Costa Rica

Costa Rica Flag

Why visit Costa Rica?

A year round destination for travelers to experience adventure sports, birdwatching, beaches, bullfights, casinos, caves, exotic plants, fishing, golf, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, hot springs, mountain biking, natural landscapes, national parks, rainforests, restaurants, rodeos, scuba diving, snorkeling, spas, surfing, volcanoes, white water rafting, wildlife and zip lining.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: JanBartel/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee, coffee liqueur, hand painted feathers, leather goods, macadamia nuts, miniature painted oxcarts, pottery, rum, semi precious stone jewelry, wooden bowls, wood boxes and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try:  Bavaria (beer). Bocas (appetizer). Chicharrón (crispy pork). Ceviche (raw seafood). Gallo Pinto (breakfast). Olla de Carne (stew). Tres Leches (three milks dessert).
• Local Drink to Try: Agua de Pipa (green coconut juice).Agua Dulce (sugar cane water). Guaro (liquor). Imperial (beer). Michelada (beer). Pilsen (beer). Refrescos (local soft drinks). Ron Centenario (rum). Vino de Coyol (wine).

Poás Volcano (Stratovolcano), Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Jonathan Rodríguez/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Until 16th Century (1501-1600), ruled by Spain.
  
• In 1502, shores explored by Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), Italian explorer.
• In 1808, began planting coffee (Coffee Barons). 
  
• In 1847, declared independence.
  
• In 1890, completed San José to Limón port railway.
  
• In 1936, entered for the first time in Summer Olympics.
• In 1949, permanently abolished their military forces reallocating funds towards education and health care services.
  
• In 1980, won in the Winter Olympics.
  
• In 1996, 
  
• In 2010, elected their first female Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President (2010-2014). 
  
• In 2017, National Geographic magazine named them as the happiest country in the world.
  
• Deemed  a leader in ecological conservation.
  
• Is a Free Trade Zones (FTZ) attracting companies and manufacturers.
  
• Was highly rated for deforestation in the world.
• Home to 22 venomous snakes.
• Has six active volcanoes out of fourteen.
  
• Central American Squirrel Monkey, Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, Mantled Howler and Panamanian White Faced Capuchin are all native monkeys.
  
• One of the highest standards of living in Central America.
  
• Large exporter of bananas, coffee and pineapples.
• One of the highest literacy rates in Latin America.
  
• A long standing dispute with Nicaragua dredging and navigation rights about the San Juan River. 
• Only Americas appointing an official religion, Roman Catholicism.  
  
• Birthplace to the most recognizable phrase, "Pura Vida" (Pure Life).
• Home purchase prices are affordable.
• Condiment staple, Salsa Lizano is acidic and slightly sweet compliments many dishes.

Manuel Antonio Beach, Quepos, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Gloriana Anchetta/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Fiestas of Palmares, Fiesta of Santa Cruz, (February) Envision Festival, Fiesta of the Diablitos, National Orchid Show, (July) Dia de la Virgen del Mar, Fiesta of the Virgin of the Sea (October) Carnival of Limon, (December) Carnaval Nacional, Carnival of Desamparados, Festival de la Luz, Las Fiestas de Zapote, Light Festival and El Tope Nacional de Caballos.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Juan Santamaría Day, Labour Day, Guanacaste Day, Virgin of Los Angeles Day, Mother's Day, Independence Day, National Cultures Day and Christmas.

Volcán Irazú National Park, Cartago, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Alex Ip/Unsplash

Good to Know

• "Pura Vida" is often said in greeting.
• Has two seasons, dry summer (December - April) and rainy winter (May -November).
• Has two cruise terminal docks, Puerto Limon and Puntarenas City.
  
• Carry your passport with you at all times.
• Some beaches experience strong rip tides.
• Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria and Zika Virus are present.
• Most roads are in poor condition.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Required Vaccination: Yellow Fever from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

On 10/13/20 Level 3 Reconsider Consider Travel Advisory due to crime.

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

      

      Subject to earthquakes, flash floods, severe landslides, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Herradura, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Area de Conservación Guanacaste World Heritage Site, Cocos Island, La Amistad International Park and Stone Spheres of Costa Rica.

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

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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. 

Congo

Congo Flag

Why visit Congo?

For beaches, historic sites, jungles, markets, natural landscapes, rainforests, tribal culture and waterfalls.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Jewelry, masks, paintings, sculptures, semi precious gems and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Cossa Cossa (river prawns). Loso na Madesu (rice and beans). Madesu (bean stew). Makelele (grasshoppers). Moambe Chicken. Ndakala (dried fish).

Lubumbashi Zoo, Lubumbashi, Congo. Photo Credit: Cherubine Mulangilwa/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1484, Diogo Cão (1450-1486), Portuguese Explorer arrived.
  
• In 1958, established as the Republic of the Congo.
• In 1960, became independent of France.
  
• In 1965, three prominent public officials were kidnapped and two mutilated were found.
• Located on the Equator.
  
• Home to the sixth longest in the world (Congo River).
• First of African country to adopt a law protecting the rights of indigenous people.
• Largely considered to have untapped minerals.
• Largest of forest reserves amongst African countries.
• Exporter of coffee, diamonds, natural gas and palm oil. 
  
• Education is required for youths between 6-16. 
• Agricultural growers of:  cassava, maize, nuts, peas, plantain, rice, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, taro, tomatoes and yam. 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, Labor Day, Reconciliation Day, Independence Day, All Saints' Day, Easter, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Pentecost and Christmas Day.
  

Lola ya Bonobo (Animal Park), Kinshasa, Congo. Photo Credit: tsauquet/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Malnutrition and undernourishment is common.
  
• To avoid bilharzia (parasite) do not swim or wade in freshwater.
• Official language, French.
  
• Armed poachers exist amongst forests and parks.
  
• Healthcare and medical care facilities are extremely limited. 
  
• Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are present. 
  
• Sanitation is considered below our standards.
• During Rainy Season (September - December and February - May) roads become impassable. 
  
• Only use government authorized taxis and negotiate fare before service.
• Public bus service is prone to overcrowding and deemed unsafe to tourists.

Mount Nyiragongo (Stratovolcano), Congo. Photo Credit: Pierre-Yves Burgi/Unsplash 

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 Entry: $5,000,000CFA Exit: $1,000,000CFA.

On 9/28/20 Level 3 Reconsider Travel Advisory due to crime and civil unrest.

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

Rwenzori Mountains, Congo. Photo Credit: Jørgen Christian Wind Nielsen/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Garamba National Park, Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Salonga National Park, Virunga Mountains and Virunga National Park.

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

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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. 

Comoros

Comoros Flag

"Islands of the Moon"

Why visit Comoros?

Affluent traveler seeking a unspoiled paradise destination with beaches, boating, culture, fishing, hiking, lagoon, markets, relaxation, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and volcanos. 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Cloves, embroidery, perfume, silver jewelry, vanilla beans and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Lobster a la Vanille.

Fun Facts

• In 1503, Portuguese arrived.
  
• During 18th Century (1701-1800), warriors arrived destroying crops and killing.
• In 1975, became independent.
  
• From 1997-2001, public education did not exist following loss of funds upon independence.
  
• Has a claim on Mayotte Island.
  
• Native women wear a whitish yellow (paste) beauty mask to improve their skin.
  
• Leading producer of essential oil commonly used in perfume from tropical star shaped flowers  (Ylang Ylang).
• Home to the rarest Comoro Flying Fox (Livingstone's Fruit Bat) only found on Anjouan and Mohéli Islands.
• Deep ocean waters once housed the rare fish of Coelacanth (66 million year old species) known to weigh over 6 feet long and 200 pounds (last caught in 1975).
• Only Arab country located in the Southern Hemisphere.
  
• A myth, a spirit dropped a jewel creating Karthala volcano (Grande Comoro). 
• Historically, supplied goods to ships enroute to India. 
• Triangular shape of Ndzuani Island is caused by mountain chains.
  
• Home to one of the most active volcanoes (Mount Karthala) in the world.
  
• Exports cinnamon, cloves and vanilla.
• Only majority Muslim country in Southern Africa.
  
• Marriage tradition consists of the "little marriage" a intimate and simple legal marriage with inexpensive bride dowry. "Customary" is within the village on a grandiose scale over two weeks with enormous bridal dowry. 
• Has four major islands: Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mayotte and Moheli.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, Cheikh Al Maarouf Day, Labour Day, National Day, Maore Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday and Prophet's Ascension.

Good to Know

• Heavily dependent on foreign grants.
  
• Dress conservatively, avoid shorts or short sleeves.
  
• Official languages are Arabic, Comorian and French.
  
• Restaurant sanizations are commonly below our standards.
• Healthcare and medical facilities are below our standards.
• VISA obtained at the airport are only payable in Comorian Francs or Euros.
• Same-sex sexual acts are illegal and punisbable up to five years in prison and a $2,300USD fine.
  
• Currents and beach riptides can be strong.
• Credit cards are not widely accepted.
  
• Power outages are common.
• Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria and Rabies are present.
  
• Roads tends to be curvy and narrow.
• International Driving Permit required. Drivers and front seat passengers required to wear a seatbelt.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required, available upon arrival.
  

Monsoon Season is December - April.

• Best Time to Visit: May - October
• Coolest Month: July - September
• Hottest Months: January - February

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. 

Colombia

Colombia Flag

"Gateway to South America" 

Why visit Colombia?

Adventurous travelers seeking beaches, boating, canoeing, colonial villages, culture, deserts, festivals, fishing, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, jungles, kayaking, mountains, national parks, rafting, rainforests, restaurants, rock climbing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, volcanos and wildlife.

Bogotá (Capital), Colombia. Photo Credit: German Rojas/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Ceramic toy vehicles, coffee, emeralds, hammocks, straw goods, hats and wool poncho.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Ajiaco (soup). Almojábana (bread). Arepas (corn cakes). Bandeja Paisa. Buñuelos (fried dough ball). Carimañola (meat pie). Chicharron (fried pork rind). Cuchuco (soup). Hormegas Culonas (roasted ants). Sancocho de Gallina (chicken soup). Ternera llanera (BBQ).
• Local Drink to Try: Aguapanela (sugar cane juice). Chapil. Cholado (fruit juice). Lulada (fruit juice). Colombiana (champagne soda). Colombian Coffee.
  

Mesa de Los Santos ( Eastern Cordillera), Los Santos, Colombia. Photo Credit: Jorge Guillen/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Since 12,000BCE, inhabited.
  
• In 1499, Spanards arrived (La Guajira).
• In 1525, Santa Marta founded.
  
• In 1533, Cartagena founded.
  
• In 1810, became independent.
  
• During 1900's, a 632 carat emerald was discovered (Boyaca).
  
• In 1903, Panama severed from them.
  
• Mid 1970s, drug cartels largely exported cocaine, illegal drugs and marijuana. 
  
• In 1992, Miguel Caballero, Designer founded Miguel Caballero S.A.S. (Bogotá) after his graduation project. Fashionable bullet protection garments used by the military and presidents.
  
• In 2017, bomb at Andino Shopping Center (Bogota) killed three.
  
• In 2018, a driver and two journalists were kidnapped and killed.
  
• In 2019, a car bomb (Bogota) killed 22 and injured 68.
  
• Compared to any other country, it has the most bird species.
• Known for the highest rainfall in a year's span (Quibdo).
• Our nation's largest importer of coal and flowers.
• World's leading producer of emeralds.
  
• Name derives from Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), Italian Explorer.
• Part of the Ring of Fire subject to earthquakes and volcanoes. 
  
• One of six countries with renewable freshwater supply.
• Second most biodiverse country in the world.
  
• Country with the most butterfly species.
• First country with the highest number of orchid species.
  
• Birthplace to the first external artificial pacemaker with internal electrodes and laser vision correction (LASIK).
  
• Amongst the Americas oldest collection of archeological art.
• Home to "The New Salsa Capital of the World" (Cali).
• Considered the world's largest consumers of fruit juices.
  
• Produces 11.5 billion of coffee beans annually.

Cartagena (Caribbean Coast Port City), Colombia. Photo Credit: viajeminuto/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Cartagena Festival Internacional de Música, Hay Festival, Festival de La Panela, Carnavales de Ocaña, Carnaval de Blancos y Negros, Festival de la Miel, Fiesta de las Corralejas, Carnaval de Riosucio, Pubenza Festivities, (February) Carnaval de Barranquilla, Festival del Corrido Llanero, Festival de la Subienda, Carnaval del Fuego, (March) Carnaval del Fuego, Exposición Internacional de Orquídeas, Festival de Música Religiosa, Festival de la Canción Llanera, Cartagena Film Festival, (April) Festival de Luna Verde, Festival Internacional de la Leyenda Vallenata, Festival del Cangrejo, Festival de Cine Eurocine, Vallenato Legend Festival, (May) Festival de Interpretes de la Canción Mono Nuñez, Fiestas del San Pedro y Festival del Bunde Tolimense, Festival de la Cultura Wayuú, Festival de la Cachama, Festival de la Arepa de Huevo, Baum Festival, (June) Festival del Mono Nuñez, Festival Folclorico y Reinado Nacional del Bambuco, Festival Folclórico del Caqueta, Festival Internacional de Tango, Festival Nacional del Porro, Festival Folclórico, Festival del Mango, Festival y Reinado del Divivi, Festival Internacional de Jazz, National Festival of the Dividivi, (July) Festival de la Feijoa, Fiestas del Mar, Festival del Sol y del Acero, Festival de la Cumbia, International Poetry Festival of Medellín, (August) Festival de Verano, Festival de Tiple y la Guabina, Festival de Cometas, Festival de la Bahía, Boyacá International Cultural Festival, Harvest Festival of Pereira,Bogotá Film Festival, (September) Boyacá International Cultural Festival, Festival Latinoamericano de Teatro, Festival de la Talla en Piedra, Festival de Música Folclórica, Festival Cuna de Acordeones, Green Moon Festival, Festival de la Trova, Festival Internacional del Jazz del Teatro Libre, Estéreo Picnic Festival, (October) Festival de Cine, Festival Nacional de Gaitas, Festival Latinoamericano de Danzas Folclóricas, Festival y Reinado Nacional del Carbón, Jeep Parade, (November) Festival Internacional Folclórico y Turístico del Llano, Festival del Caballo, Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente, (December) Festival de Arte "Memoria e Imaginacion", Festival de Luces, Candles & Lanterns Festival, Joropo National Festival, and Fiesta de Velas y Faroles. 
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Easter Sunday, Saint Joseph's Day, Good Friday, Labour Day, Ascension of Jesus, Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart, Saint Peter & Saint Paul, Declaration of Independence, Battle of Boyacá, Assumption of Mary, Columbus Day, All Saints’ Day, Immaculate Conception and Christmas.
  

Urrao, Colombia. Photo Credit: William Pomares/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Airport Inspectors do not usually speak English.
  
• There's no passenger rail service. 
  
• Avoid all demonstrations/protests.
  
• Avoid using street ATM instead use indoors at banks (protected area).
• Colombian Law forbids export of pre-Columbian goods.
  
• Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria, Yellow Fever and Zika are present.
• Children under 10 are not permitted to sit in the front seat of vehicles.
• Colombian Law requires motorists to remain at an accident without moving vehicles until the police arrive.
  
• Due to rough seas between December - January small tourist boats are known to sink along the northern coast.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (Fortress), Cartagena, Colombia. Photo Credit: miguelmontesc/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

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

On August 4, 2020 Level 4 Do Not Travel Advisory due to crime, kidnapping and terrorism.

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

Tayrona National Park, Magdalena, Colombia. Photo Credit: andresmauricioconde/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chiribiquete National Park "The Maloca of the Jaguar", Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox, Los Katíos National Park, Malpelo Fauna & Flora Sanctuary, National Archeological Park of Tierradentro, Port Fortresses & Group of Monuments Cartagena, Qhapaq Ñan Andean Road System and San Agustín Archaeological Park.   

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

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LnkedIn  Pinterest  Slack  Twitter 

"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. 

China

China Flag

Why visit China?

Adventurous affluent traveler seeking beaches, bicycling, birdwatching, boating, culture, exotic foods, golf, hiking, horseback riding, hot springs, lakes, landscapes, markets, mountains, nature reserves, rainforests, rock climbing, sailing, scuba diving, shopping, shrines, skiing, snorkeling, spas and wildlife.

Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China. Photo Credit: Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, chopsticks, cinnabar box, electronics, embroidery linens, ink stones, jade, perfume, porcelain, prayer wheels, silk, stone carvings, tea and watches.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bing (bread). Dàzhǔ Gānsī (soup). Jiaozi (dumplings). Làzǐ Jī (stir fried chicken). Lion's Head (meatball soup). Mantou (steamed buns). Moon Cake (dessert). Peking Duck. 
• Local Drink to Try: Baijiu (liquor). Huangjiu (yellow wine). Oolong Tea.  

(Night) Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, Kaili, China. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1516, appeared in Duarte Barbosa, Portuguese Explorer journal.
• In 2008, hosted the Olympics (Beijing).
• In 2013, the government announced their child policy permitting more than one child, limitations with labor and re-education camps.
  
• In 2019, their population was around 1.4 billion.
  
• In 2019, birthplace of the COVID-19 pandemic (Wuhan). 
• Bordered by fourteen countries and longest border in the world.
  
• Chinese written language has over 40,000 characters.
  
• The color of gift wrapping paper is known to offer a symbolic meaning: red (luck), white (only for funerals) and yellow (prosperity). 
• Married women do not typically take their spouses surname.
• Has the largest manufacturing economy in the world.
  
• Home to the most Fortune Global 500 companies.
• Recognized for largest defense budget, standing army and nuclear weapons.
• Biggest hydroelectric power and wind power producer.
  
• World's largest producer of eggplant, grapes, rice, spinach, tomatoes, watermelon and wheat. 
  
• Glaciers melting in the Himalayas will lead to local water shortages.
  
• Mount Everest (Nepal) is the highest point in the world.
• World's largest exporter of goods and green tea. 
  
• Has three of the largest stock exchanges in world marketing over $15.9 trillion (2019).
• Compared to any other country, it has the most PhD engineer graduates.
• Has their own satellite navigation system.
• Was the third largest supplier of pharmaceuticals until counterfeit medications circulated.
• Home of the tallest statue, Spring Temple Buddha (Henan).
• Largest cinema market in the world.
  
• One of the oldest sporting cultures, archery dated from Western Zhou (772 BC-1047BC).
• Surrogacy is forbidden (by law).
• Highest population of billionaires and millionaires.
• Compared to any other country, it has the most UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Great Wall of China, Beijing, China. Photo Credit: enriquelopezgarre/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Chinese Football Association Footballer of the Year, (February) Lantern Festival, (March) Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, (April) China Baseball League, Qingming Festival, Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival, (May) Being Globally Responsible Conference, China Touring Car Championship, Midi Music Festival, (June) China International Copyright Expo, Dragon Boat Festival, Duanwu Festival, Hush Full Band Festival, Lychee & Dog Meat Festival, (July) China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference, Qingdao International Beer Festival, Shanghai International Film Festival, (August) Sho Dun Festival, (September) Beijing Pop Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, (October) Asian Film Awards, Double Ninth Festival, Shanghai Fashion Week, (November) Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival and (December) Hong Kong Top Footballer Awards.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Labour Day and National Day.

Shanghai, China. Photo Credit: Steven Yu/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• You must register at a hotel or police station within 24 hours of arrival to avoid a fine or deportation.
  
• Avoid wearing a green hat in public. Folklore gestures your partner is having an extramarital affair.
• Greet with a slight bow or nod of the head.
  
• Social media accounts are widely monitored while in the country.
  
• Air and water pollution poses a concern.
• Local law requires you to carry your passport and visa with you at all times.
• Public transportation is prone to overcrowding.
• Bargain on prices set on goods.
• Visitors are often under surveillance during stay with or without your consent or knowledge.
  
• English is not widely spoken or understood.
• Throughout the country only has one time zone, China Standard Time (CST).
  
• Avoid all demonstrations/protests for safety reasons.
• Avoid unlicensed cabs.
  
• Counterfeit currency is significantly an issue.
  
• Illegal drugs and marijuana are not tolerated. Subject to being banned, death penalty, deportation, hefty fines and/or incarnation. Also, driving under the influence (alcohol) is punishable. 
  
• Influenza, Typhoid, Measles, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis are present.
• Pedestrians do not have the right of way even in walkways.
  
• You can not drive with an International or U.S Driver License.

Li River (Li Jiang), Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $20,000RMB.

Photo Credit: lin2015/Pixabay 

Typhoon Season is July - October.

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

Karst Mountain Landscape, Yangshuo (Guangxi Region), China. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains, Ancient City of Pingyao, Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui Xidi & Hongcun, Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, Capital Cities & Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom, Chengde Mountain Resort & Outlying Temples in Chengde, Chengjiang Fossil Site, China Danxia, Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, Dazu Rock Carvings, Fanjingshan, Fujian Tulou, Grand Canal, Historic Centre of Macau, Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace including the Jokhang Temple & Norbulingka, Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth” , Huanglong Scenic & Historic Interest Area, Hubei Shennongjia, Imperial Palaces of the Ming & Qing Dynasties including the Forbidden City and Mukden Palace, Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties including the Ming Tombs and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic & Historic Interest Area, Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, Kulangsu: Historic International Settlement, Longmen Grottoes, Lushan National Park, Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea - Bohai Gulf of China, Mogao Caves, Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Mount Huangshan, Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Mount Tai, Mount Wutai, Mount Wuyi, Old Town of Lijiang, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, Qinghai Hoh Xil, Sanqingshan, Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, Silk Roads: Routes Network of Chang'an - Tianshan Corridor, Site of Xanadu, South China Karst, Summer Palace, Temple & Cemetery of Confucius & the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Temple of Heaven, The Great Wall, Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, Tusi Sites, West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, Wulingyuan Scenic & Historic Interest Area, Xinjiang Tianshan, Yinxu, Yungang Grottoes and Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.  

(Terracotta Army) Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, Xi'an, China. Photo Credit:  broquitos/Pixabay 

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

Dujiangyan Irrigation System (Canal), Chengdu, China. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

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