Why go: It's big on history and big on culture. Highlights include the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City; natural icons such as the Huanglong Valley, home of giant pandas; the sandstone peaks and pillars of Wulingyuan; and the 21st-century urban glitz of Hong Kong and Shanghai. This year all eyes are focused on the Olympics

Why go: Bad press can be a good thing for the intrepid traveler; it's why Syria remains one of the least crowded and least expensive destinations in the Middle East.

Why go: Huge elephant herds and one of the continent's largest concentrations of giraffes.

Why go: You don't go to North Korea to eat at great restaurants or see UNESCO World Heritage sites.