Is Uganda the New Hot Spot for Travelers?

Lonely Planet has named Uganda as the top country to explore in 2012, even though Ugandan society is so hostile toward its LGBT population that the parliament is again considering a bill that would institute the death penalty for anyone caught engaging in homosexual acts.

The travel guide's editors do make note of the proposed law, and that the African nation has "very little social tolerance of homosexuality, which is illegal," and that travel to areas like northeastern Uganda, is not recommended. Still, the guide says Uganda is finding its footing after enduring the wrath of dictator of Idi Amin and a brutal civil war.

The rest of the top 10 are Burma (or Myanmar), Ukraine, Jordan, Denmark, Bhutan, Cuba, New Caledonia, Taiwan, and Switzerland.