The allure of high-risk countries for an adrenaline rush is increasing as travelers seek out dangerous destinations.

Instead of a relaxing vacation, some tourists are now seeking serious adventure. According to travel experts, more visitors are traveling to countries that the State Department advises against for various reasons.

Today, 'risk travelers' are exploring countries like Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan as part of the growing trend of 'dark tourism,' which entails visiting the sites of natural disasters, mass killings, or other tragic events.

Eli Snyder, a man in his 20s from Kansas City, Missouri, traveled through Afghanistan on foot.

He revealed to Newsweek in May that he thrives on exploring destinations vastly different from his suburban upbringing in Kansas City, Missouri.

"While it may be risky, I'd still prefer to travel to Pyongyang than Winnipeg."

RDB Hospitality Group CEO Rob DelliBovi, based in New York, refers to this trend as "thematic travel," as he shared via email with Planet Chronicle.

Some experiences are more sinister than others, as many people collect them, he stated.

"It is similar to individuals who journey solely to savor a delectable meal - the opposite emotionally."

He added, "If they're going to a place with a travel warning or a hurricane coming, etc., it's also an added 'thrill' of being there and making it out," he said.

DelliBovi stated that the Middle East has the highest volume of visitors to dangerous areas, with Central America and Africa following closely behind.

A senior director at FocusPoint, a company that specializes in critical event management and emergency responses, explained to Planet Chronicle Digital why a country or region is labeled as a "do not travel" area.

The director stated that often, individuals who purchase our membership and then travel to a Level 3 country (recommend against travel) will encounter a Level 4 country (do not travel) during their stay.

The company offers travel risk memberships, including short-term and annual plans, but does not sell travel insurance.

A State Department spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle Digital that countries are assigned Travel Advisory Levels 1-4.

"Our Travel Advisories' advice levels are based on recognized risk factors, including crime, terrorism, kidnapping or hostage-taking, civil unrest, natural disasters, health risks, and other potential dangers."

These countries - Afghanistan, Lebanon, Haiti, Iran, and Bangladesh - are classified as Level 4 "do not travel" destinations.

"Conditions in any country may change at any time."

The spokesperson stated that U.S. citizens are not obligated to inform the government about their travel to foreign countries, hence they cannot accurately monitor the number of Americans in any specific country.

In most cases, a FocusPoint international senior director stated that the government will not provide assistance.

"Under most circumstances, your government will not evacuate you," the director stated.

FocusPoint memberships do not cover in-country responses for individuals traveling to a country where their home country's government, or the Home Office of Canada and Britain, or the U.S. State Department advises against traveling.

A State Department spokesperson stated that the U.S. government's ability to assist during an emergency may be extremely limited.

"Conditions in any country may change at any time."