Threats to be aware of and how to avoid them on your next trip to Afghanistan - High Risk Voyager

Travel

Travelling within the country itself is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous aspects of travelling in Afghanistan, as moving between areas is often even a higher risk than within the cities.

Travel by road is not recommended, not only due to the high risk of road traffic accidents, but because routes between cities can often be occupied by terrorist groups, insurgents or gangs, setting up false vehicle checkpoints to ambush people. There is also risk of roadside bombings, attacks on official and civilian vehicles, car jackings and robbery.

Thus, your best course of action, especially if travelling without guide, is to fly between country zones where possible.

Nonetheless, if travelling by car or bus, try to ensure you're getting in secure transport with reputable guides/ drivers to minimise your risk, check the specific route safety beforehand, and always try to travel by daylight.

Similarly, if travelling by vehicle within cities, ensure you trust the driver and make sure you're travelling with the doors locked. Preferably travel in armoured or protected vehicles and avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.

Crime and Poverty

Many areas of Afghanistan are in extreme poverty, making rich western tourists prime targets, especially women. Aside from mugging and associated violent crime, you may also be in danger of kidnapping for ransom money. General common sense will go far in helping to avoid this.

• Dress conservatively in local attire. This will help you avoid too many stares and offending people at first glance.
• Avoid flashing money and expensive gear around such as your phone, camera, or expensive clothing.
• Be particularly careful out at night, if possible avoid it altogether.
• Some people recommend exploring with reputable local contacts/ guides as an extra level of safety.
• Don't be too loud and overzealous. It should go without saying that being loud and causing a scene, especially in a foreign language, is going to draw attention to you.
• Avoid walking the same route every day, or lingering too long in public places, such as outside governmental of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) buildings.
• Don't tell people you are travelling alone or where you're staying unless you can be sure you trust them.

Avoid becoming engaged with Political and Religious Events

Steer well clear of political or religious gatherings and hotspots such as rallies, demonstrations and polling stations, as there could be a great chance of conflict arising at such events, especially given that the existing political climate in Afghanistan is so volatile.

Similarly there have been a number of violent attacks on both Afghan and Western NGO's, with some NGO workers being injured, killed or kidnapped.

If you're affiliated with an NGO, be sure to keep your wits about you, consult your NGO for the best safety practice and refer to the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO).

Unexploded Ordnance

If you spend time in Afghanistan outside of the cities - 'popular' options being around the Bamiyan, you will do well to stick to the more trodden paths. Many rural areas in Afghanistan have numerous unexploded land mines and bombs from prior violent activity. This poses considerable threat to life for wanderers, as despite being underground, they have capacity to explode underfoot with terrible consequences.

Natural Disaster

As well as man-made threats, Afghanistan is a major Earthquake zone, and thus you may consider monitoring platforms to assess the likelihood while you are there, and understanding safety procedures in the event of it happening. Flooding and avalanches are also common.

The blog 'Lost with Purpose' also recommends Couchsurfing as a solution in part to many of these problems. According to them, there are numerous reputable Couchsurfing hosts available across Afghanistan and will allow you to make local contacts wherever you go, who can recommend safety practice, reputable travel services and perhaps act as a guide.