Yemen is one of the oldest continuously inhabited destinations on Earth. The history of mankind begins in this region. Exploring Yemen is an exploration of all our roots. San’a, Yemen’s capital, is the world’s oldest city. Yemeni cuisine is also delicious with desserts soaked in local honey and a savory national dish called salta - a stew flavored with fenugreek and other local spices. Yemen is a delightful and surprising country with much to offer the traveler.

However, terrorism, abductions, and political crisis are not the first words most of us want to hear when we’re planning a trip. Gorgeous and alluring as Yemen is, it is one of the more dangerous destinations one can choose. But perhaps you’re one of those people who prefers a little danger on vacation or you’re looking to discover an undiscovered, misunderstood locale to write about, photograph or just explore. If you fit into any of those categories or you’re just fascinated by Yemen, get ready for a great and unforgettable trip.

Sana'a: Bab al Yemen, the old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a mythical quality about it. Sana’a is the oldest city in the world and its old town is like no other. Stone buildings rise up within carefully built walls, each building decorated in white at the windows and doors. Just walking through this part of town is a history lesson.

The ancient village of Shibam lies in rural Yemen, but is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sandy, clean, basic architecture and tiny streets pull visitors into history with breathtaking ease. In Shibam, you’ll find one of the oldest mosques is Yemen. Just outside Shibam, hikers enjoy exploring the mountains for an aerial view of the ancient village.

Zabid is known as the hottest town on Earth and the birthplace of Algebra. For centuries, the city was known as a center of scientific exploration and Islamic learning, but today it is mostly an historic town proud of its past.

The Yemeni island of Suqutra is lush and beautiful, but also steeped in mystery. It’s an isolated island that has developed independent of the modern world. Hundreds of endemic species inhabit the island, a highlight for nature lovers looking for something new. The island is also the site of a long-standing legend: the secret of eternal life is hidden somewhere on the island.

Southern Yemen is known as the breadbasket of Arabia. It is an extraordinarily fertile region of the world. It is also geographically diverse and an appealing destination for hiking, biking, and exploring.

All images are used via Creative Commons Attribution rights. View the original images on Flickr at: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4