More and more countries are opening their doors to tourists from around the world, making some previously unfriendly destinations now among the best for a cultural break away.

Destinations in communist countries such as China and Russia have seen a huge growth in tourism in recent years, as well as Middle-Eastern destinations such as Oman.

The editor of Travel Magazine, Sharon Livingstone, said that many countries are seeing the benefits of tourism on their economies and opening previously closed doors.

"The world is a big place, and places have been opening up more.

"Beijing is becoming more and more friendly to tourists. In the past it may have seemed a little unfriendly but it is now more user and western friendly".

Visitors to China have a huge host of activities to do in the world's biggest communist nation.

With its sprawling history as one of the world's oldest countries, cultural and historical attractions are huge and ancient.

Of course there are the obvious destinations such as the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, but going off the beaten track in some of the sacred mountains and national parks will provide you with some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the world.

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