10 great destinations that don’t deserve their bad reputations

Sacramento
Hardly the cow town it’s made out to be, it’s “by far the most beautiful bankrupt capital in the world,” says Thompson. “There’s a lot of money going in and out of there, and where there’s a lot of money there are also nice bars and restaurants,” many of them in Midtown. “In a very dysfunctional state, Sacramento retains what lured people to California during the Dust Bowl and Depression — orange trees, picket fences and a nice, bustling downtown. ” 800-292-2334; discovergold.org

Iran
Yes, we’ve had our political dust-ups, but not only does Thompson find Iran “friendly and safe and dedicated to hospitality,” its capital, Tehran, has one of the “most amazing” grand bazaars anywhere. “It’s a hyper-exotic experience like nothing in the States,” he says. “This is a society built around almonds and dates and hummus and backgammon. We should have all learned by now, no matter what side of the political divide you’re on, it’s ignorant to impugn an entire population because of a politician you don’t like.” daftar.org

Johannesburg
“It’s not the prettiest city in Africa but it is one of its musical centers,” Thompson says. In Soweto, the historic heart of the anti-apartheid movement, visit Nelson Mandela’s home, now a museum, and the nearby apartheid museum. Another don’t-miss: Wandie’s Place restaurant. And yes, the city’s reputation for crime may be deserved, but “use common sense. Stay away from the rougher parts of town,” he advises. 800-593-1318; southafrica.net

Colombia
Images of drug lords and kidnappers die hard, but Thompson found Colombia to be remarkable for its normalcy. “You’ll find people who like loud music and sitting around bars and joking and laughing,” he says. Plus, its countryside hasn’t been usurped by agribusiness, so “in many, many places there’s still a self-sustaining food culture.” colombia.travel/en