Dangerous Travel Destinations

The USA Today recently took a look at dangerous travel destinations, including Iraq, North Korea, and Afghanistan. While none of the destinations have any sites that would top my list to visit (unless Babylon was significantly restored), a fourth destination not listed in the article, Iran, has some more tempting options. Unfortunately, it's not a place that is likely to see too many Western tourists.

However, armchair travelers can get a glimpse of Iran and Persepolis in this month's National Geographic print and online editions. Persepolis looks like a pretty amazing site with a rich history. The Persian Empire was one of the greatest of antiquity, but, at least in the U.S., it seems more known for its failed attempt to conquer Greece after the Battle of Thermopylae or as one of Alexander the Great's conquests.

Travelers interested in ancient Middle East history can also check out the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. The museum houses a number of large, impressive objects, including the famed Ishtar Gate of Babylon. It's also a lot safer than visiting the replica currently constructed at the site of Babylon in modern-day Iraq. For now, armchair travelers should check out both the USA Today and National Geographic articles.