London Dungeon
PUTTING YOUR LIFE AT RISK
Going somewhere a bit edgy is not the same as going somewhere where you're putting your life in real danger. There are always places that are simply too dangerous for travellers. The best resource for finding out where is safe is your government.
DISRESPECTFUL VOYEURISM
Dark tourism becomes disrespectful when you're doing it purely for kicks and it impinges on the grief or suffering of others. So, watching executions or corporal punishment is of course out. Travelling to areas that have been devastated by war, famine or natural disaster while people are still grieving is not on if you're doing it for no reason other than to have a good look around and indulge your own pleasure.
GOING BACK TOO EARLY
Places take time to recover from disasters. And when they are still in the early stages of recovery, your presence might not be welcome. Travellers should be careful not to put extra strain on places that are already stretched to provide locals with basic needs like food, water and shelter.
MORAL ISSUES
Some dark tourism destinations may have regimes you disagree with. Author and BBC presenter Simon Reeve has visited many of the world's most difficult places making programmes like Holidays in the Danger Zone. For Reeve, the key is to be well informed. 'You have to check the current situation in your destination before you travel and decide if you want to be part of it. Nagorno-Karabakh, for example, is a stunning area of the Caucasus that is recovering from terrible conflict. The people are friendly and welcoming, they serve great vodka, and the mountains will make your jaw drop. But Muslim Azeris and Christian Armenians used to live together in Karabakh. Then the Muslims were pushed out during the war. Until that situation is resolved it's not somewhere I would want to visit.'
Reference: Lonely Planet Blue List, The best in travel 2007