Riots in Greece: Is any country ever off limits?

Mark Pawlak    Adventure Sports & Travel Thoughts     extreme destinations, greece riots, war zone

The riots in Greece bring it home how unstable a world it is in which we live. Tens of thousands of people, it has been reported, have taken to the streets. While their complaint is not with us, the adventure sports tourist, their actions may put off potential holiday-makers.

People like security: it’s secure. Holidays, for most, are periods of rest and recuperation. They may incorporate sporting activities – though riot drills and water cannon wakeboarding are not usually pencilled in.

In reality, even countries once ravaged by war, conflict, and famine have been appearing on tour operators’ radars for some time. Take, for example, Cambodia and Vietnam, now two highly popular backpacking bases.

Many South American countries have, at some time, been locked in violent struggle and some, such as Venezuela and Colombia, continue to bare teeth at each other across borders. No reason to not go trekking, mind.

Even as war rages there is hope; a travel adventure sports service has even launched in Afghanistan. And Croatia, despite its tumultuous times and war wounds, is now popular with wind sports fans and wanderers alike.

Amid the battles there is beauty and once the smoke clears, thanks perhaps to the TV coverage, we can be looking at the next global adventure sports playground: Once a battle zone, now a fun zone!

Taking the correct precautions – perhaps a look at the Foreign Office advice would be useful – planning carefully, doing your research, and drawing on the experiences of other travellers, are wise pre-trip points to consider.

To answer the question: Is any country ever off limits? The answer has to be yes. But be patient. Once the peacekeepers have done their jobs, it could be the chance of the thrill-seekers to help put a country back on the adventure travel map.

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 170 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

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