Algeria

Algeria Flag

Why visit Algeria?

Well known for archaeology, beaches, culture, desert, fortresses, mountainous scenery, skiing and spas.

Aïn Taya Beach, Algiers, Algeria. Photo Credit: SofieLayla Thal/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Ali Baba pants, baskets, brassware, ceramic tiles, copperware, leather goods, pottery, silver jewelry and woven blankets.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bagita (bread). Chorba (soup). Couscous (any meal). Djari (soup). Dolma (stuffed cabbage rolls/vine leaves). Harira (soup). Jwaz (stew). Karantita (chickpea pie). Lobia (stew). Méchoui (grilled lamb). Merguez (sausage). Shakshouka (poached eggs in tomato sauce). Mhajeb (stuffed flat bread). Tchicha (soup).
• Local Drink to Try: Gazouz (soft drink). Green Tea with Mint. Thick Espresso.

Cherchell Lighthouse, Cherchell, Algeria. Photo Credit: Djamel RAMDANI/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Their pop music, Rai a blended mixture of funk, jazz, latin, reggae, rock and reggae. 
  
• During sandstorms, drivers will deflate tires and drive in the opposite direction to oncoming sand. Reinflate after the storm passing.
  
• Economy largely relies on exporting energy.
• Cuisine is often referred to as the "granary of Rome".
  
• From the third school year, French is taught and the language spoken in  science classes. 
  

Assekrem (Hoggar Mountains), Ahaggar National Park, Algeria. Photo Credit: jacqueline macou/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: National Amazigh Film Festival (January), Western Sahara Marathon (February), Ghardaia Carpet Festival (March), Strawberry Festival (March), Marathon des Dunes (April), Sahara International Film Festival (April), Dimajazz Festival (May), European Cultural Festival (May), Festival Internacional de Cine del Sahara (May), National Day (June), S’Biba of Djanet (June), Pan-African Cultural Festival (July), Timgad International Music Festival (July), Festival du Rai d’Oran (August), Festival International Bande Dessinnee dÁlger (August), World Festival of Youth & Students (August), International Festival of Comics (October) and Eid al-Adha (November).
  
• Holidays: Mawlid (January), Muslim New Year (January), Uraza Bairam (May), Eid ul-Fitr (July), Independence Day (July), Qurban Bairam (July), Ashura (August), Eid al-Adha (September), Ashura (October), Islamic New Year (October), Mawlid (October) and  Anniversary of the Revolution (November).

Ancient Roman Ruins, Djémila (Cuicul), Algeria. Photo Credit: dodorosa/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• For safety and security purposes, some travelers opt for Morocco or Tunisia, instead.
• Dinner service usually starts around 8PM. 
  
• Weekends generally starts on Thursday afternoon through Friday.
  
• Women normally do not partake at local village bars or cafes.
• Best to travel with a vetted organized and guided tour group.
  
• Never venture into unknown areas.
  
• Border tension with Morocco.
• Below Western standards is medical care, restaurant sanitizing and tab water.
• Beware of poisonous scorpions and snakes.
• Risks of malaria (south).
• During Ramadan (Holy Month) public drinking, eating, and smoking is prohibited.
• Don't forget to pack your sunscreen.
• Do not photograph military, mosques, people or strategic installations.
  
• Languages spoken in Arabic, Berber and French.
  
• Women should cover arms and legs. In some cities, also cover their heads.
  
• Taxi fares are negotiable. Avoid flagging a street taxi.
  
• Camels are used extensively.
  
• Homosexuality is illegal, public display is punishable up to two years in prison. 
  

Known to have elevated crimes with armed robberies, carjacking and hotel burglaries. 

Sahara Desert, Algeria. Photo Credit: jacqueline macou/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required unless entering on a cruise ship.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry if possess more than 3000 Algerian dinar and upon Exit: Algerian dinars cannot be taken out of the country.

 

Travel Advisory usually suggests to reconsider travel due to terrorism.

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

Timgad (Aurès Mountains), Batna Province, Algeria. Photo Credit: Ma-Ti/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, Djémila, Kasbah of Algiers, M'Zab Valley, Tassili n'Ajjer, Timgad and Tipasa.

Djurdjura Mountains (Jurjura Range), Kabylie, Algeria. Photo Credit: Kamel Benyoub/Pixabay 

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Albania

Albania Flag

Why visit Albania?

For their art, birdwatching, capes, coves, covered bays, culture, forests, hiking trails, lagoons, lakes, landforms, mountains, rivers, ruins, sea caves, undeveloped beaches and white-water kayaking.

Gjirokaster (Gjirokastër), Albania. Photo Credit: Ervin Gjata/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, ceramics, cognac, copper tea sets, filigree (intricate metalwork), glassware, local handicrafts, olive oil, pottery and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Börek (filled pastries). Fërgesë (vegetables and cottage cheese), Ferges (veal stew). Flia (layered crepe served with cream). Lamb Stew. Lemon-Flavored Rice Soup. Local Delicacy, Ohrid Lake Trout. Sarma (cabbage rolls). Petulla (fried dough). Pite (stuffed baked pastry), Tavë Kosi (soured milk casserole).
• Local Drink to Try: Albanian Wine. Local espresso. Raki (alcoholic drink).

Sarandë, Albania. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Fun Facts

• In 1967, proclaimed to be the world's first atheist. Local Law banned all antisocialist activity, fascist, propaganda activity and religion; preaches carried a 3-10 year prison sentence.
  
• In 1972, for the first time they participated in the Olympic Games.
  
• Birthplace (Tirana) of Ermonela Jaho (1974), Operatic Soprano to "the world’s most acclaimed soprano".
• Once upon a time, non-Muslims had to pay exorbitant taxes thereby leading to conversion and high percentage of Muslims.
• World's leader producer and exporter of chromium.
  
• Home to Europe's longest history of viticulture (winemaking).
  
• Lake of Ohrid, one of the oldest continuous lakes in the world.
  
• Studying a forgein language (English, French, German, Italian) is mandatory in elementary school.
• All native citizens are provided free and universal health care.
• An attire such as the fustanella (skirt), plis  (white felt cap) and opinga (shoes) are worn for special celebrations/events.
  
• Has more coffee houses per capita than any other country in the world.
  

Berat, Albania. Photo Credit: Ervin Gjata/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: Day off for Summer Day (March), Day Off for Nevruz Day (March), Nevruz Day (March), Summer Day (March), Eid al-Fitr (May), June Solstice (June), Feast of the Sacrifice (July), Mother Teresa Beatification Day (September), September Equinox (September), Flag & Independence Day (November), Liberation Day (November), National Youth Day (December) and December Solstice (December).
  
• Occasions: 1954 Cannes Film Festival (March), National Festival of Urban Folk Songs (March), Korça Beer Festival (August), Durrës International Film Festival (September), Gjirokaster Folk Festival (September), Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF) (September), International Festival of Modern & Contemporary Dance (October).
  

Dhërmi Beach, Albania. Photo Credit: Linda Saitos/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Road conditions are poor.
• Daily power outages are common. 
  
• Restaurant sanitary conditions are usually considered sufficient.
  
• Unexploded land mines still exist along the Kosovo border.
  
• Resident's are frequently known to drive under the influence (DUI). 
• Smoking is banned in all public places.
  
• Be prepared to reciprocate after a gracious round of cigarettes or drinks.
• Known for fishing: carp, crustaceans, mussels, sea bream and trout.
  
• Greek is the second most-spoken language in the country.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 12 months.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Crime is considered relatively high.

• Best Time to Visit: April - June & September - October
• Coldest Months: October - May (cold and wet)
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: July - August

Kisha e Shën Triadhëst (Holy Trinity Church), Berat, Albania. Photo Credit: Makri27/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Butrint, Historic Centres of Berat & Gjirokastër, Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians & Other Regions of Europe and Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region.

Apollonia, Fier County, Albania. Photo Credit: Ervin Gjata/Pixabay 

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Afghanistan

Afganistan Flag

Why visit Afghanistan?

Known for ancient ruins, archaeology sites, culture, history and mountainous scenery.

Pyandzh (Pyandzh/Pyanj) River, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Afghan coats, brass items, carpets, embroidery, gold ware, karakul (domestic sheep) skins, lambskin rugs, lapis lazuli (blue rock), leather goods, musical instruments, silk fabric and silver items.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Dumplings (Mantu). Kabuli Palaw, a steamed rice pilaf with mixture of carrots and  raisins served with beef or lamb. Lamb Grilled Kebab. Qormah, a stew served with chalau rice. Quroot, made from sheep or goat milk is a very sour cottage cheese served with other dishes.
• Local Drink: Doogh, made by mixing water with yogurt garnished with fresh or dried mint served cold. Kahwah, a hot tea.

Village Market, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Archaeologists have found Buddhist relics dating back to the 2nd Century (101 AD - 200 AD).
  
• During the 1980, the Russian language was taught in public schools.
  
• On 9/11/01, Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network is known to be associated with terrorist attacks striking our country. 
• Divided by two mountains Hindu Kush and Himalayas.
  
• Women's Rights is nonexistent. A high percentage experience forced marriage, physical abuse, psychological abuse and/or sexual abuse.
• The Silk Road, was a trade route to China, India and Persia. 
  
• Buzkashi is a polo-like sport where players attempt to place a goat or calf carcass in a goal.
  
• Native dog breed, Afghan Hound is best known for their long hair and speed.
  
• Largest opium poppy producer in the world, harvest producing more than 90% of illicit heroin globally.
  
• Zoroastrianism (Mazdayasna) is one of the world's oldest practiced religions, a multi-faceted faith centered around good and evil.
  
• Majority of the population are practicing Muslims. Therefore, no public churches.
• Agriculturally, a leading producer of apricots, grapes, melons, pomegranates and saffron.
• Their untapped mineral deposits has an estimated $1 trillion dollar value. On mineral deposits said to generate around $10 billion dollars annually.
  
• Afghansat 1 (satellite), is their own Telecommunication services (internet, phone, and television).
  
• "Ring Road" (Highway 1), is essential to their trade economy (domestic and international) which also connects to five major cities.
  
• United States is building six faculties of education and five provincial teacher training colleges around the country.
  
• Child Marriage (under 18) is prevalent as marriage is legal at 16 years young often to a parallel cousin. The Groom often pays a "bride price" (dowry).
  
• Clothing for both men and women generally consists of shalwar kameez. Traditional attire khet partug or perahan tunban (men). Women wear a head covering, chador or a burqa, a full body covering.
• Rugs, every province is known to have their own specific characteristics.
  
• Culturally poetry is popular (Pashto or Persian).
• Most popular sport played, cricket and association football.

Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Holidays/Special Occasions

• Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, first month in the Islamic calendar. Marking the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the Sea.
  
• Damboora Festival, annual musical event (Bamyan Province).
  
• Diwali, a Hindu Festival of Lights, symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance" usually over the course of five days.
  
• Eid al-Fitr "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a Muslim religious holiday marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. The only day in the month of Shawwal which is not permitted to fast.
  
• Guli Surkh Festival (Red Flower Festival), is during Nowruz, celebrating the first 40 days of the year when the Tulip flowers grow surrounding the city (Mazar-i-Sharif).
  
• National Independence Day (August), celebrates their independence, Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 under King Amanullah Khan.
  
• Nowruz, an ancient tradition celebrated with buzkashi tournaments, dance and music marks a New Year.
• Pamir Festival, celebrates Kyrgyz and Wakhi culture. Celebrated with buzkashi tournaments, dance and music
  
• Ramadan, observed by Muslims the ninth month of the Islamic calendar consists of community fasting, prayer and reflection.
  
• Vaisakhi, a historical and religious festival (Sikhism and Hinduism) celebrated in April. 
  
• Yaldā, ancient tradition commemorates the ancient goddess Mithra and the longest eve night of the year (December). Families usually recite poetry and eat red fruits, mixed nuts, pomegranate and watermelon.

Desert, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Andrè Seifert/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Al-Qaida and Taliban loyalists are known to kidnap and attack Westerners. 
• Beware of high levels of child malnutrition, corruption, poverty and terrorism. Most of the country is lawless and outside central government control. 
• Majority of visitors are aid workers, journalists and soldiers.
  
• Known to have excellent trout fishing (Salang Pass).
  
• Languages spoken Dari (north area), Pashtun (east and south area) and Uzbek (north and west area).
• Bargaining is common at bazaars and some shops.
  
• Teahouses are most common. 
• Alcohol is limited.
• In country, Embassy Services is limited.
• Women should dress conservatively.
  
• Photographs of local woman is prohibited unless consent by an elder man.
• Do not drink local dairy products or tap water. Consume prepackaged drinks.
• Don't forget to pack: Bug Repellent, First Aid Kit, Malaria Suppressants, Skin Infection Ointment and Sun Block.
• Medical Care and Services are sparse.
• Homosexuality is punishable up to a year in prison (even death).

Vrang Wall, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Buddhas of Bamiyan and Minaret of Jam

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months validity from return date. One blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA.
• Polio Vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $20,000USD.

Most countries, list them on the Travel Advisory as a Level 4, Do Not Travel.

• Best Time to Visit: April - June & October - November
• Coldest Months: December - March
• Hottest Month: July 
• Peak Season: April - May & October

Herāt City, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

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                                                       All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia Flag

Why visit D.C.?

For culture, cycling, fishing, galleries, golf, government buildings, history, kayaking, monuments, museums, national institutions and parks.

The White House, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Olya Adamovich/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Capital: Washington
• Bird: Wood Thrush
• Dessert: None
• Flower: American Beauty Rose
• Gemstone: None
• Mammal: Bison
• Rock: Potomac Bluestone

United States Capitol, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Built in 1765, Old Stone House (Georgetown) is the oldest original standing building.
  
• Named after the first president (1789) and Founding Father, George Washington (1732-1799).
  
• In 1791, Pierre "Peter" Charles L'Enfant, French-American Military Engineer designed the basic plan, "L'Enfant Plan" commissioned by President Washington. His design was based on cities such as Amsterdam, Karlsruhe, Milan and Paris. 
  
• Since the fourth elected President (1809-1817) James Madison (1751-1836), nearly every president has sat in Pew 54 at St John's Church (H St NW).
• In 1814, the White House was burned by the British raid, "Burning of Washington".
  
• In 1829, James Smithson (1765-1829), English Chemist & Mineralogist left his estate to The United States of America.
  
• In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act ending slavery locally freeing 3,100.
  
• In 1888, home of the city's first motorized streetcars.
• In 1935, the United States Supreme Court Building was completed.
  
• Our Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence is maintained by the National Archives & Records Administration. 
  
• Martin Luther King Jr,  wrote his "I Have a Dream" speech (August 28, 1963) at the Willard InterContinental Hotel (Pennsylvania Avenue NW). 
• Residents may vote for President and Vice President, however hold no representation in the Senate.
  
• Congress approves the city's budget with veto power over any laws passed.
• Over 20 million visitors visit the capital city annually.
  
• City hosts 177 foreign embassies. 
  
• All road names include the quadrant district abbreviation to indicate their location and house numbers corresponding with the number of blocks away from the Capitol. 
  
• Over 1,600 residential properties (Massachusetts Avenue) are owned by foreign countries.
  
• Largest district building approximately 3.1 million square feet, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center (Pennsylvania Avenue NW). 
  
• Go-Go, a post-funk, percussion-driven flavor of rhythm and blues is their own native music.
  
• Has fifteen official sister city agreements with Accra, Addis Ababa, Ankara, Athens, Bangkok, Beijing, Brasília, Brussels, Dakar, Paris, Pretoria, Rome, San Salvador, Seoul and Sunderland. 
• The nation's capital has over 3,000 Cherry Blossom trees.
  
• Features 14 National Parks.

Washington Monument (George Washington), Washington, DC. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Alyson Hannigan (Actress), Amarr M Wooten (Actor), Andrew Luck (Athlete), Angela Renée White "Blac Chyna" (Model), Bella Hadid (Model), Bridgit Mendler (Actress), Elgin Baylor Lumpkin "Ginuwine" (Musician), Goldie Hawn (Actress), Jon Bernthal Actor), Isabelle Fuhrman (Actress), Katherine Heigl (Actress), Kevin Durant (Athlete), Marvin Gaye (Musician), Maury Povich (TV Host), Michael Ealy (Actor), Mýa Marie Harrison (Musician), Raven Goodwin (Actress), Regina Hall (Musician), Samuel Jackson (Actor), Stephen Colbert (Comedian) and Taraji Henson (Actress), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: A Few Good Men (1992), All the President's Men (1976), Broadcast News (1987), Chances Are (1989), Forrest Gump (1994), In the Line of Fire (1993), No Way Out (1987), St Elmo's Fire (1985), Thank You for Smoking (2005), The Exorcist (1973) and The Pelican Brief (1993), just to name a few.
• Reads Set in D.C.: Cross (written by 
  James Patterson), 
  The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears (written by Dinaw Mengestu), The Innocent (written by 
  David Baldacci), 
  The Lost Symbol (written by 
  Dan Brown), 
  The Pelican Brief (written by 
  John Grisham) and 
  The Street Lawyer (written by 
  John Grisham), just to name a few.

Cherry Blossoms, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Rachel Bostwick/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Geographically in four Districts: Northwest (NW), Southwest (SW), Northeast (NE) and Southeast (SE) all corresponding from the Capitol. 
  
• Shuttles operate frequently between key attractions.
  
• Tours of working government facilities require reservations in advance with limited capacity.
• Strictly prohibited and enforced are photos or recording in government facilities and several museums.
  
• For Security purposes handbags and personal items are subject to being searched.
• Restaurants are smoke-free.
  
• While relatively inexpensive, do not use unlicensed cabs.
• Picking cherry blossoms may impose a fine or even arrest due to destroying government property.
  
• A culinary melting pot is well known for ethnic cuisine Ethiopian, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine.
• Expect a citation for "jaywalking".
• For security purposes, Presidential or Diplomatic motorcades are not required to stop at red lights or stop signs.
  
• The Metro is the best method to maneuver throughout the city.
• Violent Crime exists in concentrated areas associated with drug abuse, gangs and poverty areas.
  
• The Smithsonian is open to the public free of charge.
  
• One of our nation's worst road congestion.
  

Subject to flooding, humidity, hurricanes, nor'easters blizzards and snowstorms.

• Best Time to Visit: March - May & September - November
• Coldest Months: December - February
• Hottest Months: June - August
• Peak Season: March - August

Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Mark Thomas/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Administration Building Carnegie Institution of Washington, American Federation of Labor Building, American Peace Society, Anderson House, Andrew Mellon Building, Arts & Industries Building Smithsonian Institution, Ashburton House, Blair House, Blanche K Bruce House, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Carter G Woodson House, Charles Evans Hughes House, Charlotte Forten Grimke House, City Hall/ D.C. Courthouse, Cleveland Abbe House, Congressional Cemetery, Constitution Hall, Corcoran Gallery & Corcoran School Of Art, David White House, Decatur House, Elliott Coues House, Frances Perkins House, Franklin School, Gallaudet College Historic District, General Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters, General Oliver Otis Howard House, General Post Office, Georgetown Historic District, Healy Hall Georgetown University, Hiram W Johnson House, John Philip Sousa Junior High School, Lafayette Building, Lafayette Square Historic District, Library Of Congress, Mary Ann Shadd Cary House, Mary Church Terrell House, Memorial Continental Hall, Meridian Hill Park, National Training School For Women And Girls, National War College, Newton D Baker House, Octagon House, Old Naval Observatory, Old Patent Office, Oscar W Underwood House, Pension Building, PHILADELPHIA (Gundelo), Red Cross (American National) Headquarters, Renwick Gallery, Robert Simpson Woodward House, Samuel Gompers House, SEQUOIA (Yacht), Sewall–Belmont House, Smithsonian Institution Building, St Elizabeth's Hospital, St John's Church, St Luke's Episcopal Church, State War & Navy Building, Supreme Court Building, Tudor Place, The Yard (Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, Frederick Douglas Memorial Hall, Founders Library, Howard University), Twelfth Street YMCA Building, United Mine Workers of America Building, United States Capitol, United States Department of the Treasury, United States Marine Corps Barrack & Commandant's House, United States Soldier's Home, Volta Bureau, Washington Aqueduct, Washington Navy Yard, White House, William E Borah Apartment Windsor Lodge, Woodrow Wilson House and Zalmon Richards House.
• Museums: African American Civil War Memorial & Museum, Anacostia Community Museum, Arthur M Sackler Gallery, Art Museum of the Americas, College Park Aviation Museum, Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, Dumbarton House, Dumbarton Oaks Museum, Freer Gallery of Art, Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, International Spy Museum, Kreeger Museum, Marian Koshland Science Museum, Museum of the Bible, National Air & Space Museum, National Archives Museum, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, National Building Museum, National Children’s Museum, National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden, National Geographic Society, National Guard Museum, National Law Enforcement Museum, National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Women in the Arts, National Portrait Gallery, National Postal Museum, Navy Museum, Newseum, Octagon House Museum, Phillips Collection, Potomac River, Renwick Gallery, Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building, Smithsonian Institution Building, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian's National Postal Museum, Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, The Newseum, The Phillips Collection, The President Woodrow Wilson House, The Textile Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Wegmans Wonderplace and Woodrow Wilson House.
• Popular Attractions: Air Force Memorial, African American Civil War Memorial Museum, Albert Einstein Memorial, Anthem, Arlington National Cemetery, Bar-Code, Bar Deco, Belmont–Paul Women's Equality National Monument, Ben's Chili Bowl, Black Cat, Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Blues Alley, Boundary Stone Public House, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, Busboys & Poets, Cafe Citron, Cameron Run Regional Park, Cherub Antiques Gallery, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Chinatown, Churchkey, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Clyde's, Connecticut Avenue, Constitution & Independence Avenue, Constitution Gardens, District of Columbia Arts Center, Dumbarton Oaks, Dupont Circle, Earth Treks, Eastern Market, Embassy Row, Enid A Haupt Garden, Falls Road Golf Course, Fletcher's Cove, Folger Shakespeare Library, Ford's Theatre, Fort Dupont Ice Arena, Foundry Gallery, Founding Farmers, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Freer Gallery of Art, General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument, Georgetown Flea Market, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Glen Echo Park, Gravelly Point, Greenbelt Park, Great Waves Waterpark, Heurich House Museum, Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens, Hu's Shoes & Hu's Wear, Islamic Center, Jack Rose Dining Saloon, Jefferson Memorial, John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, JR's Bar & Grill, Kramerbooks & Afterwords, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lafayette Square, Lake Artemesia, Larz Anderson House, Library of Congress, Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln Theatre, Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove, Madame Tussauds Washington D.C., Madam's Organ, Maine Avenue Fish Market, Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial, Massachusetts Avenue, Mazza Gallerie, McCrillis Gardens, Meridian Hill Park, Miss Pixie's, Momofuku CCDC, National Arboretum, National Archives, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, National Mall, National Sculpture Garden, Nationals Park, National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, National Theatre, National Zoological Park, 9:30 Club, Old Stone House, Old Town Alexandria, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, Pennsylvania Avenue, Pentagon, Pohick Bay Golf Course, Politics & Prose, POV Rooftop Bar & Terrace, President Lincoln & Soldiers’ Home National Monument, Quill, Rasika, Reflecting Pool, River Farm, Rock Creek Park, Rock Creek Park Golf Course, Rose's Luxury, Round Robin & Scotch Bar, Sackler Gallery Shop, Second Story Books, Shakespeare Theatre, Shaw District, Signature Theatre, Six Flags America, Som Records, Studio Theatre, Sudhouse DC, Supreme Court, The Anthem, The Capitol Steps, The Capital Wheel, The DC Improv, The Ellipse, The Fashion Centre, The Mead Center for American Theater, The Music Center, Theodore Roosevelt Island & Memorial, The Park, The Phoenix, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , The Wonderland Ballroom, Tiny Jewel Box, Transformer, Tudor Place Historic House & Garden, Twins Jazz, Union Pub, Union Market, Union Station, United States Marine Corps War Memorial, U.S. Botanic Garden, U.S. Capitol, U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center, U Street District, U Street Music Hall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Warner Theater, Washington Canal Park, Washington Monument, Washington National Cathedral, Washington National Opera, West Potomac Park , White House, White House Gifts, Willard InterContinental, World War II Memorial, Wisconsin Avenue, Wolf Trap National Park, Woolly Mammoth and Zenebech. 
• Special Events: (January) Washington Auto Show, (February) D.C. Fashion Week, (March) National Cherry Blossom Festival, Rock 'n' Roll USA Marathon, (April) White House Easter Egg Roll, (May) DC Bike Ride, National Harbor Food & Wine Festival, Passport DC, Washington National Cathedral Annual Flower Mart, (June) By The People Festival, Capital Jazz Fest, Capital Pride, Firefly Festival, National Capital Barbecue Battle, (July) Capital Fringe Festival, Citi Open, Fort Reno, Immigrant & Refugee Music Festival, Marine Corps Marathon, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, (August) Lockn Festival, Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, National Book Festival,(September) Adams Morgan Day, DC Jazz Festival, H Street Festival, Summer Spirit Festival, (October) Adams Morgan Farmers Market, Columbus Day, Italian Heritage, Marine Corps Marathon, (November) National Christmas Tree Lighting, Veterans Day, (December) Military Bowl and Pearl Harbor Day.

Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Lars Hoffmann/Pixabay 

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Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming State Flag

"Big Wyoming", "Cowboy State" and "Equality State"

Why visit Wyoming?

For the traveler seeking to enjoy backpacking, boating, camping, cowboy atmosphere, culture, fishing, geysers, golf, history, horseback riding, hot springs, hunting, kayaking, mountains, rock climbing, scenic drives, skiing, snowmobiling, white water rafting, wildflowers and wildlife.

Golf, WY. Photo Credit: Pixabay

At a Glance

• Capital: Cheyenne
• State Bird: Western Meadowlark
• State Dessert: None
• State Flower: Indian Paintbrush
• State Gemstone: Wyoming Nephrite Jade 
• State Mammal: American Bison 
• State Rock: None

Grand Teton National Park, WY. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• From 1872-1903, Wyoming Territorial Prison (Laramie) held Robert LeRoy Parker "Butch Cassidy" incarnation. Gang Leader, "Wild Bunch" for American bank robbers and trains.
  
• In 1920, voters elected the first all-female town council (Jackson).
  
• From 1921-1923, the Teapot Dome (Casper) bribery scandal involved President Warren G Harding and oil tycoons (Mammoth Oil Company).
  
• In 1924, the country's first woman governor, Nellie Taylor Ross was elected, serving from 1925-1927.
  
• In 1998, former Governor Mike Sullivan was appointed Ambassador of Ireland.
  
• The log cabin nicknamed, Hole-in-the-Wall (Cody) is the remote location where Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch gang would meet.
  
• Home to the largest proposed wind farm in our country (Carbon County).
  
• Producer of grain, livestock, hay, sugar beets, grain and wool. 
  
• Pronghorns are said to out number the human population.
  
• Economy is based on extraction of minerals (coal, natural gas, oil, trona) and tourism.
• Nearly 48% of the state land area is owned by the federal government.
• Features 5 National Forests, 2 National Parks and 16 State Parks.
  

Grand Teton National Park, WY. Photo Credit: Mike Goad/Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Adam Archuleta (Athlete), Ashlynn Yennie (Actress), Brandon Nimmo (Athlete), Ceclia Hart (Actress), Chris Cooley (Athlete), James Johnson (Athlete), Jesse Garcia (Actor), Jim Beaver (Actor), John Buck (Athlete), Kirby Heyborne (Athlete) and Zane Beadles (Athlete), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: Brokeback Mountain (1983), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Dances With Wolves (1990), Django Unchained (2011), Every Which Way But Loose (1978), Flicka (2006), Rocky IV (1985), Shane (1951), Starship Troopers (1997), Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) and The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), just to name a few.
• Reads Set in Wyoming: Banditti of the Plains (written by Asa Mercer), Climbing & Hiking in the Wind River Mountains (written by Joe Kelsey), Close Range (written by Annie Proulx), Dream Country (written by Luanne Rice), My Friend Flicka (written by Mary O'Hara), Riders of Judgment (written by Frederick Manfred), Roadside Geology of Wyoming (written by David R. Lageson), The Cold Dish (written by Craig Johnson) and The Legend of Colton H Bryant (written by Alexandra Fuller), just to name a few.

Grand Prismatic Spring (Yellowstone National Park), WY. Photo Credit: Mike Goad/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• One of the richest sites for dinosaur fossils in the world is along Highway 30 (northwest of Rock River). 
  
• Children (14 and younger) can fish for free with a licensed adult.
  
• Hunting Licenses are by lottery for non residents.
• Recreational Vehicle (RV) Camping is permitted in national and state parks.
  
• Anticipate long distances between locations.
• Be mindful, in high altitude climates intoxication occurs quicker.
• Food (humans) is not subject to sales tax. Lodging tax ranges from 2%-5%, varies by county. Collects a use tax of 5% on items purchased elsewhere and brought into state.
  
• Even during summer evenings a light jacket or sweater may be necessary.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You will experience a drier climate, stronger sun and thinner air.
• Large commercial planes are not known to fly into Wyoming.
  
• Power outages are common during landslides, wildfires and winter storms.
• Wyoming State Liquor Association is the state's sole legal wholesale distributor of spirits with the exception to wine.
  
• There's no Amtrak services.

Subject to droughts, earthquakes, floods, landslides, possible volcano eruption, severe rainfall, snowstorms, tornadoes and wildfires.

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

Geyser (Yellowstone National Park), WY. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Ames Monument, Expedition Island, Fort D.A. Russell, Fort Phil Kearny & Associated Sites, Fort Yellowstone, Heart Mountain Relocation Center, Hell Gap Paleoindian Site, Horner Site, Independence Rock, Jackson Lake Lodge, Lake Guernsey State Park, Lake Hotel, Medicine Mountain, Murie Ranch Historic District, Norris Madison & Fishing Bridge Museums, Obsidian Cliff, Old Faithful Inn, Oregon Trail Ruts, J. C. Penney Historic District, Sheridan Inn, South Pass, Tom Sun Ranch, Swan Land & Cattle Company Headquarters, Union Pacific Railroad Depot, Upper Green River Rendezvous Site, Wapiti Ranger Station and Wyoming State Capitol.
• Museums: American Heritage Center, American Indians of the Greater Yellowstone Museum, Anna Miller Museum, Big Horn Basin Geoscience Center, Bozeman Trail Museum, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Campbell County Rockpile Museum, Carbon County Museum, Cheyenne Depot Museum, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Cody Dug Up Gun Museum, Douglas Railroad Interpretive Museum, Dubois Museum, Elk Mountain Museum, First National Bank Museum, Fort Bridger State Historic Site, Fort Casper Museum, Fossil Country Frontier Museum, Fremont County Pioneer Museum, Glenrock Deer Creek Museum, Grand Encampment Museum, Hans Kleiber Studio Museum, Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, Homesteader Museum, Hoofprints of the Past Museum, Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum, J. C. Penney House & Museum, Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, Laramie Plains Museum, Meeteetse Museums, Museum at the Bighorns, Museum of Flight & Aerial Firefighting, Museum of the American West, Museum of the Mountain Man, Museum of the National Park Ranger, National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, National Museum of Military Vehicles, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Nelson Museum of the West, Nici Self Historical Museum, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Norris Geyser Basin Museum, Paleon Museum, Parco Sinclair Museum, Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Red Onion Museum, Riverton Museum, Saratoga Museum, Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center, Stagecoach Museum, Tate Geological Museum, Texas Trail Museum, The Brinton Museum, The Science Zone, Uinta County Museum, University of Wyoming Anthropology Museum, University of Wyoming Art Museum, Warren ICBM & Heritage Museum, Washakie Museum, West Texas Trail Museum, Wright Centennial Museum, WWCC Natural History Museum, Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Wyoming National Guard Museum, Wyoming Pioneer Museum, Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum and Wyoming Women's History House.
• Popular Attractions: A RARE Gallery, Artist Point, Ashley National Forest, Astoria Fine Art, Boiling River Hot Springs, Black Sand Basin, Brookover Gallery, By Western Hands, California National Historic Trail, Caribou–Targhee National Forest, Chapel of the Transfiguration, Devils Tower, Excelsior Geyser Crater, Flaming Gorge, Fort Fetterman, Fort Phil Kearny, Fossil Butte National Monuments, Frank Lloyd Wright Quintin Blair House, Gibbon Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Teton National Parks, Great Fountain Geyser, Guernsey State Park, Hot Springs State Park, Independence Rock, Inspiration Point, Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis, Jackson Hole Rodeo, Jackson Lake Dam, Jackson Town Square, John B Kendrick Mansion, Laramie Territorial Prison, Laurance S Rockefeller Preserve, Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, Lewis Falls, Mammoth Hot Springs, Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Mountain Trails Gallery, Mystic Falls, National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful Geyser, Old Trail Town, Oregon National Historic Trail, Phelps Lake, Pony Express National Historic Trail, Ringholz Studios, Rocky Mountain Herbarium, Schwabacher Landing, Snake River, Steamboat Geyser, Teapot Dome, Thumb Geyser, Wind River Canyon, Wyoming Frontier Prison, Wyoming Governor's Mansion, Wyoming Pioneer Museum, Wyoming State Capitol, Wyoming Territorial Prison and Yellowstone National Park.
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Douglas, Evanston, Gillette, Green River, Jackson, Jackson Hole, Lander, Laramie, Powell, Rawlins, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan, Tetons, Thermopolis, Torrington and Worland.
• Special Events: (February) Cody Ice Climbing Festival, (May) Old West Days, (June) Alpine Mountain Days, Cheyenne Celtic Musical Arts Festival, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Chugwater Chili Cook-Off, Flaming Gorge Days, Hulett Rodeo, Plains Indian Museum Powwow, Woodchoppers Jamboree & Rodeo, Wyoming Brewers Festival, (July) FossilFest, Gold Rush Days, Green River Rendezvous, High Plains Music Festival, Hot Air Balloon Festival, International Climbers Festival, Oyster Ridge Music Festival, Riverton Rendezvous & Balloon Rally, Wyoming’s Big Show, Yellowstone Beer Fest, (August) Big Horn, Cody Wild West River Fest, Jackson Hole Scottish Festival, River Festival, The Wyoming State Fair, (September) Jackson Hole Arts Festival, Northern Arapahoe Powwow and (November) Cowboy Christmas. 

Fort Laramie, WY. Photo Credit: Pixabay

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