Botswana

Botswana Flag

"Gem of Africa"

Why visit Botswana?

The luxury adventurous traveler seeking birdwatching, culture, desert camping, fishing, golf, guided tours, hunting, off-road adventure, safaris and wildlife.

Chobe National Park, Botswana. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, dolls, ostrich eggshell necklaces, pottery, stamps, tapestries, weavings and wood carvings.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Mopane (worm). Porridge (breakfast cereal). Seswaa (pounded meat). Vetkoek (stuffed pastry).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Bojalwa ja Setswana (beer). Castle (beer). Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic). Lion (beer). Madila (sour milk).
  

Gaborone (Capital City), Botswana. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1824, evidence of first written records relating to modern day.
  
• In 1966, became independent.
  
• In 1967, diamonds were discovered.
  
• Since 1998, has maintained a low corruption ranking.
  
• In 2019, researchers reported to be the birthplace of all modern humans from 200,000 years ago.
  
• Until 2019, homosexuality was illegal.
• By 2029, projects diamond mining to end due material availability.
• World's largest producer of diamonds.
  
• Large exporter of beef to Europe.
  
• Approximately 70% of land is the Kalahari Desert. 
• Historical trade exchanges with Asia (for beads) gold, ivory, and rhinoceros horn.
• The Economy is cattle, mining and tourism.
• The Northern area is home to an endangered wild dog population.
• Desertification and soil erosion has been accelerating due to grazing.
• Indigenous San people were forcibly relocated to reservations because of the sought after diamond fields owned by being denied access to water on their land and facing arrest if hunting. 
  
• Capital punishment of hanging (death) is practiced.
• Some domestic production of electricity using coal.
  
• Largest diamond mining company (Debswana) is 50% owned by the government.
  

Photo Credit: katja/Pixabay 

Woven baskets are used in three styles: 

1. Large lidded for storage purposes.
2. Large open sourced for carrying objects on the head or winnowing grain.
3. Smaller plate for winnowing pounded grain.
   

Okavango Delta (Ariel View), Northern Botswana. Photo Credit: reisigl/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Maitisong Festival (March), Maun Festival (April), Tjilenje Cultural Festival (May), Toyota 1000 Desert Race (June) and Kuru Dance Festival (August).
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Sir Seretse Khama Day, Presidents' Day, Botswana Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Baobab Tree (Adansonia), Botswana. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• For their natural assets protection mass tourism is discouraged.
  
• Elevated infections of AIDS and HIV.
• Official language is English. Other languages spoken include Afrikaans, Kalanga, Kgalagadi, Ndebele, Sarwa, Tswapong and Yeyi.
  
• Do be mindful, water is a precious commodity.
  
• Do not wear camouflage clothing!
• Severe penalties removing any animal parts without a government permit or licensed shop receipt!
  
• Malnutrition is common among children (under 5).
  
• Many countries do not allow entry of ivory.
• Malaria is present. 
  
• Due to bilharzia (parasite) do not swim or wade in rivers and lakes.
• Cellular service is limited.
• Wildlife is generally most active at dusk and after sunrise.
• Beware of poisonous snakes.
  
• Bus overcrowding is common.
• Soft duffle bags are best served for packing. Baggage restrictions are strictly enforced.

Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and at least three blank pages.
• Tourist VISA not required.
• Vaccination for Yellow Fever. 
• No Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit.

Okavango Delta, Botswana. Photo Credit: Jose Mizrahi/Unsplash

• Best Time to Visit: August - October and March - November
• Coldest Month: July
• Hottest Month: October
• Peak Season: July - October

Photo Credit: Poinger_Herzschlog/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Okavango Delta and Tsodilo

Maun, Botswana. Photo Credit: Freek Van Ootegem/Pixabay 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

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

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina Flag

“Heart Shaped Land”

Why visit Bosnia & Herzegovina?

Offers travelers the opportunity for biking, boating, culture, film festivals, fishing, folk art, gorges, hiking, historical sites, ice climbing, lakes, mountains, paragliding, religious sites, sailing, skiing, trekking, white water rafting,

Old Bridge (Mostar Bridge), Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo Credit: Omer Tarik Koc/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, brass coffee pots, ceramics, coffee, copperware, embroidery, handmade carpets, leather boxes, religious items, slippers, socks, tapestries, wine and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Burek (stuffed meat pastry). Cevapi (sausage). Meze (appetizer). Pljeskavica (grilled meats). Sogan Dolma (stuffed onion).
• Local Drink to Try: Blatina, Bosnian Coffee, Rakija, Rasol, Salep and Zova.

Bosnia & Herzegovina. Photo Credit: Petar Ubiparip/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Dating from Stone Ages (8700BCE-2000 BCE) cave paintings have been found (Badanj Cave).
• During 4th Century (301-400) passing Indo-Europeans brought the technique of the pottery wheel.
• During 10th Century (901-1000), the countries first mention was found in a handbook. 
• During 12th Century (1101-1200)  Banate of Bosnia established.
• During 

  14th Century (

  1301-1400), Kingdom of Bosnia established.
• In 1878, earned independence from Ottoman Empire.
  
• In 1889, Sarajevo Cathedral was built with Notre Dame Cathedral inspirations (France).
  
• In 1984, hosted Sarajevo XIV Olympic Games.
  
• In 1992, proclaimed independence.
  
• During Bosnian War (1992-1995), they experienced $200€ billion in damages.
  
• In 2005, hosted European Rafting Championships. 
  
• In 2014, their largest protests concerning increased unemployment and political views.
• Citizens receive social security benefits and universal healthcare systems.
  
• Secondary education is tuition free.
• United States Embassy (Sarajevo) produces the country's Commercial Guide.
  
• Exporter of aluminum, car seats, electricity, furniture and processed wood.
  

Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Photo Credit: pixelRaw/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Balkan Photo Festival (January), Coffee Fest Sarajevo (March), Sarajevo Irish Festival (March), Sarajevo International Guitar Festival (April), Sonemus Fest (April), FEDU (May), Sarajevo Ramadan Festival (May), International Theatre Festival (MESS) (June), Sarajevo Beer Festival (June), Baščaršija Nights (July), Beton Fest (July), Ilidža Folk Music Festival (July), Sarajevo Street Art Festival (July), Sarajevo StreeAt Food Festival (July), BiH Color Festival (August), Ilidža International Children's Folklore Festival (August), Sarajevo Film Festival (August), Smile of Sarajevo Theatre Festival (August), Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (September), Ballet Fest Sarajevo (September), Juventafest (September), PitchWise Festival (September), Sarajevo Youth Film Festival (September), VIVA Film Festival (September), Five Days of Zagreb (October), InterDance Fest (October) Jazz Fest Sarajevo (October), OPEN Fest Sarajevo (October), SOS Design Festival (October), Tuzla Film Festival (October), Lutfest (November), Pop Art Festival (November), Pravo Ljudski Film Festival (November), Merlinka Festival  (December), Sarajevo Fashion Film Festival (December) and Sarajevo Winter Festival (December).
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Orthodox Christmas, Republic Day, Independence Day, Easter, Labour Day, Corpus Christi, Victory Day, Assumption of Mary, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Dayton Agreement Day, Statehood Day, Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Anniversary, Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr.

Blagaj Fortress, Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Informally called, Bosnia.
• Remote rural areas still contains unexploded land mines.
  
• Dress conservatively (Medjugorje).
• Languages in Bosnian, Croatian, English and Serbian.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three 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.

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Photo Credit: adestuparu/Pixabay 

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

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar and Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards

Neum, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Photo Credit: Jacek Abramowicz/Pixabay 

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

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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

Bolivia

Bolivia Flag

Why visit Bolivia?

Nature lovers interested in archaeological ruins, birdwatching, culture, ecotourism, festivals, fishing, golf, hang gliding, hiking, horseback riding, jungle rivers, markets, mountain biking, music, natural landscape, rich folklore, silver mines, skiing, trekking, wilderness and wildlife.

Uyuni (World's Largest Salt Flats), Bolivia. Photo Credit: phcsantos/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Bowler hat, ceramics, hammocks, place mats, ponchos, rugs, silver jewelry, silver ornaments, sweaters, weavings and wooden carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Charque (jerky), Fricasé (soup), Pique Macho (bite size beef and fries), Salteñas (filled dough). Silpancho (rice and potatoes).
• Local Drink to Try:  Mocochinchi (cold peach drink). Singani (liquor). Yungueño (cocktail).

La Paz, Bolivia. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1545, mining founded.
  
• In 1825, became independent.
  
• In 1884, signed a truce with Chile.
  
• In 1904, Chile built a railway (Arica and La Paz) to transport goods between ports.
  
• In 1909, lost the basin of the Madre de Dios River and Purus territory in the Amazon to Peru.
  
• In 1976, Juan José Torres González  (1920-1976), President of Bolivia (1970-1971) was assassinated.
  
• In 1997, Ernesto "Che" Guevara (1928-1967), Guerrilla Leader was killed by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Bolivian Army left in a mass grave (La Higuera).
• Late 2002, the government owed $4.5 billion to foreign creditors.
  
• In 2008, fourth country in South America to attain "free of illiteracy" status.
• Was known as Charcas under the authority of the Viceroy of Lima (Peru). 
• Birthplace claims to chili peppers, peanuts, peppers and yucca. 
• Miners were known to chew coca leaves.
  
• Coca, cultivated plants are processed into cocaine and commonly transported to North America a lucrative cash crop.
  
• Has two capitals, La Paz and Sucre.
• Once upon a time a woman in the mines was considered to bring bad luck.
• They have lost over half of its territory to neighboring countries since independence.
  
• Entrance of the mine shaft, small figure with blue eyes, El Tio (uncle) represents the past brutal Spanish Foramen. Customary tradition for good luck to leave alcohol, cigarettes or coca leaves.
• Nearly 20% of the world's tropical glaciers are located within the country.
  
• Spain built their empire from mining their silver. 
• Home to over 3,000 species of medicinal plants.
  
• Produces over 4,000 kinds of potatoes.
  
• Globally recognized for thier 'Law of the Rights of Mother Earth".
  
• The government has recruited youths of 14 when during declined voluntary registration.
  
• Second largest natural gas reserves in South America.
  
• Annually over 25,000 bikers cycle along "world's most dangerous road" (Yungas Road).
  

Cochabamba, Bolivia. Photo Credit: Jamie Norman/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Alasitas Festival (January), Carnaval (February), Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria (February), Pujllay Festival of Tarabuco (March), Fiesta del Gran Poder (May), San Juan Festival (June), Urkupiña Festival (August) and Festival de la Virgen de Guadalupe (September). 
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Plurinational State of Bolivia Anniversary, Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, Labor Day, Andean New Year, Agrarian Reform Day, Independence Day, All Saints Day and Christmas Day.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. Photo Credit: mailanmaik/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Second poorest country and least developed in South America.
  
• Known tourist scam of undercover police imposters requesting to show your wallet or ID. Decline, insist going to the nearest police station.
  
• Businesses often close between 12PM-3PM for lunch.
  
• Never agree to having your baggage tied to any exterior bus top for theft reasons.
  
• Remote areas do not offer ambulance or police services!
• Beware of altitude sickness.
• Majority of the population has no healthcare access or health insurance.
  
• Dinner is a lighter often eaten around 8PM or later.
  
• Protests and strikes are common. Anticipate closures and delays.
• Few roads are paved (less than 5%).
  
• Ferry service available from San Pedro and San Pablo (Lake Titicaca).

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required.
• Vaccination: Yellow River. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Árbol de Piedra "Stone Tree", Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Sur Lípez Province, Bolivia. 

Photo Credit: Leah Davis/Pixabay 

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

Laguna Verde, Altiplano, Bolivia. Photo Credit: Kaniri/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: El Fuerte de Samaipata, Inca Road System, Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, List of Foundings of the Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos, Kalasasaya, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Potosí, Pulacayo, San Javier Ñuflo de Chávez, San José de Chiquitos, San Miguel de Velasco, Santa Ana de Velasco, Sucre and Tiwanaku.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. Photo Credit: Fernando Aguirre Guzmán/Pixabay 

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

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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

Bhutan

Bhutan Flag

“Land of the Thunder Dragon”

Why visit Bhutan?

Affluent luxury travelers seeking a unique experience of architecture, birdwatching, forests, game reserves, gorges, gorges, hiking, kayaking, monasteries, mountain biking, mountains, religious festivals, spas, temples, trekking and wildlife.

Paro Taktsang (Buddhist Temple), Paro Valley, Bhutan. Photo Credit: akash raut/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Handmade paper products, handwoven bamboo goods, masks, paintings, silks, silver, stamps, textiles and wood carvings. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Asha Maru (chicken dish). Ema Datshi (chili cheese). Jasha Tshoem (chicken curry). Red Rice.
• Local Drink to Try: Ara (beer). Tsheringma (tea).

Rinpung Dzong (Monastery), Paro District, Bhutan. Photo Credit: Little MiMi/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Around 2000BC, shows inhibitable evidence elephants, stone structures,  stone tools and weapons.
• During 7th Century (601AD-700AD) Buddhism was introduced.
  
• In 1676, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689), French Traveler was a first voyage record.
  
• In 1827, historical records were destroyed in a fire (Punakha).
  
• In 1974, tourists were finally welcomed.
  
• During 1980s, a national dress code was established for conformity and unity.
  
• In 1990, government forcefully deported 107,000 Lhotshampa minorities.
  
• In 1999, country allowed access to the internet and television.
  
• In 2005, Chinese soldiers built bridges and roads in their territory without consent.
• In 2008, held their first election.
  
• Between 2007 - 2012, Lhotshampas refugees were resettled in United States and other countries.
  
• Since 2014, steadily incorporating electric cars.
• In 2019, banned plastic bags.
• The death of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651) "The Bearded Lama", leader of Tibetan Buddhism was purposely kept a secret.
  
• Wooden roof hangings are thought to bring good crops and healthy children.
• During the Fire Blessing Festival (Bhumtang) natives run through burning hay with beliefs it purifies their souls.
•  Gangkhar Puensum peak is considered the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
  
• Home to the rare species, golden langur (monkey).
• Has no air force, aviation corps or navy. 
  
• Economy is agriculture, forestry, sale of hydroelectric power (India) and tourism.
  
• Large exporter of red rice.
• No UNESCO World Heritage Sites, several sites under consideration.
  
• First nation to ban smoking in the world.
• Varicolored scarves, (kabney for men, rachu  for women) are indicators of social class. 
• Traditional architecture uses no iron bars or nails in construction.
  
• In rural areas, arranged marriages is still practiced.
• Traditionally, daughters inherit their parents' house. Men are expected to make their own means in life.
• Polygamy is known to be accepted.
  
• National and popular sport is archery.
• Respectfully, the eldest daughter cares for her aging parents.

Buddha Dordenma (Gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha Statue), Thimphu, Bhutan. Photo Credit: Pradip Kar/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Chorten Kora Festival (March), Gomphu Kora Festival (March), Ura Yakchoe (May), Haa Summer Festival (July), Black Necked Crane Festival (November) and Trongsa Tshecu (December).
• Holidays: Winter Solstice (January), Traditional Day of Offering (February), Losar (February), Birthday of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (February), Zhabdrung Kuchoe (April), Birthday of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (May), Coronation of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (June), Parinirvana of Buddha (June), Birthday of Guru Rinpoche (July), First Sermon of Buddha (August), Blessed Rainy Day, Dashain (October), Coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (November), Birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (November), Lhabab Duchen (November) and National Day (December).

Valleys Of Bhutan, Paro, Bhutan. Photo Credit: VASUKI BELAVADI/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• No independent travel is permitted!
  
• Imposes travelers to a daily fee ($180USD-$290USD/or more) by the local government covering hotel accommodation and tour guide. Entry is free for citizens of Bangladesh, India and the Maldives.
  
• Avoid local dairy products, uncooked foods and tap water.
  
• Neither easily accessible or inexpensive destination.
• Restaurant sanitization does not generally meet our standards. 
  
• No traffic lights in Bhutan.
• Obtain a permit from the Department of Antiquities, as goods over 100 years old are not permitted to leave the country. Receipts recommended!
• Beware of symptoms of altitude sickness.
  
• Consult with your physician for immunizations: hepatitis A, influenza, meningitis, polio booster, typhoid and tetanus/diphtheria.
• It's customary, to only use your right hand to accept anything.
  
• Photography is not permitted in monasteries.
  
• It's not welcomed to sit with your feet pointed towards an elder.
• Never finger point at religious objects and paintings. Rather an open palm.
• Customary to walk clockwise around monastery, monuments and religious artifacts.
• Flights are often delayed due to unpredictable mountain weather.
• Has a continuous disputed border with China.
  
• Homosexual acts is illegal, subject to a punishable prison sentence between one month to under twelve months.
  

Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan. Photo Credit: Melody Goh/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.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Monsoon Season is June - September.

• Best Time to Visit: April - May and October - November
• Coldest Months: December - March
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: March - May and September - November

Chelela Pass, Bhutan. Photo Credit: Pradip Kar/Pixabay 

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

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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