Holiday destinations to avoid for the rest of 2019

Barcelona

What's going on?

Following peaceful protests where around 500,000 protesters took to the streets to complain about the detention of pro-independence politicians, Barcelona descended into chaos with a number of protesters forming groups to fight running battles with police. Cars were set on fire, shops looted and destroyed resulting in arrests and injuries to both protesters and police.

Is it safe to go?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issues a travel warning to travelers warning of the potential of further rioting and disruption to travel services but has not issued an official ban on travel. There have already been massive delays and a number of flight cancellations at Barcelona's El Prat airport and the "El Classico" game between Real Madrid and Barcelona has been moved to an alternative venue. 

Hong Kong

What's going on?

The demonstrations in Hong Kong started in June in protest over a new law allowing the extradition of suspected criminals to mainland China. The population of Hong Kong believed this would lead to a loss of civil rights for the people of Hong Kong and allow China to use the law to silence opposition leaders, activists, and journalists. The bill has already been rescinded but this has not stopped the protests from becoming more violent as clashes between protesters and police become more frequent.

Is it safe to go?

Violent clashes continue between protesters and police and have spread to the tourist districts and shopping centers. There have been instances of looting and transport services being closed off without notice. Hong Kong airport has started normal operations again but this situation can change without notice. The protesters have been wearing black tshirts and this has also been highlighted as a warning to tourists as pro-china protesters have targeted people wearing the colour.

Other places to avoid

Santiago, Chile has seen rioting in response to an increase in the price of Metro tickets. A curfew was put into place and a number of people have been arrested on charges of violence and looting.

Greece has seen a riot break out at a refugee camp in Lesbos, with asylum seekers demanding better conditions and a transfer to mainland Greece. The violence has since died down but tourists are advised to be vigilant.

Mexico has long been a favourite destination with Brits and American tourists and whilst the coastal regions of Cancun and Acapulco enjoy a pleasant atmosphere the same cannot be said of places like Mexico City and Culiacan. Mexico City has been unable to shake off its "Murder Capital" tag with organised crime families holding gun battles in the streets against the local government or rival gangs.