Living in the states, you often hear from family and friends that traveling overseas is dangerous, especially for Americans. I dont really buy into that, however I don't see myself buying a ticket to Iraq or The Sudan anytime soon. But everywhere else I don't see a real issue. I'm curious if others have certain places that they consider "off limits" or would like to go but just can't muster up the courage to take the plunge. Part of allure of travel is stepping outside yourself and taking risks. Without risks there is no growth. So how 'bout it. What do you think
Are there destinations that you would not go to, and why?
Interesting question!
First of all, we didn't go to Colombia during our South America trip, because everyone back home told us how dangerous it was, even the guy at our travel agency. But while travelling we met so many people who had been there, and said it was one of their favourites, that it's intensely beautiful and that people are super friendly. And nobody said anything about feeling threatened in any way. Whereas we were robbed in Ecuador and attacked in Peru. So you never really know, do you?
Back to the question: from what I've heard, women - even tourists - are treated really bad in Saudi Arabia. They don't have any rights to do anything, basically. So I've never really felt that "oh, Saudi Arabia would be exciting to visit!!!" ... No, I don't think I'll ever go there. But on the other hand, that's just what I've heard from friends to my parents and really I don't know what it's really like.
On the other hand, I've actually been to Texas. And that is a place that most people I know say that they would never want to visit... Though I don't think I'll ever go back. 
//Susanna
[ Edit: Edited at Jun 21, 2006 12:06 AM by snatterand ]
I think I would never go to China. Not sure why, I just don't like it at all.
Greece, Albania and Russia have never been in my favourites list.
About the Arab countries, as I see it (my Dad worked in lots of them), women are treated fine as long as they dress properly. It's just that Arabs have different view of what is normal clothes for women. If all women are dressed so that men can't even see their faces and you walk by in a casual skirt and sleeveless top, it's the same as if you were naked in the Western world. And we all know how naked women would have been treated there. True, some of them treat women badly, but there are jerks everywhere.
I would actually love to go to some Arab country and dress like the women over there do, just to experience it. I heard some of them saying they feel more comfortable and secure cause they don't attract men in their hijab. I wish I could say the same thing when I dress in what's "normal" clothes to me. 
An honest answer for me would be the United States. If their is one country in the world that gives me the hibby-jeebies it's the U.S.
I'm not sure exactly what it is - I often think about cycling down to Southern America but the thought of going through the United States is somewhat unsettling.
I was in L.A. for a couple weeks and I felt much safer in a sketchy part of Moscow. Just my thoughts, and for now I am not going to the States anytime soon... perhaps when things cool off. 
The US? Interesting. Good honest answer. I live just north of Philadephia and I understand what your feeling. My country is a great place and I love it, however there is a lot of violence here and a lot of disturbed individuals. When I was in the slums of Cairo a month ago I have to say that I felt safer there then a lot of places. And that's a strange feeling. Maybe that's because in my western mind I have ingrained prejudices that I struggle with. I had the same feeling in Brazil and Peru. The people in these countries are so hospitable and proud. When you experience it first hand your blown away. But please don't base your opinion on just one city in an enormous country like the US.
Canada; too many bears!
Sorry Brendan, I'm just messing with you. Besides, I own a can of the bear mace.
I don't think there is anyplace I would necessarily rule out, but quite a few places that are down the list quite a bit.
quoting John 7 Buck
Canada; too many bears
Yea the big brown kind..
Never say Never but yeah I have to say there is...
America is my top for this one - the so-called culture doesnt interest me and kinda scares me too... I admit its probably a beautiful country but its full of Americans which with the most respect I can say this with - bothers me. I see enough 'America' on TV through news and music and none of it is too appealing. Having said this cities do interest me but again its the violence that would put be off lone travelling there...
Iraq - for obvious reasons even though I do want to be a Journo I love my family and friends too much to put them through it let alone the dangers
Lone travelling I wouldnt go to India or Egypt mainly for safety reasons.
Other than that i'm more than willing to give it a look in at least.
Quoting bryangrey
Living in the states, you often hear from family and friends that traveling overseas is dangerous, especially for Americans. I dont really buy into that, however I don't see myself buying a ticket to Iraq or The Sudan anytime soon. But everywhere else I don't see a real issue. I'm curious if others have certain places that they consider "off limits" or would like to go but just can't muster up the courage to take the plunge. Part of allure of travel is stepping outside yourself and taking risks. Without risks there is no growth. So how 'bout it. What do you think
and to answer this one - Americans get it tough cause you guys are poor travellers (in my opinion) and have a "god complex" where you really tend to not see past America's borders. Plus (and sorry to bring this in) your politics make it difficult for you guys because you make it hard for us to come see you.
I had a passport at the age of three and was on a plane at 1 to Europe... and most Europeans get around to other countries early on. You guys get it tough but its because the rest of the world are wrong... it's kind of brought on because the rest of the world do tend to try and work together as much as possible when the US seem quite content not admitting we all exist.
Hense me not wanting to come see you guys - I have the up most respect for anyone brave enough to get their a$$ out of the US and see what actually is going on... so get going! seriously its easier than you think!
What kills me are the fanny-pack 10 year old jean short Hawaiian shirt wearing bloated tourists from this country going,in their minds, to far away lands and demanding that they get the "all American buffet" everymorning for breakfast and acting obnoxious and beligerant if the hotel runs out of hot water, a/c breaks, food takes a little longer to get to the table. etc... Why on earth would you want to travel overseas to eat the most bland food on the planet?? American food sucks. I know I live here. I agree with you, America doesn't really have a culture or a cousine. Not like the rest of the countries around the globe. I said this a lot, I love my homeland and countryman, but sometimes I get so fired up about how smallminded, fat, and lazy this country can be. I want to grab them and smack em'. These are the same people that year after year go to Disneyworld for fun, and go to Las Vegas when they want to naughty and exotic. AGHHH! Don't get me started! Vegas and Disney are examples of all that is bad with America. Why travel abroad when you can go to see Disney and experience their 'Imagineers' design something that tranports you there. Why travel abroad when you can travel down a foe version of the canals in Venice. Those places make me puke. Maybe I'm a snob who knows. Maybe I got it wrong. Maybe these places introduce Middle America to something different, and maybe they will want to go see the real thing. I don't know. Apologies. I'll get off my soapbox. I have veared way off the course here, but it's fun.