Argentina

Argentina Flag

Why visit Argentina?

Great for biking, birdwatching, boating, casinos, cattle ranches, desert canyons, fishing, galleries, hiking, historical sites, mountains, museums, nature, nightlife, parks, skiing, whale watching, white water rafting, wildlife and wineries.

El Calafate, Argentina. Photo Credit: Ingelise Jansen/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, bag of yerba (tea), cowhide products, gaucho, gems, guitar, handicrafts, leather goods, poncho, rugs, sheepskin goods, soccer jerseys, tango music and wines.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alfajores (cookie). Asado (grilled meat). Chimichurri (sauce). Empanadas (stuffed fried dough). Locro (hearty stew). Dulce de Leche (jar spread). Provoleta (cheese).
• Local Drink to Try: Malbec Wine. Mate (tea). Submarino (hot chocolate). Torrontés (wine).

Puerto Madero, Argentina. Photo Credit: Gabriel Cabrera/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• During Paleolithic Period (2.5 Million Years ago - 10,000 B.C.), there's evidence of human remains.
  
• In 1816, declared independence from Spain.
• After the Great Depression (1929-1933) was unable to recover due to political instability.
• María Eva Duarte de Perón (1919-1952), Film Actress & First Lady of Argentina (1946-1952) had memorial services in Argentina, Italy and Spain before arriving at Recoleta Cemetery (Recoleta).
  
• In 1970s, during the Dirty War 30,000 children, men and women disappeared.
  
• In 1982, they lost the war over the Falkland Islands.
  
• In 1991, it was the only southern country to send warships and cargo planes during the Gulf War (1990-1991).
  
• Known for the highest consumption of red meat in the world.
  
• The Argentine Government reserves the rights by law to veto a child's name given upon birth.
• Has significant cultural connections to the Italian culture. 
• Considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.

Salta, Argentina. Photo Credit: griselda oliva/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Cosquin Rock (January), Gualeguaychu Festival (January), Tilcara Carnival Festival (January), Buenos Aires Carnivalis (February), Buenos Aires Tango Festival (March), Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (March), Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival (April), Buenos Aires Contemporary Art Fair (May), Independence Day (July), Buenos Aires Jazz Festival (August), Tango World Championships (August), Pepsi Music Festival (September), Oktoberfest (October), Semana Musical Llao Llao (October), Septiembre Musical (October), Buenos Aires Gay Parade (November) Creamfields Buenos Aires (November), and Dia De La Tradicion/San Antonio de Areco Gaucho (November).
• Holidays: Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice (March), Day of the Veterans and Fallen of the Malvinas War (April), Labour Day (May), National Day (May), San Martin's Day (August), Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (October) and Immaculate Conception (December).

Iguazú Falls, Misiones Province, Argentina. Photo Credit:  Kent DuFault/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Offers world-class salmon and trout fishing.
  
• Citizens' names are long as they have two surnames. Example: First Name, Middle Name, Father's Last Name and Mother's Maiden Name. You address them by their father's last name.
• Buenos Aires is relatively costly.
  
• Private healthcare clinics meet international standards.
• Parallel to the Andes from the Strait of Magellan to the high plains of the northwest, Route (Ruta) 40 is a scenic drive.
  
• Meals are usually eaten late, lunch around 2PM and dinner at 10PM or later.
• Women should dress conservatively entering churches and museums.
• An International Driving Permit is recommended.
• Has the largest railway system in Latin America.
  

Ushuaia, Argentina. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Exit Restrictions: $10,000USD.

Seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere!

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

Perito Moreno Glacier (Los Glaciares National Park), Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Photo Credit: Mikel Larrazabal/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Andes Mountains, Iguazu Falls, Los Glaciares National Park, Pampas, Patagonia and Valdes Peninsula.
  
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cueva de las Manos Río Pinturas, Iguazú National Park, Ischigualasto/Talampaya Natural Parks, Jesuit Block & Estancias of Córdoba, Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis (San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto & Santa Maria Mayor), Los Alerces National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Península Valdés, Qhapaq Ñan (Andean Road System), Quebrada de Humahuaca and The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement).

Andes Mountains, Argentina. Photo Credit: Pixabay

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Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo Credit: Herbert Brant/Pixabay 

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

Angola

Angola Flag

Why visit Angola?

Known for beaches, colonial buildings, desert, jungles and mosaic sidewalks.

Luanda (Capital), Angola. Photo Credit: Bruno Madeira/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Drums, masks and sculptures.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Feijão de óleo de Palma (beans with oil). Fish Calulu. Moamba de Galinha.
• Local Drink to Try: Mongozo (beer).

Angola Zoo. Photo Credit: nunobranco/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1484, discovered by Diogo Cão, Portuguese Explorer.
  
• In 2004, Exim Bank of China approved a $2 billion line of credit to rebuilding their infrastructure.
  
• In 2016, a drought caused the worst food crisis in 25 years.
  
• In 2014, undergoing a project to turn them into a continental hub with optic fiber underwater cable
• In 2017, after 38 years of service, José Eduardo dos Santos, President stepped down.
  
• In 2019, homosexual acts was decriminalized.
  
• Estimated to take thousands of years to remove their land mines.
• A low literacy rate.
• Diamond Mines are known to be under the control of Rebels.
• Economy is copper, diamonds, forest, fossil fuels, gold, oil, wildlife and rapid growth in mineral and petroleum reserves. 
• Their legal system is based on Portuguese Laws.
  
• China is their largest trade partner.
  
• Education is free for eight years. Students are usually responsible for a fee for books and supplies.
  
• African roots are evident in music and dance.
  
• Basketball is the most popular sport.

Photo Credit: juls26/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Angola Carnival (February), Luanda International Jazz Festival (July), Lubango Festival (August), Muxima Pilgrimage (August), Sumbe Music Festival (September) and Luanda Island Feast (November).
• Holidays: Day of the Beginning the Armed Struggle (February), Day of Southern Africa Liberation (March), Day of Peace & Reconciliation (April), National Heroes Day (September), All Souls Day (November) and Independence Day (November).

Photo Credit: Wilhan José Gomes wjgomes/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Has approximately 10 million unexploded landmines throughout the country.
• Prone to fighting and violent street crimes.
• Poor road conditions.
• Ravaged by disease and malnutrition.
  
• Medical care is below our standards.
• Health risks include cerebral malaria, cholera, hemorrhagic fevers, hepatitis, marburg virus, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever. Skin infections are common. High rates of  dengue, filariasis, HIV, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis and tuberculosis.
• Pack a bug repellent, first aid kit and sunblock.
• Select countries require a 21 Day Quarantine entering after staying in the country.
• Do not enter, stand or swim in freshwater lakes or streams due to possible bilharzia (parasite).
  
• Do not eat salads, consume local dairy products or tap water.
• Save every receipt as Immgration Inspections are thorough.
  
• Outside Luanda, Special Photo Permits are required for traveling. Take a few extra passport size photos.
  
• Portuguese is their official language but Kikongo, Kimbundu and Umbundu are widely spoken.
  
• Piripiri is a local hot sauce.

Photo Credit: mdccruz01/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Required Vaccination for Yellow Fever. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry: $10,000USD and Exit: 50,000 kwanzas + $10,000USD.

Not a common tourist destination!

• Best Time to Visit: May - October
• Coldest Month: July - August
• Hottest Month: March 

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: M'banza-Kongo

Photo Credit: juls26/Pixabay 

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

Andorra

Andorra Flag

Why visit Andorra?

Adventurous outdoor lovers seeking camping, festivals, fishing, hiking, mountain cycling, mountains, skiing, spas and shopping.

Alpine Andorra Hills, Andorra. Photo Credit:  johnnpas/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Alcohol, brand clothing, cameras, chocolates, cured meats, furs, honey,  jams, leather goods, liqueur, perfume, shepherd cheeses, stamps, syrup and watches.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Cargols a la lluna (snails). Coca (pastry). Cunillo (rabbit stew). Embotits (sausages). Escudella (stew). Mató (fresh cheese). Pa amb tomàquet (bread). Trinxat (like bubbles and squeak). Trucha a la Andorrana (trout).
• Local Drink to Try: Acqua d'Or (brandy). Granizado (fruit juice). Mulled Wine. 
  

Arinsal, Andorra. Photo Credit: Alexander Lesnitsky/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 805, found by Charlemagne "Charles the Great" (748AD - 814AD). 
• In 1419, created the Consell General. One of the oldest and smallest functioning parliaments.
• During Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), was a smuggler's passage for goods from France to Spain.
  
• During World War II "Second World War" (1939-1945), was a smuggler's passage for goods from Spain to France.
  
• In 1991 & 2005, hosted the Games of the Small States of Europe.
  
• In 1993, joined the United Nations.
  
• In 1994, Europe's largest spa opened, Caldea (Escaldes).
  
• One of the highest living standards in the world.
  
• Smallest country in Europe bordered between France and Spain.
  
• Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe (3,356 feet above sea level).
  
• Approximately 10 million visit annually, 7 million account for winter skiing. 
  
• Considered one of the highest life expectancy in the world. Attributes because of air quality, altitude, cuisine and nature surrounding.
  
• Does not have their own armed forces but defending responsibility from France and Spain.
  
• During Natural Disaster Emergencies able-bodied men (21-60) must serve. By law, the head of households has a rifle, otherwise the local police will offer a firearm.
• Not suitable for farming, most crop foods are imported.
• One of four European countries to sign the Council of Europe Framework Convention on National Minorities.
  
• Influenced by southern France Rugby is a popular sport.
  
• Nearly 92% of the land is forest and only 4% of the land has been built on.
• The Economy is commerce, financial services and tourism.
• Has two heads of state, Archbishop of Urgell and the President of the Republic of France.
  
• Producer of high altitude wines: Albernio, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

Andorra Homes. Photo Credit: Carmen Carbonell/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Big Snow Festival (March), Canólich Gathering (May), Montserrat Caballe Singing Contest (May), International Women’s Clown Festival (May), Revetlla de Sant Joan (June), Summer Solstice Fire Festivals (June), Andorra’s International Jazz Festival (July), Festival de Sant Julià de Lòria (July), Roser d'Ordino (July), Andorra la Vella Festa Major (August), The Bagpipers’ Gathering (August), Andorra la Vella Fair (October), Narciso Yepes International Festival (October) and Andorra Shopping Festival (November).
  
• Holidays: Andorra Constitution Day (March), Sant Jordi Day (April), Meritxell Day (September) and Feast Day of Our Lady of Meritxell (November).

Photo Credit: Michel Huché/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Does not have an airport or a train station.
  
• Duty free shopping! Be mindful, the government does charge a nominal duty 4% on imported goods.
  
• Native language of Catalan is a blended mixture of French and Spanish. French, Portuguese and Spanish is commonly spoken. English is not commonly spoken.
  
• Retailers usually close between 1-4PM for siesta (rest or nap).
  
• City/Town parking space is limited.
• Border congestion is common with entry and exiting.
• Andorra Telecom (STA), exclusively operates local fixed telephone, internet services and mobile services.
  
• Offers 60 mountain trails and 29 mountain refuges for overnight camping.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 190 days.

By the way...

• Best Time to Visit: May - September & November - April
• Coldest Months: November - March
• Hottest Months: July - August
• Peak Season: November - April

Photo Credit:  jribes/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Photo Credit: damedia/Pixabay 

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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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