Why you can’t: Because, as the U.S. State Department points out in a recent travel warning, “some elements of the Iranian regime remain hostile to the United States.” Visas are hard to come by, as Americans wishing to travel to the theocratic state must have a sponsoring Iranian travel company that first gets approval with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This hurdle makes independent travel essentially impossible, and the wait for a visa can take months. Some U.S. travel agencies can help you make arrangements, but it’s generally up to the individual traveler to trudge through the red tape. Westerners traveling in the southeastern regions of the country, moreover, are susceptible to the armed gangs and contraband smugglers that operate in those areas. Persepolis is somewhat removed from these problem areas, but with relations between the United States and Iran at historic lows, a visit to the Islamic Republic could be a risky move.

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Mandalay

Location: Burma

Why you should go: Located far from cyclone-damaged coastal areas, Mandalay’s impressive central palace, Buddhist pagodas, monastery, and other architectural wonders recall the opulence of 19th-century Burma. Mandalay Hill is home to a number of beautifully constructed religious buildings, as well as spectacular views at sunset and sunrise. Best of all, traveling in Burma is incredibly cheap. Tourists can expect to find luxurious lodging in Mandalay’s city center for as little as $40 a night.

Why you can’t: See: Xenophobic, repressive military junta. Although there is a U.S. Embassy in Rangoon, Western travelers still face a litany of dangers in Burma. Because the ruling junta has banned gatherings of more than five people and has recently suppressed peaceful demonstrations with bullets and tear gas, the State Department has advised Americans to stay away from anything that looks political. And with the recent cyclone, even aid workers have had trouble getting visas. Until late May—a full three weeks after Nargis struck the coastal regions—foreign aid workers were denied entry. Indeed, for travel agents, “Burma is pretty much off the radar,” according to Poe. Also, Mandalay’s reputation as the drug trafficking headquarters of Burma might sour some travelers on its charms.

*Clarification: Travel to the Kumgangsan Tourist Region must be arranged through Hyundai Asian Corp., a South Korea-based tourist company that owns exclusive rights to the special tourist area. Americans can join Hyundai’s regular tour groups, but often an English speaking tour is not available. Travel to other areas of North Korea is sometimes possible for American travelers, but tour groups can only travel at specific times designated by the North Korean government.