U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's wife Jill Biden poses in front of the historic Taj Mahal in the northern Indian city of Agra
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's wife Jill Biden poses in front of the historic Taj Mahal in the northern Indian city of Agra July 23, 2013. REUTERS/ Brijesh Singh

Travel is supposed to be a pleasant life-changing experience. However, it can turn out to be a disaster if you find yourself endangered in a foreign land. The laws are different and so is the local culture. Things can be especially difficult for women as there are certain countries which are unfortunately accused of gender discrimination. The crime rates are also exceptionally high against women in some countries. Here are five countries where women should think twice before travelling to.

India

For some reasons, criminal offences against women have been a matter of serious discussion in India. The safety and the security of Indian women are questioned as there seems to be an abrupt rise in number of cases of sexual abuse, gang rapes and murder against women. Single women from foreign countries can become really vulnerable. Even though India earns around $17.7 billion from tourism each year, Business Insider reported that there was 35 percent drop in 2013 revenue after a Swiss tourist had been gang-raped in 2012. Another British tourist jumped out of the window as she feared being raped.

Turkey

Turkey has a rich history as it has some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture. The country also has some of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the world. Tourists flock in thousands every year to this exotic country, but Turkey is known for violence against women. There are several complaints of the use of "date rape" drugs. The police and the judiciary system are infamous for not cooperating with women. New York Post reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had openly expressed his views which apparently advocated gender discrimination.

Mexico

Mexico is a highly popular destination especially among Americans who visit the country in millions every year. According to the U.S. State Department, the Mexican government is quite proactive is protecting U.S. citizens. However, the criminal justice system in the country is often accused of failing to protect women from potential violence due to corruption. Women who report sexual abuse are generally disrespected in the community.

United States

Many may be surprised see the United States in the list, but the country ranks pretty high on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index. Utah is one of the worst states in terms of gender bias. There is huge discrimination between men and women when it comes to earning. Women hold less than 31 percent management positions in the state. There are only six women in the state's House of Representatives, while the total number of seats is 75.

Indonesia

The Indonesian government apparently asks its female recruits in police to go through "virginity tests." Indonesian women need to keep their hymens intact to join the police forces. That is how they are considered "morally fit" to join the forces. There seems to be a culture of gender bias which is even promoted by the government. That is why female tourists should expect facing discrimination in this country.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au