Next hot spot: Uzbekistan?

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July 2, 2008

Allison O'Sullivan, managing director of the Women's Travel Club, divides her company's top destinations into three categories.

You have the traditional favorites like London, Paris and Rome; more recently discovered gems like Croatia, Prague and Patagonia, and then there are exotic locales -- like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Sure, many Americans couldn't place those last two countries on a map and probably couldn't guess the local religions, languages or diet. But O'Sullivan says Uzbekistan and destinations like it are increasingly popular.

''It's a whole new world between Russia and China,'' O'Sullivan said. Her tours to the region include ''desert towns, ancient markets, magnificent mosques and minarets ... but you're in modern buses and new Boeing airplanes. It's the Silk Route, so there are gorgeous carpets and jewelry; caviar is $10, and hotels are small and friendly.''

The Women's Travel Club is offering a trip to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan from Oct. 30 to Nov. 10 for $3,710 a person, double occupancy, plus airfare.

For travelers looking for more affordable destinations, O'Sullivan recommends Portugal and China as two destinations that give outstanding value.

Details at (800) 480-4448 or www.womenstravel club.com.