Afghanistan: Hippie Trail Reopens? Not Quite...

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on July 21, 2009

MSNBC reported recently that Afghanistan is reopening its doors to tourists.

While parts of Afghanistan may be unstable military zones, much of the country is secure and (relatively) safe. The story features Afghanistan's central Bamiyan valley. MSNBC acknowledges the obstacles, but the tourism industry has local backing.

The challenges are many - land mines, dangerous roads outside Bamiyan, and, not least, Afghanistan's reputation as anything but a tourist haven. But the hope is to persuade history buffs and adventure seekers that Afghanistan can be safe, and locals are eager to give it a shot.

Should you consider going? Consider this: There are a number of countries where regional terrorism and unrest have a history, but where tourism thrives anyway. Examples include Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. But the problem is not confined to Southeast Asia. Madrid and London have been targets in recent yers.

The MSNBC article gives an interesting glimpse into what Afghanistan could offer tourists in the future - or today, if you're brave...


© Tracy Hunter