We all have bucket lists. Whether we’re actually planning to visit all the places on the list or whether the list is imaginary, changing to a different wanderlust destination every month, there is always a place you’re wishing to see. But have you ever thought about the places that you’ve never thought about going to?
Here are 10 taboo destinations – places that people knowingly avoid – and reasons to change your opinion about them.
1. Antarctica
You may not know this, but this far-off, bitterly cold and uninhabited destination is attracting record numbers of tourists. Scientists are actually afraid that this will contaminate the Antarctic’s pristine state.
Why you should go
A few minutes of Frozen Planet, or a quick page through the book, and these shimmering white landscapes will win you over. But be sure to research the company you’re travelling with thoroughly so that you leave only your footprints.
For a list of responsible tour operators, visit the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.
*Photo courtesy of Rity Willaert.
2. North Korea
Unlike its southern counterpart, North Korea is very closed-off. Without the necessary visas and passports, visitors can face not only arrest, but also long-term imprisonment, heavy fines and even forced labour.
Why you should go
Interacting with the locals and the country will open it up to the world. It boasts incredible architecture, especially in the capital of Pyongyang. The rural region of Wonsan is almost untouched and the Kumgang Mountains boast many beautiful hidden lakes.
The Koryo Group specializes in tours around North Korea.
*Image courtesy of yeowatzup.
3. Egypt
Last year’s political violence in Cairo and Alexandria have put many tourists off, resulting in an eerily quiet December holiday season. And most are still skeptical about visiting the land of the Pharaohs.
Why you should go
Things have cooled down and Egypt is once again a safe destination. In fact, now is the perfect time to visit as there are few others, giving you the chance to take tourist-free pictures of the pyramids. Mary Honnet, one of our bloggers, recently went there and listed five unmissable things you have to see in Egypt.
4. Cuba
Once Cuba became a single-party state that’s ruled by a communist party, the USA stopped supporting them economically and prohibited American citizens from visiting. President Obama has loosened these restrictions, but it remains a taboo destination.
Why you should go
Thankfully, we don’t live in America and many other western countries quite enjoy visiting Cuba. Between the vibrant city of Havana, the many beautiful beaches and of course the cigars, there certainly is fun to be had.
*Photo courtesy of Nathan Lauren.
5. Iraq
The war only officially ended about 5 months ago, so it’s safe to say that the country is still fairly unstable.
Why you should go
You’ll get the chance to understand the troubles and conflicts of the country first hand. Also, a visit to Babylon and some of the former palaces of Saddam Hussein will definitely give you some great bragging rights.
*Photo courtesy of Gustaf Wallen.
6. Libya
The uprisings of last year against Moammar Gadhafi and the civil war that followed caused visitors visas to be suspended for a short period of time.
Why you should go
Visas have long been reinstated, meaning that you’re welcome to visit. This is one of the few countries that is still considered a virgin destination, with few tour operators, making this part of the Sahara Desert a secluded and untouched destination. You’ll be one of very few tourists to visit the country’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We recently asked our Facebook fans which destinations they never want to go to. Here are the ones that came out top (or bottom):
7. India
You may be intimidated by all the people and the traffic, fearing a complete sensory overload. You may even be reluctant to depend on curry for every meal – the dreaded term, Delhi Belly, comes to mind. Yet India has many regions that truly encompass the terms beauty and tranquility; Kerala being one of them. Plus, India is the ideal destination if you want to improve your ‘exciting travel stories’ repertoire.
Sarah Duff spent 5 weeks in India this year, so let her tell you all about it.
8. China
It might be that you fear not knowing what is in your food, it might be the supposed lack of personal hygiene, it might even be the idea of being constantly crowded, but China came out top as a no-to-visit destination. So why not visit Hong Kong and then head off to the countryside? Hong Kong is advanced and cosmopolitan and the scenes you’ll experience in the rural areas are unforgettable. Giant lakes, mountain ranges and beautiful beaches are all waiting to be explored. Just experiencing the blossoms in spring is enough reason to go.
Read about Justin Fox’s visit to the Great Wall here.
*Photo courtesy of inkelv1122.
9. Democrative Republic of Congo
Bad politics in the heart of ‘Dark Africa’ may scare some off, but if there’s one reason why a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo is worth a look, then it’s gorillas. This is one of the main destinations for gorilla tracking expeditions, giving you the chance to not only see these gentle giants in their natural habitat, but also to hike through forests that are so dense that you’ll forget in which country you are.
Go on a Gorilla tracking expedition with Getaway Adventures.
*Photo courtesy of Nick Hobgood.
10. Australia
Perhaps it’s because of the people and their funny accents that this turned out to be a no-go destination. But Australia is actually an easy destination to travel to, purely because the weather and the landscapes are so much like ours. Also, once you’re there, it’s a very short flight to Bali, so you get two destinations with one jetlag.
See how much one of our bloggers, Colleen Blaine, enjoyed Sydney and the beautiful cliffs and white sands of Bondi Beach. Another blogger, Ingrid Cloete, shares her adventures in Adelaide and tells about her journey on The Ghan, travelling by train through the Australian Outback.
Which of these destinations have you been to? Which ones would you never go to?
