While Kenya is a safe destination compared to some surrounding African countries, there are issues with crime in major cities such as Nairobi, and many government travel advisories warn travelers of the threat of terrorism. The overall 2024 crime index for Kenya is 56.8, the 34th highest in the world. However, most crime is concentrated in the cities or along the Kenya-Somalia border. Check your Government’s travel advice for the latest information.

Travelers will always attract unwanted attention from beggars and potential pickpockets. From street scammers to more serious threats, a little common sense goes a long way in Keyna, and staying up to date on the local situation is essential no matter where you go. These are the things you need to know to stay safe in Kenya.

1. Crime in Nairobi

Nairobi has a bit of a reputation, so much so that it was nicknamed “Nairobby.” That being said, crime levels and safety have very much improved over recent years. Violent crime is rare but petty crime can still be an issue. In general, petty crime involves pickpocketing and theft, and on rare occasions can be confrontational. As such, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and belongings on public transportation and in crowded places in any urban setting. Pickpocketing isn’t uncommon in crowded clubs and festivals. Be careful with your personal belongings, or better yet, leave everything that you don’t need at home if you know you’re going to be attending a crowded event.

For the most part, I walk freely in Nairobi and other Kenyan towns during the day. I feel comfortable and have personally had no issues. At night, it is best to take some form of motorized transportation instead of walking to avoid any potential incidents.

A couple of neighborhoods in Nairobi should generally be avoided if you’re going on your own. These neighborhoods include Kibera, which is the largest slum in East Africa and downtown Nairobi, including the infamous River Road. While, like all areas of Nairobi, crime rates are improving in these spots, it still can be an issue. The neighborhoods are crowded and not typically areas where tourists go, so you may draw attention unwittingly. However, if you are interested in experiencing some of these neighborhoods, I would recommend finding a walking tour. There are some fantastic ones through Airbnb Experiences and local companies that connect you to guides from Kibera and the city center who can help you safely navigate the streets while providing a background to the neighborhood’s history and culture.

2. Food hygiene in Kenya

While it’s not a major cause for concern, be aware of what food you eat and where, like in most countries. Kenya has an incredible amount of fresh local fruits, like pineapple, passion fruits, mango, and avocado. All peeled fruits are safe to eat. Proceed with more caution when it comes to fruits and vegetables that aren’t peeled or cooked. I don’t avoid them all together but I’m more selective with where I eat them. From Nairobi to the coast, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants serving salads and vegetable-abundant dishes from the growing number of local farms. If you’re planning to check out some street food stands, which is my personal favorite way to explore a country’s culinary scene, you’ll want to be cautious about eating meat, as it’s uncertain how long it’s been sitting out.

3. Is tap water safe to drink in Kenya?

Don’t drink tap water unless it has been boiled or purified. Carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a water filter bottle, such as the Grayl water bottle, and keep it topped up with purified water to avoid buying bottled water. If you’re out of water, most restaurants sell bottled water. Many of them have filtered water as well—just ask!

4. Malaria and travel health tips for Kenya

Certain areas of Kenya are at high risk for malaria, while others are not. The coast and Lake Victoria generally have the highest incidences of malaria. Nairobi is typically a low-risk area for malaria. The Kenyan highlands (above 2500m) of Nyanza, the Rift Valley, and the Central, Eastern, and Western Provinces are also lower risk.

Malaria-carrying mosquitos only come out in the evening so wearing light layers during these hours can reduce the risk of infection, along with some applying mosquito repellent. Most beds are equipped with mosquito nets for protection while sleeping. If you do suspect that you are showing signs of malaria (fever, low energy, chills, lack of appetite—similar to typical flu symptoms that occur in two-day cycles), it’s best to get tested. Clinics throughout the country are well-equipped to deal with malaria (typically much more so than in malaria-free countries) and you can easily get a test and medication if needed.

Generally, I found the clinics and health care systems in Kenya quite good and definitely better than those in other East African countries. Particularly in Nairobi, you’ll be able to find a large concentration of hospitals and clinics that can support you should you need to seek medical attention. The pharmacies are well stocked as well for your basic goods.

5. Politics, protests, and civil unrest in Kenya

Political tensions can run high in Kenya. While it is unlikely you’ll encounter political violence, stay connected to local news to be aware of current situations while in the country. Avoid protests and demonstrations should any take place, as they run the risk of turning volatile or violent. It’s best not to travel during a general election as well, to play it safe.

6. Road safety in Kenya

Motorcycles are a common form of public transportation and a quick and easy way to get around Nairobi’s insane traffic. However, many of the roads are under construction or potholed, and motorcycles are competing with trucks, cars, and a lot of crazy road rules (or rather, lack thereof). Having a helmet with you is really important if you plan on catching motos. I was in two motorcycle accidents as a passenger in less than a year in Nairobi and refused to get on one without a helmet!

If you choose to ride, consider travel insurance and be sure to comply with its requirements, such as riding with a helmet and being appropriately licensed to ride in your home country at your destination.

7. Hiking and wild camping in Kenya

With the exception of a few hills on the outskirts of Nairobi, hiking and wild camping are fairly crime-free in Kenya—and a fantastic way to experience this East African country. Your bigger concerns are wildlife and nature. If you’re planning to take on more challenging, high-altitude hikes like Mount Kenya, come prepared with warm clothes to protect against freezing temperatures and rain, as well as adequate food and water, and medicine for altitude sickness as a precaution. On the other extreme, spots like Lake Magadi near the Tanzania border can experience extremely hot temperatures. For hikes and camping in those regions, it is important to bring shade, water, and electrolytes in case of dehydration. When it comes to wild camping in places like Tsavo National Park and near other nature reserves, be aware that wildlife lives there. Read up on safety and guidelines for wildlife encounters before heading out on a solo adventure.

8. Terrorism in Kenya

Although there have been a handful of isolated attacks in Kenya by Al Shaabab from neighboring Somalia, these incidences are rare. Borders with South Sudan, Sudan, and Somalia should be avoided unless going with a local guide, as localized conflict may spill across.

9. Is Kenya safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Despite the government laws against LGBTQ+ relationships, Nairobi has a fairly prominent LGBTQ+ community. Areas outside of Nairobi are much more conservative and traditional but coming across LGBTQ+ events and parties is not uncommon.

10. Is Kenya safe for female solo travelers?

For the most part, female travelers to Kenya will have a trouble-free trip. The locals are friendly, respectful, and hospitable and most people speak English.

There have been reports of women experiencing harassment by men. Avoid hanging out at the beach or walking around alone at night. Take a taxi if you plan to head out at night, even if you are with others. And as you would at home or anywhere else, avoid getting too intoxicated.

Nairobi and the central areas of coastal towns like Diani and Watamu are quite western and I dress as I would in Europe or the US. In rural regions, more conservative dress – think loose long dresses and skirts, or loose pants and tops – is best to be culturally sensitive and draw less attention.

When it comes to airport fashion, comfort and style are both important factors to consider. After all, you want to look good for the ‘gram, but you also want to be able to move around easily and be comfortable during a potentially long flight. Airport looks are no longer limited to celebrities on social media. Today, almost all GenZ and Millennials have mastered their airport looks for their Instagram vacation posts. In the 21st century, vacations are mostly about sharing live updates on social media, and an airport look is not just restricted to what you wear but also the accessories you carry and how well you style them. Here’s a list of buddies that you can add to your collection and upgrade your travel game.

Shruti Kedia Daga, Head of Marketing, Nasher Miles, shared some fashion essentials that can help you achieve an Insta-ready airport look.

1. Quirky Travel Bag

As all seasoned travellers, especially the likes of Gen Z and Millenials know, having the right luggage can make all the difference when travelling in style. Every detail matters, whether it is dressing to impress or choosing the proper mode of transportation. However, one aspect that is often overlooked, is the type of baggage to carry. Travel luggage is not just a commodity; it’s also a fashion statement today, and it helps reflect your personality.

Choose your bag carefully; look for one that is attractive, lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and has spacious interiors. There are many uber-cool luggage designs and a vast range of colours available in markets that are super stylish yet sturdy with long-term durability. Quirky bags will enhance your trending airport looks and vacation Instagram posts.

2. Sneakers

Sneakers are the best option for travel. Today, the trend is to wear the most comfortable pair of sneakers that make you look cool and stylish. If you want to play it safe, choose white sneakers and tie laces.

3. Neck pillow

A Neck pillow is an absolute essential while travelling. It provides support and comfort to your neck and head while sleeping, which is especially important on long flights. It also helps maintain proper posture for extended periods of time, particularly during travel, and the best part is that they are lightweight and long-lasting. Always choose a simple amd versatile colour neck pillow that can be paired with any outfit.

4. Headset

A set of headphones is one of our travel essentials, especially during long flights. Apart from providing us with good music to keep us company while travelling, headphones also double as a subtle “do not disturb” sign. A quirky headset is one of the most important elements that can enhance your overall airport look.

5. Comfy sweatshirt

Airport fashion has to be stylish and comfortable, as comfort is essential when travelling. And so, keep your outfit simple yet stylish. Avoid wearing short, flared skirts as they may be uncomfortable. Choose a pair of jeans and pair them with a sweatshirt or go for a cord-set and simply put on a pair of sunglasses that’ll add up to your glam.

From river beaches to outdoor art trails, these summer trip ideas offer great alternatives to crowded coasts and congested cities

We all like the idea of summertime in Europe – long, lazy days in the Mediterranean sunshine, whiling away an evening people-watching in local bars – but the reality is often much less romantic, with overtourism, sky-high prices and heatwaves blighting many a Euro Summer fantasy.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. To inspire your summer holiday plans this year, we asked writers across Europe to tell us about their favourite alternative summer trip ideas. From Croatia’s quieter island-hopping route to an Estonian spa break, here’s where to head for crowd-free bliss and unsung adventures right across the continent. You’re welcome.

The best alternative summer trips in Europe

1. Follow an outdoor art trail in the south of France

To avoid the swarm of summer tourists in Provence, I head to the region’s outdoor art spaces. In my hometown of Marseille, the Friche d’Escalette strikingly blends an industrial nineteenth-century lead factory with the natural paradise of Calanques National Park. Amble between hills and remnants of brick walls to see contemporary art like Jean Prouve’s movable pavilions.

North of Aix-en-Provence, Chateau la Coste is a sprawling 500-acre estate where a contemporary art walk weaves around rows of grapevines. Of the 40 works, I’m particularly fond of the recently installed Prune Nourry’s Mater Earth, an enormous pregnant woman emerging from a grassy field. After working up an appetite, my friends and I treat ourselves to fire-roasted food at Francis Mallmann’s restaurant.

Take the boat from Hyères to Ile de Porquerolles. Perched above idyllic beaches and breathtaking cliffs, Villa Carmignac houses rotating exhibits with top artists from Basquiat to Warhol. The best part? You walk around barefoot, just as you would on the nearby beaches. I’m looking forward to the Infinite Woman show this summer.

2. Relax on central Portugal’s inland beaches

Each summer, I escape the crowds of the Lisbon coast and head to the sandy river beaches of central Portugal for warm water, wild nature, and plenty of elbow room. There are numerous praias fluviais (river beaches) dotted around this under-the-radar part of Portugal, and during the summer season they’re equipped with lifeguards, sun loungers, and beach bars serving salty local olives washed down with dangerously affordable jugs of wine.

Flanked by forest-covered mountains and whitewashed hilltowns, these inland beaches are summer social hubs where swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders can coast for miles. The hilly terrain is popular with mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers, and the most rewarding way to see the region is by river beach-hopping along a stretch of the Schist Trails, which wind their way between 27 traditional schist stone villages in 14 municipalities. Along the way, there’s hearty food and simple guest houses (do book in advance) to keep you fed and rested.

3. Cycle the Balkans

A journey of 2,000 miles starts with a single spin of your bicycle wheel at Kobarid, where Slovenia meets Italy and the Julian Alps lend a sense of drama. This is the departure point for the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, a cross-Balkan bike trail opening fully in July 2024 to take in eight countries and connect all of former Yugoslavia plus Albania over 3,364km of mapped-out roads and pathways.

You may set out and tap out anywhere you like, of course, but following the emerald-green river Soča through Slovenia seems as gentle an introduction as any. Venturing into the Goriška Brda wine region allows you to sample the white Rebulas and Blue Pinots at bucolic hilltop wineries commanding panoramic views and suggesting you stay longer.

For an urban experience thrown in, the Tito-built city of Nova Gorica should give you your fill of heroic statuary and fractured history.

4. Spa away on Estonia’s Saaremaa island

The island of Saaremaa is one of Estonia’s best-kept secrets. Once home to Viking invaders and Scandinavian folklore, today it’s the perfect retreat to spa away in. There’s no shortage of spa hotels at affordable prices, replete with saunas and swimming pools, with the old town centre of Kuressaare having the highest number of spas per capita in the world. Once you’re refreshed, check out Kuresaarree castle with its star-shaped fort. Or take a gentle hike along deserted beaches and feel the cool Baltic Sea breeze. Spot pagan tombstones, ruins and the spectacular 7,600-year-old Kaali meteorite crater, a must-see at 22 metres deep. You can hop to Saaremaa in under half an hour via a tiny propeller plane from Tallinn airport, or take the longer, scenic route over land and ferry through western Estonia.

5. Tour Berlin’s sunset spots

Walking down Karl-Marx-Straße one summer in Berlin, a friend pointed to the top of a nondescript shopping centre. ‘You have to get up there for sunset,’ she said. So I trekked across the top-floor car park of the mall and climbed a concrete slope into a Kulturdachgarten club named Klunkerkranich, just in time to see the sunset’s orange light turning the Berlin TV Tower pink.

From here on out, the sunset-chasing addiction begins. In Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, hike past the waterfall in Viktoriapark to reach the highest point in the city, and sit at the feet of the forbidding cast iron Prussian war memorial for the sunset. Picnic in the grassy expanse of Tempelhofer Feld as evening falls. Take an afternoon cruise down the River Spree for some sundowners, or above the water with street buskers at Oberbaumbrücke.

Berlin’s not often thought of as a summertime destination, but it’s during the warmer months the city is at its most sociable (and beautiful). Spend a long weekend hunting down its sundown lookouts, which are as varied – and often as eccentric – as its nightlife.

6. Hike a web of trails in Greece’s new Sitia Geopark

Staying in a cosy suite at Palazzo di Sitia, I spent a wonderful week in Sitia Geopark in the rarely visited eastern half of Crete island. One of Greece’s newest geoparks, it’s home to countless endangered species of flora and fauna; I saw a kettle of griffon vultures swooping low overhead as I clambered out of Zakros’ Gorge of the Dead, so-called because the Minoans once used the beehive of caves pocking the surrounding cliffs as a cemetery.

A 40-minute bus ride from Sitia town, the Unesco-classed Sitia Geopark stretches from Cape Sidero’s nineteenth-century lighthouse to the Minoan palace of Zakros. During my week here, I swam from the golden sand beach of Vai (home to Europe’s only palm forest), sampled Cretan stuffed snails and other local treats in family-run tavernas near Sitia town’s fishing harbour, and hiked off the calories along the Geopark’s web of thyme-scented trails.

7. Hunt for Albania’s Cold War bunkers

I’ll be the first to admit that spending your summer holiday hopping from one Cold War era bunker to another doesn’t have quite the same ring of romance to it as island hopping through Greece. But there are estimated to be around 170,000 of these grey concrete structures strewn across Albania, and visiting as many of them as possible will take you on an Indiana Jones-style adventure to all four corners of the country. Created under Albania’s former Communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, some of these bunkers – such as Tirana’s BunkArt – are enormous multi-storey, atomic bomb-proof structures that now house impressive art galleries or museums showcasing the horror of the Hoxha period. Most, though, are tiny, derelict structures tucked into forest glades, known only to a few farmers who were bemused but delighted to show a visitor these fading relics from Albania’s days of fear.

8. Road trip Scotland’s North East 250

I’ve driven the North East 250 many times. I call it Scotland in miniature, as it offers the very best of the castles, scenery, wildlife and whisky (most of the last one, actually) found elsewhere in the country, condensed in a 250-mile Aberdeenshire loop. On my most recent trip, I rented a luxury off-grid motorhome from Camplify named Vando, stopping at local campsites as I went around. In one afternoon I’d visit the grounds of the wonderfully restored Braemar Castle and tour Glenlivet distillery in the Cairngorms, ending on the beach in Portsoy with a fresh fish supper eaten out of the wrapper. The next day I’d follow the coast and see gannets and puffins at Troup Head, dolphins off Aberdeen Harbour and a 400-strong seal colony with a Wild Discovery tour of Newburgh Beach. On another day I’d hike the sprawling Glen Tanar pine forest, spot elusive ptarmigan at the Well of Lecht and take a chilly wild dip in Loch Muick. You could do all of this over a weekend, but why rush?

9. Go on a Copenhagen ice cream crawl

Ice cream might scream ‘Mediterranean beach resort’ more than ‘Scandinavian city’ but stay with me: Copenhagen’s ice cream scene, much like summer in this bijou city, is an underrated treat. When they’re not swimming in the harbour, dining alfresco and building sandcastles on the beaches half an hour away, sweet-toothed Danes will be eating ice cream.

In the summer you’ll find soft ice – the Danish term for Mr Whippy ice creams – everywhere. It’s concealed in pastries at Andersen & Maillard bakery, and shows up at Coffee Collective as a ‘coffee soft ice’, a tall swirl of vanilla ice cream dusted with chocolate powder on top of a dose of espresso. I love to cycle the city in search of the best ice cream. This summer I’ll be dropping into retro-themed Ismageriet in Kødbyen to try out each of its 32 flavours, as well as Aurora, trendy bakery Alice’s hyped new parlour in Carlsberg Byen.

10. Sail around Croatia’s lesser-known islands

By now many of us have sailed to Brač from Split for the price of a pint and jostled for a seat on the crowded deck of a state-run Jadrolinija ferry. But it needn’t be this way. The company’s newly introduced line 401, which sails from Zadar to a cluster of little-known islands, allows you to experience Croatia as it once was (to borrow the country’s own catchy marketing phrase).

First port of call, Ist, comprises a jetty and little else, making you wonder if the captain was picking up a relative. Next stop, Olib, offers a couple of restaurants and deserted beach by the harbour, while for a soupçon of civilisation, Silba boasts a shop and several private apartments. The next island over, Premuda, welcomes divers to its cove-indented coastline, and diners to the three restaurants on a land mass bigger than Gibraltar. Sailings leave at reasonable times. Take a book, some water and provisions, and you’re on your way.

11. Be a shepherd for a week in the Pyrenees

Picture the scene. You’re biting into a chunk of delicate brebis cheese (ewes milk cheese), made in the nearby stone shepherd cabin, and staring up at the ice-streaked mountains. The only sound in the mountain meadow is that of the bells hung around the necks of a herd of grazing sheep. The summertime life of a shepherd in the Pyrenees mountains is, you conclude, a life well lived.

Living out such a dream yourself might sound like an impossible aspiration, and had you tried to do so just a decade ago then you might have been right. Back then it seemed that the ancient transhumance lifestyle of the Pyrenees mountains, a gorgeously unspoilt spine of peaks separating France from Spain, was doomed to fade away. But recently there’s been something of a revival of the lifestyle, and many of this new generation of Pyrenean shepherds welcome guests to spend time with them, learning the art of one of humanity’s oldest crafts. You can learn about the shepherding life in the French Vallée d’Ossau, Vallée d’Aspe and in the high Pyrenees.

Cruising is a big deal. Last year more than 30 million people boarded a cruise ship, making it one of the most popular ways to vacation in America.

That’s because cruising is the most convenient way to travel. You only unpack once (since your hotel travels with you). You get to eat as often and as much as you like for the same amount of money. There are a ton of free activities and shows all over the ship, which makes it easy for everyone to do whatever they want, while still vacationing together. And you’re not forced to make everyday transactional decisions like in real life, since everything is taken care of.

That’s why I enjoy cruising just as much as I do adventure or land travel. Contrary to what detractors often say, there is nothing inauthentic about sailing the ocean on a real ship, to real ports, with real people along the way. And there’s nothing wrong with only seeing the highlights in a half or full day at port. It’s way better than nothing.

That said, there are several things you need to understand to get the most of your first (or next) cruise. Here are five cruising tips to help you on your way.

1. Not all cruise lines are alike.

While the gist of cruising is the same, different cruise lines prioritize different things. “A lot of passengers still assume every ship is a booze cruise, highly structured, or overly formal,” says Michael Scheiner, chief marketing officer of Celebrity Cruises. “But every cruise line is different.” So selecting the cruise line that best suits your needs is the first thing you should do.

For example, if you want huge ships with lots to do, Royal Caribbean is the best and most popular cruise line in the world. If you want the best entertainment, Disney Cruises scores especially high. If you want the best food, Celebrity is hard to beat. If you want to save money, Carnival is known for lower fares. If you hate vacationing with kids, Virgin Voyages are adults-only. If you want to really immerse yourself in the culture and history of the ports you visit, Azamara has you covered. And so forth.

2. Book the best ship, not the best ports.

Many passengers book a cruise based on ports instead of the ship. This is a mistake. Since up to 75% of your time will be spent on the actual ship, you really want to make it a good one. More specifically, you want to book a new, recently renovated, or well-rated ship that cruisers already enjoy. You can do this with the help of Cruise Critic, which lets you read thousands of passenger reviews to help you make the most informed decision.

That said, you’ll need to decide which area you’ll be sailing in first. The Caribbean is the most popular by far, followed by Europe and Alaska. Cruises sail all over the world, but those are the big three and the typical starting point.

3. Don’t assume everything is included.

In most cases, cruises are all-you-can eat with free water, juices, and coffee. The vast majority of onboard activities are free too, including kids clubs. The spa, casino, and shopping cost extra, however. Some cruises have onboard “specialty” restaurants too that charge between $20-80 more per person per visit.

Overall, you’ll be expected to pay extra for both soft and hard drinks, premium spirits, wifi, shore excursions, and tips. But many cruise lines let you bundle or pre-pay for those in advance, so you know exactly what you’re paying going in.

Pro Tip: Book your shore excursions in advance to avoid sell outs and consider third-party excursions that are sometimes (but not always) cheaper than booking through the cruise. You can also save money on airfare by booking through the cruise.

4. Board early and disembark late.

Most cruises let you board as early as 11 a.m., regardless of what your scheduled boarding time might be. This lets you start your vacation early, since buffets, restaurants, and activities are already open. It also lets you beat many of the crowds that surprisingly board late.

On the back end, I also recommend deboarding as late as 9:30 a.m. to let the scrum clear out. As a bonus, use the free cruise app to check in online and save additional time while boarding, deboarding, and finding the latest information and activities and even customer service help.

5. Indulge yourself.

After cruising a dozen times, eating four soft-serve ice creams on an especially hot day in the Caribbean is one of my all-time favorite memories. It was awesome. So order as much food as you like. Order two entrees and two desserts if you like. Pig out. Drink up. A seven day cruise isn’t going to make or break your health. Giving in to temporary gluttony is a big part of the draw—a celebration of life itself. Enjoy it.

Pro Tip: Use the stairs to avoid lines and the wait for the elevator and burn off the excess calories you’re consuming.