Whenever a country is labeled “war-torn” or “conflict-stricken,” you can bet that tourists will stay away from that country long after it is once again safe to visit. Just ask Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia, or Cambodia, and they’ll tell you that the “war-torn” description is a tough stink to wash off.
The folks over at ProTraveller realize this, and that’s why they recently wrote about 6 Upcoming Countries Worth Visiting Now the Conflict Is Over. Despite their glaring omission of just about all of Central America, the article is well worth reading. Some of the highlights:
- Angola: “In 2002 a ceasefire was reached and the political situation began to stabilise. Angola is not yet a democratic nation but the internal warring appears to be done, at least for the time being. In recent years, Angola has topped the lists of post-conflict countries for making developments in the area of peace.” [Pictured above, by the way, are Angola’s impressive Calandula Waterfalls.]
- Northern Ireland: “The small province is blessed with some of the most spectacular coastal scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world, with the Causeway Coast being the jewel in the crown. Elsewhere in the province, Belfast is in the midst of a remarkable transformation from being deeply depressed and introverted into a cosmopolitan and lively city with excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.”
- Indonesia: “A recent string of bombings in Bali caused temporary concern. However, it is an increasingly safe location that is gaining in popularity with globetrotters. Islands such as Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa are great places for watersports such as surfing and windsurfing. The cost of living is cheap, the inland scenery spectacularly lush and the beaches tropical; there’s certainly plenty to see and do!”
Read the whole thing here, why doncha.
[thanks to Andy Boyd for the tip]