Ecuador

Ecuador Flag 

"Ecuador Ama la Vida" 

Why visit Ecuador?

Known for adventure sports, beaches, birdwatching, cathedrals, colonial architecture, festivals, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, markets, folk music, mountain biking, mountain climbing, museums, rafting, rain forests, snorkeling, thermal springs, volcanoes, and water sports.

Quito (Capital) Ecuador. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amerindian belts, handwoven shawls, Panama hat, ponchos, pottery, silver jewelry, straw goods, wood carvings, and wool sweaters.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Fanesca (soup). Hornado (roast pig). llapingachos (potato ball).  Seco de Chivo (goat stew).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Canelazo (hot cocktail). Pinol (hot drink).
  

 

Pichincha, Ecuador. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• During 17th Century (1601-1700), a few slaves swam to shore from a shipwreck migrated through the jungle where they lived freely and practiced their culture of origin.
• In 1797, the Riobamba earthquake killed 40,000 people.
• In 1820, became independent of Spain.
  
• In 1832, defeated by New Granada since Armed Forces since militants were rebellious angry unpaid veterans from Venezuela and Colombia.
• In 1851, abolished slavery and freed them.
  
• In 2003, Jefferson Leonardo Pérez Quezada (1974), Race Walker Atlete set the World Championships.
• In 2019, during the Giro d'Italia race Richard Antonio Carapaz Montenegro (1993), Professional Cyclist won.
  
• Juan José Flores y Aramburu (1800-1864), a Venezuelan born Military General served as their first, third and fourth President earning the nickname, "The Founder of the Republic".
  
• First South America country to adopt the U.S. Dollar as its official currency.
  
• Chimborazo Volcano is the closest spot on Earth to the Sun.
  
• Citizens between 18-65 are required to vote by law.
  
• Has four main geographic regions: La Costa ("the coast"), La Sierra ("the highlands"), La Amazonía ("the east") and La Región Insular (comprising Galápagos Islands).
  
• Cotopaxi is one of the world's highest active volcanoes.
  
• First country to constitute and recognize the rights of nature.
  
• Largely exports bananas and cocoa.
• Children are required to attend school until achieving a "basic level of education" (roughly nine school years).
  
• Quito Astronomical Observatory (Quito) is South America's oldest observatory.
  

Cotopaxi (Stratovolcano), Andes Mountains, Ecuador. Photo Credit:  Marisa04/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Jondachi Fest, (February) Carnival, (March) Mushak Nina, (April) Fiesta de Kasama, Fiesta Agricola, Fiesta de Chonta, (May) Fiesta de la Chirimoya, Battle of Pichincha, (June) Fiestas de San Juan, Fiestas de San Pedro, Inti Raymi, (July) Founders Day, Paseo de Chagras, (September) Fiesta del Yamor,  Fiesta de Jora, Fiesta del Maiz, Fiesta de Mama Negra, Tarpuy Raymi, (October) Cacería del Zorro and Dia de los Difuntos.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Carnival, Good Friday, International Workers' Day, Battle of Pichincha, Declaration of Independence of Quito, Independence of Guayaquil, All Souls' Day, Independence of Cuenca and Christmas Day.

Puerto López (Ecuadorian Manabí Province), Ecuador. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• By law, you are required to have possession of your passport at all times with you.
  
• Law prohibits articles and media messages which favor or disfavor political messages or candidates.
  
• Public protests are subject to eight years in prison.
  
• Colombian Guerrillas are known to infiltrate themselves.
  
• Credit card “skimming” is known to occur.
  
• Crime is a widespread problem.
  
• “Spiritual Cleanse” containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen, is illegal in the United States.
  
• Limited decompression facilities for scuba divers.
  
• Prevalent diseases: Chagas Disease, Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Yellow Fever and Zika.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Armed criminals are known to board public transportation buses and rob passengers.

Cuenca, Ecuador. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.

Peguche Waterfalls, Otavalo, Ecuador. Photo Credit: Felipe Lopez/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: June - September 
• Coldest Month: March
• Hottest Month: September 
• Peak Season: December - January & June - September

Malchingui, Ecuador. Photo Credit: Alejandro Miranda/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: City Museum (Quito), Cuenca, Galápagos Islands, Inca Road System, Quito, San Juan de Dios Hospital (Quito) and Sangay National Park.

Ibarra (Imbabura Province), Ecuador. Photo Credit: Marcelo Trujillo/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.

Djibouti

Djibouti Flag

Why visit Djibouti?

Known for beaches, culture, desert landscape, duty-free shopping, historical sites, petrified forests, scuba diving, snorkeling and volcanic formations.

Ras Bir Beach, Obock, Djibouti. Photo Credit: Joëlle Ortet/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amber jewelry, hookah pipes, knives, leather goods and wood sculptures. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Dromedary Tibs (camel hump). Garoobey (porridge). Lahoh (spongy bread). Sambus (fried pastry).  

Fun Facts

• Palaeoloxodon Recki Elephant remains have been discovered dating from 1.4 million years BCE.
  
• Tools used to open shells have been discovered dating from 6,000 years ago (Devil's Island). 
• Antelopes and giraffe rock art has been found (Balho and Dorra).
  
• Historically traded hides and skins for perfumes and spices of ancient China, Egypt, and India.
  
• Projected over the next few million years, a new sea could divide the Horn of Africa (South of Djibouti) from the main continent.
• Home to the saltiest bodies of water in the world (Lake Assal).
  
• Port of Djibouti is the largest refueling station (Red Sea and Indian Ocean) used by U.S. Naval Ships.
•  United States Central Command leases Camp Lemonnier for $63 million annually until 2034.
  
• Fruits and vegetables are imported due to the lack of rain.
  

Lac Abbe, Djibouti. Photo Credit: Lesly Derksen/Unsplash 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (July) Ramadan and (December) Fest’Horn.
  
• Holidays: New Year, Labour Day, Independence Day, Birthday of Muhammad, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Their Infrastructure makes it difficult to travel independently.
  
• Arabic and French are the official languages.
  
• Weekends are considered Friday and Saturday.
  
• Most souvenirs are from Ethiopia and Kenya.
  
• Airport criminals are known to use travelers' luggage tag information to present themselves as pre-arranged drivers. 
  
• Healthcare and medical care facilities are limited. 
• It's illegal to photograph bridges, government buildings, infrastructure, military installations, military personnel, mosques, public buildings, religious sites or seaports.
  
• Sanitation is considered below our standards.
• Do not drink the tap water!
• Poverty is relevant and visible.
• Never use your passport as a security deposit. Avoid photocopy requests.
• Prevalent diseases include: Cholera, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Typhoid. 
• Avoid wearing shorts in public. Dress conservatively.
• Land mines are known to exist.
  
• Security Forces are known to make illegal arrests.
  
• Tensions along the Eritrea border are known to exist.
  
• Keep your credit card in sight at all times especially while being processed.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries. 

Subject to hot khamsin winds (July).

• Best Time to Visit: October - April
• Coolest Month: November - April
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: November - January

Lake Abbe (Lake Abhe Bad), Djibouti. Photo Credit: Andromachos Dimitrokallis/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. 

Denmark

Denmark Flag

Why visit Denmark?

Art, architecture, beaches, canoeing, castles, culture, cyclists, fishing villages, forests, gardens, golf, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, legoland, museums, nightlife, sailing, scuba diving, surfing, Viking history, water sports and wildlife.

Nyhavn (District in Copenhagen) Denmark. Photo Credit: Kevin Schmid/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amber, butter cookies, cheese, crystal, elf, fairytale books, furs, legos, licorice, marzipan, porcelain, scarves, silver jewelry, silver tableware and sweaters.  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Boller i Karry (curry dumplings). Brændende Kaerlighed (fried mashed potatoes). Brunkål Med Flaesk (browned cabbage). Frikadeller (meat balls). Hønsekødssuppe (chicken soup). Koldskål (summer dessert). Risalamande (rice pudding dessert). Rødgrød Med Fløde (red berry dessert). Smørrebrød (sandwich).
• Local Drink to Try: Carlsberg (beer). Faxe Kondi (soft drink). Gløgg (mulled wine). Hyldeblomstsaft (sweet elderflower). Mjød (alcohol drink). Tuborg Squash (orange soft drink).

Egeskov Castle, Kværndrup, Denmark. Photo Credit: Steen Jepsen/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1834, first factual newspaper was published.
  
• In 1849, became a constitutional monarchy.
• During 1850, railways were constructed.
  
• In 1944, Iceland became independent from them.
  
• In 1969, first country to legalize pornography.
  
• In 1973, founded Environmental Law, the first in the world.
  
• In 1989, permitted same-sex marriages (Church of Denmark).
• In 2016, Faroe Islands and Greenland permitted same-sex marriages.
• Since 1971, hosts the largest Music Festival in Northern Europe (Roskilde Festival).
  
• By 2030, to dissolve the official use of the word 'ghetto' in the media.
  
• Birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), Author of over 27 fairytale books, most popular: The Emperor's New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, The Ugly Duckling and Thumbelina. 
• Has approximately 406 islands the largest is Funen, Zealand and North Jutlandic Island. Around 70 are uninhabited.
• First country in the world to legalize same sex marriage.
  
• Amber is known to wash up on select beaches (Jutland).
  
• Largest beer exporter in the world.
• The Älvsborg Ransom forced Sweden to pay them one 1 million silver riksdalers.
  
• Kingdom of Denmark includes Faroe Islands and Greenland.
  
• Has the highest minimum wages in the world, fast food workers earn approximately $20USD/hour.
• Exports dairy products, fish, furniture, instruments, machinery, meat products, pharmaceuticals and wind turbines.
• There's no employer restrictions on overtime.
• Pioneer leader converting waste to cellulosic ethanol.
  
• High taxes on new cars is a deterrent design.
• Population is known to be "happiest" in the world.
• Danish language is distantly related to German.
  
• Final Exams are only required if considering to pursue your education.
• Home of the world's oldest orchestra (Royal Danish Orchestra).
• Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Drummer and Co-Founder became the first Danish musician to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  

Lyngvig Lighthouse, Hvide Sande, Denmark. Photo Credit: Erik Lyngsøe/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Danish Football Player of the Year, Danish Men's Handball Cup, Danish Women's Handball Cup, Winter Jazz Event, (February) Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, (May) Aalborg Carnival, Copenhagen Carnival, Copenhagen Distortion, Copenhagen International Literature Festival, Olfestival, Spot

  Festival, 

  (June) NorthSide Festival, Tinderbox, Viking Festival, (July) Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Danish Air Show, Maribo Jazz Festival, Opera Festival, Rebild Festival, Rock Festival, Skagen Festival, Sorø International Music Festival, Vig Festival, Viking Moot, Vinter Jazz, Xtracon Chess Open, (August) Aarhus Festuge, Aero Jazz Festival,  Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix, Copenhagen Pride, HC Andersen Festival, MAD Symposium, Odense Blomster Festival, Odense Film Festival, Skanderborg Festival, Strøm Festival, Tønder Festival, (September) Aarhus Food Festival, Århus Festival Week, Copenhagen Blues Festival, Copenhagen Half Marathon, Fastaval, Miss World Denmark and (October) Night of Culture.
• Holidays: Crown Princess Mary's Birthday, Princess Marie's Birthday, Fastelavn, German Invasion of Denmark, Birthday of Queen Margrethe II, International Workers' Day, Liberation Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Constitution Day, Birthday of Prince Joachim, Day of Valdemar and Reunion Day, Saint John's Eve, Halloween, The Eve before Saint Martin's Day, Saint Lucy's Day, Christmas Eve, First Day of Christmas, Second Day of Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Sand Sculpture Festival, Denmark. Photo Credit: Frank P/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Bicycles have the right-of-way. 
  
• Offers around 5,000 shipwrecks for Divers.
• Most locals speak English and German.
  
• Smoking is prohibited in indoor public areas.
  
• Christiania Residents impose a strict no photography policy.
  
• Pickpockets and purse-snatchers are known to occur in tourist areas.
  
• Law prohibits the removal of gemstones, natural resources, semi-precious metals and stones (Greenland). 
  
• Carrying pocket knives could result in criminal penalties.
  
• Driver’s Licenses can be confiscated for driving under the influence.
  
• Greenland has no established road system. 
  
• It's illegal to make a right turn on a red light. 

(Cyclist), Ansager, Denmark. Photo Credit: Karsten Madsen/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six 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.

On 8/6/20, a Level 3 Travel Advisory to reconsider Travel due to terrorism.

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

Amalienborg (Danish Royal Family Home), Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo Credit: Bente Jønsson/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aasivissuit – Nipisat. Inuit Hunting Ground between Ice and Sea, Christiansfeld a Moravian Church Settlement, Ilulissat Icefjord, Jelling Mounds Runic Stones and Church, Kronborg Castle, Kujataa Greenland: Norse and Inuit Farming at the Edge of the Ice Cap, Roskilde Cathedral, Stevns Klint, The par force hunting landscape in North Zealand and Wadden Sea.

Holbæk, Denmark. Photo Credit:  Pixabay 

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. 

Czech Republic (Czechia)

Czech Republic

Why visit Czechia (Czech Republic)?

Offers a bit of something for everyone whether seeking architecture, beer, biking, canoeing, castles, fishing, forests, hiking, landscape, limestone caves, medieval appearances, monasteries, mountains, museums, music festivals, puppet shows, skiing, small villages and spas.

Charles Bridge (Arch Bridge) Prague, Czechia. Photo Credit: Birgit Böllinger/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1348, Charles University (Prague) founded and first university in Central Europe.
• In 1488, the first translated Czech Bible was published.
  
• Since, 1961 Míša  (Prague) has been a popular frozen curd treat. 
• Has over 200 castles and châteaux.
  
• Divided into three land areas:  west (Bohemia ), east (Moravia) and southeast (Czech Silesia).
  
• Leases Moldauhafen lot (Hamburg Docks) for goods to be transported from the river to ships.
  
• Home to the third oldest company in the world producing cars, Tatra (Kopřivnice).
  
• Relies on natural gas from Norway and Russia.
• Densest rail network in the world.
  
• Ranks within the Top 10 for internet speed in the world.
• Aquapalace Praha (Čestlice) is the largest water park in central Europe.
  
• Pope ranked 12 cathedrals and 15 churches basilicas.
  
• Tuition free higher education is available to citizens.
  
• Well known for mouth blown and decorated Bohemian glassworks.
  
• Karlovy Vary City was featured in Casino Royale James Bond Series Film (2006).

Český Krumlov (South Bohemia Region), Czech Republic. Photo Credit: FelixMittermeier/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Carnival, Cinema Mundi International Film Festival, (March) Febiofest, Czech Beer Festival, (May) Ignis Brunensis, Mendel Lectures, Khamoro World Roma Festival, One World Film Festival, Prague Food Festival, Prague Fringe Festival, Prague Half Marathon, Prague Marathon, Prague Spring International Music Festival, Prague Writers' Festival, Valtice Wine Market, Zlín Film Festival, (June) Festival of Songs, Hluboká Music Festival, Microbrewery Festival, Rock for People Festival, Shakespeare Festival, (July) Czech Ukulele Festival, Jazzfest, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Ostrava Music Festival,(August) Fresh Film Festival, Golden Ball, International Folklore Festival, Music Festival Prázdniny v Telči, Praha Music Festival, (September) Dvořák's Prague Music Festival, Pálava Wine Harvest Festival, Slunce ve Skle Beer Festival, Znojmo Wine Festival, (October) Harvest Festival, Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival, Signal Festival, (November) Cannafest, eBF Conference, Feast of St. Martin Wine Festival and Freedom Lecture.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Liberation Day, Saints Cyril & Methodius Day, Jan Hus Day, St Wenceslas Day, Independent Czechoslovak State Day, Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day.

Castle Potštejn, Potštejn, Czechia. Photo Credit: ivabalk/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Offers hiking trails across the country and mountains.
  
• Few tourists explore beyond Prague.
  
• Are required to carry proof of a contracted valid medical insurance.
  
• Have their own currency, Czech Koruna. 
  
• Taxis are known to overcharge tourists (Prague).
• Pickpocketing is known to occur in tourist areas.
• Strikes and demonstrations occur. Avoid them!
  
• "Jaywalking" is subject to a fine, $2000CZK (around $100USD).
• At crosswalks, vehicles have the "right of way" vs pedestrians.
• Auto thefts and break-ins are common.
  
• You're required to carry a copy of your passport/VISA with you at all times.
• Zero tolerance for drinking and driving!
  
• Living Wills requesting no exceptional interventions to prolong life are not honored. 
  
• International Driving Permit (IDP) required for car rental/driving. Law requires headlights on at all times.
  
• Public transportation requires a ticket prior to boarding and validation upon boarding. Failure to do so will result in a fine.

Kadaň (Ústí nad Labem Region), Czech Republic. Photo Credit: kerut/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: €$10,000Euros.

Subject to hail, high winds, severe thunderstorms, snowstorms and tornadoes.

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

The State Chateau of Hluboká, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czechia. Photo Credit: Leonhard Niederwimmer/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region, Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž, Historic Centre of Český Krumlov, Historic Centre of Prague, Historic Centre of Telč, Holašovice Historical Village Reservation, Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, Jewish Quarter and St Procopius' Basilica in Třebíč, Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec, Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses at Kladruby nad Labem, Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, Litomyšl Castle, Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora and Tugendhat Villa in Brno.

Karlovy Vary (West Bohemia Region), Czech Republic. Photo Credit: Ralf Gervink/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.