Countries Less Traveled: Forbidden destinations to put on your bucket list

Karen GEORGE 15 Apr 2015 updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:14

1/10
Pyongyang, North Korea
Why it's forbidden: Notoriously reclusive, with no political ties to the rest of the world, North Korea’s tourism infrastructure is virtually nonexistent. Fewer than 2,000 Westerners are granted access each year and visitors that get through must be accompanied by government-appointed guides and remain on high security alert.
Why go: This teeming metropolis is full of Soviet style blocks and unique architecture. Top 'attractions' here include Yonggwang Metro Station; the 560-foot Juche Tower; the Mansudae Grand Monument, a bronze rendering of the 'Great Leader' (late founder of North Korea, Kim Il-sung); Il-sung’s mausoleum; the 105-story conical Ryugyong Hotel and the Arch of Triumph, the world’s biggest arch (trumping even the one in Paris).
2/10
Modagishu, Somalia
Why it's forbidden: Civil war and constant political unrest makes this place a danger zone for tourists.
Why go: Though much of Mogadishu is in a despondent state, you’ll still find a few landmarks that tell of its early origins as a Persian and Arabian trading port, like the 13th-century Arba-Rucun Mosque (Mosque of the Four Pillars). The stunning Indian Ocean fronts the beaches of Mogadishu’s old city, though swimmers should be warned of the frequent shark attacks that happen in the area.
Photo: rmnoa357 / Shutterstock.com
3/10
Damascus, Syria
Why it's forbidden: Recent violent political unrest (commonplace throughout much of the Middle East) has caused most governments to issue travel warnings and bans to the country, which has virtually smothered the tourism industry.
Why go: Rich in history with a tapestry of cultural influences, the predominantly Muslim country is considered a cradle of Christianity. The city is also credited with being the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city, founded in the third millennium BC. Must see sights in this biblical city include a veritable living museum led by the glorious Umayyad Mosque, the focal point of the medieval old city and purported site of the Tomb of St. John the Baptist. Wander through the labyrinthine of narrow lanes, browse bazaars and colourful markets, gaze at impressive mosques, monuments, museums, and mansions and you'll know why Damascus still has its allure despite being a danger zone.
4/10
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Why it's forbidden: Turkmenistan is not very welcoming of tourists, with the government restricting the number of travellers who enter and monitoring where they go once they arrive. All visitors to the country must first obtain a 'letter of invitation' from an individual or company and have it certified by the government before applying for a visa, and then must be accompanied by a guide at all times upon arrival in the country.
Why go: The city boasts an extensive history museum, with exhibits from ancient times to the present. World famous traveller Marco Polo raved about Turkmen carpets when he passed through in the 13th century.
5/10
NIihau, Hawaii
Why it's forbidden: This tiny island is only home to 200 people, mostly of Hawaiian descent and is solely to preserve Hawaiian culture. To ensure not many outsiders crash their island, the place is only accessible via pricey helicopter rides.
Why go: If the commercial beaches of Maui, Oahu and Honolulu aren't doing it for you, forfeit the chereographed dances and standard leis for desserted beaches and natural wildlife that roam freely in this barely inhabited Hawaiian isle.
6/10
Tehran, Iran
Why it's forbidden: The Iranian Revolution coupled with the frequent Iran-Iraq wars caused a decline in the tourism industry since the late 70s.
Why go: Tehran is the dynamic, undiscovered jewel of the Middle East An urban sprawl of restaurants, hotels, parks and art galleries converge nearly a mile high above sea level on the scenic slopes of the Alborz Mountains, at the foot of Mount Damavand, Iran’s highest mountain peak. Some notable spots to visit include the opulent Golestan (Rose Garden) Palace, the massive maze-like Grand Bazaar and the Treasury of National Jewels, where one of the world’s most expensive and impressive collections of jewels is housed.   
7/10
Sana’a, Yemen
Why it's forbidden: The current airstrikes going on in Yemen, from Saudi Arabia make Yemen off-limit to most tourists. Also, the country has a long history of kidnappings for ransom, although it's been reported that hostages are treated with the utmost respect.

Why go: Go back in time to a biblical era where men and women still wear customary garb. It's no surprise that Sana'a, a 2nd century city is on the UNESCO world heritage list. This incredible history can be seen in the 103 mosques, 14 hammams, and over 6000 houses all built during the 11th century. Be sure to check out the ancient tombs of the city, which are some of the oldest historical landmarks in the world. The Yemini Fortress and Al-Saleh Mosque are not to be missed either.

Photo: sunsinger / Shutterstock.com
8/10
Kashmir (Pakistan/India)
Why it's forbidden: The ongoing territorial disputes and violent civil unrest between Pakistan and India, coupled with tourist abductions by Islamic groups make Kashmir a hostile place for tourists.

Why go: Timeless monasteries, arid canyons, glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains make up the landscape of this untouched place, often called the Switzerland of the Subcontinent. A trip to Srinagar wouldn't be complete without a boat ride on Lake Dal and a few side trips out into the glorious Kashmiri countryside filled with flowers in spring and snow in winter. Pretty Kashmiri villages with traditional wooden houses and colorful rooftops can be seen along the way along with the locals dressed in beautiful traditional garb. Be sure to make a pit stop at the incredible Shalimar Gardens and marvel at the botanic paradise constructed in 1616 by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jahan.
9/10
Kabul, Afghanistan
Why it's forbidden: The American invasion of Afghanistan coupled with its reputation as a hot bed for terrorist groups (namely the Taliban) has stamped out the country's tourism industry.
Why go: A land of amazing landscapes and exotic culture, Afghanistan has a lot of historic monuments for culture buffs to gawk at.The Darul Aman Palace, or abode of peace in Arabic is a good place to start. Built in the early 1920’s, the palace is European inspired with a focus on neo-classical architecture. Babur's Gardens, laid out by the Mughal ruler Babur in the 16th century prove to be one of the lovelier spots to relax in the city.
Other places to seek out are the many bazaars that fill up the city’s crooked streets, packed with food, spices and crafts. If you’re interested in the ancient world, visit the Tappe-i-Maranjan, a hill where Buddhist statues and Greek coins dating back to the second century B.C. have been discovered.
10/10
Havana, Cuba
Why it's forbidden: It’s been about five decades since the start of a U.S. trade embargo against Cuba that also forbids tourism to the communist island. However, since entering office, President Obama has been easing up restrictions to encourage more “people to people” contact in hopes of aiding political change.
Why go: Havana is a sultry array of history, tropical beaches, and a warm culture. A must-see place is La Habana Vieja, a maze of charming plazas, street markets, and museums that will transport you back to the 1950s. Come sunset, the city takes on a Dirty Dancing vibe with mambo, guajira and rumba music in crowded nighclubs and cabarets around the city.

What is it about the word ‘no’ that suddenly makes a place that much more desirable? Bite the forbidden fruit and embark on an adventure in these offbeat countries.

The Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Giza… Where do you head next when you’ve seen it all? When it comes to travel, forbidden is in and there are a growing breed of travellers, known as the ‘anti-tourist’ who eschew conventional travel destinations and seek out countries deemed ‘forbidden’ by travel advisories.

Seasoned travellers know that the greatest rewards often come from discovering the delights of a lesser-known, offbeat destination. That doesn’t include the bragging rights of having been to a dangerous travel zone and coming back in one piece. Not to mention the fact that development and commercialisation has not ruined the natural wonders of these places or hiked the prices of accommodation and meals. This is what makes countries like Iran, Syria and North Korea so attractive to the anti-tourist.

We don’t necessarily endorse visiting many of the places on this list now, particularly hot zones like Damascus, but we highly encourage traveling by armchair. If your itch for adventure has to be scratched, then check out our list of forbidden countries to travel to.

Of course, proceed with caution and always check the government health and travel advisories before you go.

Karen George

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Countries Less Traveled: Forbidden destinations to put on your bucket list

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