I am planning a vacation to Iraq

BAGHDAD — Iraq has always been a tourist Mecca, to use a local expression, but in the euphoria of liberation, the capital is packed full of more foreign visitors than ever before. Some of these visitors are even tourists.

It's not hard to see why they are flocking to the land often dubbed the 'cradle of civilisation'. A remarkable number of antiquities dot freedom's newest outpost, and a few of these priceless treasures even survived the bombing and looting processes that were such a necessary part of Iraq's liberation.

And the news from the recently reconstituted Iraqi Tourism Board is that Iraq is open once more to visitors — whether the local guerrillas like it or not!

Iraq's tourism quarter, which currently comprises one smallish block, is centrally located, and very handy for the 'unsecure' and 'securish' quarters.

History buffs can tour the world's most modern selection of ruins — the variety is so great some visitors have commented that it almost seems like every building in Baghdad is ruined.

Many visitors also choose to browse the upmarket stores of the capital's fashionable looting district, where they can take home delightful souvenirs that would be genuine museum pieces if they had been properly bolted down.

Visitors are often surprised how easy it is to find accommodation so luxurious that's it's literally palatial.

The American troops who are quartered in Saddam's former presidential palaces are always so relieved when the unannounced guests knocking on their doors aren't there to kill them that they'll gladly let you stay there gratis.

Alternatively, the Liberty Inn is a real favourite with those visitors who aren't comfortable with being an obvious sniper target — largely because it's the only hotel in town.

With options like these, it's easy to see why Iraq has become the world's premiere hotspot, with visitors flocking from what was initially made out to be many countries but has turned out to be pretty much just America and Britain.

It’s has never been cheaper to visit Iraq — with the majority of visitors not even needing a return ticket.