‘I went on holiday to war-torn country – it’s nothing like I expected’ | Asia | Travel

Two British men have shared what they believe it the “truth about Syria” after holidaying in the war-torn Middle Eastern country.

After choosing the unlikely destination for a relaxing break, TikTok user Simon Wilson (@simonwilso8) and his pal visited the nation, which is currently locked in a multi-sided cival war. The UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to Syria.

“FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions,” a statement on its website warns. “If you are a British national in Syria, leave the country by any practical means.”

“Is that what you expected?” Simon asked his friend as the pair sat atop a building looking down over a city. “Because it’s not what I expected.”

“I think pretty much every tourist who comes here would say the same thing as we would,” the friend affirms. “This is not how we expected it to be.”

Simon interjected, offering a review of their stay. “No not at all – the hotels are alright and I’d say the food is awesome.” His friend agrees: “I mean maybe India could compare, but this food is amazing and the people are super bloody friendly.”

Closing, Simon asked: “Would you come again?” To which his friend declared: “Abso-bloody-lutely.” It prompted one TikTok user to offer a sceptical response: “Because you went to a popular city no doubt. Go to a well-run city in Africa, then go into the poor places, massive difference.”

Another person quipped: “Didn’t really sell it to me when you said the ‘hotels are alright’.” Whilst a third person cast doubts over Simon’s claims, pondering: “Safe, is it? Tell that to the people of Aleppo, Ghouta, Idlib, Homs and Douma.”

Earlier this month, a UK seaside town was once ranked alongside North Korea and Syria as one of the worst places to go on holiday. Skegness, Lincolnshire, is known as one of the UK’s most popular seaside towns, welcoming around four million visitors each year.

However, the travel website Destination Tips was less impressed by Skegness, placing it in the top 10 worst places to visit in the world. The damning verdict was given back in 2017. The website described ‘Skeggy’ as a “pile of dirt.”

They said: “Once thought of as a quaint seaside town in northern England, Skegness is now a pile of dirt bordering the North Sea with a run-down amusement park idly resting on the land.”