6 Ways To Overcome Flight Anxiety

Aviophobia, otherwise known as the fear of flying, affects 6.5% of the population, or approximately 20 million people, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For those affected, this means sweaty palms, a racing heart rate, an increase in blood pressure, or even panic attacks while on board or before take off.

Though it may seem impossible to overcome the fear of flying, we’ve outlined some tested techniques below to help those who suffer from flight anxiety.

1. Choose your seat wisely

If you’re prone to flight anxiety, make sure to choose your seat wisely. Determine whether you feel most comfortable in the aisle, middle, or window seat.

Sitting toward the front of the plane is another great method for decreasing flight anxiety. Kevin Kelly, a senior captain with a major U.S. airline, explains that sitting toward the front of the plane normally results in a much smoother and quieter ride.

If your piggy bank will allow it, upgrade to First Class. Many first class flights include a variety of amenities, including goose down duvet blankets, recliner seats, and entertainment. According to Travel + Leisure, feeling physically comfortable will make achieving emotional comfort that much easier.

2. Don’t let turbulence frighten you

Turbulence may be one of the most frightening and alarming factors for those with flight anxiety when, in reality, it’s nothing more than a simple (and very common) change in the movement of air.

Keith Tonkin, former military pilot and director of consultancy group Aviation Projects told VICE about airplanes: “Modern planes are designed to withstand far more force than turbulence can create. They’re simply not going to fall apart.”

If you can think about turbulence the way Tonkin explains it, you can hopefully come to realize that planes are specifically built to withstand turbulence, and there really isn’t any amount of it that can overpower a 90,000-pound aircraft.

3. Reprogram your mind

As humans, we have a tendency to uphold irrational fears. Every day, we step into our vehicles and drive ourselves to and from work without thinking twice, yet we constantly fear flying in planes.

According to the National Safety Council, U.S. vehicle deaths topped 40,000 in 2017. In the same year, airlines recorded zero accident deaths in commercial passenger jets, making it the safest year on record for commercial passenger air travel.

If you struggle with flight anxiety, try to remind yourself that not one single person died in a commercial passenger jet last year. This will hopefully be able to reduce at least some of your fears.

Upset man sitting in airport waiting area with a suitcase. — NicoElNino / Shutterstock

4. Have relaxation remedies on hand

We don’t want to sit here and tell you to medicate heavily before a flight, but a prescription from a licensed physician for fast-acting anxiety medications can greatly reduce discomfort for anxious flyers. Keep in mind, though, that all bodies react differently to different medications, and they might not be guaranteed to help.

Another alternative to prescriptions is herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wort or Scullcap to reduce nerves. Something as simple as a sleepy-time tea could also help reduce anxiety and cause drowsiness, allowing worried flyers the opportunity to rest easy during a flight.

With all the talk about medications and herbal remedies, we’d like to point out that you should probably avoid the temptation to drink alcohol or coffee during a flight. Though we tend to believe that alcohol helps our bodies to relax, it actually tends to increase anxiety levels. It also causes dehydration and headaches. Similarly, caffeine is known for spiking anxiety levels.

Click here to learn more about how alcohol and caffeine can make your nervous states even worse.

5. Bring distractions with you

Bringing as many distractions with you as possible will inevitably reduce stress levels. Create a new playlist on your iPod for your upcoming flight, bring your laptop and some DVDs, throw some playing cards in your carry-on, or download your favorite podcasts. You can even carry a photo of your destination with you to remind you of the incredible adventure you’re about to embark on!

Budget Travel claims one of the best ways to distract yourself is to bring a book or download a television show that you’ve started at home and are already deeply invested in.

According to Todd Farchione, Ph.D., of Boston University’s Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, “If people associate televisions with being safe at home, and there’s a television on the plane, they will feel similar familiar feelings of comfort.”

6. Just breathe

Alexia Touboul, LMHC, Clinical Director at Banyan Treatment Center, suggests trying relaxation and breathing techniques before, during, or after a flight.

“My favorite is the 5-3-5 breathing method; breathe in for 5 seconds, hold for 3, breathe out for 5 seconds and repeat until feeling calmer,” Touboul says.

Trying this or other breathing techniques can greatly help reduce anxiety for those who struggle during flights.

Though we understand overcoming flight anxiety is a grueling and unsettling task, we hope these methods will help you to conquer flight anxiety and result in an overall more enjoyable travel experience.

The 15 Most Dangerous Places To Cruise To In The World

Tragic tales of unsuspecting tourists who fall victim to scams or — worse — serious crimes, make for sensational headlines. It happens commonly enough to dampen the enthusiasm of even the most dedicated travelers. Thankfully, cruise lines and global tourism boards know it’s in their best interests financially to keep their guests safe and happy. Still, you might want to give extra care and consideration if you’re planning to make these following destinations your next port of call.

These are the 15 most dangerous places in the world to take a cruise.

1. El Salvador

El Salvador’s natural beauty is hard to resist, but its dubious distinction of having one of the world’s highest murder rates is hard to ignore. If you’re committed to exploring here, take caution and do your research. This piece gives a good balance of the risks and rewards of the country.

2. Roatan, Honduras

Cruise fans, beware. The Honduran judicial system lacks sufficient resources to cope with the country’s high rate of violent crime and offers little deterrent to criminals. As such, Honduras has a high rate of murder and other violent crimes such as armed robbery and sexual assault. Avoiding remote areas and traveling after dark, and always book shore excursions with long-established, trusted operators. These are the most sensible steps you can take to minimize danger.

3. Mindanao, Philippines

In Mindanao and the surrounding area of the Sulu Sea, garden-variety dangers such as armed robbery are the least of anyone’s worries. Instead, terrorist and criminal operatives are thriving on a deadly game of kidnapping for ransom. While the stunning shores may be calling your name, think long and hard before planning a cruise that includes Mindanao and take your government’s most recent advisories into account.

4. Tunis, Tunisia

The city of Tunis combines of gorgeous architecture, charming streets, lovely shops, and delicious food. Unfortunately, recent terrorist activity has left an ugly scar on the city, even more so since cruise ship tourists have been targeted. At the Bardo National Museum, the “Louvre of Africa” bullet holes from terrorist attacks mar the priceless exhibits. If this is a destination you can’t resist, take heed of your government’s latest security advisory, avoid nighttime travel, and choose well-respected, long-established tour operators.

Margarita Island in Venezuela. — Paolo Costa / Shutterstock

5. Margarita Island, Venezuela

Margarita Island would be a strong contender for the title of “World’s Most Beautiful Island”. Unfortunately, it is equally qualified as one of the most dangerous. The volatile Venezuelan economy, armed robberies and kidnappings that occur in broad daylight, and a government that’s complicit in most crimes means that there are few resources dedicated to protecting tourists. Staying safe here means keeping a low profile, attracting no attention — and staying far away from illicit drugs. That’s smart advice for all destinations, but especially so in Venezuela, where drug-related offences carry very harsh penalties.

6. St. Kitts and Nevis

While many travelers report having a wonderful time on these lovely islands, there is a significant wealth gap between the local residents and the comparatively flush tourists who flood the ports of call. As such, robberies aren’t unheard of and crimes of financial opportunity are a concern. If you decide to go and indulge in some of their delectable cocktails, keep your wits about you.

7. Izmit, Turkey

With terrorist attacks in nearby Istanbul and its position in an active earthquake zone, Izmit isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s “the closest place to the ISIS wars that extremists can reach by cruise ship — an opportunity of which they’re definitely taking advantage, especially since cruise ports are more lax about security than airports.” Yikes!

8. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

For a destination that purports to be family-friendly, there’s a high rate of drug use, robbery, and murder in St. Thomas and the US Virgin Islands. Their nearby counterparts, the British Virgin Islands, boast an extremely low crime rate by comparison, but there’s another danger to consider. The roads are poor quality, rocky and steep, with no real lighting at night. You’re required to drive on the left hand side of the road, just like in Great Britain. Best to leave driving here to the experts.

9. The Ivory Coast

A gateway to western Africa, travelers love the Ivory Coast for its proximity to amazing game drives and exceptional birdlife. However, terrorism is a concern here, and in 2016 Islamist gunmen fired on a popular tourist resort. The capital city and port of call, Abidjan, had the dubious distinction of being ranked 23rd on a 2016 list of the worst places to live in the world.

Port Harcourt in Nigeria. — Alucardion / Shutterstock

10. Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Sometimes the concept of what is or is not dangerous is a matter of personal opinion. But Port Harcourt, on the Gulf of Guinea, isn’t a destination that’s up for debate. The region’s been called the most dangerous maritime area in the world and an epicentre of maritime crime. Constant threats of piracy and terrorism make this a no-go destination for even the most adventurous of travelers.

11. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is an intoxicating city — and a perilous one as well. Pickpockets thrive on the city’s famous beaches (as do pollution and bacteria from raw sewage) and more aggressive thieves operate at night. Health threats from the Zika virus remain problematic, and the legendary party scene is marred by drugs slipped into drinks. Guides like this one can help you navigate Carnival safely.

12. Dhaka, Bangladesh

Say what you will about the criminal gangs of Dhaka, but you can’t deny that they’re organized. They coordinate their efforts to extort ship captains into buying safe passage through the Bay of Bengal. But when the negotiations don’t go smoothly and the authorities intervene, ships are caught in the crossfire of shootouts between gangs and the Coast Guard. Hundreds of fishermen die every year at the hands of marine criminals and tourists aren’t immune to the violence either.

13. Jakarta, Indonesia

Piracy thrives around the Indonesian capital, and troublemakers are equally problematic onshore. Popular tourist hotspots like Starbucks coffee shops have been targeted by terrorist attacks, and more run-of-the-mill problems like petty crime are common. In Jakarta’s hot nightclubs, it’s not unusual to hear of drinks being spiked and for the waiting unofficial taxis to double as the scenes of robberies and assaults.

14. Aden, Yemen

Safety and security have sharply deteriorated in recent years as Yemen finds itself the victim of a civil war and a U.S.-backed Saudi intervention in that civil war. The death toll is catastrophic. Aden, a once beautiful port with a great coffee scene, is suffering. Somali pirates like to hang out here, and there was a terrorist attack at the airport in 2016. If your cruise itinerary includes a “Red Sea tour”, Aden may well be your stop and you might want to think twice.

15. Venice, Italy

Aside from the usual worries, like pickpockets and stumbling on a cobblestone, Venice is the furthest thing from a dangerous cruise destination. But it’s deserving of a spot in this list because there is danger here. Only this time it’s the destination that’s in danger, not the visitors! In recent years, tourism in Venice has exceeded the city’s capacity to sustain itself in a way that’s protective of its history, architecture, and Venetians themselves. And cruise day trippers are a significant part of the congestion. If you do visit — and it’s hard not to feel the call of this gorgeous city — choose a shore excursion provider that’s committed to sustainability. You’ll be helping to preserve the city for subsequent cruise passengers AND your choice will take you away from the hordes that line Rialto Bridge. That’s a winning combination!

Interested in reading more about the damage tourism is going to the floating city? Read Why Future Generations May Not See Venice.

The 7 Best European Cities To Visit In The Fall

Whether you’re looking to bask in some of Europe’s finest fall foliage or soak up the final glorious moments of warm weather after fall equinox, these seven European cities are guaranteed to get you in the spirit of the season.

1. Wierschem, Germany

Alright, so there’s one major attraction in Wierschem, Germany that makes for an ideal fall getaway. Walking the stone bridge to reach Eltz Castle will actually make you feel like a Disney princess (or prince). This 850-year-old castle is surrounded by an enchanted and mystical wooded dell that is especially breathtaking when the leaves change.

It’s destinations like Wierschem that force us to get in touch with our inner-child and imagination, allowing us to explore buildings that seem like they came straight from a storybook. At Eltz Castle, travelers can take a 40-minute guided tour in English, French, or Dutch. For those who dream of having a fairytale wedding, you can even get married in this magical keep! Click here for more information on planning your trip to Eltz Castle.

Eltz Castle and its surrounding wooded dell. Unsplash / Todd Gardner

2. Grindelwald, Switzerland

Located in the heart of the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald, Switzerland is yet another supreme fairytale destination to visit during fall months. Grindelwald is a perfect getaway for anyone wishing to indulge in some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in all of Europe, and possibly even the world.

Arguably the region’s most popular attraction, the 13,025-foot Eiger is one of the most famous mountains on the planet, with most of its fame coming from its colossal and striking north face, the Eigerwand. Only the most advanced hikers should attempt this trek, taking approximately five days to complete. But it’s still something to see from a distance.

3. Bruges, Belgium

Though the temperatures begin to drop in Bruges in the fall, it could be the golden hour for travelers visiting this enchanted city, for most tourists will be escaping to warmer European regions.

Characterized by its narrow canals, winding cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and historical medieval buildings, Bruges inevitably enamors anyone who sets foot there.

Typically less popular than other cities such as Brussels and Antwerp, Bruges is an ideal destination for those wishing to get away from swarms of tourists and get a feel for a more authentic Belgium.

Interested in learning more about Belgium? Read Castles & Canals: 9 Things To Do In Belgium.

The winding cobblestone streets of Bruges, Belgium. Unsplash / Juliana

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia

While the previously mentioned destinations are ideal places to visit in autumn due to their fairytale auras and fall foliage, some of us are looking to soak up the sun for as long as possible before those winter temperatures roll in.

Summer is Dubrovnik’s high season, causing prices on flights and hotels to skyrocket and beaches to be surging with tourists. At times, it is even difficult to find a spot on the beach during summer months in Dubrovnik.

Fall, on the other hand, is an exemplary time to visit this glittering Adriatic coastal city. Water stays warm here throughout October and sometimes even until November, allowing travelers to take a leisurely dip well into the fall season.

5. Salzburg, Austria

The hills are definitely alive during fall in Salzburg, Austria, and travelers will be happy to discover this is also the season you’ll get the most bang for your buck when visiting this majestic city.

For those who want to live like the locals, take part in the Salzburger Kulturtage, a series of concerts, opera and theatre that provide an alternative to the incredibly expensive Salzburg Festival during the summer.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch the region’s beloved annual Almabtrieb event, a cattle drive that usually takes place in early October. The ceremony consists of the decorating of cows with a special kind of ornament. The cattle are then taken from high altitude meadows in the mountains to the valleys where they reside during winter months.

Hohensalzburg Caste, Salzburg, seen from below — Hohensalzburg Caste, Salzburg. Pixabay / Hans

6. Piedmont, Italy

It may come as a surprise to know that fall is peak season for food and wine in Italy. Piedmont, Italy is situated in the northwest, bordering Switzerland and France. Piedmont, meaning the “foot of the mountain,” stays true to its name by being surrounded by the Alps on three sides, containing the highest peaks and largest glaciers in Italy.

Mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, and chocolate are some of the region’s finest delicacies during fall, and it is also the vineyard harvest season. When visiting Piedmont, be sure to check out the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, a series of nine calvaries of chapels and other stunning architectural features.

7. Alsace, France

Flying under the radar, Alsace usually isn’t at the top of travelers’ bucket lists when visiting France, but it surely should be, especially if you’re visiting during fall.

Known for its abundance of fairytale neighborhoods, Alsace is also popular for its beer (Kronenbourg or Meteor), its sauerkraut, and a local favorite — Alsace Flammekueche, similar to pizza but without the tomatoes, topped with cheese, mushrooms, cream, and local ham.

Historic houses along canal, Alsace, France — One of Alsace’s many fairytale neighborhoods. Pixabay / gabeltuerk

Fall is a magical time to travel, especially throughout Europe. We hope this article provides some insight into several European cities ideal for a fall getaway. As usual, happy trails!

The World’s Weirdest Travel Destinations

They’re quirky, wacky, unusual, and, well, just downright weird. A collection of travel destinations so offbeat they make you wonder who exactly would go there. How about you and me? Turns out that weird destinations are often the most rewarding. Here are some stunning, slightly off-kilter places that make for truly memorable adventures.

Here are 8 of the world’s weirdest destinations that are nonetheless worth checking out. Here’s to being unique!

The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. — S-F / Shutterstock

1. The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

To scientists, the nearly 40,000 strange, perfect polygons that comprise the Giant’s Causeway are the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, of once molten rock solidifying and contracting to create a mass of magical, fractal shapes. To more imaginative folk, the causeway really is magical, the result of a legendary giant who forged these wondrous shapes with his bare hands. According to legend, he was trying to build a causeway to Scotland, though he never completed the task. Maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle! In any case, this one-of-a-kind World Heritage Site is an easy day trip from Belfast or Derry, if you want to stand on the shoulders of giants.

2. The Catacombs Of Paris, France

Tucked away from the busy, tourist-laden boulevards of Paris, there is a cool, calm, relaxed network of streets that are hardly ever busy. The only catch? They’re underground. Oh, and they’re lined with six million corpses. Well, not so much corpses as the long-dried and dusty bones of past Parisians.

The Catacombs are the result of city planning efforts in the 18th and 19th century to clear our Paris’ overcrowded graveyards. Someone had the brilliant (no, seriously, pretty smart) idea of reburying the dead in the network of dormant mines beneath the city. Today, the catacombs are a beloved attraction for travelers who yearn for a taste of the macabre. At once both pleasantly peaceful and also more than a little bit creepy, it’s an unmissable attraction if you have a morbid streak, fancy wacky art, or just want to take a quiet stroll.

Cat Island in Japan. — MrDing / Shutterstock

3. Cat Island, Japan

Silk production and silk based art is an integral part of Japanese history and culture. The silk tradition has been long adored by locals, travelers, and — unfortunately — mice, who consider precious silkworms a delicacy. On Tashirojima island, an ingenious solution was found. Cats! They keep the mice in check and have evolved into a bit of a cultural attraction themselves. These crafty hunters far outnumber the 100 or so local residents who adore them. This is one location where being a “crazy cat lady” (or a “lunatic feline gentleman”) is a public service, and you can even stay in a cat shaped cabin!

Glass Beach in Kauai, Hawaii. — Felix Nendzig / Shutterstock

4. Glass Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

In the small town of Port Allen, along the south shore of Kauai, there’s a beach lined with what they call “mermaid’s tears.” This is an old-fashioned name for beach glass or sea glass — glass which has been tumbled and tempered and made smooth and frosted by the power of the ocean. And Kauai’s Glass Beach is lined with it!

Rumour has it that the glass from a nearby junkyard makes its way to the beach thanks to the rhythm of the tides. Or maybe the mermaids, à la Hans Christian Andersen, truly are responsible! You can expect tiny, smooth pebbles of glass, but also keep your eyes open for some super rare red and orange pieces. You’ll want to be on alert for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal too. They like to snooze on the beach (volunteers are often on hand to talk about the area’s ecology).

If you want to up the weirdness factor, take a few minutes to explore the old, crumbling Japanese cemetery next door. Mermaids? Check. Seal naps? Check. Old, creepy cemetery? Check!

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. — sumikophoto / Shutterstock

5. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

The American Southwest is famous for its delightfully weird and downright wacky destinations, from Nevada’s fabled and mysterious “Area 51” to the more outlandish characters of the Las Vegas strip. But Goblin Valley State Park flies under the radar of all but the most intrepid explorers. The combination of malleable sandstone and unmerciful desert winds has created ghostly hoodoo formations of rock. It’s utterly eerie and looks like the set of a science fiction film, but is very accessible thanks to hikes and nature trails that appeal to every level of fitness.

Thames Town in China. — 4045 / Shutterstock

6. Thames Town, China

Everyone gets a little homesick when they travel. If you’re English and you happen to be in China, you’re in luck! Thames Town might just be the most unusual village in the world, a mock English hamlet complete with a local vicarage and pub. It’s a little bit Tudor, a little bit Victorian — and a whole lot of kitsch. And it’s great! If you have a hankering for high tea or want to see Chinese locals playing “tourist-in-England” while in their own country, this is the offbeat destination for you. Don’t forget to enjoy the fish and chips!

Sedlec Ossuary in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic. — Mikhail Markovskiy / Shutterstock

7. Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Kutna Hora is a charming, mid-sized town that’s an easy day trip from Prague. It’s a great place to sip local wine — but why have a genteel day when you can have a downright gruesome one? Kutna Hora is home to the famed "bone church". If you’ve never seen pictures — yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Sedlec Ossuary is made from 40,000 human skeletons — even the chandeliers were once people! It’s the kind of weird that leans more towards creepy than quirky but there are still some touches of whimsy. Keep an eye out for a raven made from human bones!

Even more than Paris’ catacombs… this really is a morbid stop.

The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. — A. Aleksandravicius / Shutterstock

8. Hill Of Crosses, Lithuania

In 1831, a single cross was placed on a hill in Lithuania to celebrate rebellion against the Russians. Perhaps inspired by the show of faith — or maybe a desire for subsequent rebellions — more and more crosses were added. Soon, the Hill of Crosses became something of an attraction in its own right, with the visiting faithful adding in their own tokens of devotion. Now it’s a mass of some 100,000 crosses, rosaries, and religious statues. It’s definitely not a sight you see every day and, depending on your point of view, you’ll find it either supremely comforting or positively peculiar.

Hungry to learn about more otherworldly and bizarre places to travel? Check out 8 Incredible Places That Don’t Look Like They’re On This Planet, or 8 Stunning Places You Won’t Believe Are In The U.S.

7 Countries That Are Difficult To Visit

Many nations stand ready to welcome you with open arms. They enjoy your company, your interest in their culture, and, most especially, your money pouring into their economy. But not everyone is excited to shepherd an army of tourists through the front door. Some countries are surprisingly difficult to visit, whether by design, by dint of geography, or due to the nature of politics.

Here are 7 countries you’ll have a tough time scratching off your list. All the same: where there’s a will, there’s usually a way.

1. Saudi Arabia

For many years, Saudi Arabia didn’t even issue tourist visas to non-Muslims, though millions of the faithful flock to the country every year to participate in the Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca which is an important observance in Islam. One intrepid traveler from the West determined to set foot in the kingdom even resorted to disguising himself as a member of an archaeological team in order to get in.

Saudi Arabia could always afford to eschew tourism because its principal source of income has long been its oil deposits. Besides, what repressive regime wants to open itself to foreigners who may expose its people to ideas like pluralism and personal liberty?

Very recently, with Gulf states looking toward a post-oil future, circumstances have started to change. As of 2018, Saudi Arabia began issue tourist visas, though there is still a fairly rigorous application process. Women may not enter the kingdom unaccompanied, applicants must use a travel agency approved by the Saudi government, and there is an up-front fee. Finally, do not even think of applying for a visa if your passport contains any evidence that you’ve been to Israel. You will not be allowed into the country.

Sunset over marble courtyard of a Saudi mosque. — Sunset over a Saudi mosque.

2. Eritrea

If you’ve never heard of Eritrea (pronounced ‘air-it-TRAY-uh’ or ‘air-it-tree-uh’), you’re not alone. It is perhaps the most difficult place on earth to visit, so there are few returning visitors to regale us with tales from the horn of Africa.

Eritrea only achieved its independence in 1993. Prior to that, it was occupied by the Italians, then by the British, then by the Ethiopians. Since the end of its 30-year war of independence against the latter, Eritrea has remained shy of foreign attention.

Unless you’re from Kenya, Uganda, or Sudan, you will need to apply for a visa ahead of time. Even if you book a tour through a travel agency, you cannot obtain a tourist visa on arrival. You will have to apply at least a month ahead of your planned visit, and more likely several months ahead. Applications are only accepted at Eritrean embassies, of which there are relatively few (although there is one in Washington), and tales abound of applications being rejected for no apparent reasons.

The paranoia of their approach to tourism is a feature of the government in general. Eritrea is a police state, often considered the most repressive on the continent. Its one-party dictatorship has been helmed by the same man, Isaias Afwerki, since 1993. Human rights groups have warned that Afwerki routinely tortures and wantonly imprisons his own people, and the Eritrean press has been ranked the least free on earth by Reporters Without Borders for eight years in a row.

That makes it even worse than…

3. North Korea

There, we mentioned it. We had no choice.

For Americans, this is technically the most difficult destination to visit, because it’s literally impossible. Since September 2017, the State Department forbids the use of U.S. passports for travel to or through North Korea. Likewise, North Korea’s official travel agency refuses to serve Americans — and to enter the country any other way is to take your life in your hands.

But even before these restrictions were entrenched, the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) was probably the most disagreeable vacation spot on earth. While there, “tourists” have virtually no latitude of action; they remain always under the watchful eyes of handlers, who keep them from seeing the real North Korea and its suffering people. Instead, guests are treated to an itinerary full of Potemkin villages, propaganda museums, imaginary farms, and monuments to the Dear Leaders.

Perhaps worst of all, visitors are not excused from participating in the slavish cult of personality that ensconces the Kim family. Even outsiders are expected to bow reverently and lay flowers on shrines to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. If you’re not prepared to do this, you could never visit the DPRK in any event.

Soldiers observing huge bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, Pyongyang, North Korea. — Shrine to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, Pyongyang, North Korea.

4. Bhutan

Bhutan should be recognized as the most improved nation on this list. It’s a fairly small nation in the Himalayas, nestled between Tibetan China and India. Up until the late 20th century, it was virtually inaccessible for foreigners, simply by virtue of geography and poor infrastructure.

Today, two airlines service Bhutan (though you’ll almost certainly have to switch flights), and roads are much improved. The catch is that tourism is regulated fairly tightly. You’ll have to pay an approved travel agent up-front for an all-inclusive tour. The cost is $250 per person per day during peak season, or $200 during off season. That fee includes accommodations, tour fees, food, and drink.

The only way to visit Bhutan without taking an official tour is to be invited by someone important.

But for those who do visit, they’ll encounter breathtaking mountain views, and a fascinating people. Bhutan is the only extant Buddhist kingdom. It’s a benevolent constitutional monarchy, where happiness and fulfilment are cherished more than money.

5. Kiribati

It’s not that they don’t want you to visit Kiribati. It’s just that this string of atolls is quite literally in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, meaning you’ll probably have to island hop to get there. The total land area of the whole country is around 300 square miles, but it’s spread across more than 1.3 million square miles of ocean. And while the people are friendly and welcoming, don’t expect a fleet of luxury resorts to be waiting for you when you arrive.

If you’re determined to visit, the best way to reach Kiribati is likely via Fiji — if not, out of Australia.

6. Belarus

Compared to Poland, Russia, and the neighboring Baltic states, Belarus is a tourism black hole. It is often described as Europe’s last Soviet-style dictatorship, having chafed under the autocratic rule of Alexander Lukashenko since 1994. Apart from its poor human rights record and reputation as a Cold War time capsule, Belarus also keeps would-be visitors at bay by charging exorbitant visa fees. For example, Americans could pay as much as $420 just to enter the country, which is more than it would cost to fly there from any hub in Europe. Is it any wonder the tourists stay away?

7. Iran

Iran is rich with memory, home to what remains of the Persian civilization — one of the most venerable in human history. The people are said to be among the friendliest and most welcoming on earth, defying the stereotypes presented in Western media. And the country has been working to open itself up to tourism in recent years.

That being said, for political reasons, it remains difficult for Americans to secure a visa. You must book a tour with an approved company before applying for a visa. The application process itself is run through the Pakistani embassy in Washington. The Iranian travel company you book with can help you through the visa process, but it can be frustratingly unreliable, so you’ll want to plan all this far in advance.

Some of these countries are tough to visit because of nature, some because of politics. Some maybe aren’t worth visiting at all. Still: I don’t know about you, but this list leaves me wishing the world were a freer, more open place for everyone.

9 Secret Destinations You Should Visit

Some are halfway around the world, while others may be just a short drive or flight away. But what all of these beautiful destinations have in common is that they’re criminally underrated, almost to the point of being secrets. Bypassed by tourists in favor of better known hot spots, you’ll find terrific cities and towns, incredible landscapes, affordable prices — and virtually no travelers.

Here are 9 of travel’s best-kept secret destinations.

Puglia, Italy

Dreamy coastline, a quiet tourist scene, and an emerging wine and olive oil industry all support the Puglia “cucina povera” mentality, a focus on pared down, local, rustic, back to basics cooking where local ingredients shine. Chances are, if you have a romantic vision of what Italian life looks like, you’ll find it in Puglia. There are Vespas aplenty, old-fashioned “Nonnas” (grandmothers) wearing handkerchiefs over their hair, and very little English heard on the streets. If you’re into adventure, the caves of Castellana should be on your can’t-miss list.

Want to read more about Italy? Check out 14 Less Well-Known Italian Attractions.

Bolivia

With far less tourist traffic and visitors compared to neighboring countries in South America, Bolivia is home to the “world’s most dangerous road.” But that doesn’t deter hearty travelers excited to visit a country with 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bolivia’s Madidi National Park, while remote, is an eco-traveler’s dream destination. If you’re lucky, you’ll see beautiful rainforest flowers, the local Indigenous people of the area, and maybe even a jaguar!

Slovenia

One of the most ecologically-minded countries in the world, in beautiful Slovenia the lakes are crystal clear, honey from local bees with special legal protection is cherished, and user-friendly public transportation is the name of the game. In the cosmopolitan capital, Ljubliana, the buildings look like something from a fairy tale — and the wine scene is equally dreamy. Within the space of an hour or two, you can be in hiking in the Alps or relaxing by the lake — accompanied by a tiny portion of the travelers you’d find in nearby Switzerland or Italy.

Malawi

For years, Malawi wasn’t so much a destination as a stopover, a place to enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation by the shores of Cape Maclear midway through a “Cape to Cairo” overlander trip. Now the country is a star attraction in its own right. Revitalized wildlife reserves are safari-destination worthy without the crowds of Kenya or South Africa. And on pristine Lake Malawi, scuba divers are rewarded with the largest number of fish species in the world. Lilongwe, the leading city, is constantly expanding and increasing its services for visitors.

Ethiopia

For travelers who aren’t afraid to push their limits, Ethiopia beckons. Home to more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in Africa, it’s the perfect destination for visitors interested in religion, history, archeology, geography, and nature. If you time your trip just right, you might just see some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the world. If you prefer to walk on the wild side, there’s a serious quest to be found in Ethiopia: the Ethiopian wolf, a creature of myth and legend, is the focus of safaris here.

Newfoundland, Canada

With spectacular whale-watching, kayaking, and hiking, especially in its famed Gros Mourne National Park, Canada’s remote, eastern province is as beautiful as it is friendly. The capital city of Newfoundland, St John’s, is home to delightful, colorful houses, a lively pub scene, and terrific museums. There are few tourists in St John’s and even fewer in the smaller cities and towns of the island. While traveling there is a bit of an ordeal — your only choices are a flight or a long ferry ride from Nova Scotia — it’s an affordable destination and it offers terrific value.

Salta, Argentina

Located in Argentina’s northwest, Salta province is the perfect mix of urban and rural — both equally underrated and underappreciated by travelers at large. With cathedrals, a thriving local crafts scene, traditional folklore and music, and museums with long-mummified people, the city of Salta really is a destination that has a little bit of everything. When you’re there, don’t forget to set some time aside for cafe visits with yummy cafe con leche and take the opportunity to learn how to dance the Tango!

Kyrgyzstan

Sleeping in yurts? Check. An under-the-radar rock-climbing scene? Check. And hardly anyone else around? Check! Kyrgyzstan is one of Asia’s least-visited countries but an absolute fan favorite for anyone who loves off the grid, nomadic adventures. The country, part of the ancient Silk Road, is home to the second largest salt lake in the world, and hosts the World Nomad Games every two years.

Finnish Lapland

Its claim to fame is as the self-declared hometown of Santa Claus, but whether you’ve been naughty or nice, the gorgeous natural landscapes of Finnish Lapland should be on everyone’s wish list. Equally jolly is the booming local food scene with a focus on sustainability and tons of winter sports to keep you coming back for more. You’re almost guaranteed to see reindeer — but elves are less certain!

We hope this article has inspired you to consider traveling somewhere off the beaten path. There’s nothing better than being the only person you know to have visited an obscure destination — and it makes telling those travel stories that much sweeter. Happy trails!