If you were to compile a list of the world’s most dangerous holiday destinations, which countries would feature on your list?  Colombia? Egypt? Tunisia? Libya? Or perhaps, the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Well, the aforementioned destinations constantly feature on ‘world’s most dangerous’ lists, but according to Manchester lawyer, Nick Harris, our most dangerous holiday hotspots are a lot closer to home.

As someone who has dealt with more than 1,000 serious injury claims in the past 12 months alone, the head of travel at Simpson Millar Solicitors decided to “lift the lid” on the most dangerous holiday destinations for British Travellers, and if you want to avoid nasty stomach infections, hot air balloon accidents, balcony falls and roadside robberies, then forget your annual trip to Europe.

According to Nick Harris, the most dangerous destinations in the world for injury and sickness are Spain, Greece and Turkey, along with Egypt, Cuba, Kenya and the Dominican Republic.

The most commonly reported incidents in Spain include swimming pool bugs, balcony falls, and station robberies.  While in Greece, holidaymakers are more at risk of having a car, moped or quad bike accident, and could be subjected to sexual assault and violence. Stomach bugs are also a real issue on the Greek Islands as water systems are shut down during the winter months.  This, could put holidaymakers at risk from “Legionnaires disease and sinister stomach bugs”.

Over in Turkey, key hazards include water slide accidents, trips and slips, and bizarrely, fire eaters! And in Egypt, travellers should avoid Hot Air Balloon Rides, Camels, and the world’s ‘filthiest money’, which is, apparently, stored by the locals in their shoes!

So there you have it!  That long-haul destination that you have always been dreaming of could be a lot less risky than Spain, so pack your old kit bag and head on down to Komodo Island or Timbuktu – it could be safer than Benidorm!