Tourists are suddenly being tantalized by the forbidden fruit: the thought of going somewhere exotic, albeit verboten, now seems kind of cool.
The itch for adventure have been fostered by Jay-Z and Beyonce showing up in Cuba, a country that has historically had shaky relations with the United States. It's gotten travelers going, so to speak, and now daredevil explorers are attempting to crash as many off-beat locations as possible.
Yahoo News recently published a list of the best forbidden travel destinations, and we've whittled the list down to the two best places to experience risk and attractions.
Risk: North Korea
Right now could possibly be the absolute worst time to go to North Korea, and that's exactly why you should. Pyongyang has been threatening war with South Korea, even warning foreigners to evacuate the lands so as to not get involved with the potentially imminent battle. The Taiwanese government officially advised its citizens not to travel to North Korea Thursday, after six Chinese tour companies in borderland Dandong stopped tours across the Yalu river to neighboring North Korea. But if you're a risky traveler whose palette is whetted by this kind of caution, take advantage of the fact that you actually can travel to this land-up until 2010, American tourists could only come out for the Mass Games. Now, travelers can come through, but only under North Korean ground rules: no wandering alone, stick with your tour guide, and only travel the path given to tourists. Remember, also, that it requires a fair amount of paperwork to even fly over, so make sure all your ducks are in a row before what could possibly be the most chancy trip of your life.
Myanmar
After the Burmese government attacked politician Aung San Suu Kyi, the United States placed economic sanctions against Myanmar, banning imported products and suggesting American citizens not set foot in the country, especially after riots that followed. Now, the dust has settled, and the glittering land of Myanmar can be traversed by any, as Burma welcomes back its tourists. Visit the archaeological zone Bagan, replete with thousands of pagodas on the banks of the endlessly blue Ayeyarwady River. Wade in Inle Lake, a large, shallow lake, with small, multicolored boats gently swaying on the tide. Don't forget the extinct volcano that many call the Mount Olympus of Myanmar: Mount Popa, a lush, green oasis seated atop hot plains.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
