Central African Republic

Central African Republic

Why visit Central African Republic?

For art, jungles, missionary, tribal culture, tropical rainforest, waterfalls and wildlife.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Butterfly artwork, handmade greeting cards, malachite necklaces, masks and wood carvings.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Fulani Boullie (porridge). Kanda Ti Nyma (spicy meatballs).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Banana Wine. Ginger Beer. Karkanji (hibiscus flower).
  

Fun Facts

• In 1885, Belgians, French and Germans arrived.
  
• In 1894, France seized Ubangi-Shari.
  
• Late 19th Century (1801-1900), ruled by France.
• In 1960, became independent.
• In 1972, Jean-Bédel Bokassa (1921-1996), self declared himself as the President for Life.
  
• Offers significant natural resources: arable land, cobalt, crude oil, gold, diamonds, hydropower, lumber and uranium.
• One of few African countries to officially have an African Language, Sango.
  
• Cash crop exporter of coffee and cotton. Greatest export is diamonds.
• Agricultural growers of cassava, maize, millet, peanuts, plantain, sorghum and sesame.
• Education is free and required from 6-14 year olds.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, Boganda Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension, Whit Monday, General Prayer Day, Independence Day, Assumption, All Saints Day, Republic Day and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Sanitation is below standards.
• Lacks medical care and treatment.  
• Amongst top ten poorest countries in the world.
  
• Avoid wearing shorts in public.
• It's offensive to locals eating with your left hand.
• Avoid conversations or mentions about France.
• There is no rail service.
  
• During Rainy Season (May - October) roads are often flooded and impassable.
• Many missionary groups operate here.
  
• Only toll roads are paved.
• Local law requires that you carry your passport with you at all times.
• Avoid all demonstrations/protests.
  
• Do not photograph airports, government buildings, police or military.
• Same sex "public expression of love" is punishable with six months - two years in prison a fine.
• HIV, Meningococcal meningitis, Malaria, Rabies, Schistosomiasis and Tuberculosis are present.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Vaccination Required: Yellow Fever. 

On 8/31/20 listed as a Level 4 - Do Not Travel Travel Advisory.

• Best Time to Visit: December - April
• Coolest Month: July
• Hottest Month: February 
• Peak Season: June - August

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park and Sangha Trinational.

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

Canada

Canada Flag

"Great White North"

Why visit Canada?

A year round destination offers something for everyone whether seeking art, boating, camping, canoeing, culture, fishing, galleries, gardens, hiking, hunting, kayaking, islands, lakes, mountains, museums, national parks, nightlife, northern lights, picturesque landscapes, rockies, sailing, skiing, snow sports. volcanoes, waterfalls, water sports. white water rafting, wilderness and wildlife. 

Moraine Lake (Banff National Park), Alberta, Canada. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Maple Butter, Maple Syrup and Tuques (knit cap).
• Local Cuisine to Try: Butter Tarts (dessert). Montreal-Style Bagels. Nanaimo Bars (dessert). Nova Scotian Donair (kebab).Oreilles de crisse (fried pork skin). Peameal Bacon. Poutine (gravy fries). Rappie Pie (grated potatoes). Smoked Salmon.
• Local Drink to Try: Canadian Beer. Red Rose Tea. Newfoundland Screech (rum). Yukon Jack (liquor).

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Photo Credit: Neil Morrell/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Around 1000AD, Leif Erikson, Norse Explorer from Iceland arrived (Newfoundland).
  
• In 1497, John Cabot, Italian Explorer arrived claiming on behalf of King Henry VII (1457-1509) of England.
  
• In 1534, Jacques Cartier (1491-1557), French Explorer arrived claiming on behalf of King Francis I (1494-1547) of France.
• In 1583, Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) founded St John, Newfoundland.
  
• During 

  17th Century (

  1601-1700), fur trade battles occurred (Beaver Wars).
• In 1603, Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635), French Explorer arrived to establish settlements in Port Royal and Quebec City.

• During 18th Century (

  1701-1800), first evident use of the maple leaf.
• In 1769, St John's Island became a Colony (Prince Edward Island).
  
• In 1775, the eruption of Tseax Cone (volcano) killed thousands.
  
• In 1791, became British colonies (Upper Canada and Lower Canada).
• In 1867, legally called London Conference.
• In 1949, the Dominion of Newfoundland joined as a province.
• In 1980, officially adopted the national anthem, "O Canada".
• In 1985, Air India Flight 182 disgrinted mid air on an outbound return (Montreal).
• In 1989, engineering school mass shooting (Montreal).  
• In 2007, in collaboration with other countries is developing vaccines for under developed countries ($1.5 billion project).     
  
• Has the world's longest bi-national land border.
  
• Saint John (New Brunswick), oldest incorporated city.
  
• Second largest country in the world.
  
• World's most fresh waters, featuring over 2,000,000 lakes.
• Considered one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
  
• Highest level of internet users compared to other countries.
• Birthplace of the alkaline battery, atomic nucleus structure and polio vaccine.
• American Sign Language (ASL) is used in primary and secondary schools.
  
• Birthplace to several recognizable names: Alice Ann Munro, Author (Nobel Prize); Céline Marie Claudette Dion, Musician; Franklin Carmichael (1890-1945), Artist; James Eugene Carrey, Actor; Justin Beiber, Musician; Margaret Atwood, Poet and Thomas John Thomson (1877-1917), Artist.
• Official national sports are ice hockey and lacrosse.
  
• Bag milk (vs jugs) is common in some areas.
  
• Has approximately 52,455 islands, most popular to visit: Baffin Island, Cape Breton Island, Fogo Island, Haida Gwaii, Magdalene Island, Manitoulin Island, Prince Edward Island, Sable Island, Spirit Island, Thousand Islands, Toronto Islands and Vancouver Island.

Science World (Museum), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Photo Credit: ArtTower/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Animethon, (February) Ceremony of the Flags, Women's Memorial March, (March) Vancouver Fashion Week, (April) Pwn2Own, World Ski & Snowboard Festival, (May) Anime North, Canada Wide Science Fair, Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards, Canadian Tulip Festival, Science Rendezvous, Tokers Bowl, (June) L'International des Feux Loto, Mr World Canada, Red River Exhibition, Scarboro Fair, (July) A Taste of Edmonton, Celebration of Light, Fortissimo Sunset Ceremony, (August) Anime Evolution, Animaze Montreal International Film Festival, Boots & Hearts Music Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival, GlobalFest, (September) Canadian International Air Show, Golden Tap Awards (GTA), London International Hot Air Balloon Festival, Vancouver Fashion Week, We Day, (October) BOLDfest, Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest, Ride for Refuge, (December) Conference of Montreal, Expozine and Rise Up Conference.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, Christmas Day, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Civic Holiday, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day and Boxing Day.

(Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights),Yellowknife, Canada. Photo Credit: libbycalnon/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Official languages, English and French.
• If you have a criminal record you may not be able to enter without “approval for rehabilitation” first.
• Cannabis is illegal, subject to permanently being banned and imprisonment.
  
• Avoid driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving while ability-impaired or and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and cannabis both are strictly forbidden.
  
• Aurora borealis (northern lights) are best seen between December - February.

Vancouver City, British Columbia, Canada. Photo Credit: Chris1007/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with validity for three months upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 180 days.

Canadian Rockies, British Columbia, Canada. Photo Credit: Pixabay

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

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada. Photo Credit: Christophe Schindler/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Gros Morne National Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Historic District of Old Québec, Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Kluan/Wrangell-St Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek, L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Landscape of Grand-Pré, Miguasha National Park, Mistaken Point, Nahanni National Park, Old Town Lunenburg, Pimachiowin Aki, Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, Rideau Canal, SGang Gwaay, Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, Wood Buffalo National Park and Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai'pi.

Québec City, Québec, Canada. Photo Credit: Beenerm/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. 

Cameroon

Cameroon Flag

"Africa in Miniature"

Why visit Cameroon?

Affluent adventurous traveler seeking beaches, coastal plains, coffee plantations, culture, deserts, game parks, grasslands, history, jungle rivers, mountains, rainforest, savannas and volcanic highlands.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, beadwork, brassware, ceramics, copper statues, embroidery, engraved abbia stones, glass beads, leather goods, masks, pottery, wood carvings and wood sculpture.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Kati Kati (grilled chicken). Koki Fritter (black-eyed peas). Kondreh (stewed plantains). Mbongo'o Tjobi (spicy soup). Ndolé (stewed nuts).
• Local Drink to Try: 33 Export (lager beer). Odontol (palm wine).

Mount Cameroon (Cameroon Mountain or Fako), South West Region, Cameroon. Photo Credit: rem734/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1472, Portuguese sailors arrived.
  
• In 1884, became a German colony.
  
• In 1919, France integrated infrastructure and skilled worker improvements.
  
• In 1960, parts became independent.
  
• In 1972, abandoned federation.
  
• Since 1982, Paul Biya has been President.
  
• In 1986, a cloud of carbon dioxide seeping from underground springs killed thousands.
  
• In 1999, Mt Cameroon (volcano) erupted twice.
  
• In 2000, won a gold medal in the Olympics (Sydney, Australia).
• In 2008, transport union strike (Douala) was the worst violent protests. 
  
• In 2017, open warfare about the Ambazonian state  from the English-speaking territories (Northwest and Southwest regions).
  
• In 2018, declared victory against Boko Haram (Nigeria) ignited by the Chibok Schoolgirls Kidnapping wake.
• Since 2019, guerrillas and government forces continue to fight.
  
• In lieu of taxi fare or food payment a special bottle cap (valid for a free beer exchange) is used.
• Erected a self declared state, Ambazonia not internationally recognized.
  
• Has over 250 native languages.
• Portuguese referred to Wouri River "Rio dos Camarões" (Shrimp River).
  
• Since achieving independence there have only been two Presidents in office, elected by popular vote every seven years.
  
• One of the highest school attendance rates amongst Africa.
  
• Production of cocoa often includes Child Labor (5-14).
  
• A prevalent cultural tradition on girls is breast ironing performed by a close female figure using hard or heated objects to stunt breast development. In efforts, to prevent being forced into early marriage, rape or sexual harassment. Usually performed around dusk or dawn practice ranging from a week to months.
• Agriculturally grows bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, groundnuts, oil palms, rice, rubber, sugar, tea and tobacco.
• Witchcraft is widely believed, suspected witches endure violence.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Race of Hope, (July) Nyem-Nyem Festival, (August) Culture Week, (November) African Theater Festival (FATEJ) and (December) Ngondo Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Youth Day, Labour Day, National Day, Assumption Day, Christmas Day, Good Friday, Ascension Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Mawlid.

Bessengue, Douala, Cameroon. Photo Credit: Edouard TAMBA/Unsplash 

Good to Know

• Register with the embassy upon arrival.
  
• Be tolerant and anticipate delays and inconveniences.
  
• Corruption is known to exist in all levels of government.
  
• Known to circulate counterfeit currency.
  
• Bandits target tourists. Roadblocks are common to collect traveler bribes.
  
• Avoid all demonstrations/protests.
  
• Do not swim or wade in fresh water to avoid bilharzia (parasite).
  
• Tumbu Flies lays eggs in moist/wet clothing once hatched larvae burrows into your skin. Ironing will kill any larvae.
  
• During Dry Season (July - October) it's very dusty.
  
• During Rainy Season (April - November) roads become impassable.
• Do not walk barefoot to avoid fungus infections and worms.
  
• To avoid camera confiscation and permit disputes (as not required) obtain a copy Cameroon Photography Regulations (Yaounde).
• Do not buy animal skins, it's illegal customs reentry.
  
• Never step into a prayer circle.
  
• Rail service available between major towns. However, it's recommended to avoid all travel by public transportation for safety reasons.
• Official languages are English and French.
• English-speaking people are often discriminated against.
  
• Same-sex sexual acts is banned, punishable from 6 months - 5 years in prison.
  
• Cholera, Dengue Fever, Filariasis, HIV/AIDS, Leishmaniasis, Malaria, Meningococcal Meningitis, Polio, Schistosomiasis, Sleeping Sickness and Tuberculosis are present.
• Discrimination and violance is common against common.
  
• Terrorist organizations, Boko Haram and ISIS actively exist.
  
• Avoid using credit cards and ATM's. Cash is widely used (Central African franc (XAF),  Euros and U.S. dollars is accepted).
• Customs strictly enforces all import and export regulations on goods.
  

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 Required: Yellow Fever. 
• Currency Restrictions for Exit: $3,000,000XAF/+.

(School Classroom), Cameroon. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

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

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bidzar, Diy-Gid-Biy, Dja Faunal Reserve and Sangha Trinational.

(Fishing Village), Cameroon. Photo Credit: u_3njs8uaf/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. 

Cambodia

Cambodia Flag

Why visit Cambodia?

Adventurous traveler seeking ancient temples, archaeological exhibits, art deco, beaches, bicycling, birdwatching, casinos, culture, golf, historic buildings, jungles, monuments, mountains and temples.

(Iconic Tree: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), Unnamed Road, Ta Prohm, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo Credit: James Wheeler/Unsplash

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Candles, ceramics, lacquerware, painted rice wine bottles, scarf, silver plate, soap, spices and wood carvings.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Kdam Chha Mrech Kampot (stir-fried crab). Khor (stew). Kuy Teav (rice soup). Num Banh Chok (rice noodle). Samlar Kakou (soup). Samlar Kari (chicken curry).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Bia Angkor (beer). Rice Wine. Sombai (liqueur). Sra Thnaot Chu (sugar palm wine). Te Khiev (green tea).
  

(Rice Harvest), Cambodia. Photo Credit: Sasin Tipchai/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 802AD, Jayavarman II declared himself king until his death (835AD).
  
• In 1511, Porteguese were known to consider them as flourishing wealth and foreign trade (Longvek).
  
• From 1863-1953, was a protectorate of France.
  
• In 1953, became independent from France.
  
• In 1956, participated in equestrian during the Summer Olympic Games (Melbourne, Australia). 
  
• From 1969-1973, bombed by the United States.
  
• In 1978, invaded by Vietnamese troops.
  
• In 1983,  last recorded sighting of their national animal, wild ox (kouprey).
  
• Since 1985, Hun Sen, Prime Minister, is the longest serving non-royal leader (in Southeast Asia) and plans to continue until age 74.
• Until 1995, judges and lawyers were considered "class enemies" and killed. 
• In 1998, was their last official census recorded.
  
• In 2004, $504 million was pledged from donors.
  
• Eyes are painted on riverboats to scare crocodiles.
  
• One of the highest per capita rates of amputation in the world due to land mines.
  
• In the highlands, people of the Hill Tribe were often sought after by Annamites (Vietnamese) and Siamese (Thai) as slaves.
• Deforestation is rampid due to illegal loggings and land grabbing,
  
• Consistently ranks as one of the most corrupt governments.
  
• Forced land evictions and confiscation is practiced by officials.
  
• Major exporter of fish, garments, rice, rubber and timber.
• Many tourist souvenirs are imported from: China, Thailand and Vietnam.
  
• Agriculturally grows: cassava, dry beans, groundnuts, maize, sesame seeds, soybeans and sweet potatoes.
• Cyclos are unique to the country, cyclists sit behind the passenger seat.
  
• Amongst the Greater Mekong Subregion the female population exceeds the male population (1:6).
• Official language is Khmer. Chinese, French, and Vietnamese are also spoken. English is widely taught in higher education.
  
• Has approximately 4,392 monastery temples.
  
• Traditional krama garment offers versatile uses whether for: bandanna, decorative, face cover, hammock (for children) or scarf.
  
• Coffee beans are often roasted in butter, pork fat (or rum) and sugar which likely differs from your taste buds.
• Microbreweries are slowly expanding in the region.
  
• Women traditionally  are to "walk lightly" with cultural expectations to be caregivers, faithful, financial controllers, modest, soft-spoken, spousal advisors and well-mannered.

Bayon Temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo Credit: stokpic/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Chinese New Year Festival, Hei Neak Ta, (February) Meak Bochea, Siem Reap Puppet Parade, (April) Qingming Festival, (September) Mid Autumn Festival, Silkworm Festival.
  (November) Cambodian Water & Moon Festival and Kite Flying Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Genocide Day, International Women's Day, Khmer New Year, Visak Bochea, Labour Day, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday, Queen Mother's Birthday, Constitution Day, Pchum Ben, Commemoration Day of King's Father, Coronation Day of King Sihamoni and Independence Day.

Floating Village of Kompong Phluk, Cambodia. Photo Credit: Sharon Ang/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Rivers commonly flood during the Rainy Season (June - October).
• Many land mines remain undiscovered, estimated between 4 - 6 million.
  
• Angkor (capital) charges a daily Visitor Fee.
  
• Restaurant sanitization is below our standard.
• Entry requires two passport-sized (4cmx6cm) photographs.
  
• Known to suffer with high rate of hunger, low human development, pervasive corruption, political freedoms and widespread poverty.
• Avoid public affection.
• Driving requires a Cambodian Drivers License, the International Driver License is not valid.
• High crime rate targeting tourists.
  
• Border disputes exist with Thailand concerning maritime boundaries and offshore islands, particular interest to natural gas and oil deposits.
  
• Traffic accidents and deaths are high compared to other countries.
  
• While practiced, prostitution is illegal!
• Criticisms or insults about the Monarchy is illegal between 1-5 years in prison.
  
• Credit cards are not widely accepted, the U.S. dollar however ripped or torn bills are not.
  
• Your camera could be confiscated for photographing airfields, bridges, government buildings or military.
  
• Medical facilities do not meet international standards. Over-the-counter medications is limited.
  
• Dengue, Malaria and Tuberculosis are present.

Phnom Penh (Capitol), Cambodia. Photo Credit: allPhoto Bangkok/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA is required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD (Export of local currency is prohibited.)

Monsoon Season is June - October.

• Best Time to Visit: November - February
• Coolest Months: March - April
• Hottest Months: March - May
• Peak Season: November - February

Royal Palace (Residence), Chey Chumneas, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo Credit: Simon Steinberger/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Angkor, Temple of Preah Vihear and Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura.

Angkor Wat (Temple), Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo Credit: Pexels/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

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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.