The Top 6 Places to Vacation That Aren't So Scary Anymore

CitizenSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:59:12 -0700

Reputations die hard - especially when you're a gorgeous country who's historically been mired in conflict, giving you the reputation of "Warning! Tourists Keep Out!" Just today the US Embassy in Djibouti warned against American travel to the African port city - branding it scary in addition to its beauty.

For countries with historic conflict raging among dazzling nature, the economic impact lingers from not only the strife, but the lasting legacy of a scary reputation - shooing would-be vacationers away. The brilliant minds at ProTraveller have put together a stunning list of the top six places to make sure you see, as peacefulness is restored and splendor beckons.

Indonesia: (pictured here) If you thought the US had a hard time uniting politically, the 17,000 islands of Indonesia had bigger troubles. Since the first direct presidential election in 2004, the situation has improved, and the beaches make this tropical paradise worth the trip.
Cambodia: Recovering from a 1997 coup, assistance from other developed nations has opened the doors for visits to temples, beaches, and the striking city of Phnom Penh.

To see where else you should skip off to, read more.

Angola: Topping lists of post-conflict countries developing peace, this Africa nation's rugged landscape is breathtaking.
Peru: Border conflict ceased in 1998, allowing travelers to once again head to the mountaintop city of Machu Pichu.
Northern Ireland: Twenty-five years of strife leading to the 1998 Belfast Agreement has unleashed this emerald gem, becoming a progressive country with a thriving city life.
Croatia: Though the 1990s saw a war for independence and recovery is ongoing, this EU and NATO hopeful boasts the lush countryside and coastline perfect for visiting.

Pack up your passport and leave your courage at home. Check out the full list for more guidebook-worthy pictures and reasons to go. These countries are on the mend with the welcome mat out.

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Planning a Trip? 20 Cities Global Warming Might Melt Off Map

CitizenSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:00:18 -0700

Got your passport and itchy feet in search of a vacation destination? Consider this first. It's not a scared-straight story on global warming I promise - it's a traveler's perspective on how the world's climate and it's info served up like a gorgeous guidebook - and, I'll admit, food for thought. ProTraveller put together this list of 20 places that are ripe to change dramatically if the world heats up - and it's a where's where of dream vacations.

Here's part of their list, and some info that caught my eye:

Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Cook Islands, Pacific Ocean
Galapagos Islands, Pacific Ocean (pictured here)
Belize Barrier Reef, Belize
Red Sea Reefs, Egypt
Tokyo, Japan - This major international city is in some serious danger; its temperatures have been rising five times faster than the average global warming rate around the world.
London, United Kingdom - Scientists say that the city could be underwater as early as within the next one hundred years.
New York City, USA
New Orleans, USA
Jakarta, Indonesia - The capital city of Indonesia has already experienced serious flooding last year, which many believe was a direct result of the climate change affecting the world. With more than twenty million people living in its metropolitan area, Jakarta is a city that has a lot to lose if the global warming issue continues unabated.

With Britain already having its warmest May since 1772 and alarming weather becoming a mainstay, it's nice to be reminded of the beauty we need to take care of - sans PowerPoint. (Sorry Al.)
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TresSugar

The Top 6 Places to Vacation That Aren't So Scary Anymore

Planning a Trip? 20 Cities Global Warming Might Melt Off Map