Whether it’s recent conflicts, political tensions, high crime rates or seriously remote locations, some places don’t immediately shout holiday destination. But it’s time to look again at some countries that are not only open to tourists but fascinating and beautiful destinations to boot. Some may still face challenges but not so much that they should be disregarded entirely.

Terrorist attacks and the 2015 plane crash sent Egypt's healthy tourist numbers plummeting. While Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office still advises against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh, most of the country's other incredible tourist spots are deemed safe to visit and remain mostly untouched by violence.

There are many reasons to visit this extraordinary country: the remains of one of the world's oldest civilisations, stunning natural landscapes and modern Middle Eastern culture. The pyramids of Giza, and the labyrinth-like Khan el Khalili bazaar in Cairo, Luxor's Valley of the Kings and the temples of Abu Simbel are just a handful of the must-visit wonders.

As with much of the Middle East, terrorism has heavily impacted Lebanon's tourist industry. Its violent civil war ravaged the tiny country between 1975 and 1990, then Lebanon experienced a brief conflict with Israel in 2006 and now its proximity to Syria has thrust some parts of country back into the FCO's red zone. But plenty of places here aren't off limits including the capital Beirut.

 

The beautiful coastal city of Beirut is one of the most dynamic and liberal metropolises in the Middle East. It's long lured visitors with its laid-back vibe, beautiful Ottoman and French Mandate period buildings, beaches, and fabulous food scene. Byblos (pictured) is another jewel on Lebanon's coastline safe to visit. Make sure you check out the well-preserved ruins of a crusader castle.

This fascinating country is likely to become a popular destination as it starts to be seen as a safe place. Currently, guided tours are generally the best option for tourists due to travel restrictions, particularly on US visitors. But join one and you'll see why visitors soon fall for Iran.

From beautiful cities to wildly diverse landscapes (forests, deserts, snow-capped peaks and sweeping plains), this huge country has a great deal to offer. It has an impressive 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – like the ancient city of Persepolis – and excellent cuisine.

Albania is one of Europe's last little-visited corners but there's no doubt it'll soon become popular. The former communist country was almost entirely off-limits to foreigners until 1991 and is still overlooked in favour of its eastern European neighbours. But Albania has it all: stunning landscapes, lovely beaches, castles, ancient splendours, and terrific food and wine.

The Adriatic country might not have the tourist infrastructure of next-door neighbour Greece, but it does have 265 miles of glorious and relatively resort-free coastline. Visit Sarandë on its southern coast and the golden sands near Durrës further north. Don't miss the ancient city ruins of Butrint and Apollonia. Inland there are wonderful hikes around Albania's lakes and mountains in the northwest.

Due to long-standing conflict with Israel, many people are wary of booking a trip to the Palestinian Territories but it's a wonderful travel destination. The Gaza strip is off limits but there's a lot to explore elsewhere. However, the UK's FCO asks visitors to be "vigilant". It states: "The security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories can be fast moving, tense and unpredictable."

Palestine might be small but it's bursting with historic, religious and cultural sights. Most visitors come to visit the Holy Land sights in Bethlehem but there's a lot more to discover. Don't miss the Mar Saba monastery (pictured), or the ancient hilltop ruins of Sebastia. Nearby, the colourful souks of Nablus is another highlight and the lush hills of the northern West Bank have wonderful walks.

Sadly, mention Rwanda and most people will think of the country's violent civil war. The east African country's terrible history should not be forgotten, but it's high time Rwanda was back on our travel map.

There's lots to see in this small landlocked nation, most famously its healthy population of mountain gorillas. Safari around the Volcanoes National Park and the Nyungwe National Park, one of the largest rainforest national parks in Africa. Capital Kigali is fascinating and its moving Genocide Memorial Centre an important but devastating sight.

Up until pretty recently this beautiful country was a no-go zone, tarnished by its connections with drug cartels and government corruption. But Colombia has cleaned up its act in the last few years and travellers are discovering the charms of this captivating country all over again.

There's fantastic music, food and nightlife in Columbia's bustling capital Bogotá, as well as the cities of Medellín and Cali, which is known as the salsa capital of the world. Walking the charming cobbled streets of historic Cartagena on the country's Caribbean coast is a must, as is lazing on its beaches and trekking in the dense jungles.

Located between Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia is at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Due to ongoing skirmishes with Russia, the stunning former Soviet republic is not on many people's travel radar. However, those in the know rave about its natural beauty, incredible history and rich culinary heritage, especially its wonderful wines.

There's magnificent medieval architecture to be found in its fascinating capital Tbilisi. Explore the old town's narrow cobbled alleyways, check out modern art galleries and try the country's famed food and wines. Head out to the countryside to see traditional villages and rolling vineyards. Follow trails into the striking Caucasus mountains to ancient hill-top monasteries and discover the lure of the Black Sea beaches.

With its stringent laws and links to extremism, it's fair to say that a lot of people are wary about visiting this powerful Middle Eastern kingdom. Furthermore, visas are currently incredibly hard to get, but that could soon change. It was recently announced that new tourist visas will be released in 2018 and there are signals that some laws may be relaxed to boost tourism.

Those that make it into this secretive country are richly rewarded with intriguing cities, ancient archaeological sites and captivating scenery. Aside from Mecca, which non-Muslims can't visit, the country's most famous sight is the ancient Nabataean city of Madain Saleh, whose ruins rival that of Jordan's Petra. There's also its unspoilt Red Sea coastline and fascinating port city Jeddah.

The Balkan country has a long history of bloodshed, most notoriously the 1915 Armenian Genocide orchestrated by the Ottoman government during which it's estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed and millions more fled overseas. Armenia has an ongoing conflict with neighbour Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, but aside from the border region it's safe, stable and one of Europe's most overlooked destinations.

Armenia is well-known for its many religious sights. A plethora of centuries-old stone churches and remote medieval monasteries and fortresses are scattered about this stunning mountainous land. Must-visits are the lofty monasteries of Garni and Geghard, the UNESCO-listed Byzantine monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin and the stunning Tatev monastery (pictured).

Due to recent political and territorial difficulties, this former Soviet nation is not the most obvious holiday destination. Stay away from the regions deemed off-limits due to separatist clashes by the FCO and there are plenty of amazing things to see and do in this large but little visited part of Eastern Europe.

Explore the winding streets and magnificent churches of UNESCO-listed city Lviv, which is a hot spot for eating and drinking too. More architectural splendours and UNESCO sites await you in elegant capital Kiev. Outside of the country's cities, there are fairy tale castles and fortresses to visit (Palanok, Khotyn, and Kamianets-Podilskyi) and stunning wilderness to explore in the forests and hills of the Carpathians.

Algeria's turbulent history of colonisation, civil wars and recent links to extremism mean it's probably not on most tourists' holiday list. While the borders with Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger are off-limits due to safety concerns, the rest of the country is generally safe and open.

Algeria's Saharan region is truly extraordinary but there's more to this enormous country than endless sands and towering dunes. There's the vast Mediterranean coastline and the frenetic but fascinating Algiers with its ancient enclave, the Casbah. Not to mention the remarkable ancient ruins of Timgad, Djémila and Tipasa, some of north Africa's most impressive Roman sites.

There are fresh hopes that Zimbabwe will emerge from its beleaguered past now that Robert Mugabe's brutal rule over the southern African nation is over. Tourism is undoubtedly one way that the beautiful country can prosper again and it has plenty of amazing assets to attract visitors.

Home to one of the world's greatest natural wonders, the almighty Victoria Falls, the country was once one of Africa's most popular destinations and it may be once again. Everything is big here from the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo rivers and the enormous Lake Kariva to vast national parks filled with an extraordinary array of wildlife.

Gripped by centuries of unrest, under Soviet rule for decades and rife with political corruption, the landlocked country has a complex past. But it's a remarkable destination with ancient trading posts, stunning landscapes and an eclectic culture.

The ancient city of Samarkand is a must-visit. Founded in 5th century BC, there are incredible monuments, minarets and caravanserais (ancient roadside inns). The labyrinthine old town of Bukhara, with its ornate palaces and bazaars, and the walled citadel of Khiva are unmissable.

Poor infrastructure and concerns over high crime levels in urban areas mean this Pacific island nation is avoided by many. While it's definitely not your average holiday spot, a number of tour operators run excellent excursions to the amazingly diverse country that make it accessible.

Whether you're snorkelling over pristine reefs, trekking to spy incredible birds of paradise in the highlands, walking around volcanoes or visiting remote indigenous communities, the natural beauty of this country is staggering. It won't fail to enchant.