The dream of visiting every country in the world is a grand ambition, but it’s a journey that inevitably leads through some of the planet’s most dangerous regions. Drew Binsky, a traveler who has achieved this formidable feat, has openly shared the darker side of his odyssey, pinpointing the places that tested his courage and where his safety was genuinely in question.
Topping his list of the world’s most frightening destinations is Mogadishu, Somalia. Binsky’s description paints a picture of a city where normal rules of society do not apply. The threat from the Al-Shabaab militant group is so severe that movement is severely restricted. He recounts the surreal and intimidating experience of needing a full armed escort with military personnel just to travel a short distance from his hotel, a necessary precaution in a place he characterizes as having “no rules, no laws.”
The tangible nature of the danger was highlighted by a chilling postscript to his visit. The Hyatt Hotel where he once met a friend was later targeted in an attack and is now gone. This event underscores the fragile security in Mogadishu and confirms the legitimacy of the extreme fear he felt while there. For Binsky, it was an unfortunate and sobering glimpse into a city living under the shadow of constant conflict.
Mogadishu wasn’t the only place to leave a deep impression of fear. Binsky also recalled a harrowing experience in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. He described being verbally and physically attacked by a crowd after attempting to take a photograph, an incident that escalated into a disastrous police chase. He credits his survival to the intervention of his tall local friend, who acted as a bodyguard in the chaotic situation.
These stories from the road serve as a critical reminder that global travel is not always about beautiful landscapes and friendly encounters. For those who push the boundaries of exploration, it can also involve navigating complex and hostile environments where a simple misstep, like taking a photo without permission, can have serious consequences. Binsky’s experiences offer a raw and honest look at the risks that come with extreme travel.
