According to new research, destinations once considered too troublesome to visit are now receiving a surge in interest. Holiday review website Tripadvisor says those Balkan states such as Bosnia and Serbia are now seen as a holiday alternative to Greece.
Despite a turbulent civil struggle in the 1990s, the low cost of a break in these countries – especially for ski holidays are currently driving the interest in them.
Elsewhere, the former no-go state of Rwanda is also becoming a popular destination for holidays in Africa, having more growth in searches on Tripadvisor than any other country, joining more popular regional destinations such as Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
Tourists who like to experience trekking and tours have been attracted by its wildlife and lush landscapes. In fact, Tripadvisor said there has been a 656 per cent increase in interest, despite warning by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that certain areas of Rwanda are still very dangerous.
Bosnia Herzegovina has seen a 39 per cent increase in searches, with cheap ski holidays being the prime area of interest for those planning a getaway. There is also a sizable interest in visiting historic cities like Sarajevo, where many marks of the Yugoslav Wars still remain.
El Salvador, another country that was previously off limits, offers exotic beaches and surfing for much less than more well-known South American destinations. This has resulted in a 28 per cent increase in searches as the state has become safer for visitors.
“As Brits look for their next great travel experience, it seems destinations that only a few years ago would never have been an option are now being considered,” Emma O’Boyle, TripAdvisor spokesperson, told AOL Travel.
