Four places you didn’t think you wanted to visit by Peter Greenberg

You're no doubt familiar with the book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.” But what about the places that people think that if they go there, they will die?

I'm talking about destinations like Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Haiti, where travelers might think it’s too dangerous — or even illegal — to visit. But it’s not. And in the world of experiential bragging rights, these are some seriously hot travel destinations. It might surprise you to learn just how many Americans are exploring these places. Here’s a quick tour.

Iraq: No, I’m not recommending that you fly into Baghdad for your summer vacation. But what you can do is fly Austrian Airlines into the northern city of Erbil, which is known as “the other Iraq” to distinguish it from the violence-plagued area.

The region of Kurdistan, which covers large swaths of northern Iraq (along with parts of Turkey, Iran and Syria), is controlled by an autonomous government, makes its own entry rules and has its own security forces. Why would you want to go there? Well, besides the obvious bragging rights, it’s a beautiful destination filled with monuments, markets and archeologically important sites.

Right now, Distant Horizons is the only U.S. operator offering trips to Iraqi Kurdistan, with two trips a year, in the fall and spring. Another option is to travel with the U.K.-based company Hinterland Travel, which operates tours to the Iraqi, Turkish and Iranian sections of Kurdistan several times a year.

Iran: Iran isn’t that dangerous; it’s just not that easy to get into. Despite the recent turmoil around the elections, Iran is still allowing Americans to visit and tour companies are continuing with scheduled trips, but getting a visa can be a hassle.

To visit Iran, travelers need to go with an approved guided-tour company and stick with the itinerary — you’re not allowed to stray off the beaten path. To get a visa, the company has to submit your information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iran, which has the power to grant or deny authorization, depending on your individual circumstances and what the political relations are like between Iran and the U.S. at the moment. If you’re approved, you’ll get an authorization number which you can then use to apply for a visa at the Iranian interest section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Afghanistan: If you thought this country was off-limits, think again. Last year, the Afghani government issued visas to about 10,000 foreign visitors, up from zero in 2001.

Those who venture into Afghanistan can fly into Kabul, but generally stick to the safer north and west regions which are growing increasingly stable. That said, even the most touristed areas are still not 100 percent safe, which is why travelers can’t get a visa without being invited by a tour company, NGO or government agency. (Afghan-based companies such as Afghan Logistics and Tours and Great Game Travel, as well as Hinterland Travel, are a few tour companies you can travel with; they tend to be security-conscious and keep abreast of local communities’ political situations and conditions.)

Why would you go? It’s a spectacular country with beautiful natural scenery and historical significance. In Kabul, you can visit the sprawling Babur Gardens and shop for bargains on Chicken Street. Further north is the Shibar Pass, a lush and fertile valley that leads into the region of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan, best known for the Buddha statues carved into the mountains that were destroyed by the Taliban, and surrounded by snowcapped mountains and sandstone cliffs. Nearby are the Band-e-Amir lakes, which became Afghanistan’s first national park in 2008.

Haiti: Haiti was a popular tourist destination until 1980, when the brutal Duvalier regime took over. But over the past couple of years, Haiti has gone through a period of stability, with as many as 150,000 visitors arriving each year.

The capital city of Port-au-Prince isn’t the safest destination, but regions in the north and south of the country are largely peaceful. Haiti has great beaches and scuba diving, busy markets and notable French colonial architecture. As for major sites, there’s the stunning Citadel fortress standing on a hill, the palace of Sans Souci, and the French colonial town of Jacmel that boasts pristine beaches, an annual carnival and even a film festival.

You can enter Haiti via the Dominican Republic, fly directly into Port-au-Prince on American, Delta or Spirit Airlines, or even fly directly from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami to Cap Haitien on Lynx Air. Another option is to take a cruise on Royal Caribbean that stops in Haiti; the cruise line owns a private beach called Labadee on the north coast that sees upward of 40,000 cruise visitors per month. You won’t get the “authentic” Haitian experience, but you can certainly say you’ve been there!

As with any trip, whether it’s Iraq or Indiana, be sure to pack a large amount of common sense and have a backup plan in case your original itinerary doesn’t work out. The bottom line is that you can get there from here, if you plan well and go with your eyes wide open.

What do you think about these destinations? Would you consider one for your next vacation, or have you already visited any? Share your experiences with other travelers in the comments section.

Greenberg is the author of The New York Times best-seller “Don’t Go There!” and “Tough Times, Great Travels,” and host of the nationally syndicated Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio show. He is also travel editor at large for AARP, contributing editor for Men’s Health, a contributor to The New Yorker magazine and a guest on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The View.” Visit him on the Web at http://www.petergreenberg.com