Yes, it's a country that's become best known for its political turbulence - but ever-resilient Iran is also rich in natural beauty and cultural treasures. And tourism is once again a growing industry: bookings at some UK travel agencies are up by 400 per cent.

Top sights? The city of Shiraz boasts the stunning stained-glass mosque of Nasir al-Mulk and the magnificent mirrored Imamzadeh Hamzeh mausoleum. Fifty miles from Shiraz lies the Unesco World Heritage site of Persepolis - once the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Iran's top tourist destination, though, is Esfahan with its historic bazaars and mosques.

Yes, but is it safe? The UK Foreign Office currently advises against non-essential travel to Iran, but crime rates are low. Respect the cultural differences - women are obliged by law to wear a headscarf, for example - and you're unlikely to encounter any problems.

How can I get there? Travel the Unknown offers a variety of trips to Iran. A 14-day Classical Iran itinerary costs from £2,295 per person, including return flights. Find out more at www.traveltheunknown.com

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Modest oil reserves mean Oman is less opulent than its neighbours - so what's on offer here is a more natural, down-to-earth view of the Arab world. Think divine deserts, spectacular mountains and Bedouin villages, rather than look-at-me skyscraper hotels. It's only fairly recently become a tourist destination - so visit now to miss the rush!

Top sights? The capital city of Muscat is dominated by cliff-side 16th-century forts, the magnficent al-Alam Palace and bustling souks. A four-hour drive takes you to Wahiba Sands - dazzling desert dunes that are home to the Bedu whose speciality is raising racing camels. The turtle-nesting beaches of Ras Al Jinz are unmissable, too.

Yes, but is it safe? It's very safe - as long as you keep an eye out for dopey camels and wandering goats that don't adhere to the Green Cross Code on the road.

How can I get there? WEXAS Travel offers a seven-night Northern Oman Adventure, from £2,495 per person, including return flights. Find out more at www.wexas.com

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This vast country - formerly known as Zaire - was left in the grips of a humanitarian crisis following Africa's five-year 'world war' between 1998 and 2003. Recovery is slow but heading in the right direction. Rainforests, volcanoes and rivers are waiting to be explored.

Top sights? Kisangani is the country's largest port - where watching the fishermen at work, with their scaffolds and vine nets, has become one of the top tourist activities. Beyond the city, head to the thundering cascades of the Wagenia Falls. Elsewhere, wildlife-lovers will adore the Bonobo Ape Project at Bolobo.

Yes, but is it safe? The UK Foreign Office currently advises against non-essential travel to DR Congo. Always travel as part of an organised group and follow the safety advice of your guide.

How can I get there? For a budget-blowing trip-of-a-lifetime, Another World Adventures offers a 24-day trip along the Congo River, following in the footsteps of the 19th-century explorer Henry Morton Stanley. The price? From £6,895 per person, including flights. Find out more at www.anotherworldadventures.com

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It's now more than 20 years since a United Nations-brokered peace deal ended El Salvador's devastating civil war - and change just keeps on coming. This Central American country is gradually becoming better known for its glorious coastline and national parks.

Top sights? Ruta de Las Flores is a 36km-long route through colonial towns famed for fine food, galleries and beautiful scenery. Tropical mountain forest Parque Nacional El Imposible and the spectacular coastline of La Costa del Balsamo are must-sees, too.

Yes, but is it safe? Crime gangs still rule the roost in a few areas - but attacks on tourists are rare. Keep your valuables under wraps, stay alert and you should be fine.

How can I get there? Another World Adventures offers a 'surfari' in El Salvador where you can surf in warm seas - beginners welcome! - and also take trips to areas of historic or cultural interest. Price from $667 (around £426) for one week, excluding flights. Find out more at www.anotherworldadventures.com

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Iraqi Kurdistan has a very simple slogan: 'the other Iraq'. Also known as the 'Switzerland of the Middle East', this is an oasis of peace and tranquillity with breathtaking scenery. There is no established tourism industry, but the people are warm and welcoming.

Top sights? The ancient city of Erbil is packed with magnificent mosques and bustling bazaars. The highlands are home to Stone Age caves and lush landscapes with snow-capped mountains. Kurdistan's highest peak at 3,607 metres is Mount Halgurd.

Yes, but is it safe? Kurdistan is an autonomous region with no recorded incidents targeting tourists or Westerners for more than a decade.

How can I get there? Feeling intrepid and, more to the point, super-fit? Secret Compass offers a nine-day trip to Iraqi Kurdistan, including a trek to the summit of Mount Halgurd. Price £1,499, excluding flights. Find out more at www.secretcompass.com

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Think of Georgia and the pre-independence conflict with Russia and ongoing internal strife probably spring immediately to mind. But this is a beautiful country with much to admire and surprise: did you know, for example, that Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine?

Top sights? The capital city, Tbilisi, boasts modern shops and busy bars alongside centuries-old buildings. Georgia's most famous son, Stalin, was born in Gori - where a fascinating museum charts his life story. Head to the Kazbegi mountain region for flora and fauna. Be warned, though: wolves and bears still make their home here.

Yes, but is it safe? The crime rate in Georgia is low - although, as you'd probably expect, it pays to keep your valuables safe and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Oh, and look out for wolves and bears!

How can I get there? Responsible Travel offers a 19-day trip with Explore, incorporating Georgia plus two more relatively 'unknown' Eastern European destinations, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Price £2,577, including flights. Find out more at www.responsibletravel.com

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Following the devastating earthquake of 2010, this under-explored Caribbean island is once again making an appearance on the tourism map. The first independent black republic boasts a wealth of history, culture and palm-fringed beaches.

Top sights? Climb the mountaintop Unesco fortess Citadelle Laferriere; explore the mountain peaks of Kenscoff; swim in the cool turquoise waters of Bassin Bleu; and see the ancient stone statues of San Agustin. The friendly old coffee port of Jacmel is now Haiti's handicrafts capital - and holds one of the country's best carnivals during Lent.

Yes, but is it safe? Civil unrest is not uncommon, but it's extremely rare for tourists to get caught up in it. Street crime can be a problem - so do keep your valuables hidden and your wits about you.

How can I get there? Responsible Travel offers a 12-day small-group tour, taking in many of the Haitian highlights. Price from £2,399, including flights. Find out more at www.responsibletravel.com

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We know what you're thinking: Colombia's all about cocaine and kidnapping. However, the past few years have seen the security situation utterly transformed - meaning more and more tourists are getting to experience its perfect white beaches and old colonial towns.

Top sights? La Candelaria - capital city Bogota's cobbled downtown area - is packed with historic buildings, churches, shops, bars and restaurants. Elsewhere, you can take a slow boat down the Rio Magdalena to visit Mompox, the setting for Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude. The walled port of Cartagena boasts fabulous bars and hotels - while the Tayrona National Park is home to beautiful beaches.

Yes, but is it safe? Street crime and robberies are fairly common in the cities, so do take the usual precautions. Rural areas are generally far safer.

How can I get there? Real World Holidays offer tailor-made trips to Colombia; a 14-day suggested itinerary, taking in Bogota, Cartagena and Tayrona National Park, costs from £1,695, exclusing flights. Find out more at www.realworldholidays.co.uk

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You don't need us to tell you that Afghanistan is a country that's still recovering from the all-too-recent ravages of war. But away from all the turmoil, the Wakhan Corridor - the narrow strip of lush countryside in the north-east - is perfect trekking territory.

Top sights? The Wakhan offers stunning mountain scenery - and warm hospitality from the Wakhi and Kyrgyz nomadic people. This remote and rugged landscape is where Kate Humble filmed her recent BBC Two programme Wild Shepherdess.

Yes, but is it safe? As you'd expect, the security and political situation changes all the time - so do stay informed. The Wakhan Corridor, though, is generally crime-free and welcoming - although it's tough terrrain to cover, of course.

How can I get there? Intrepid travellers can join a 21-day trek through the Wakhan Corridor with Secret Compass. Price from £3,099, excluding flights. Find out more at www.secretcompass.com

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It's all riots, raves and soulless skyscrapers, right? Wrong! OK, you might not want to spend your entire fortnight's holiday in Croydon - but this outer London borough has plenty to delay you, as the nice people at the Croydon Visitor Centre will gladly advise.

Top sights? Arts centre Fairfield Halls comprises a concert hall and theatre. Upcoming shows include touring productions of Birdsong and Blood Brothers. And vying for attention alongside all the shops, pubs and restaurants in the town centre, the newly opened RISE Gallery specialises in contemporary, pop and street art. Banksy's been to Croydon, too, you know - although the evidence has since been painted-over. Just a couple of miles - and short tram ride - from the town centre, Shirley Hills is perfect for woodland walks.

Yes, but is it safe? It's as safe as pretty much any other UK metropolis.

How can I get there? Regular trains run from London Bridge and Victoria; the journey takes around 15 minutes. There are several large hotels - including a Jurys Inn, Hampton by Hilton and Premier Inn - in the town centre. Find out more at croydonbid.com

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