I read an article on CNN.com last week about folks who are choosing to travel to dangerous areas despite government warnings. I’m always up for an adventure myself but I’m not so sure I’d enjoy vacationing in a war zone as one author claims to have done 36 times. (!) Sure, other places with travel warnings like Tijuana, Mexico seem harmless enough but I still wouldn’t plan a trip there just for the adrenaline rush you get from ignoring a travel warning.

In fact whenever you travel you face uncertain circumstances even if no warnings exist. My uncle was on a Central American cruise recently and while taking a stroll along a beach at one of the ports he was robbed at knifepoint. After refusing to hand over a bag containing his passport and some money a scuffle ensued and he was slightly injured. Even cruising isn’t completely safe.

Government travel warnings typically exist to keep travelers out of harm’s way and generally they should be followed. In some cases, though, the warnings seem to go too far. A friend was on a cruise to Mexico a couple weeks ago for his honeymoon when the CDC turned the boat around due to Swine flu fears. Despite the fact flights into Mexico hadn’t been canceled and most of the flu cases seem to be centered far from the Gulf Coast tourist spots, my friend spent his days at sea instead of in port.

Following travel warnings really comes down to common sense and it’s up to the traveler to decide if a trip is worth the risk. What risky spots have you visited?