Would you rule out a country as a holiday destination based on its political system?

[Takoneko]

Just curious as to whether others have any “rules” about which countries they would or would not visit based on their politics?

I only ever visit democracies and would rule a destination out if it wasn’t at least in the “flawed democracy” category on the democracy index and wouldn’t want to even transit through an “authoritarian” country. In fact I’ve paid significantly more for flights to avoid giving money to airlines operating out of authoritarian countries.

For example, I’ve been to Taiwan and Hong Kong but would not go to mainland China or use a Chinese airline (and I probably wouldn’t go back to Hong Kong now), I also think Baku looks beautiful but would not go to Azerbaijan, would love to see the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings but won’t go to Egypt etc.

I don’t think l’ve ever noticed anyone else listing it as a consideration for a holiday destination on here. Am I unusual or are there lots of us who have a similar red line?

In some ways it’s a bit of an arbitrary line to draw, I don’t examine the origins of everything I buy and probably buy tons of things that are made in China but draw my line at going there. I’m not judging people who draw their line somewhere else… I was just wondering whether it’s an unusual criteria when choosing a holiday.

I wouldn't feel comfortable going where women are second-class citizens by law or need a male guardian's permission to move around or must cover their head in public.

This is my main objection. I wouldn't object to non-democratic political systems in other ways. I have been to China (a relative who was working there invited me).

I really, really wanted to visit India, particularly Goa, but I've had to say no now I've seen how women are treated in India.

This

Yes OP do exclude countries on this basis!

My red line is a state in the US. I refuse to go on holidays in Florida right now because the Governor is a barbarian and I won’t give him any of my money. This is too bad as it used to be my favourite place for a few days away.

I also would not visit a country with a poor human rights record. I wouldn't fly with or change planes in a Middle Eastern country eg Qatar, UAE for instance. If it ever comes up in conversation most people think I'm mad but I do think principles are important.

I do have some sympathy with the PP argument about not being a silo but I have finite money and want to choose where to spend it with good conscience.
I also would have concerns about incarceration for wrong speech or actions (eg being raped), being harassed, and the example I want to set for my children about values.

Horrific

I've been to Shanghai . Its fine, they do have western expats who live and work there and its a tourist city. The people were polite and friendly and as long you don't march around loudly criticising their government you will be fine. The food is awesome and very reasonably priced. Oh and ignore the hawkers who walk along side you trying to sell stuff

Yes I have similar requirements. But then I also need to ask permission from work to travel to most countries that have those issues and so that's another reason not to go.

re China OP it’s a fair question which I don’t have an answer for- I’ve already been. I went to Hong Kong before things went rapidly downhill there and won’t go again. i’m very very unlikely to go to China again and certainly am very concerned about stories I hear from there. We all buy stuff made in China - is that any worse? I don’t know the answer. The moral issues faced by travel to the Middle East are well documented (eg the World Cup last year). China not so much IMO. That’s probably a factor but not an excuse.

as an aside to travel my work involves dealing with some clients in the Middle East (no travel) . I have refused to work with companies sponsored by the Saudi state. I got a raised eyebrow.

Absolutely. On my list are China, Cuba, Turkey, Dubai.

Draw the line at slave labour but fairly the countries that do use it are not terrific holiday destinations

@StillWantingADog I don’t think it’s any worse than buying things from China. I definitely do that, so I suppose it’s hypocritical to refuse to go there.
I definitely think rights abuses in the Middle East get talked about more, but I think China is just better able to stifle any criticism. The CCP has a chillingly long reach.

Not so much politics as safety!

I would never go to places like Dubai as a sexually active unmarried woman. Not worth the risk.

Also wouldn't go to countries that don't have legalised abortion as a sexually active woman. I had the oppertunity to go to Mauritius when pregnant (married) but their stance on womens rights made it once again too risky should something go wrong with the pregnancy. Should you have a surprise pregnancy and it for example turn out to be ectopic, even though it is technically legal to 'abort' to save the mothers life the red tape of abortion being illegal does make them more reluctant to do it, and make it a longer process in which you could die.

Also countries where there is prevalent violence against women e.g. India.

Obviously areas with high levels of civil unrest are also out.

My red lines are pretty similar to yours. It’s partly an ethics thing and not wanting to give money to an authoritarian regime (I rather wish I didn’t have to give money to our current UK government at the moment either!) it’s also a safety thing, I just wouldn’t feel safe travelling to the Middle East or some countries in South East Asia or South America due to their attitudes towards women. I am aware I am missing out on seeing a huge amount of culture etc but the rest of the world has enough to keep me entertained.

I used to say I wouldn't visit Middle Eastern countries due to their questionable attitudes to Jewish people, but now many countries I'd have considered ok in that regard should probably be knocked off my list too. Can't believe it TBH.

No.

I've traveled widely, and Iran is probably the most wonderful country I've ever visited. The people are wonderful and the most friendly and hospitable that I've ever come across. The country is renowned among travelers for it. I might not go again right at this moment, but I'd love to go back at some point.

The government is another matter of course. But the people I met were absolutely thrilled that westerners still visit their country and love it. I was thanked so often by people for not being put off by their government.

I probably wouldn't go back to Xinjiang now, though. I last went about 13 years ago, but the situation there now upsets me so much, I don't think I could bear it. And of course Uighur businesses have been taken over by Han Chinese so I wouldn't want them to benefit from my visit. I think that's my only line though, and it might be more selfish than moral. I don't want to witness what's happening there.

Yes. I'd rule out USA (death penalty, gun and abortion laws), most Arab countries (position of women), India (Modi oppression of Muslims, treatment of women), Pakistan (women, fundamentalism), Myanmar (dictatorship), Mexico (risky), China (dictatorship).Plus some more I haven't thought of yet. Oh yes one more I won't name! In the 1980s a 'friend' went to Sun City in South Africa and I said 'Wasn't it awful?' and she said 'No, the
service was brilliant'.

I wouldn’t go where I wouldn’t feel safe - South Africa for example, or San Francisco.

Israel

I am extensively travelled. I have lived and worked in countries where I don't believe in their politics. Its good not living I'm an echo chamber and seeing first hand

Definitely. But these days, I won't fly at all.

I'm interested in whats objectionable about the American democratic political system?

I find the American political system has too few safeguards and too many avenues for corruption of power. The elections of sheriffs for example is terrifying to me. That the person in charge of enforcing the law in a town can also accept campaign donations etc. The appointment judges by the President is another example. Both at the Supreme Court level and all the way down.

The recent Murdaugh cases has shown what democracy in small town America can turn into.

I agree. I’ve also lived and traveled for work to many if not most of the countries listed in this thread. But I feel living and going for work reasons (humanitarian sector) is a very different decision making process to visiting them for tourism / holidays.