Cruise ships are like all-inclusive resorts with changing scenery. Typical shore visits give you a taste of each port. From Jamaicans hawking their wares to Grand Cayman’s elegance to Cozumel’s stunning reefs – all guests are assured water views and countless activities.

Measuring nearly 900 feet in length and thirteen decks high, you navigate your new world as the captain navigates the globe. Journey to the spa, five Jacuzzis, two pools, the basketball court, theatre, nightclubs, casino, thirteen restaurants, jogging track, fitness center, shuffleboard and library. You can do your own thing or join others in yoga to volleyball or dancing. Out of cell phone range and too busy for e-mail, you live for the moment and anticipate yet another exciting port.

A common sea tale is that you will gain weight on a cruise. It’s true: the food is tasty, all you can eat and available twenty-four hours a day. The dessert options are endless. A quick call to room service yields anything from brownies to breakfast to bananas.

Instead, we chose to sprint the stairs whenever possible, dined on delicious vegetarian entrees and fulfilled a New Year’s resolution to visit the gym. The result? Fitter, trimmer and feeling rejuvenated in just one week.

On Shore

Thousands throng to Jamaica’s 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls each day. A cascade of refreshing freshwater invigorates as you venture from the ocean to the summit.

For Norwegian Cruise Line Passenger Scott Blatt, 48, the climb is an extraordinary feat.

An amputee, Blatt tossed his crutches aside for an unassisted ascent – to the cheers of onlookers. Blatt’s climb is a first in Jamaican history. Regardless of your skill or experience level, there are shore activities for everyone. While some marvel at stunning fish of every color while diving the reefs, others snorkel or tour Mayan ruins.

“Over 1500 divers explore Cozumel’s waters daily,” says Gustavo Costa, 35. Costa, an attorney from Buenos Aires, Argentina, now teaches diving. He sets the dive’s tone with the persuasiveness and knowledge you’d expect from an attorney. “Strict laws protect marine life from humans. Harming or killing is prohibited, ensuring our enjoyment of these beautiful creatures. Do not wear a knife or gloves, harm or chase after the wildlife – fines exceed $5,000.” Costa’s conservation efforts were rewarded. The reef, vibrant and flourishing, passed by like a movie. Floating effortlessly with the current, adult Angel Fish danced about, Puffer Fish looked back with their big, helpless eyes, lobster loitered, a nurse shark nervously darted off, a Manta Ray flapped massive wings in slow motion – like a hawk soaring a ridge. When it was time to go home, it was far too soon.

Getting There

Several cruise lines offer journeys from nearby ports. Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York are a quick train ride away. “If you do travel by air to Miami, it is advisable to arrive a day early, so you don’t miss your ship in case of weather delays,” suggests Jerry Carlson of Delta Airlines. Art deco hotels in Miami’s South Beach provide colorful, dynamic architecture. The ocean and people on parade are an extra bonus.

Sidebar

For More Information:

www.oceana.org

www.CruiseNorfolk.org

www.NCL.com

www.Pelicanos.com.mx

www.AtlantisAdventures.net

www.ThePalmsHotel.com

Therefore my intensions in writing this article are first to present my fellow Americans and those around the world with my personal view of how I saw the events. Second to tell how someone who has read what I would call an enormous amount of history books would classify this day in terms of history.

I like I have already stated was born in New York City where I was raised and spent 20 years of my life, me now being 40 years of age. By September of 2001 however I had adopted myself to live in Warsaw, Poland where I was residing with my then wife of 4 years and my daughter who was 3 years of age at the time who I might add is prominently mentioned in the story called “The Little Opera Singer”. My adoption to Poland however had not been limited to having courted and eventually wed one of its many lovely ladies whom I would go on to have a child with. My adoption also included having become a fluent speaker of the Polish language as well as having opened a language school.

Perhaps to many it is rare to hear of an American immigrating out of the United States specially since most of the stories weather film or book focus on those who immigrated to the United States in search of fortune and all those things that move people from their country of birth to another. I however going against the trend made an exodus from the United States in September of 1994 to Poland where I settled down and where less then a year later met my wife to be while we were both on a short trip to another city called “Zakopane” (the name of this city meaning “buried” when translated in to English).

The day of September the 11th of the year of our lord 2001 started like any other for my family and myself. My wife going off to her place of employment while I dropped off our daughter at preschool before making my way to work where I teach English as a second language in the school I had opened the very same year of the events of this day.

I can not claim much about the day with regards to something happening to me which went outside of the ordinary. I taught the lessons which I was supposed to with nothing going particular well or badly for that matter. I remember going home when my work day was done and arriving at a little past 6 in postmeridian where upon arrival more from force of habit then expecting to hear anything of consequence turned on my TV set. After having turned the TV set on I went to the kitchen to get something to eat and drink.

When I got back to the living room I saw the images that my TV was displaying which I earnestly considered to be from one of the so many mindless action films that exhibit scenes of devastation with visual effects that seem to be creating an art out of mass destruction. I even in a slightly ironic twist of fate thought the special effects as I witnessed a plane smash in to one of the towers of “World Trade Center” to be less then convincing giving me the false impression that this was a B film of some kind which was being advertised.

Just when I was about to use my remote control to turn to another channel the announcer cried out “to nie jest film! To jest prawdziwe!” (This line meaning “This is not a movie, this is real” in Polish). These words hitting me like a flash made it that I could not take this with out seriousness as shock had replaced my prior disinterest in what I was seeing. I instinctively turned to Cable News Network (CNN) were these images which my eyes had failed to accredit the first time were being shown erasing all doubt in my mind as to their authenticity. Once I turned the channel to CNN I saw one by one how the once might towers of “The World Trade Center” fell to ground making such an impact that it would cause other buildings to either fall or have to be demolished as their structure had been weakened to the point of being a dangerous.

The thought of who was responsible had not even occurred to me yet when the picture changed to Washington D.C. where the Pentagon was shown to have been struck. The image of the Pentagon however was not on for long as it was soon replaced with the one of what would have been a fourth airplane which had crashed somewhere in Pennsylvania.

My usual active and imaginative mind had come to a halt and as I looked up at the screen still in astonishment as I heard the words “America under Attack” which created the illusion in me that we were under attack by another country. But which country would be capable of carrying out a blatant act of war against the United States? I had not heard of any diplomatic fall outs in the media that the United States was mixed up in at the time so who could it be? If this had occurred during the “cold war” I would have naturally assumed it was the “C.C.C.P.” or “U.S.S.R.” who was behind it but the cold war was over.

Eventually it would be unveiled to all that terrorism, which in and of itself is the act of carrying out acts of violence in order to achieve political objectives was behind it all. This option I must confess did not enter my mind as from what I knew from experience, this was out of the scope of its activities. Terrorism’s acts I believed where limited to car bombs and little else that went beyond placing explosives were innocent civilians would fall pray to people whose political agendas could not be fulfilled peacefully.

My familiarity with terrorism coming during the time I spent in Lima, Peru from 1991 to 1993 in which “Cendero Lumuniso” (Shining Path) and the “M.R.T.A” were putting bombs all over the city after having terrorized the rest of the country in the same manner. It was there where I witnessed what my mind will never rid itself of which were images created by an act of terrorism in the distract of Lima, Peru called “Miraflores” in the month of August in the year 1992. The sight of those bombs blowing up cars and ripping through the air leaving 27 dead and a lot of damaged buildings in a place where I had been less then 5 minutes before was something as gruesome to me as it was incredulous. As one can imagine it would be as I had never seen till then the body of a dead person other then on TV or in a photograph. The panic, the chaos, the sight of corpses that I saw from the window of my friend’s house (which fortunately was not broken from the sound wave) that day was something that nothing I had been through or learnt could have ever prepared me for leaving me to wonder what if I had not entered my friend’s house when I did.

As one can see in my case it was not that I had not seen violent death in front of my own eyes before not that what was being presented to me on that day was being done in such a way but it was the originality of this act (if such a name can ever be given to an act of terrorism) that flabbergasted me. I had even witnessed an earthquake in South America which went on to form the strongest imagery of my infancy. It taking place when I was 3 years of age (same age as my daughter at the time of 9/11) that I saw the house where I was residing at the time with my grandparents fall to the ground. It might be said that all these events in my life helped to make me immune to what my TV was forcing me to watch which it did but only in a limited way as the magnitude of it all was something surrealistic even to me who had witnessed so much mayhem.

By then the initial stun in me had subsided at least long enough to call my wife over to the TV. My wife who was in our daughter’s room felt alarm by the way my voice called to her at the time, came to the part of the house where I found myself in. Hers was an impression of distress as she also never imagined that something like what she was seeing on the screen might be real.

With regards to the day that followed September the 11th? This day in my mind sticks out for all that it had connected to what happened the previous day. My friends at my favorite bar telling me how great their sorrow was for what had taken place in my country and last but not least there was the phone call I received from my Spanish friend who like me was living in Warsaw at the time. It was this lady from Madrid who had been a friend of mine for over a year and was the only one who actually called me with a word of consolation that made me see that people did care. This however would turn out to be a word of consolation which in a very unfortunate turn of events I would have to return when in 2004 it was her hometown that suffered at the hands of terrorists when the “Atocha” train station was hit by bombs costing over 200 people their lives.

As for my personal feelings toward the “World Trade Center” (a.k.a. Twin Towers) I can not claim to have been an admirer of these buildings as they architecturally speaking were not to my liking in matters of esthetics. However these buildings though not among my favorites were a part of the New York I knew and lived in as they were across the street from the building that for two years was my place of work. The building I am referring to for the curiosity of those who care to know is the lesser known “World Financial Center” which like the “World Trade Center” was located on Liberty Street.

It was during those two years of 1993 and 1994 that I took the subway to the “World Trade Center” whose underground passages and covered Bridge allowed me to get to my place of work without the need of going outdoors. This being a benefit on rainy days.

My having worked so close to it and having passed it everyday make it hard for me to think of its destruction and not imagine the realistic possibility that I might have been there on 9/11 as I on many occasions during my lunch break ate in its many restaurants. I even speculate from time to time as I can not help but do such that perhaps several of the people I worked with at “John Hancock Clearing Corporation” might have been unfortunate enough to have found themselves at the wrong time and place like so many others that day.

In a personal observation from the historical point of view I would like to remark that strangely enough the “World Trade Center” will most likely be remembered in the centuries to follow not for having been the tallest building in the world at one moment in time (till “The Sears Tower” in Chicago replaced it), nor for having been the place were huge deals of globe’s money passed through but for having been destroyed in the spectacular manner in which it was. For in many ways The World Trade Center’s destruction like that of Pompeii reserved it a place in the pages of history. A place that it has obtained arguably for all the wrong reasons but a place that it might not have had if it had gone on to be demolished like any other building. This view from a historical perspective is not rare as is not Pompeii mostly remembered for having been destroyed by a volcano then the developed or promiscuous society it was?

Genmaicha is the Japanese name for green tea combined with roasted brown rice. While sometimes referred to colloquially as “popcorn tea,” because of a certain amount of popped rice, Japanese varieties do not contain any actual corn

Processing
Genmaicha is a blend of bancha green tea and Genmai (roasted rice grain). The proportioning of tea to rice is important, the more aromatic Genmaicha teas have a higher amount of rice. Other blends are known including Matcha and Genmaicha. The tea should be infused with high temperature (not quite boiling) water, but let it only infuse for 30 seconds. Use approximately 5 grams of tea for each deciliter of water.

Popularity
A very common beverage in Japan, Genmaicha can be drunk late into the evening without disturbing sleep. The tea is said to help digestion and is often served after a meal in Japan. Genmaicha is a modest source of vitamin B1 and, like bancha and hojicha, is low in caffeine.

Flavor / Aromoa
The flavor of Genmaicha is a melange of green tea and roasted rice. The roasted aroma of genmai in tea has the effect of lightening the bitterness of the lower-grade sencha. The brown rice gives the tea a nutty flavor. Like green tea, genmaicha should be prepared using hot, but not boiling, water.

Green Sencha Leaf Tea

Over three quarters of all tea produced in Japanese tea gardens is Sencha, a tea selected for its pleasant sharpness and fresh qualities complementing a leaf of high uniformity and rich emerald color. Historically prepared by roasting, today Sencha is steam treated before further processing with hot-air drying and finally pan-frying.

Regions
Most regions make a number of kinds of Sencha, which are named according to the kind of processing used. Needle leaf Sencha is processed in Shizuoka and in the Yame region of Fukuoka. In other areas, including Kyushu, the comma-shaped leaf form is processed.

Popularity
Sencha is the tea most likely to be offered in a Japanese household or restaurant. The higher grades of Sencha are available outside Japan

Flavor/Aroma
However, the flavor, color and quality of Sencha varies, depending not only on origin but also season and leaf processing practices employed. Later harvests of Sencha have more astringent qualities, a more robust flavor and generally less aroma.

The earliest season Shincha (first month’s sencha harvest) is available in April in the south of Japan, and prized for its high vitamin content, sweetness and superior flavor.

Gunpower Green Tea

Chinese gunpowder tea is a green tea from the Zhejiang Province in China. It takes its English name from the fact that each grey-green leaf is tightly rolled into a tiny pellet, “exploding” into a long leaf upon being steeped in hot water.

Gunpowder tea production dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907) but it was first introduced to Taiwan in the 1800s. Although the individual leaves were formerly rolled by hand, today most gunpowder tea is rolled by machines (though the highest grades are still rolled by hand). When buying gunpowder tea it is important to look for shiny pellets, which indicate that the tea is relatively fresh.

Gunpowder tea is exported to the Maghreb where it is used in the preparation of traditional North African mint tea. The Moroccan tea ritual is at the heart of any social gathering, from an informal visit to a neighbour to lavish soirees with dignitaries. A minimum of two cups need to be drunk as not to offend the host.

Gunpowder tea production dates back to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 907) but it was first introduced to Taiwan in the 1800s.

When buying Gunpowder it is important to look for shiny pellets, which indicate that the tea is relatively fresh.

Jasmine Tea
Jasmines are widely cultivated for their flowers, enjoyed in the garden, as house plants, and as cut flowers. The flowers are worn by women in their hair in southern and southeast Asia. Some claim that the daily consumption of Jasmine tea is effective in preventing certain cancers. Many species also yield an essential oil which is used in the production of perfumes and incense.

Jasminum sambac flowers are also used to make tea, which typically has a green tea or Oolong base. The delicate Jasmine flower opens only at night and is plucked in the morning when the tiny petals are tightly closed. They are then stored in a cool place until night. Between six and eight in the evening, as the temperature cools, the petals begin to open. Flowers and tea are “mated” in machines that control temperature and humidity. It takes four hours or so for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavour of the Jasmine blossoms, and for the highest grades, this process may be repeated as many as seven times. Because the tea has absorbed moisture from the flowers, it must be refired to prevent spoilage. The spent flowers may or may not be removed from the final product, as the flowers are completely dry and contain no aroma. They simply add visual appeal and are no indication of the quality of the tea.

Kukicha Twig Tea

Kukicha, or twig tea, is a Japanese blend of green tea made of stems, stalks, and twigs.

Kukicha has a nutty, slightly creamy flavour. It is made of four sorts of stems, stalks and twigs of Camellia sinensi. For best results, kukicha is steeped in water between 70 to 80 C (155 – 180 degrees Fahrenheit) during three minutes (otherwise, like all green teas, the result will be a bitter, unsavoury brew).

Uniquely flavourful, kukicha is also one of the preferred teas of the macrobiotic diet. Kukicha can also be added to juice to make an excellent children’s drink. Kukicha is a powerful anti-oxidant and is very low in caffeine, in fact the lowest in caffeine of all traditional teas.

White Peony Tea

White tea from the Fujian province of China. White Peony, known locally as Pai Mu Tan, is a delicate tea made from tea buds collected and withered prior to opening. The latest medical findings suggest that white tea may be a more effective cancer fighter than even green tea. These findings have brought white teas to a much wider audience.

Modern-day white teas can be traced to the 18th Century Qing Dynasty, a time when they were harvested from ordinary tea bushes. White teas differed from green teas in that their processing did not incorporate any steaming or pan-firing. The teas were simply shaped, and allowed to wither. The resulting leaves were thin, small and did not have much silvery-white hair. It wasn’t until 1885 that specific varietals of tea bushes were selected to make white teas. The large, silvery-white leaves of the Silver Needle came into being in 1891. And the production of White Peony began around 1922.

White Silver Needle Tea

White Silver Needle Tea is chiefly produced in Fujian Province in China with only limited or negligible production outside and more commonly just known as Yinzhen. Amongst white teas this is the most expensive variety and the most prized as only top buds are used to produce the tea. Most Yinzhen is made from the Da Bai or Large White tea tree race, however there are exceptions such as the big bud teas from Yunnan.

Processing
The very best Yinzhen are picked between March 15 and April 10 when it is not raining and only using undamaged and unopened buds, however lower graded Yinzhen may not be strict on all of these attributes. Yinzhen tea is considered to be good for health, as it is extremely low in caffeine. According to the researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, white tea may be used to fight cancer as well as acting as a deterrent.

The tea is nowadays mostly grown in the Fujian Province and there are generally two major producing counties, Zheng He and Fuding.

Tasting and Brewing
This tea is best prepared with below boiling water (at about 75 degrees Celsius) and produces a slightly viscous glittering pale yellow color with evidence of floating white hairs that reflect light. The flavor and fragrance should be delicate, light, fresh, and slightly sweet. Steeping should be for slightly longer than other white teas, up to 5 minutes, and the amount of tea to be used is usually higher. There are few parallels to be drawn as the taste is not similar to any other teas but Bai Mu Dan.

Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba mate is a species of holly native to subtropical South America in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil and Bolivia. Yerba Mate has a characteristic mature flavor which is somewhat sweet, bitter, withered leaf like, and alfalfa-like. This is also called the fat burning tea. It comes from South America and has been consumed there for eons.

The yerba mate plant is a shrub or small tree growing up to 15 meters tall. The leaves are evergreen, 7–11 cm long and 3–5.5 cm wide, with a serrated margin. The flowers are small, greenish-white, with four petals. The fruit is a red berry 4–6 mm diameter.

Cultivation
The plant is grown mainly in South America, more specifically in Paraguay, Northern Argentina (Corrientes, Misiones), Uruguay and southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná). The Guaraní are reputed to be the first people who cultivated the plant; the first Europeans to do this were Jesuit missionaries, who spread the drinking habit as far as Ecuador.

When the yerba is harvested, the branches are dried sometimes with a wood fire, imparting a smoky flavour. Then the leaves and sometimes the twigs are broken up.

Researchers at Florida International University in Miami have found that yerba mate does contain caffeine, but some people seem to tolerate a mate drink better than coffee or tea. This is expected since mate contains different chemicals (other than caffeine) than tea or coffee.

From reports of personal experience with mate, its physiological effects are similar to (yet distinct from) more widespread caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, or guarana drinks. Users report a mental state of wakefulness, focus and alertness reminiscent of most stimulants, but often remark on mate’s unique lack of the negative effects typically created by other such compounds, such as anxiety, diarrhea, “jitteriness”, and heart palpitations.

Fully covered with snow, Bariloche in winter receives thousands of visitors that come to practice ski in internationally renowned resorts. Learn Spanish in Argentina and enjoy trips to Mount Cathedral, the most visited ski resort. Go further and amaze yourself with Mount Bayo as you learn Spanish in Argentina. This mountain is steeper and fully equipped for professionals. All ski resorts count with cable cars that will take to the top of each peak; the picture of Bariloche from above, all covered with whiteness, is just astonishing. Learn Spanish in Argentina and reach the top of the hill, where you can enjoy a hot chocolate with croissants or have lunch in one of the many incredible restaurants built on the solid rocks.

If you have the chance to learn Spanish in Argentina and visit Bariloche during summer you will encounter a different landscape but as attractive as the one found in winter. During spring and summer the image gives a sudden turn, now landscapes are fully covered by colorful and varied flowers. Learn Spanish in Argentina and go around natural paths among pines and woods that are excellent to practice mountain bike or just to stroll and relax. As you learn Spanish in Argentina take your time to discover the natural species that flourish in Bariloche, including the Arayan, Cypress and Cohiue trees. Flowers are found everywhere, roses, lilies, lavender, geraniums and many more.

Learn Spanish in Argentina and take a boat trip around the large Nahuel Huapi lake, a distinguishing feature of the Bariloche landscape. Its deep blue waters are surrounded by high peaks and mountains and rocky coasts. Besides practicing water sports as you learn Spanish in Argentina, you will learn about the legends and mysteries of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. One of these legends affirm that a huge monster, similar to the Lock-ness monster, lives submerged in under the dark waters. So if you enjoy adventure and mysterious regions, Bariloche is definitely the best place to learn Spanish in Argentina.

Learn Spanish in Argentina is a wonderful experience, you can make lot of friends in the incredible discos and pubs full of young people that come from all over Argentina. It is a tradition in Argentina that after finishing school, students travel to Bariloche to celebrate their achievement. So while you learn Spanish in Argentina you will find students from every province of the country coming during summer or winter vacations, giving you the perfect opportunity to know people from every corner of Argentina and get to know different cultures and customs in just one place.

Whatever the season you choose to learn Spanish in Argentina, Bariloche will always surprise you with diverse and fun activities during every month of the year.

In the 1970’s a paved road was built from Rio de Janeiro to Santos, ( City in Sao Paulo ), which began a flurry of new activity around and in Paraty. Since then the city has grown from what was primarily a fishing and agricultural area to a major tourism force. However it is important to point out that while many people visit Paraty, it has preserved much of its historical appearance. Much of its architecture dates back 250 years ago; it has cobble stone streets, an old colonial – style fort, historical churches, old colonial houses ( which in many cases have been converted to quaint little shops and restaurants). Paraty is also well renowned for its avid participation in most Brazilian holidays and Festivals. Perhaps the most famous of which is the Literary Festival.

If you like tropical Islands and beautiful Brazilian Beach scenes, you’re in luck– the mountains just beside Paraty is the place you’re looking for. It has about 65 Islands just waiting for you to experience; you’ll have to come back for a long second visit to even come close to seeing all the beaches and Islands Paraty offers. Experience Luxury tours and stay in a high class hotel if you like. Paraty would be a great place for a Romantic Honeymoon in Brazil- either a first or second (or even a third). Paraty certainly has Luxury Hotels that have comfort with a capital “C”. With all these beaches, Festivals, history, and legends of gold and precious gems,

 

Telluride, Colorado can only be explained as one of the most amazing ski towns throughout Colorado! As you drive through closer and closer, the excitement is brewing because you have almost reached the ski destination of your dreams.Nestled in the southwest corner of Colorado lies an old mining town now beautifully designed around one of the hottest resort areas and tourist attractions. The downtown has an almost Victorian style appeal,and,the buzz during the ski season is amazing! Telluride has something for everyone.

During the winter months, there are many festivals and activities planned for all ages. Live music can be heard at a festival or local bar and is popular among the friendly locals.If it’s a romantic dinner for two you are looking for try the 9545 Restaurant and Bar. You might order braised lamb shanks, cooked to tender perfection. If it’s a salad you desire try their roasted gold baby beet, with Haystack Mountain Goat Cheese and Celery Seed dressing, along with a nice bottle of fine wine. For those who enjoy the spicy side, Las Montanas, a Latin American cuisine establishment brings fantastic flavors of Peru, Mexico, and parts of the American southwest. There are also many other fine places to eat nearby.

Once you head towards the picturesque San Juan Mountains, you realize that you are about to partake in most likely the best ski trip of your life. Telluride offers enjoyment for all levels of riders from beginners to advanced. There is no shortage of trails either, there are 84! They are also very well maintained! With over 300 of inches of snow each season,there is no shortage of fresh powder! Telluride also has 16 ski lifts that can move an astonishing 21,000 + riders per hour! I can tell you that there is no better place to take well-needed

ski vacation! Take my word and ski the best, ski Telluride!

Although global travel insurance does, by its nature, cover the majority of the world, the current climate ensures that there are some places where the likelihood of incident means that UK travel insurance providers are unable to offer protection. Thankfully, the list is clear of the majority of popular holiday destinations, and you’re unlikely to have your big holiday plans affected. The most likely group to have their travel plans altered by the foreign office’s travel advice is business travelers.

The foreign office’s travel advice is not to travel to the following countries, even if it means losing business – the risk from the warzones listed below is just too great to make the reward worth the danger:

Here are our top 10 countries to avoid traveling to, and the reasons for the high risk factor! The risk is far from conclusive (the foreign office’s travel advice lists many more countries), but to me, these are the ones that all travelers should avoid like the plague:

10) Liberia

Economic hardship in Liberia is currently making outbreaks of violence common, and foreigners (especially westerners) are at risk targets due to their affluence. This extra likelihood of incident ensures that no UK travel insurance provider would risk offering you cover if you choose to visit Liberia

9) Nepal

Occasional acts of terrorism and political violence in urban areas make Nepal off-limits for those who want to get travel insurance. In September this year, three nearly simultaneous bombs went off in the capital of Kathmandu, killing 3 and injuring many innocent bystanders.

Haiti

Haiti is considered off limits to many travelers on account of the high risk of kidnappings and civil unrest that is prominent. At the time of writing, there have been 12 kidnappings of American travelers in 2007 – mostly criminal in nature. In the past, these kidnappings have ended in physical and sexual assaults and shootings. The potential for spontaneous protests and demonstrations has also been known to result in unexpected violence, day or night. It’s no surprise that the government’s travel advice is not to travel here!

7) Yemen

Due to the high levels of terrorist activity in Yemen, westerners is advised to steer clear of Yemen. If this is not possible, then all travelers are encouraged to stay vigilant and to keep a low profile to avoid attacks or kidnapping. The situation is so grave that the US Embassy often restricts American citizens from certain hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.

6) Israel

The Gaza Strip and West Bank has seen immense violence in recent months between Israeli and Palestinian factions, and shootings, kidnappings and violence demonstrations have occurred in each. The region’s continued instability makes travel to Israel widely recommended against – the risk of abduction or worse makes travel insurance impossible to obtain.

5) Democratic Republic of Congo

The democratic republic of Congo remains one of the most dangerous places to travel in Africa, where violence, neglect and corruption have left the country distinctly damaged. Fighting erupted in the streets of Kinshasa in March this year, and the situation remains volatile despite the immediate threat of violence calming down. Travel outside of Kinshasa is difficult and dangerous with security, especially in the north and easy, being unstable. Any traveler brave enough to travel to the Congo should be extremely cautious, avoid the North Kivu district which is the backdrop to armed conflict between government troops and army rebels, avoid crowds and keep a close eye on local media.

4) Burma (Myanmar)

While the human rights situation makes Myanmar an ethically uneasy place to visit, currently there is a lot of personal risk involved as well. Throughout September, the anti-government protests sparked a violent crackdown from the authorities and made international headlines. Although the dusk-til-dawn curfew imposed in some of the towns has been lifted, it still remains an uncertain time to visit the country and you’re unlikely to find any global travel insurance company who will insure you.

3) Colombia

Colombia remains one of the most dangerous places to travel in the world thanks to the crime the country suffers from. The illicit drug trade in urban areas such as Cali and Buenaventura means that there is often a high risk of violence, while the more rural areas expose visitors to the country at risk from narcoterrorist groups who will often kidnap civilians to use for ransom or to gain media attention. Naturally UK travel insurance companies are loathe insuring travelers who choose to ignore these warning and travel to Colombia anyway.

2) Afghanistan

With the war on terror in Afghanistan still fresh in the mind, it’s no surprise that the country remains a big no-go area. Western tourists are obvious kidnap and assassination targets, as many of the disbanded Taliban and Al-Qa’ida forces remain at large and hostile to the new regieme. Additionally, the country remains unsafe due to tribal groups, explosive devices, landmines, military operations and acts of terrorism. Unsurprisingly, the government’s travel advice is to avoid traveling here at all costs!

1) Iraq

Given the high profile nature of western kidnappings by various insurgent groups, and the regular acts of terrorism and hostility to Western troops, it is no surprise that no travel insurance companies will insure travelers to the troubled country. The instability is caused by various groups – Ba’ath regime remnants, transnational terrorists and criminal elements have been known to attack convoy’s en-route to venues, hotels, restaurants, checkpoints and police stations.

While holidaymakers are unlikely to be affected by these less touristy locations, their riskiness means that business travelers will have to forgo their travel insurance if they are unable to cancel their trips.