I would eventually like to go there, but it’s a hard one. The culture isn’t that easy either, so I know I’ll have to wait until I’m in a different traveler frame of mind before I even attempt it.

I think that you should definitely see China though. While the government may be oppressive and censorship, human rights, freedom of speech and pollution are terrible, it’s an extremely interesting place that’s becoming more progressive every year. I read books about China non-stop for 2 years before going so I felt like I really knew what I was getting into, and now I try to do that for all of my destinations. Research is really important.

It sure is! Traveling has a far greater reach and effect than I think most of us are aware.

Yeah, Australia is a truly great example of that!

One does need to make sure the government isn’t simply acting on behalf of its citizens, like with Uganda and seemingly with Russia. But, yeah if we excluded countries that had governments doing stupid things, I think only Iceland would get any visits.

Glad to read that. 😉

It definitely can come down to a very personal, individual decision. Even though I won’t support, undergo, or promote travel to some places, I never critique someone else for doing so. It just isn’t my place to do so, especially when my decisions are really more of a personal level. People have to make the decisions that are right for them. I just hope they stop to think before making the decision.

Some excellent comments, Paige. I’m glad you guys are looking at those issues closely. As far as LGBT travel goes, I have to consider the level of violence as well. I can’t travel to a place, or promote it, where violence against LGBTs is common, supported and/or ignored, personally.