Bangladesh

Bangladesh Flag

Why visit Bangladesh?

Adventurous affluent travelers seeking beaches, fishing, folk theatre, hiking, historical sites, monuments, rainforest, river cruising, rowing, swamps, water skiing, wildlife and yachting.

Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo Credit: Mohammad Rahmatullah/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Copper ware, embroidery, folk dolls, gold jewelry, leather goods, pink pearls, pottery, puppet figures, rickshaw art, shells, silk, terra-cotta toys and woodwork.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Haji Biriyani (rice and goat). Hilsa (fish). Kala Bhuna (beef shoulder). Ilish Macher Paturi. Muktagachar Monda (dessert). Shatkora Beef.
• Local Drink to Try: Cha (Tea). Seven Color Tea.

Passenger Carts (Rickshaw), Bangladesh. Photo Credit: David Bawm/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Tools have been discovered dating back from the Stone Age (8700 BCE-2000 BCE).
• From 3rd Century (201AD-300AD), Mahasthan Brahmi Inscription is the oldest writing found.
  
• In 1898, Crown Theatre (Dhaka) debuted their first cinema film.
  
• In 1975, with the exception of four state-owned publications all other newspapers were banned.
  
• In 1994, Taslima Nasrin (1962), Feminist, Human Rights Activist, Physician, Writer was banished and blacklisted from the Bengal region due to religion criticism (Islamic).
• In 1998, severe flooding destroyed 300,000 homes.
  
• In 2008, only 26% of the female population contributed to the workforce.
  
• In 2016, slaves (around 1,531,300) were reported to forcibly work in the fish and shrimp industries.
  
• In 2017, exported $34.1 billion ready-made garment and textile. 
• Home to the largest delta in the world.
  
• Projected to be under by 2030 due to Global Warming.
• Hosts an Annual Anti-Rat Campaign in efforts to decrease their population known to consume their rice and vegetables.
  
• Only country created on ethnicity and language.
  
• Has the world's largest mangrove forest.
• Extinct animals include the peafowl and rhinoceros.
• Top agricultural producer of farm fish, jute potatoes and tropical fruits.
• Considered one of oldest tea industries in the world. 
•  Largest inland waterway networks in the world, annually trading over $60 billion. 
• Largest refugee populations in the world.
  
• The Supreme Court of Bangladesh often delivers verdicts in English.
  
• Islam is practice by 90% of the population followed by Hinduism (8.5%), Buddhism (0.6%) and Christianity (0.4%).
  
• Distinguished by method of preparation, milk tea is served to visiting guests.
• Cricket and football are the country's most commonly played sports.

National Martyrs' Memorial (National Monument), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo Credit: David Bawm/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Dhaka Fashion Week (January), Dhaka International Film Festival (January), Dhaka International Trade Fair (January), International Children's Film Festival Bangladesh (January), Shakrain Festival (January), Boshonto Utshob (February), Chobi Mela International Photography Festival (February), Dhaka Art Summit (February), Ekushey Book Fair (February), Jatiya Pitha Utsab (February), Bioscope Children's Photography Festival (March), Joy Bangla Concert (March), Pahela Baishakh (April), Borsha Utshob (June), Nabanna (June), National Tree Fair (June), National Fisheries Week & Fish Fair (July), Nouka Baich (July), Nouka Baich Competition (September), Bengal Classical Music Festival (November), Hay Festival Dhaka (November), International Folk Festival (November), CRACK International Art Camp (December) and Dhaka World Music Festival (December).
  
• Holidays: Language Martyrs' Day, International Mother Language Day (February), Genocide Remembrance Day (March), Independence Day (March), Mujib's Birthday & Children's Day (March), Bengali New Year's Day (April), May Day (May), National Mourning Day (August), Armed Forces Day (November), Martyred Intellectuals Day  (December) and Victory Day (December).

Buriganga River, Bangladesh. Photo Credit: kyseoung choi/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Hostility is known to occur against foreigners.
  
• Tourist VISA is upon arrival, some U.S. citizens are known to be denied.
  
• Do not drink the tap water known to contain dangerously high levels of arsenic in the soil.
• Frequently subject to flooding.
• Boycotts, protests and strikes are common.
  
• Densely populated.
• Alcohol is expensive.
  
• Restaurant sanitization is not pare to standards.
  
• Skin irritation is common.
• Men should not wear shorts.
• Women should dress conservatively: long dresses, long sleeve shirts, or pants.
• A thumbs up is offensive to native citizens. 
• Shoes are (often women) not permitted in mosques.
• Homosexuality is illegal and subject to life imprisonment. 
  
• Healthcare facilities are considered inadequate by our standards.
  
• Ranks highest in children malnutrition. 

Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Photo Credit: Alit Saha/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Vaccination: Hepatitis A and Typhoid required; Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies vaccinations recommended. Yellow Fever vaccination if traveling from a country with a high risks.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $5,00oUSD.

Monsoon Season is from June - October.

• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Months: March - June
• Peak Season: June - August

Jute (Corchorus Capsularis), Bangladesh. Photo Credit:  khurshid alam/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat, Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur and Sundarbans: The Abode Of The Royal Bengal Tigers

Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo Credit: Amirul Islam/Pixabay 

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                                         All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Bahrain

Bahrain Flag

Why visit Bahrain?

For the experience of ancient history, beaches, bird migration, birdwatching, culture, horse riding, markets, sailing and scuba diving.

Sitra, Bahrain. Photo Credit: Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, brassware, carpets, coffee pots, handicrafts, pearls, jewelry and tailor-made clothing.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Biryani (rice and meat). Gaimat (dessert dumpling). Ghuraiba(cookie). Harees (porridge). Machboos ala Dajaj (spiced chicken and rice). Muhammar (rice and fried fish). Qouzi (lamb and rice). Zalabia (fried dough and syrup).
• Local Drink to Try: Chai (sweetened tea). Ghawa (coffee). Laban (salty buttermilk). Rose Sharbat. Qahwah (coffee).
  

Muharraq (Muharraq Island), Bahrain. Photo Credit: Mahmood Ali/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Admiral of "Alexander the Great", Nearchus (360BC-300 BC) is believed to be the first commander to visit the island.
  
• In 628CE, earliest known conversion to Islam.
• From 1521-1602, ruled by the Portuguese Empire.
  
• During 19th Century (1801-1900), considered the best pearl fisheries in the world.
  
• In 1802, was governed by a 12-year-old child, when ruler Sayyid Sultan appointed his son, Salim, as governor (Arad Fort).
  
• In 1893, their first hospital (American Mission Hospital) opened.
  
• Prior to the First World War (1914-1918), there were around 400 vessels hunting pearls (annually exporting over £30,000).
  
• During the 1930s, Barbara Woolworth Hutton (1912-1979), Philanthropist "Poor Little Rich Girl" purchased a Bahraini Pearl for $75,000USD.
  
• In 1931, discovered oil, one of the first Arab Gulf to do so.
• In 1935, British Royal Navy relocated their base there.
• Since 1948, a headquarters for United States Naval Forces Central Command, United States Fifth Fleet and United States military personnel.
  
• Since 1960, has offered citizens a Universal Health Care System.
  
• In 1971, gained independence from the British.
  
• In 1973, held its first parliamentary elections (dissolved in 1975). 
  
• In 2002, women acquired rights to stand in national elections and vote.
  
• In 2006, Lateefa Al Gaood (1956), Politician became the first female candidate to be elected to the Council of Representatives.
  
• In 2006, they changed their weekend from Thursdays and Fridays to Fridays and Saturdays to have a day of the weekend shared with the rest of the world.
  
• In 2008, Houda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo (1964) was the first Jewish Ambassador of any Arab country to serve the United States (2008-2013).
  
• In 2018, cricket was introduced.
  
• In 2019, opened the world's largest underwater theme park (100,000 square meters), Dive Bahrain with artificial coral reefs, pearl merchant house, sculptures and sunken Boeing 747.
• Consists of  40 natural islands and additional 51 artificial islands.
  
• Suggestive claims as the biblical Garden of Eden.
• The Economy is aluminum, banking, fertilizer and shipbuilding.
  
• A guest of Prince Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Michael Jackson (1958-2009), Singer/Songwriter "King of Pop" briefly resided on the man-made Amwaj Islands for isolation and seclusion. Property purchase of $1.5USD million in two villas and a quarter acres.
  
• Large exporter of dates.
• Developed the first post-oil economy in the Persian Gulf.
  
• Historical site of Greek athletic contests.
• Relies on meat imports from Australia. 
  
• Nearly 75% of their fruits are imported.
• Home (Sakhir Desert) to the Tree of Life (over 400 years old).
  
• Education is required for children between the ages 6-14 and co-education is not used in public schools.
  
• Among the Persian Gulf first to have a recording studio.
  
• In old buildings, the traditional architectural element was a wind tower for natural cooling and ventilation.  
  

Arad Fort, Arad, Bahrain. Photo Credit: Natascha Zeller/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Bahrain Shopping Festival (January),Muharram (Islamic New Year) (January), Bahrain Sports Day (February), Ta’a Al Shabab (February), Bahrain Heritage Festival (March), Bahrain International Book Fair (March), Spring of Culture (March), Milad Al Nabi (April), Bahrain Summer (June), Independence Day (June), Marassi Diving Festival (November), The Avenues Carnival (August), Bahrain International Music Festival (October), Bahrain Jazz Festival (November), Bahrain Speed Racing Championship (November) and Festival of Lights (November).
• Holidays: New Year's Day (January), Labour Day (May), Accession Day (December), National Day (December), Islamic New Year, Day of Ashura, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, Little Feast, Arafat Day and Feast of the Sacrifice.

Seef (District in Manama), Bahrain. Photo Credit: Sonny Saguil/Unsplash 

Good to Know

• Between December to January is ideal for observance for bird nesting (Hawar Islands).
• Journalists risk prosecution for offenses which include "undermining" the government and religion.
  
• Women should dress conservatively also with abaya or hijab.
  
• Traditional men attire is the thobe (ankle length garment) and headdresses (agal, ghutra, keffiyeh).
  
• Request Taxi Drivers to turn on meters before departing.
• Eye irritations are common due to dust and sand.
  
• Summer humidity is of concern for asmastic travelers.
• Beware of heat and sun strokes during summer months.
• During Ramadan (Islamic Holy month) do not eat, drink or smoke in public!
  
• Remove your shoes to enter a mosque.
  
• Rental company may require a International Drivers License.
• Rigorous internet filters are known to target human rights, political, religious material.
  
• Four main islands connect: Bahrain Island, Muharraq Island, Sitra Island and Umm an-Nasan. 
  
• Bahrain Metro is under construction and projected operational by 2023.
  
• English is widely spoken.
  

World Trade Center, Manama, Bahrain. Photo Credit: onasama/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit apply.

The Bahrain National Theatre, Manama, Bahrain. Photo Credit: Wilson Borja/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Coldest Month: November - March
• Hottest Months: May - September
• Peak Season: November - February

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bahrain Pearling Trail, Dilmun Burial Mounds and Qal'at al-Bahrain.

Bahrain Gold Jewelry. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Bahraini Gold

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                                             All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Flag

Why visit Azerbaijan?

For archeological sites, caves, historical sites, mountainous terrain, seaside coast, skiing and spas.

Juma Mosque, Shamakhi, Azerbaijan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Armudu glass, backgammon, carpets, caviar, ceramics, embroidery, metal engravings, oil paints,  pottery, wine horns and wooden goblets.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Black Caviar. Bozbash (lamb soup). Choban (cucumber salad). Dovga (sou0). Dushbara (dumplings). Piti (soup). Lavangi (stuffed chicken/fish). Pakhlava (pastry). Plov (saffron rice). Qutab (fried stuffed turnover). Sabzi Qovurma (lamb stew). Shorgoghal (pastry).
• Local Drink to Try: Ayran (cold yogurt). Black Tea. Sherbet (cold fruit juice).

Novxanı (Absheron Rayon), Azerbaijan. Photo Credit: Faik Nagiyev/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• During the Stone Ages (8700BCE-2000BCE), evidence of humans has been discovered.
• In 1898, their film industry was established and instrumental  to cinematography.
  
• In 1918, proclaimed independence from the Russian Empire.
  
• In 1920, became incorporated into the Soviet Union.
  
• In 1921, became incorporated into the Caucasian Federation.
  
• During World War II (1939-1945), supplied 80% (Baku) of the Soviet Union's oil.
• Since 2000's, their tourism has been growing for health care, religious and spa whether for a day or overnight visit.
  
• In 2010, the Azerbaijani carpet was proclaimed a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO.
  
• In 2012, built Formula One Race Track and later hosted the Formula One Grand Prix (2016).
• In 2015, hosted European Games.
• Birthplace to 
• Adopted 3 different alphabets Cyrillic, Arabic and Latin.
• The Caspian Sturgeon (Caspian Sea) provides the best caviar.
  
• Nearly 97% of the population is Muslim.
  
• Strong tea culture is commonly served in a pear shaped glass (armudu).
  
• Home to approximately half of all the mud volcanoes in the world.
  
• From a thin and sandstone layer flames blaze continuously from a natural gas, Yanar Dag ("Burning Mountain").
  
• The Karabakh Horse is an endangered species dating back to ancient times.
  
• Rich in natural gas and oil.
• Where one of the oldest art objects in the world was discovered (Ordubad Rayon).
  
• Considered one of the most important locations in the world for development and oil exploration.
  
• Official language, Azerbaijani (Turkic). In Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian and and Russian are spoken. English is not widely spoken.
• Highly rated competitor in world chess games.
• Has one of strongest women volleyball leagues in the world.

İlandag Mountain (Snake Mountains), Julfa District of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan. Photo Credit: ilkin Qazi/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: "Mugham World" International Mugham Festival (March), Kata Festival (April), Gabala International Music Festival (July), Grape & Wine Festival (August), Gara Garayev International Music Festival (September), Hazelnut Festival (September), “Maiden Tower” Art Festival (September), Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival (September), International Baku Jazz Festival (October), Persimmon Festival (October), Quba Apple Festival (October) and Pomegranate Festival (November).
• Holidays:  Martyrs' Day (January), Novruz (March), Republic Day (May), Victory Day (May), Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day (June), National Salvation Day (June), Independence Day (October), Flag Day (November) and International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis.

Seaside National Park (Baku Eye/Baku Ferris Wheel/Devil's Wheel), Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo Credit: Bilal Agalarov/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Largely underdeveloped and poor infrastructure.
  
• The Armenia border is closed access.
  
• Persian and Turkish culture with Russian influences.
  
• Avoid Nagorno-Karabakh region and the subway (Baku).
  
• Fuel shortages are common.
  
• Do not drink local tap water!
  
• Malaria is present throughout the country.
  
• Credit cards or traveler's checks are not widely accepted.
  
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), strictly limits the amount of black caviar to export (7 oz). Violators are fined.
  
• All foreign broadcasts are banned in the country.
  
• All religious communities are required to register to be allowed to meet, under the risk of imprisonment. This registration is often known to be denied.
  
• Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America is banned.
  
• LGBT Discrimination is widespread.
  
• Backgammon games are often played in public places. 
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit apply.

Azerbaijan Horse. Photo Credit: Decado/Pixabay 

zerbaijan

• Best Time to Visit: April - October 
• Coldest Months: December - February
• Hottest Months: July - August
• Peak Season: June - August

Maiden Tower, (Old City) Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo Credit: Ghazaleh Taeb/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace, Walled City of Baku with Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower.

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                                       All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Austria

Austria Flag

Why visit Austria?

Offers something for everyone whether seeking architecture, castles, cultural performances, cycling, hiking, horseback riding, lakes, mountains, music, museums, palaces, shopping, skiing, spas, theaters, unique gastronomical and white water kayaking.

Lake Hallstatt, Hallstatt, Austria. Photo Credit: Julius Silver/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, canvas embroidery, china, clocks, costume jewelry, crystal, hand painted porcelain, loden coats, pumpkin seed oil, ski equipment, snow globes, sweaters and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Eierschwammerl (mushrooms). Kaiserschmarren (pancakes), Krapfen (jam filled donut). Millirahmstrudel (milk-cream strudel). Tafelspitz (boiled beef broth). Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal).
• Local Drink to Try: Almdudler (s0da). Blaufränkisch (wine). Einspänner (coffee). Grüner Veltliner (wine). Red Bull (energy drink). Schnapps (fruity brandy). Spezi (soda).

Lünersee (Lüner Lake), Vorarlberg, Austria. Photo Credit: Felix Wolf/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Birthplace (Salzburg) to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Composer.
  
• In 1890, Mannerschnitten founded, confectionery company. 
• In 1896, Austrians became highly recognized for their skiing locations and skills after a book publication,  Alpine Skiing Techniques (written by Matthias Zdarsky).
  
• In 1900, Erwin Perzy invented the snow globe later (1905) mastering mass production (Original Vienna Snow Globes).
  
• In 1905, native candy Mozartkugel (pistachio marzipan and nougat  covered in dark chocolate balls) won the gold medal at a fair (Paris).
• During 

  World War I (

  1914-1918), over one million Austro-Hungarian soldiers died.
• Between 1918-1919, known as the State of German Austria eventually changing to Republic of Austria (late 1919).
  
• In 1999, adopted the euro currency.
  
• In 2009, Hypo Alpe-Adria-Bank International was purchased by the government for 1Euro during a financial crisis.
  
• In 2020, according to Forbes the 40ᵗʰ wealthiest person (net worth $26.9 billion) in the world is Dietrich Mateschitz, Co-Founder & Owner of popular energy drink, Red Bull (Fuschl). Around 7.5 billion cans sold annually.
  
• Original setting of The Sound of Music (Salzburg).
  
• Nearly 70% of the country is mountainous.
• Where the sugar block dispenser, Pez was invented.
  
• Sixth highest per capita coffee consumption in the world.
  
• Birthplace to the classic Christmas song, "Silent Night" (Oberndorf).
• Producer of fine red and dessert wines.
  

Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festungsberg), Salzburg, Austria. Photo Credit: Hans Braxmeier/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Imperial Ball (January), Berg Isel Ski Jumping Competition (January), Eistraum (January), Hahnenkamm World Cup Ski Race (January), Mozart Week (January), Opera Ball (February), Ski Festival (February), Bregenz Spring Festival (March), Vienna Spring Festival (March), International Music Festival (May), Vienna Festival (May), Danube Lower Austria Festival (June), Midsummer Night Celebration (June), Styriarte Graz (June), Vienna Jazz Festival (June), Bregenz Summer Festival (July), Festival of Early Music (July), Music Film Festival (July), Salzburg Festival (July), Summer Stage (July), Vienna Summer of Music (July), Haydn Days (September), International Bruckner Festival (September), Viennale (October), Wien Modern (October), Vienna Schubert Festival (November) and Christkindlmarkt (December).
• Holidays: Epiphany Day (January), Labor Day (May), Ascension Day (May), Whit Monday (June), Corpus Christi Day (June), National Day (October) and Immaculate Conception (December).

Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road), Carinthia, Austria. Photo Credit: FelixMittermeier/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Vienna Ball Season is between January - February hosted by every group, organization and union.
  
• Show attire is usually dressy, a suit (men) and dress (women).
• One of the most multicultural and transcultural in all Europe influenced by Balkan, Czech, French, Hungarian, Italian, Jewish and Polish cuisines.
  
• Beer is sold in litres: 0.2 litre (a Pfiff), 0.3 litre (Glas Bier, Kleines Bier, Seidel) or 0.5 litre (Großes Bier,Halbe, Krügerl).
  

Klostertal (Alpine Valley) Vorarlberg, Austria. Photo Credit: gsibergerin/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.

Belvedere Palace Museum,Vienna, Austria. Photo Credit: Anemone123/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - November
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Month: July 
• Peak Season: May - September 

Linz, Austria. Photo Credit: Duernsteiner/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe, City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg, Fertö/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape, Hallstatt–Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg, Historic Centre of Vienna, Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn, Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps, Semmering Railway and Wachau Cultural Landscape.

Schlögener Schlinge Loop (Danube Loop), Schlögen, Austria. Photo Credit: Leonhard Niederwimmer/Pixabay 

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Innsbruck, Austria. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.