• Asia

Ignoring warnings, tourists are heading to a former no-go country

Yi-Pin Lin has holidayed in 120 nations over the past decade. There was one country he had always dreamed of visiting but was too afraid. Until now.

• David Zucchino

• Melbourne

Just 45 minutes from central Melbourne, get a taste of an off-limits country

Afghanistan is on DFAT’s “do not travel” list, but you can still get a delicious taste of this Central Asian country in Melbourne.

• Belinda Jackson

• Inspiration

Afghanistan's stunning lakes thirst for tourism

Swan-shaped pedal boats bob in the sapphire-blue lakes of Band-e-Amir as tradesmen peddle their wares on the shore. Then, as if from nowhere, two US Black Hawks roar low over the water.