Conscious travel: Countries to avoid due to conflicts or ethical reasons, and alternative solutions

Argentina. Inflation remains very high (around 40-50% per annum in 2025, albeit down from its peak), the peso is depreciating, and austerity measures have been introduced by Javier Milei’s government (cuts to public spending, reduction in controls and subsidies) in an attempt to stabilise finances.

• https://www.focus-economics.com/country-indicator/Argentina/inflation/
• How Argentina’s Javier Milei lost the markets and turned to Donald Trump – FT  
• Argentina props up peso as crisis roils President Javier Milei – FT
• Argentina’s poverty rate soars above 50% under Javier Milei – FT 

Collapse in purchasing power: many people are falling into poverty (over 50% according to some recent estimates): protests and social unrest. For tourists, essential goods are often expensive, and currency fluctuations make it difficult to plan budgets accurately.

• Argentina’s poverty rate soars above 50% under Javier Milei – FT
• How Argentina’s Javier Milei lost the markets and turned to Donald Trump – FT

Venezuela. In the past, the country experienced hyperinflation and a severe crisis; recently, the government declared inflation to be “only” 48% per annum for 2024, which is still a very high figure. Some measures have been taken to stabilise the situation, but the general economic conditions remain fragile. 

• Venezuela’s inflation rate was 48% year-over-year in 2024, according to Maduro’s statement to lawmakers.
   

Great difficulty in finding basic goods, medicines and food. Energy crisis, shortage of foreign currency for imports. Considerable inconvenience for travellers: shortages, unpredictable prices, and possible problems with the payment system. 

Sri Lanka. After the economic collapse of 2022 (debt default, fuel shortages, energy production, and shortages of essential goods), the country is showing signs of recovery: inflation has fallen, the IMF is providing support with loan programmes, but the cost of living remains high.

• IMF says the economic situation in debt-stricken Sri Lanka is gradually improving
• Sri Lanka’s central bank holds rate to support economic recovery 

The economy is vulnerable to external shocks, such as changes in fuel prices and debt policies. For travellers: power cuts, transport or service disruptions, and costs for imported goods can be very high; social instability is possible in recently affected areas.

Lebanon. The economic crisis has been ongoing for years (since 2019), with the pound devalued by over 90-98%, inflation reaching triple digits (exceeding 200% in specific periods), increased poverty, the collapse of the banking sector, and the state’s failure to guarantee essential services. 

• Libano: governo prevede “forte ripresa economica” nel secondo semestre del 2025 – 03/2025
• Libano: crisi senza fine – 10/2024 

Severe effects on food, medicine and fuel: many are forced to buy on credit or go into debt. Tourists may encounter issues with services (including healthcare and transportation), product shortages, fluctuating prices, and potential social unrest.

Pakistan. The economic crisis began in 2022, caused by high external debt, inflationary pressure due to energy and food costs, partly due to the global effects of instability and wars that increase prices, as well as climatic events (floods) that damage agriculture and infrastructure. 

Although inflation has recently fallen, fluctuations remain, and the cost of living for imported goods can become prohibitive. The stability of services can be uncertain, especially outside major cities. Tourists may encounter difficulties in exchanging currency, making payments or finding specific products. 

• Pakistan floods batter fields, factories and fiscal plans – 09/2025
• Pakistani economic crisis (2022–2024) 04/2025 

 Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe introduced a new currency (Zimbabwe Gold, ‘ZiG’) in April 2024, seeking to stabilise the economy after years of inflation and devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar. However, the transition has been problematic: the currency has been heavily devalued, and prices for basic goods (food, housing) have risen sharply. In April and May 2025, annual inflation for the ZiG was between 85% and 92%. 

• CZI is concerned over the ‘very high’ annual inflation rate – 85%
  
  

Although there are signs of stabilisation in monthly prices, cumulative inflation remains very high, and daily life for the population is costly. allAfrica.com

Confidence in the currency is low; many transactions, particularly in informal markets, continue to be conducted in foreign currencies, such as the US dollar.

• https://www.africanews.com/2025/01/28/inflation-in-zimbabwe-rises-by-10-in-january/ 

For travellers: expect exchange rates, food/accommodation costs, transport and consumer goods to fluctuate significantly; availability of some goods is not always guaranteed.

Nigeria. Inflation has returned to high levels: at the beginning of 2025, the annual rate was around 24-25%. 

Some relevant events include changes to the price index calculation basis (CPI rebasement), the removal of subsidies (e.g., for fuel), and exchange rate fluctuations.

• IMF projects Nigeria’s inflation rate to average 26.5% in 2025, soar to 37.0% in 2026.
• World Bank projects 22.1% inflation for Nigeria in 2025

Although inflation is falling slightly, it remains very high for necessities such as food, energy and transport.

Disparities between urban and rural areas: Urban areas are more affected by inflation, particularly in terms of rents, transportation, and services. von.gov.ng

For tourists: the cost of living may seem low at first glance, but prices can fluctuate quickly; be aware of exchange rates and the possibility that some imported products may be very expensive or unavailable.

Turkey. Very high inflation rate (over 30-40% per annum in recent data, with higher peaks in the past). 

• Turkey forecasts 28.5% inflation this year, single digits by 2027 – 09/2025
• Inflation eases in Turkey, although Trump tariffs pose economic risks – 04/2025   
• Turkey inflation falls for eighth month in a row as food prices dip – 02/2024
• Turkey’s inflation sees its most significant monthly jump since August, nearing 65% year on year – 02/2025
• Turkey releases official June inflation at 35% y/y 06/2025
• Turkey Inflation Rate 09/2025  

Sharp depreciation of the lira, instability in monetary policies, very high interest rates, affecting the purchasing power of the population. 

• Turkey’s inflation sees its most significant monthly jump since August, nearing 65% year on year – 02/2025
• Inflation eases in Turkey, although Trump tariffs pose economic risks – 04/2025   

Although there are signs of a decline in inflation compared to peak levels, prices remain high for many goods and services (food, accommodation, transport). 

• Inflation eases in Turkey, although Trump tariffs pose economic risks – 04/2025
• Turkey’s inflation sees its most significant monthly jump since August, nearing 65% year on year – 02/2025

The exchange rate is unstable, and the lira continues to lose value against strong currencies. This is also reflected in the prices in local currency for services offered to tourists.

For tourists, it is advisable to research the “real” exchange rate beforehand, use foreign currency payments whenever possible, and be aware that prices can rise rapidly.

Egypt. Egypt has gone through a period of currency crisis: currency devaluation, measures requested by the IMF, interest rate hikes, and devaluation of the Egyptian pound. 

• Egypt cuts interest rates 225 basis points, says more cuts likely – 4/2025 
• Egypt secures $8bn IMF deal after removing currency controls 
• Egypt Faces Financial Challenges After Credit Downgrade – 2023 

Inflation has risen sharply (peaking at close to 40% or more in recent periods) but is slowly falling thanks to monetary reforms. 

• Egypt cuts interest rates 225 basis points, says more cuts likely – 4/2025 
• Egypt secures $8bn IMF deal after removing currency controls 

There is a significant difference between the official rate and black market/parallel market rates. This can cause confusion and unexpected costs for those exchanging currency or paying in local currency.

Imported goods, fuel, food and services with imported components tend to experience frequent price increases.

Tourists may find that the cost of their stay is higher than initially expected; however, established tourist areas are more resilient but are not immune to economic difficulties.

Sudan (before the civil war / recent situation). Even before the active conflict (which began in 2023), Sudan was already in economic difficulty: high debt, out-of-control inflation, widespread currency devaluation, falling state revenues, and budget problems. 

• Sudan Economic Outlook – 2025 

After the conflict began, the situation deteriorated rapidly: GDP contracted, services were severely impacted, and there was a significant effect on both domestic and foreign trade. EUAA – European Union Agency for Asylum 

Before the conflict, but already in decline, there was a widespread shortage of foreign currency for imports, which made it difficult to obtain many imported products (food, medicines).

The collapse of infrastructure (roads, electricity, health services) also made tourism extremely problematic, particularly outside the main centres.

For tourists: even without the war, travelling in Sudan involved economic risks: unstable prices, difficulties in paying in local currency, the need to carry hard currency, and logistical uncertainty

👉 In summary:

Tourism remains accessible, albeit with complications, in Argentina, Turkey, Egypt, and Sri Lanka.
Ethically and logistically problematic tourism: Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Lebanon, Nigeria

After the bad news, however, I would also like to suggest some alternative solutions or different approaches.