Afghanistan Travel Forum

Seems to me not many folks are looking at this site and location. If anyone is going to Afganistan next year and want to exchange thoughts and research, please send me an email. I will be going there in a few months and am exploring the options. IE: security, locations, transportation, cost, entry and exit methods.
Thanks
Duck

join up uncle sam will send you over there free and gratis


sorry just having a silly moment

Have you any particular reason to go to a war zone?
Julie

Sounds like an interesting adventure. Have you read the bood "An Unexpected Light" by Jason Elliot? It doesn't include too many specifics on how to make the trip, but maybe you could pick up some ideas. Reading the book made me want to go too! A good friend in the Navy just got back from the Uncle Sam tour. He says the local food is great...

people are dying every day in afganistan.this may have something to do with the fact that its not your usual holiday hotspot but a war zone.
as the earlier post asked,why would you want to visit a a war zone?
would you be covered by travel insurance?

i dont think the taliban would treat you too well if you were captured,perhaps you should rethink your plans.

i wish you well in whatever you decide to do.take care,laney

""why would you want to visit a a war zone?""

Yes, I have been asked that before, as when I went to other hot spots. Problem is, when I see it on TV, I have to go and see it for myself. And reading about it in a book is boring. But if one does the proper research, I think the risk is acceptable for me. And that is why I made this post. There is a certain 'adventure gene' some have. I am sure there are some who know what I am talking about.

if you have that adverture gene

why not join up - you will get to many "hotspots" as you call them - not cost you anything - or are you one of these people who would expect to be helped out by the forces if you get into trouble in one of your little hotspots

Sorry if i sound mean and nasty by folk are getting killed out there on both sides and i personally think tourists should stay the heck out of their way - it's not nice for the guys who may hear that american tourists were in the latest hotspot they just bombed you know
Julie

<<And reading about it in a book is boring. >>

In that case, I'm sorry I took the time to respond in the first place. You could learn a lot about the culture and history of the place. "The Bookseller of Kabul" is also a good read, for anyone else interested...

No no Squidly,

""In that case, I'm sorry I took the time to respond in the first place. You could learn a lot about the culture and history of the place. "The Bookseller of Kabul" is also a good read, for anyone else interested.."""

I did not mean your book was not a good recommendation. I have a couple here already, and will look at yours next. I read as much as I can befor I travel. This trip will take me to Burma, and Bhutan also. I ment to say that a book (for me ) is not a substitute for travel. Sorry for the wrong inference. Also, I think the previous post are a bit off. I have talked to many over there and who have been there. The North and the West seem to be rather calm. But one only relys on the media, they cant be sure what the truth really is.
also, I served in Viet Nam, and am much too old to join the military now. Sorry folks. That suggestion doesnt fly.

hi
if you've done your time in 'nam you are better placed than any of us to judge going to afghanistan - you should have said in the first place really - anyway if you do decide to go stay safe
Julie

www.khawaran.com - here is some new information from an Afghan man living abroad (I think from July/August he has some information).

/Birjak

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. I will follow up on all and continue my research

Duck, I've been working in Afghanistan for almost 2.5 years. Although I have the opportunity to visit as many regions as I could, I refrain from doing so because of the security situation. If you will travel alone and hire a tour guide, then think again. Translators are killed without mercy by Talebans and being an American is definitely not an advantage over here. It is true, the mountains and the lakes are very beautiful but if you travel by car, some may spot you and tip you off. It's better to postpone your trip. The reason why I and my colleagues are fine is because we follow our organization's security rules which are really tough!

With kind regards from Kabul,
Penelope

Penelope,
thank you so much for your concern. which is not without knowledge nor taken lightly. I am going soon however, and will take the risk. I may however , reconsider traveling by car. I have contacted several outer PRTs and NGOs over there and am trying to decide. It may be that all my travel within the country is by air. But the local airlines dont seem that safe either. LOL. Do I understand that you never travel to other towns and citys by car? in the north or in the NW.

thanks again

duck

I know exactly what you are talking about. My friend and I are thinking about going in July 2008, but only for a short stay (3 days).

I don't know how old this post is, but I am also very interested in a trip to Kabul

hi,
well u r absolutely right in saying that "there is some adventure gene" in some one n i think no one else can better understand this better than me as i ve that adventure gene in me in abundance. all i can feel is dat i also made such trip back in December of 2003. i went all da way on buses from my city Lahore to Kabul and stayed there. if u plan to travel by air then i think its not a good idea as the real Afghanistan is wen u see it with naked eyes. which cities u r planing to go to and wen actually u will be there in Afghanistan? if u want any kind of information regarding the trip? then i ll be more than happy to share with u.

take care

bye

I have a friend who is over there right now in the war zone. I pray for his safety daily. I can't wait til he gets back stateside.

Yes, drop me a line. I'm aufderreise.