Some say the world is a dangerous place.  With countries on the brink of civil war, terrorism lingering, and border violence at an all time high some in the travel industry are learning to cash in on a new form of tourism.  There are now vacations that offer a truly once in a life time opportunity to visit a war-torn destination that even Jason Bourne or James Bond would be afraid to visit.  These companies are now allowing you to plan your vacations to places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and violent other cities throughout the world.  For a very high premium you will be given a tour with an expert guide that will allow you to experience first hand the suffering of these countries and their citizens.  

Adventure not withstanding, the big question is if this is safe?  There is no doubt that this is not a safe way to travel.  In fact, a tourist has a higher chance of getting killed during these so-called vacations compared to any other vacation available in the market.  Despite the obvious risk to a person's life, why would anyone want to take this type of vacation?

In article written Jayne Clark of USA TODAY, she explains how this dangerous new trend in tourism might be changing the industry as we know it.  

Rather chat up a warlord than lie on a beach? Try a dangerous-places tour

By Jayne Clark, USA TODAY

For been-there, done-that adventurers seeking new (though not exactly cheap) thrills, a Switzerland-based tour operator has partnered with the author of The World's Most Dangerous Placesand Come Back Alive to take travelers to some of the globe's notorious trouble spots.

Babel Travel isn't the first to offer jaunts into places perceived as off-limits to the average tourist, but founder Kevin Pollard says the company's "danger" itineraries are more comprehensive than most.

Their Cultural Engagement tours, announced earlier this month, will venture into Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Somaliland and Sudan. Pollard says thus far, they've generated "a great deal of interest." He hopes to offer two to four trips to each country in 2011 with a minimum of four and maximum of 12 participants on each. Prices range from about $6,550 to $15,700. International airfare isn't included, but insurance is.

The itineraries were designed in concert with Robert Young Pelton, a professional adventurer and author who writes with such macho swagger you can practically smell the testosterone wafting off the pages. Pelton will not accompany the tours, but he will select the guides -- one local and one Westerner for each trip. He and Pollard will vet potential joiners to make sure their motivations are pure (that includes having a sustainable-travel mindset and a desire to learn). "However, I don't think that will be an issue," Pollard says.

Besides, he adds, these trips aren't just about danger. "I've long wanted to offer a trip style that combines humanitarian, educational and journalistic elements with sightseeing."

The goal is to educate visitors about what's behind the conflicts and acquaint them with the "human side" of trouble spots.

Participants can expect clean lodging and meals ranging from gourmet to sharing a table with a local family.

Possible activities include going on patrol with the Afghan army, clearing land mines, volunteering in a Darfur refugee camp, meeting local politicians, warlords and rebel leaders, and more.

So what'll it be? Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Somaliland or Sudan?