Travel "Hot" Spots Not Off-Limits

When travel expert Peter Greenberg talks about traveling to some of the world's "hot spots," he doesn't mean the most popular destinations, and he's not talking temperature.

He's talking about places where many people believe they can't travel due to war or other unsafe conditions. While not necessarily encouraging people to visit these spots, he wants to make sure folks know it's possible, and that a surprising number of Westerners do go there every year.

On "The Early Show" Friday Greenberg discussed visiting Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Mexico (where many travelers are afraid to go thanks to swine flu and drug violence).

Greenburg said he knows there will be plenty of people at home, sipping coffee and wondering why would I ever want to visit one of these places?

You're certainly not going for the luxury hotels or spas, he said, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.

Greenberg recommended doing your research before jetting off to one of these locations.

You should consider the State Department's advisories for each country, he said, and ask your doctor about what shots you may need. He added travelers should also know the rules of each country -- will American money or credit cards be accepted, for instance -- and the cultural traditions -- will you need long sleeves at all times, are shorts acceptable, and any other conventions.

In addition, Greenberg said, you also might want to register with the State Department before you go away, just so the government officially knows you are there in case of emergency.

And, for the most part, Greenberg said, it's important to visit these countries as part of an organized tour group.

Greenberg shared his picks for "hot" vacation spots:

IRAQ
"You can't actually fly into Baghdad or tour any war-torn parts of Iraq, nor would you want to," Greenberg said. "They are racked by sectarian violence, bombings, and kidnappings. But, you can go to the autonomous region of Kurdistan, in the north of Iraq, which is peaceful."

"Kurdistan is controlled by an autonomous government and makes its own entry rules and has its own security forces. They have their own prime minister, their own army, their own border patrol-even their own flag. In fact, Kurdistan promotes itself as 'The Other Iraq.' They are very anxious to generate tourism and make it easy for you. Several hundred people, mostly Americans and Europeans, go there every year on organized trips."

Distant Horizons is the only US operator offering trips to Iraqi Kurdistan. They fly to Erbil with Austrian Airlines, and the program spends 10 days touring all of Kurdistan. You'll tour the architecture and markets of ancient Assyrian cities, see the Textile Museum and the Civilization Museum. The Site of the Battle of Gaugamela between Alexander the Great of Macedonia and Darius III of Achaemenid Persia, an extensive aqueduct built under the rule of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib and Shanidar Cave, where many Neanderthal remains were excavated are all on the itinerary.

Trips are limited to 15 travelers and two departures are offered a year; the next one leaves in October. Cost is $5,860 per person plus airfare.

AFGHANISTAN
"Last year, the government issued visas to only about 10,000 foreigners, but that's up from zero in 2001, so in the world of travel, their tourist numbers are, well, zooming.

"Trekkers and culture buffs never stopped visiting the safe northern Wakhan corridor and the historical city of Mazar-e-Sharif, but in the last year or two new areas have opened up, mainly in the north and west of country, which are the safest. (The south and east are still dangerous because the Taliban controls the south and still launches attacks on the east.)
"Even though tourist areas are safer than in the past, they still are not 100% safe. As a result don't ever believe what's promised in the brochures -- Itineraries are subject to change at any time depending on the security situation on any given day, and local guides are well plugged in to local communities who share up-to-date information on road conditions, rebel activity etc.

"The U.N. Environment Program is also mapping out hiking trails between villages, and the government is working to revive tourism industry in the provinces, which includes a plan to create 150 guesthouses throughout Afghanistan, which will cater to less-adventurous travelers.

"Afghan Logistics and Tours and Great Game Travel are two Afghan-based companies that offer tours. Great Game has 4, 12, and 16-day trips to various regions that range from $1,125 to $6,350 for one person depending on region and length, but prices go down for 2 or more people (prices do not include flight). Afghan Logistics group tours are customizable from 1 day to 10 days or more and cost $180 - $220 per 24 hours.

"You can also go there with US-based Distant Horizons, or UK-based Hinterland Travel. Hinterland has a tour leaving August 1, 2009 that goes to central and northern parts of the country including the Minaret of Jam; Chist; Obeh; Heart; Balkh and Bamiyan. Cost $3,223 (not including airfare) for a 24-day tour."

IRAN
Of the countries we've discussed so far, Iran is the safest, and there are the greatest number of companies offering trips here. Despite recent turmoil due to the elections, Peter said that Americans are still allowed to visit and that no companies have cancelled or suspended trips there for the fall and winter.

You do need to get a visa; your tour company will arrange for this.

NORTH KOREA
I had no idea it was even possible to visit North Korea, but apparently foreigners can visit once a year during the Pyongyang's Arirang festival (aka the Grand Mass Gymnastics and Artistic Performance, or Mass Games), which takes place in August and September. The festival involves more than 100,000 performers, lasts several weeks, and includes dance, martial arts, music, and gymnastics. It's basically a big show-offy event of performances and national pride designed to show how impressive North Korea is, and to encourage tourism.

"Organized tours are very strictly controlled, because it is one of the few totalitarian countries left in the world," Peter explained. "You have to stay in the hotels they tell you to stay in, you can't go anywhere without two official guides, and you are prohibited from talking to ordinary North Koreans or taking photos of most things. The guides not only watch you, but they watch each other! So you're getting a very limited view of the country, but it's better than nothing. You still get a sense of what a weird totalitarian atmosphere it is."

Asia Pacific Travel is the only authorized company in the US that can take you to North Korea. They have a basic 8-day group trip that costs about $2,800 (excluding airfare) and starts in Beijing, where you get your visa, then goes to Pyongyang. You can travel on your own but it costs more and you will still be saddled with "guides."

CUBA
Cuba is a place that most Americans are still not allowed to visit, yet more than 41,000 did so last year! Travel restrictions have been lifted for U.S-based Cubans who are visiting relatives, and there is legislation in Congress that calls for the end of the prohibition for everyone else. But for the time being, it's still off-limits to most Americans. However, Americans skirt the law all the time by buying all-inclusive vacation packages from Canadian, Mexican or Bahamaian tour companies.

Peter believes that demand for this illegal tourism will probably increase now that there is some talk of lifting travel restrictions ... People want to visit before the inevitable happens and Starbucks and McDonald's leave their mark.

MEXICO
Many people are scared to travel to Mexico right now thanks to swine flu and border violence. The result? Some fantastic deals!

"If you practice some basic common sense and good personal hygiene, Mexico becomes the perfect place to go," Peter said. "Just wash your hands before and after eating, before and after going to the bathroom, and yes, before and after taking a flight, and all should be well. And when I went down there, all was well…The staff to guest ratio at my hotel was 500 to....ME!"

An example of one of the deals that's out there right now: El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are "gourmet-inclusive" properties that start from $180 a night, including all gourmet meals and drinks. And the best part of the deal: it's good through December 22.