, which makes it the leader of the five countries that will never see me again.

Is there still a reason to visit the country?

No.

More info: check out my travel report about country #75: Kuwait.

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However, I must say that I have focused more on “good countries” so far. I am pretty sure that there are many other countries out there, which I haven’t seen yet but would make a great addition to that list. So, I might change that list in the future. Perhaps, I will call it ten countries that will never see me again then. We will see. 🙂