divewop

FYI

• Afghanistan
• Burundi
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Georgia
• Haiti
• Iraq
• Liberia
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Russia (Chechnya)
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Zimbabwe


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11416638/

wjsonl

Yeah, Tanzania's not on the list and I've got no plans to go to Afghanistan anytime soon!

sandi

Jack -

Kabul in the Springtime! Why not?

Do a search on this board. There was a thread about 2-years back "Kabul, Anyone?" - something like that.

One of the regular posters on Fodors had a job assignment scheduled in the Paris of the Stans and needed feedback. Interesting responses and trip report (also, believe a photos link) on his return - poster was "AA Frequent Flyer."

Responses, including my own, was a heads-up to keep his head down. He did manage to find the best bar in town with correspondents from all over the world.

Have a read.

wjsonl

A good morn to ya, Sandi,

About your advice concerning Afghanistan: "Responses, including my own, was a heads-up to keep his head down."

I'd rather travel to the many wonderful places (with Tanzania at the top of my list) where I don't have to keep my head down.

jasher

Hello,

Personally, I really dislike lists like this -- ascribing a particular 'danger level' to an entire country is, in most cases, a gross oversimplification.

There are areas of Zimbabwe which are quite safe to visit, such as Hwange, Mana Pools, and Victoria Falls. OAT runs regular trips to Zimbabwe, as do several UK operators. They wouldn't do this if there was real danger to visitors in those areas. A list like this can only hurt the already suffering tourist business in Zim, and the people who depend on it for their livelihood.

Cheers,
Julian

jcasale

I would also argue in favor of going to Zimbabwe even though it is on this list. We spent two wonderful days in Victoria Falls. I'm sure it would be very different if we had gone to the capital or somewhere less "touristy". The people were fabulous. We walked to a restaurant at night without any fear. I would go back again.

sandi

Harare the capital of Zim is quite safe.

Angler973

I agree about Zim. We spent 3 days at the Stanley and Livingstone Hotel in Vic Falls last year, and had not a hint of any safety problems. This, by the way is a lovely hotel with its own game preserve, and is a great place to stay when going to see the falls.

JAGIRL

I wonder why Iraq's on the list? Was it always unsafe or is it now unsafe because of this alleged war?

waynehazle

On Iraq, was never considered safe, but ironically it was probably safer before... so long as you did what you were told. Just like North Korea. If you get permission to travel there you can be CERTAIN you will not be mugged and not be the victim of a terrorist bombing.

Of course you will have a government handler wih you 24-7 who will tell you where you can go and exactly what to think.

matnikstym

well at least Zimbabwe is at the bottom of the list since I'm going there in November, glad it wasn't on the top!

Roccco

Dennis,

I suspect that may have to do with Zimbabwe's place in the alphabet more than anything else!

gail

I am assuming Georgia means country not State of

jasher

Well, I've heard that those Southerners can be fierce...

Cheers,
Julian

JAGIRL

I was wondering about that Georgia thing maself! I couldn't decide which it could be!
I'm amazed Iran isn't on that list...especially with all the recent posturings for war between Iran and the US.

waynehazle

From what I hear Iranians are incredibly hospitable people. Young Iranians love American people and culture, just not its current government.

BTilke

We lived in Liberia in the 1970s, when my father worked with Lamco (through Bethlehem Steel). It seemed an iffy place even then; so much corruption and waste and damage to the ecosystem. But also some wonderful, beautiful people and countryside.
The country has a long road ahead, but I wish them the best.
http://www.lamcoreunion.com/