The Top 10 Destinations on the US Travel Advisory List - Part I

The US Travel Advisory List is not a likely source of travel inspiration for most people, but for the more audacious traveler it certainly can be. At the time of writing, twenty-eight countries made the cut for a full-scale travel warning and not just a travel alert. Travel warnings are deemed appropriate for countries that are seen as long-standing "no-go" zones, while travel alerts are generally only issued for a limited time. A travel alert may be issued to warn travelers of a disease outbreak or an approaching hurricane, but a travel warning may even mean that US diplomatic relations in that country have been shut down due to security risks.

There are some of you out there, and you know who you are, who get more excited about the possibility of meeting a Taliban member or witnessing a historic coup, than spending a week at a five-star beachfront hotel. You probably swung from trees pretending you were Indiana Jones as a kid, and your favorite Halloween outfit was to dress up as James Bond. If that's you, you'll be sure that at least one of these top ten destinations will make their way onto your next travel itinerary.

10) Kenya

Take a ride on the wild side in East Africa. Tourism has been Kenya's number one source of foreign exchange since 1997. Although internal security significantly deteriorated after the December 2007 election, most people would never guess that Kenya makes the US Travel Advisory List. Combine rugged mountains, colorful coral reefs, unrivalled wildlife parks, ancient ruins, and the majestic lakes of the Rift valley and you get the nature's playground that can only be this East African country. Camp overnight surrounded by zebras and graceful gazelles in Hell's Gate National Park for an unforgettable experience, or jump across the border into Tanzania for a quick jaunt up Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.

9) Nepal

This mountain country currently suffers from political instability as the king fired the government, and subsequently the government fired him. Things have certainly been a bit unstable in this Maoist led monarchy turned republic, but Nepal's draw as a fairytale mountain kingdom still remains just as strong. Tour the old royal palace in Kathmandu or partake of a breathtaking trek to Mt. Everest base camp deep in the Himalayas. Catch glimpses of crocodiles, dolphins and exotic birds in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve or witness the statue of the six-armed goddess Kali be bathed in sacrificial animal blood at Dakshinkali temple.

8) Uzbekistan

Admit it; you'd probably have trouble placing Uzbekistan on the map. This former Soviet republic makes the US Travel Advisory List because of the alleged terrorist activity on its soil. If you avoid border areas, and therefore avoid land mines, you'll be sure to find Uzbekistan a fascinating country where East meets West. Russian culture combined with Islamic influence makes Uzbekistan unique. Marvel at intricate geometric patterns on sky-high minarets, or admire the traditional colorful dress of the Samarkand people. In summer you can enjoy trekking in snow-covered mountains, although temperatures can get as high as 50 degrees Celsius (122F) in the southern part of the country and 40 degrees Celsius (104F) in Tashkent.

7) Vietnam

Vietnam is an excellent destination for travelers on a budget. Boasting the rare natural beauty of mountains, grottoes, rock formations, and beaches along with the opportunity to witness a culture long closed off from the outside world, Vietnam should certainly be on your travel wish list. Buy your very own water buffalo at Bac Ha market, or pay homage in a Hindu temple in Ho Chi Minh City.

6) Colombia

If you can avoid being kidnapped and taken hostage, Colombia could be one of your favorite holiday destinations. Combine picture-perfect beaches, decadent night clubs, towns full of cobblestone streets, a snow-capped range of volcanic peaks, unparalleled natural beauty and you should have a top tourist hideaway. Unfortunately the drug trade and Colombia's image in the media does not attract many crowds to this Latin American beauty. Be one of the first to see Colombia for what it really is, a land rich in culture, art, history and undiscovered gems.

Read Part II to see the Top 5 Destinations!