With the troubling events in Iraq these days--an
oppressive regime, weapons inspections, and hundreds of thousands of troops
stationed on the borders poised for an invasion--Iraq should definitely be
crossed off your list of places to visit. For a while, there was a massive
influx of tourists (designated as Human Shields) who seemed ecstatic about
their trip to the Fertile Crescent; however, many of them have come home,
and their faces do not convey the same level of excitement that could be
seen in them before.
If you are desparately seeking to visit the Korean Peninsula, make sure to
stay south. The North, under its erratic dictator Kim Jong Il, has begun a
series of disturbing events in the last few months, including admitting to
possessing nuclear weapons, launching test missles, restarting old reactors
and reprocessing plants, and shadowing a U.S. aircraft through international
waters. These events alone indicate that the North is going through some
tough times, and it would be best to avoid visiting. Besides, I hear their
restaurants leave a lot to be desired.
Along the border of North Korea is another East Asian country to cross off
your list. While there is much beauty and splendor in China, their human
rights and economy are suffering. China is not the place for the casual
spring breaker; if one is seriously interested, apply for the Kirk
Scholarship next year, and at least learn some Mandarin before setting off.
Back to the Middle East--we could really specify this entire region as a
'no-go zone,' but I would stay away from Islamic countries in particular. In
light of current events, Islamics won't take too kindly to ignorant
Americans strutting through their streets. Iran and Egypt are two countries
I would like to focus on. Iran, while attempting to reform, is still a very
hard-nosed Islamic Republic, famous for its brutal tortures and seizing of
hostages during the '79 Revolution.
Even though there are plenty more countries that one should avoid
traveling to over spring break, these are just a few to give you an idea.
Hopefully, I've helped you narrow down your choices.
Have a fun and safe spring break.
Responses:
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Name: Jeff
Comments:
Try Croatia. You wouldn't believe who cheap things are there, and the people are very, very nice.
Of course, Ireland is, in my opinion, the most beautiful country around.
But most students can't afford to travel to these places. If I had to go to the beach, I'd go to the Outer Banks in the off season, or Cape Mae in New Jersey. But then again, some people like having a lot of people around (and boatloads of cheap beer). To each his own!
Name: Nick
Comments:
Great job Andrew! I know where I won't be going for Spring Break now. I think I will just stay at home and visit my cat. I miss the little cuddlebug!
Name: Mike Flick
Comments:
Awesome article once again, Andrew. But why not go to Iran? I hear there is a rising 18-30 year old population in Iran that wants to be softer politically and are assimiulating into Western pop culutre! Why not visit Iran?!? (haha just kidding, just kidding!) Have a great one...
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Andrew Lent | Staff Writer