Is it normal to want to travel to these countries?

60% Normal
18 Comments

Hey there,

Often when I think of where I want to travel on vacation, the countries that come to mind are not exactly the usual. I think of Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, North Korea and so on. They seem so much more interesting to me for their struggles and tumultuous situations. I want to see the beauty of humanity and the environment beyond the horrors, and to go somewhere most people dismiss as dangerous. I want to see first-hand.

is it normal I aspire to visit these countries over those safe and popular tourist destinations?

Is It Normal?
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Comments ( 18 ) Sort: best | oldest
  • howaminotmyself
    10 years ago | pl

    Sure, I like non touristy places. I had the opportunity to visit North Korea several years ago and it was an experience I will never forget. But it wasn't easy to get there and hot water was hard to come by. We had to have "tour guides" with us at all times and they only showed us what they wanted us to see. And I'm pretty sure the waiters at the restaurant don't sing and dance for everyone. But it was fascinating.

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    • dom180
      10 years ago | pl

      Lucky you, I'm jealous :) I'd love to go to North Korea at some point in my life. Unlike the OP, the main thing putting me off wouldn't be safety or the fact that I obviously wouldn't be getting a true taste of North Korean life, but the fact that I'd be putting my money in the hands of their evil government.

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    • disthing
      10 years ago | pl

      I think I'd also find that fascinating.

      I've watched a lot of documentaries on North Korea. One I recommend is 'North Korea - A Day In The Life'. It was directed by Pieter Fleury, but the North Korean government were the real 'directors'. Because of their self-imposed isolation, what they think reflects well on them ironically reveals a warped, unsettling ideal. It's ineffective propaganda that gives you an insight into what they want life in their self-proclaimed utopia to be, rather than what it is. I think you can see it on YouTube actually.

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  • Who_Fan4Life
    10 years ago | pl

    I'd like to go to North Korea as well. As long as I'm accompanied by Dennis Rodman.

    Because that seems like the only way it would be acceptable.

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  • 1000yrVampireKing
    10 years ago | pl

    That is like saying you want to go to the hood because you want to see if you don't get shot. So you can come back and say "I survived! Oh my goodness"! Sounds pretty stupid to me. Most people do not go to war to take pretty pictures.

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  • jthebomb97
    10 years ago | pl

    It's not normal, but it sure as hell isn't bad. Most people prefer their safe, touristy places that feel more like home. Good on you for wanting to get out and experience something a little more cultural. Somewhere with real conflict.

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  • SuperBenzid
    10 years ago | pl

    North Korea is best Korea

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  • MilleBornes
    10 years ago | pl

    You're 21...there is no problem. Maybe around 24-25 and you haven't had 1 long term then think about what you could change about you or who you go for.

    There is NO need for middle to high schoolers worrying about commitment issues. That's where you're basing your relationship history from. I didn't have 1 real girlfriend till I was 22. Had no problem with staying with her till she became an alcoholic. I'm 28 and we just broke off last year. I knew myself and therefore ready to try a long term. I had done all my wild orgy, fat girls, skinny, different races, groups toys and all before. So I NEVER thought about cheating, EVER. Young people get this idea that they'll be together forever when they haven't seen the world yet. THAT'S what creates commitment issues. That and lack of trust.

    Live your life until you find a respectable beauty. If you're a respectable man then you'll most likely get a good one the first go. Don't worry about all the people tying themselves down at your age. I'm saying, you don't have issues yet so don't worry about it

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  • WhiteOctober
    9 years ago | pl

    I wouldn't dare going to Iraq, Syria or Afghanistan. They're war areas, they're unsafe. North Korea however is a different story. I've heard it's a very nice and safe country to visit.

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  • redoctober
    10 years ago | pl

    Who cares if its normal or not. Just go.

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    • Jfdp
      10 years ago | pl

      Yap, its your life, just do note that sometimes countries (Like Iraq) are in the situation their in because of the mindset of the people who live there Ask any war vet, theres usually little beauty to be found, and you might see some pretty rough things, but anyhow, if you really want to, by all means . . .

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  • [Old Memory]
    10 years ago | pl

    "I've always wanted to go to a weird country, kill a whole bunch of random people and fly home."

    "Well why don't you join the army then?"

    "Oh no, I don't want them shooting back you see..."

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  • loopoo
    10 years ago | pl

    I'm with you with North Korea, that country is fascinating.

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  • MilleBornes
    10 years ago | pl

    Normal. Doesn't seem right that there's parts of the world that you don't have a chance to see even if you were financially able. And I have an oldschool warrior's soul so, to me Iraq was honorably fun. I enjoyed the rush, the danger, and ability to retaliate. I'm now just a Marine vet with a son and NO jail record, but I will jump excitedly at the chance to fight Korea when the time comes again, which should be soon

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  • Short4Words
    10 years ago | pl

    Go volunteer in Africa. People think its too dangerous but I'm not sure how dangerous it really is, at least parts of it.

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