Top tourist sights Americans can't visit
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As you might realize, there are certain countries that are considered "no-go's" for American travelers, be it for political or economic or other reasons. Publication Foreign Policy took a closer look at this question of prohibited places, recently creating a list of the "Top Tourist Spots Americans Can't Visit," a rundown of the top tourist attractions in otherwise "taboo" locations like Iran, Somalia, Burma and Cuba. Who knew Mogadishu had coral reefs teeming with fish just off the shore? Too bad you're likely to be kidnapped by warlords if you try to visit.While this sort of list is a deterrent for many, others eat common sense for breakfast, bringing back some fascinating stories in the process. It's not that they can't see the danger - these countries can be violent, unstable, and often downright nasty places. But that doesn't mean they have nothing to offer. Many have distinguished histories as centers of culture, great monuments and great natural wonders. As Foreign Policy points out for instance, the vast ruins of Persepolis in Southern Iran offer a breathtaking view of the tombs and palaces of Persian rulers Xerxes I and Darius the Great. In Cuba, the settlement of Baracoa was the colonial home of Spanish Conquistadors, and also one of the first places Columbus set foot in the New World.
Check out the list. Nobody is suggesting you should/can make a visit, but these places can offer us further insight into the many subtleties that truly define a location's identity.
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Filed under: History, Learning, Somalia, Burma (Myanmar), Iran, North Korea, Cuba
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jun 13th 2008 @ 2:32AM
Austin Hill said...
It's a shame that Americans are prevented from going such wonderful places. It's like not being able to visit your neighbor's house because your dad doesn't like his dad.
Reply
Jun 15th 2008 @ 11:58AM
Alanna737 said...
Yeah. I for one would love to visit the tombs of Xerxes and Darius, me being a teenage history buff.
Jun 15th 2008 @ 8:21AM
Meanstr said...
These places are off limits for good reasons,If you wish to go Do it, its your life .But leave your kids home.
Reply
Jun 15th 2008 @ 8:57AM
Gianni said...
Americans deserve what they get..they have locked thmselves in a box...Cuba is a paradise of a place..people are wonderful...no drunk US teenagers..but sexy europen girls who look like Goddesses compared to the pale..drunk..drugged US teeagers...get an european passport ang go !
Reply
Jun 15th 2008 @ 10:54AM
Brett said...
Cuba a paradise? Guess someone didn't get the word to all the people risking death to boat the 90 miles to the US. Crazy Cubans, Americans know more about their country than they do!
Jun 15th 2008 @ 10:33AM
Al said...
There is PLENTY to see in our own country and the rest of the world without visiting these places!
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 11:00AM
Avi said...
I actually just came back from Iran, and I think not visiting for "political reasons" is sort of an ignorant view. Unless you are affiliated with some sort of government organization that could make you seem like a spy, like, oh, I don't know... if you worked for the DoD, or Homeland Security, Iran may be a place to avoid. But if you're a regular citizen, there should be no problems. Iranians love Americans, and want more of them to visit. Don't think that Ahmadinejad has everyone's support, and also don't think that the party hardliners are working in airport security or constantly stalking tourists. There are many foreigners in Iran, I personally saw many Europeans and Chinese. And I was NEVER concerned about my safety. I say go wherever you can, and if being an American prevents you from going where you want, FIND a way.
To ctmason and Brett, if you really think that a country's government always represents the people, you need to open up ANY history book. First of all, the majority of Americans disapprove of the Bush administration (if you look at current approval ratings), and you shouldn't judge groups of people based on corrupt politicians.
To Al, I'm sorry but it's quite sad if your curiousity is satisfied by the travelling in the U.S. There is so much more to see and do and compared to the rest of the world, we don't really have much of a culture or history given that we are such a young country, unless you call consumerism a culture, and imperialism and racism a history.
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 11:50AM
Judy, NYC said...
Tragically, the one place you neglected to visit here in America is a library. That is, if you can read, which I doubt. Perhaps then you would know something about our culture, our society, you ignoramus. Meantime, please do us all a favor and go to those countries our government warns against visiting.
Jun 15th 2008 @ 11:09AM
John Howell said...
Cuba is indeed a paradise of a place. It's easy to tell by looking at the thousands of Floridians who risk their lives to leave the hellhole that is their homeland on rickity rafts in shark infested waters to get there.
As though the readers need to be told, there are some incredibly STUPID people posting on this site, and it's easy to tell who they are.
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Jun 18th 2008 @ 2:28PM
TravelBot said...
Like you!
Jun 15th 2008 @ 11:24AM
Lisa said...
It's unfortunate that anyone would stereotype an entire nation, however, I understand why Americans carry a negative stigma. I try not to take it personally, because I know it doesn't apply to me. Our society can be obnoxious and rude. It's one of the reasons I avoid certain public places.
There are lots of wonderful places to visit, domestically and internationally. It doesn't offend me that I'm not welcome in some of these places. I have too many other places to go!
Reply
Jun 15th 2008 @ 11:38AM
Mel said...
Its very sad that our leader of this country has screwed things up so bad for us. Thanks to all who voted for Bush look what has happened. We think the Iranian president is crazy has anyone taken a good look at our own president?
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 11:48AM
rmoyuela said...
MEXICO IS 100 TIMES MORE DANGEROUS THAN CUBA.
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 11:56AM
bill said...
America is filled the the brim with Cubans that hate Cuba. You think anyone that loves Cuba swims out of it? Perhaps if Americans were acually allowed to travel freely they would see Cuba and enjoy its pleasures. I can only hope that one day Americans will be allowed the same freedoms as others in other countrys and can travel freely and see the beautiful island of CUBA
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 12:14PM
bill said...
The entire world travels freely to Cuba. Only Americans cant travel freely. Most Americans arent even aware that the vote in the UN every year is 180 countrys vote end the Embargo to the 1 vote of no that comes from the US. Perhaps America is smarter then the rest of the entire world, yes thats it only Americans know whats right,the rest of the world are idiots!!
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 5:21PM
standinsmoke said...
Americans are unable to travel to Cuba because of the American government's embargo on Cuba and everything they produce. Americans are not allowed to spend their dollars supporting the country and the dictatorship through imports or tourism. It is a stance against Cuba created by Americans. If you disagree notify your government of the hypocrisy considering we visit/import Iranian, Chinese, and Saudi goods all of the time.
Jun 15th 2008 @ 12:45PM
Melisa said...
Hmmmm,
Isn't it strange if we in America put any place off limits to a foreinger we would be accused of discriminaton and the ACLU would be on that like white in rice. It's very sad.
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 12:46PM
E. said...
Places not to visit??? I think Cairo should be on that list. I was there and thought it was the sewer of the world...
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 1:05PM
Darin said...
There are many more on the black list but that doesn't mean you (Americans) can't go... Cuba you fly to Mexico and then fly into Cuba and a $20 will get you through customs without the Cuban stamp... Did you know there are Island in Hawaii that no Americans are allowed....? It's true and it's illegal to do that but they have...
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Jun 15th 2008 @ 1:25PM
gus gus said...
I think the important thing is that no matter where you go, you will find good and bad people in all situations and places. No one country is the best or worst.
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