Top 5: Holidays to former danger zones

Former danger zone: Sri Lanka

With peace finally restored last year following 26 years of civil war between the Tamil Tigers and the government, this tear-shaped land of exotic beaches, vibrant culture and prowling wildlife is ready to be discovered once more. Take the 4,800 steps to the top of Adam's Peak for the most breathtaking, magical views in Sri Lanka, before heading south to discover the enchanting, time-locked town of Galle and relax on the country's unsuspectedly beautiful, golden-sand beaches. Former danger zone: Chernobyl, Ukraine Twenty five years after the worst nuclear power plant disaster in history, day tours to the chilling site of Chernobyl are now possible. Discover the 30km (19-mile) Exclusion Zone where a reactor exploded in April 1986 with terrifying consequences. A plume of radioactive fallout was emitted into the atmosphere and drifted across much of Europe and the then western Soviet Union. Pass through Pripyat to experience a true ghost town, before heading back to cheerful Kiev and its famously beautiful churches. Former danger zone: Rwanda Nearly two decades after one of the world's most devastating genocides, Rwandan people are working together to defy their violent past and move forward. Discover a country of unimaginable beauty. Visit Akagera National Park to see a smattering of the incredible wildlife, including lions, giraffes, elephants and mountain gorillas. Kibungu will delight nature lovers with lake excursions and watersports on Lake Kivu. For a bit of Rwandan culture, experience the Rwanda National Ballet, famous for its traditional dancing and singing. Former danger zone: Colombia Drug dealers, left-wing guerrilla groups and paramilitaries are emblazoned in Colombia's past. Today, the country's diverse landscape and extensive culture continue to astonish visitors. Natural attractions include rippling mountains, expanses of the Amazon Basin, large lakes, vast plains and a Caribbean coastline that twinkles with azure waters. Meanwhile man-made wonders include lost cities, fabulous pre-Columbian sculptures and colourful colonial houses. Former danger zone: Nepal Despite a history rich in political turmoil and poverty, Nepal offers outdoor adventures and spiritual experiences. Take a flight over the country's most famous peak, Mt Everest, or ride on the back of an elephant through a national park. Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Siddhartha Buddha, where the Maya Devi Temple and its surrounding sacred gardens can be explored. Or discover the Himalayas on foot, go mountain biking or white-water rafting.