What is Digg?105 Comments
- bg233, on 08/01/2008, -0/+87It's August 1st.
- cbergstrom, on 08/01/2008, -3/+50I can't wait until the 4th of July! It's only -1 months away!
- jasoninoakland, on 08/01/2008, -0/+42I've been to Persepolis - as an American - and no, it was not that difficult. You have to get your visa processed in Canada, and you have to have a government-assigned guide (which you need because of the language, and the one we had was totally cool). BTW Persepolis was really cool. It's rare to see something from antiquity not swarming with locals trying to sell you tchotchkes. The Iranian economy doesn't depend on tourism, so tourists are viewed as oddities but left alone (thankfully).
And despite all the "Death to America" signs you see everywhere, the Iranians are actually very friendly and are not anti-American personally. I would venture to say most were privately pro-American...not something they really wanted to draw too much attention to. But they were the majority from what we saw. - veggiemoore, on 08/01/2008, -3/+30Since moving to Canada, I've learned that basically everyone else in the world vacations in Cuba. It must be nice to have one place where they can relax without any of us ugly Americans.
- scubajim, on 08/01/2008, -1/+23The Iranian people are people. They are not crazy lunatics. The have a high level of college grads.
Their government is oppressive and sucks, but the people are fine. - Slovenian6474, on 08/01/2008, -0/+22Ah yes, because there's nothing like celebrating the United States' independence like going to North Korea.
- MaxPayne3476, on 08/01/2008, -3/+18As a whole, Americans don't actually know anything about Iran other then what the mass media tells them. They're all nuts lolz! I actually have a mentor from Tehran who came over the United States. The stories she tells from Iran are incredible. The people are as friendly as can be, and what is portrayed is not at all what it is. Not to mention, the government isn't as gung-ho as you may believe.
- j.carcinogen, on 08/01/2008, -1/+12You'd (any westerner) have to be crazy to want to go to Mogadishu, you want to be kidnapped?
- theutopian, on 08/01/2008, -6/+17No, it's not. It's a necessity when traveling internationally. For your own ***** safety.
Patriotism is an idiotic concept anyway. - KanosWRX, on 08/01/2008, -3/+14Not only American's but people from other countries would be risking a lot going to those places as well.
- zmigliozzi, on 08/01/2008, -0/+9Mogadishu may have nice beaches but too bad its shark infested water.
- bdbr, on 08/01/2008, -1/+10That's just stupid. I've traveled to a lot of countries since we invaded Iraq, and never had anyone give me ***** about being American.
I don't get into discussions about politics, but if I did, I'd rather reveal myself as an American dissatisfied with my government's policy than hide behind someone else's flag. - matthewinDRO, on 08/01/2008, -2/+11I would love to go to Cuba. It is time to drop these idiotic restrictions of my right to travel freely.
- inactive, on 08/01/2008, -0/+9Cuba would love for you to go over there.
Buy your tickets in Canada or Mexico, whatever's closer. - jsd8cc, on 08/01/2008, -0/+8No it's not. Integers are both natural numbers and their negatives.
- kent1146, on 08/01/2008, -7/+15In general, unless I *KNOW* that the person I'm talking to has no problem with America or Americans, I tell them I'm Canadian.
- j.carcinogen, on 08/01/2008, -0/+8What a ***** server.
- MaxPayne3476, on 08/01/2008, -4/+12If the British can go there - then no thanks
- eliasg, on 08/01/2008, -4/+11Does anyone actually *want* to go to any of these places for vacation?
- kent1146, on 08/01/2008, -3/+10
ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/Getty Images
Baracoa
Location: Cuba’s eastern tip
Why you should go: Baracoa is Cuba’s oldest settlement, founded in 1511 by Spanish conquistadors, and is believed to be near where Christopher Columbus first landed in 1492. Important archaeological sites dot the area, and nearby caves provide visitors an opportunity to view pictographs and ceramic remains of Native American tribes that inhabited the island when Europeans first arrived. Large forts, built in the 18th century to repel pirate attacks, provide breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding forests. The area is also full of sandy beaches, lush vegetation, and waterfalls, not to mention a healthy array of musical, artistic, and cultural happenings.
Why you can’t: Because it is impossible. For a host of reasons—some of which have the last name Castro—U.S. tourist travel to Cuba is thoroughly restricted. Even travel to Cuba through a third country, such as Mexico or Canada, is technically illegal, and violators can face prosecution and a hefty fine of up to $65,000 upon return to the United States. So, although the U.S Guantánamo Bay Naval Base is located in the same province as Baracoa, American travelers who run into problems probably won’t find much sympathy.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Mogadishu’s Beaches
Location: Somalia’s east coast
Why you should go: The beaches that separate Mogadishu from the Indian Ocean rank among the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world, say many of the very few Western travelers who ever venture there. Coral reefs teeming with fish are easily accessible from the shore (although tourists pursuing aquatic leisure should leave all valuables at home in case their boat is hijacked by pirates). Back in Mogadishu, visitors can find virtually anything in the city’s outdoor markets—except peace of mind. A 2004 Economist article noted that hand grenades go for a mere $10, and other popular items include antiaircraft guns and mortars.
Why you can’t: Because a good day in Somalia is the worst day of your life almost anywhere else. The constant state of anarchy, lawlessness, and piracy is usually enough to deter most folks from traveling to Somalia, the world’s third most failed state, according to the 2007 Failed States Index. Michael Sailor of intrepid travel agency Abercrombie & Kent perhaps puts it best when he says that Somalia is “not exactly a top-of-mind recognition for a travel destination.” The U.S. government does not maintain any consular presence in Mogadishu, so an American in trouble is likely to stay there. Most troubling is the fact that with little recognized, governing authority in Somalia, simply identifying which of the seemingly endless string of warlords and criminals has just kidnapped you is an important first step in negotiating your release. Still, the water is lovely.
Nick Taylor via Flickr
Persepolis
Location: southern Iran
Why you should go: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Persepolis is a vast collection of ruins of columns, palaces, and tombs built by Darius the Great and his son Xerxes I, among other rulers of the Persian Empire. Located 400 miles south of Tehran, Persepolis dates to roughly 517 B.C., when construction began on a city conceived to exhibit the grandeur and power of the Persians. Today, travelers can still see traces of such splendor: The Apadana Palace, the Throne Hall, and the Gate of Xerxes are all popular destinations in this desert city.
Why you can’t: Because, as the U.S. State Department points out in a recent travel warning, “some elements of the Iranian regime remain hostile to the United States.” Visas are hard to come by, as Americans wishing to travel to the theocratic state must have a sponsoring Iranian travel company that first gets approval with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This hurdle makes independent travel essentially impossible, and the wait for a visa can take months. Some U.S. travel agencies can help you make arrangements, but it’s generally up to the individual traveler to trudge through the red tape. Westerners traveling in the southeastern regions of the country, moreover, are susceptible to the armed gangs and contraband smugglers that operate in those areas. Persepolis is somewhat removed from these problem areas, but with relations between the United States and Iran at historic lows, a visit to the Islamic Republic could be a risky move.
Paula Bronstein /Getty Images
Mandalay
Location: Burma
Why you should go: Located far from cyclone-damaged coastal areas, Mandalay’s impressive central palace, Buddhist pagodas, monastery, and other architectural wonders recall the opulence of 19th-century Burma. Mandalay Hill is home to a number of beautifully constructed religious buildings, as well as spectacular views at sunset and sunrise. Best of all, traveling in Burma is incredibly cheap. Tourists can expect to find luxurious lodging in Mandalay’s city center for as little as $40 a night.
Why you can’t: See: Xenophobic, repressive military junta. Although there is a U.S. Embassy in Rangoon, Western travelers still face a litany of dangers in Burma. Because the ruling junta has banned gatherings of more than five people and has recently suppressed peaceful demonstrations with bullets and tear gas, the State Department has advised Americans to stay away from anything that looks political. And with the recent cyclone, even aid workers have had trouble getting visas. Until late May—a full three weeks after Nargis struck the coastal regions—foreign aid workers were denied entry. Indeed, for travel agents, “Burma is pretty much off the radar,” according to Poe. Also, Mandalay’s reputation as the drug trafficking headquarters of Burma might sour some travelers on its charms. - diggitydoc, on 08/01/2008, -0/+7yes!
- Andrwmorph, on 08/01/2008, -1/+7Burma is one place I'm never going (I saw Rambo IV).
- MaxPayne3476, on 08/01/2008, -1/+7damn I can't even get to the website!
- Mier, on 08/01/2008, -0/+6Sometimes you have to visit the other side to know how good it is on your side.
- phatphil, on 08/01/2008, -6/+12Can't wait to check them out!
- superkendall, on 08/01/2008, -0/+6Come on. That list is more a list of "great places you sadly cannot visit right now because the governments that control them suck". The only one on that list that even sort of qualifies is Cuba, and Americans can go there if they go through Canada so it's not like you CAN'T go.
You could also go to Iran, again the government is going to be the worst aspect of the trip in terms of the visa. The people of Iran are actually generally well-disposed towards the US. - serif69, on 08/01/2008, -1/+7My childhood was typical: summers in Rangoon, luge lessons.
- rajulkabir, on 08/01/2008, -1/+7This is one of the stupidest and most poorly-informed articles I've read in a long time.
Their whole line of reasoning seems to be that if there isn't a US consulate somewhere, it's too dangerous for Americans to go. I have been around the world more times than I can count, and other than getting more pages added to my passport, the only time I've ever visited a US consulate was when a friend had a bad case of malaria and we pretended she was in the Peace Corps so she'd get free medical help. The presence or absence of US diplomatic representation has to be about the lamest possible way to decide where to go for vacation.
There is no danger in visiting Cuba, and the only danger in visiting Burma is the knowledge that you'll be contributing some funds to a government that represses its citizens. Barring the outbreak of war, Iran is one of the safest countries in the world to visit. Similarly, who's ever heard of anything happening to a tourist in North Korea other than perhaps a jarring case of cognitive dissonance? On the whole list, only Somalia seems like a bad idea.
Basically this article is jingoistic, shallow, uninformed trash reporting and it's an embarrassment to the Carnegie Endowment that their name is on the same page. - eagledog, on 08/01/2008, -0/+6Even though you can travel there without any restrictions, Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful destination where you're likely to get robbed or kidnapped and held for ransom.
- asnider, on 08/01/2008, -0/+5Yeah, really, the only place on that list that seems like a safe place to visit is Cuba which, really, is a great country to visit. I sure as hell wouldn't want to live there, but it's a really beautiful country with very friendly people.
But, come on, North Korea? Burma? Those are places that just about everyone should avoid, not just Americans. - vherrera, on 08/01/2008, -0/+5Text only Google cache mirror!
http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:cqOc6NysjQwJ:w ...
and here's part two
http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:OcYYmcSxNxoJ:w ... - cdigioia, on 08/01/2008, -0/+4"Mount Kumgang, Kumgangsan Tourist Region"
Forbes didn't research it properly. Yes it's difficult to get a North Korean Visa, but you DO NOT NEED a N. Korean visa to visit Mount Kumgang, you can take a 1-3 day trip from S. Korea, visa-free for under $500.
North Korea has two special tourist zones, Kaesong City, and Mount Kumgang. People can visit both without Visas. Including Americans (I did two months ago).
I question that under 500 Americans have visited since the Korean War ended too. Although I'd like to believe that, it would make my trip seem a lot cooler. - rprouse, on 08/01/2008, -0/+4I've been to Mogadishu and swum there. It isn't anything special. Maybe the author should check his facts ;) It was mighty freaky seeing the huge sharks swimming right underneath you though. Only one person was killed by them while I was there.
I also don't like how they put the blame on Castro for American's not being allowed in Cuba. It has nothing to do with Cuba, but with the United States' stupid embargo. I was there in February and everyone was very welcome and treated extremely well. If it wasn't for the embargo, I think Castro would never have lasted as long.
Hmm, not bad, I've been to 2 out of 5 places on the list. But I'm not American, so I guess it doesn't count ;) - SPECOPS, on 08/01/2008, -1/+5http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_i ...
Print version worked for me maybe it will work for you too - npsken, on 08/01/2008, -0/+4How do you know he's an American?
- jerryterhorst, on 08/01/2008, -0/+4someone i know went to cuba recently and it wasnt that big of a deal. he said it was beautiful and they really are as crazy about che guevara as you think (100 foot statues and *****). to get there, he flew from mexico i think. the one thing he said was make sure you change your dollars to pesos somewhere else because you get a "***** you, american" surcharge added on if you try to change it there.
- joshuajargon, on 08/01/2008, -1/+5Ya, I have been several times. It is 50 times safer than Mexico, and the people/government like Americans just fine. When you are at customs the policy is to not stamp your passport so the piggish American government will never know you went.
- bffoley, on 08/01/2008, -1/+5But if you go to Cuba, THEY win!
I'm not sure who THEY are anymore but they'll be winning, you'll see!!!!!! - argblat, on 08/01/2008, -0/+4How many times do we have to go through this ...
# Diggs does != # of Page Visits ...
This link is probably also not just on Digg, did you ever think of that?
There are blogs, social bookmarking sites, email, AIM...
The internet is a pretty big place... - BetterOffEd, on 08/01/2008, -1/+5Are you really in a position to *die* for your country, if you're in no position to... DIE for your COUNTRY? (aka civilian)
- RajAtWork, on 08/01/2008, -0/+3I dont care for the rest, but Percepolis would be sweet
- ordig, on 08/01/2008, -1/+4Alot of people around the world want to punch americans in the face for electing Bush
Cant say i blame them. - DreKor, on 08/01/2008, -0/+3Why? Who would want to spend their vacation at that slimy mud hole?
- h3lx, on 08/01/2008, -0/+3Been to the Beaches in Somalia. The smell of burning garbage and feces from the many independently owned and operated cesspools pretty much taint the pristine natural landscape and makes it near all but unbearable to even the most seasoned of traveler. The temperature is best defined as abrasive. It's like downtown Houston hot. So be prepared to sweat it up quite a bit... the windblown red talc sand gets into everything that isn't vacuum sealed in durable plastic. The food sucks, the beer sucks worse, no marijuana, hash, or other recreational vices save only cat root... i suppose you could drink the water and get some kind of parasite that'll turn you into a diarrhea sprinkler but the fun wears off quickly. Best advice I can give about going is don't.
Go dive Kittery Beach in GTMO, Cuba instead. Swim the 200 meters to the Cuban side, you don't have to venture deep or far, Coral fans the size of elephants and the water is so clear it's surreal. Tiger sharks, barracuda and the occasional 14.7mm on the back of a patrol boat are about all you have to worry about. If you're not mauled or shot, it'll be one the best diving experiences of your life. - cdigioia, on 08/01/2008, -0/+3Ah someone beat me to it, on page 2 is a clarification, though the clarification should have simply read "We were mistaken - it is very easy to visit Kumgangsan as an American, it should not be on this list"
FTA "*Clarification: Travel to the Kumgangsan Tourist Region must be arranged through Hyundai Asian Corp., a South Korea-based tourist company that owns exclusive rights to the special tourist area. Americans can join Hyundai’s regular tour groups, but often an English speaking tour is not available. Travel to other areas of North Korea is sometimes possible for American travelers, but tour groups can only travel at specific times designated by the North Korean government. " - BohicaTwentyTwo, on 08/01/2008, -0/+3If you deciede to travel to North Korea, I recommend listening very carefully to instructions:
http://digg.com/world_news/North_Korean_Soldier_Ki ... - koreth, on 08/01/2008, -0/+3You can go to NK too. It might be harder to get to the specific place in the article, but I bet it's possible. I went to NK last year and it was fascinating. Horrifying and sad, but fascinating. Their big "Arirang" performance is a good contender for "most jaw-dropping spectacle on the face of the planet." And like other people have observed about Iran, the people do not in fact try to bind your hands and burn you at the stake when they find out you're American.
- Walcherina, on 08/01/2008, -2/+5Mirror? Already?
- inactive, on 08/01/2008, -0/+2I knew several Americans who has visited Iran frequently. As long as you stay away from borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, you are safe. Even if you want to go to dangerous areas, you can ask for guards and government has special police to protect tourists.
Also, getting a visa for Americans to go to Iran is not any harder than Iranians visiting the states. Iran, also started fingerprinting Americans since US started fingerprinting Iranians at the border.
Europeans usually get visas through travel agencies quite fast, and if they are on their own, two week visas are issued at the entries to country. - yosserhughes, on 08/01/2008, -0/+2Check out this iste.
http://www.irpedia.com/ -
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