Eswatini

Eswatini Flag

Why visit Eswatini?

Visitors will enjoy birdwatching, culture, exotic wildlife, fly fishing, game reserves, golf, hiking, horseback riding, markets, mountain biking, picturesque terrains, prehistoric rock art paintings, waterfalls, and whitewater rafting. 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Artificial flowers, baskets, batiks, battle axes, beadwork, calabashes, candles, drums, hand blown glass, leather goods, local gemstones, mats, pottery, soapstone carvings, and walking sticks.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Sidvudvu (pumpkin porridge). 
• Local Drink to Try: Umcombotsi (sour beer).

Fun Facts

• Since 1986, ruled by King Mswati III.
  
• Formerly known as Swaziland.
• Wealth is determined by the number of cattle one owns.
• A man must pay the Father of the Bride (dowry) in cattle to marry.
• Polygamy is commonly practiced.
  
• Home as the leading sugar exporter for Coca-Cola.
• Traditional healers throw bones to predict ones future.
  
• South-central black rhinoceros are critically endangered.
• The traditional beehive hut has three structures for cooking, sleeping, and storage. 
  
• Healers (Sangoma) are chosen by their ancestors, trained followed by a graduation ceremony.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (Feburary) Marula Festival, (May) Bushfire Music Festival,
  (July) Sibebe Survivor, (August) Reed Dance, (October) Simunye Country Fair, and (December) First Fruits.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Birthday of King Mswati III, National Flag Day, Labor Day, Ascension Day, King Father's Birthday, Somhlolo Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Incwala Day.

Good to Know

• A great stop over when visiting Mozambique or South Africa.
• Law prohibits photography of government buildings, military vehicles, police, official ceremonies, royal family, royal palace, or soldiers.
  
• Do not speak negatively against the royal family.
  
• HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis are widespread.
  
• Impacts of climate change brings concern to food insecurity.
  
• Do not display your cell phone or large amounts of cash.
• Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry valuables in public.
• Avoid demonstrations, protests, and strikes.
  
• Medical facilities are limited.
  
• Jaywalking is subject to a fine and temporary detention.
  
• Mini bus taxis are often overcrowded.

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 30 days.
• Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries. 

Seasons are in reverse of the Northern Hemisphere; December is mid summer and June is mid winter. 

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coolest Months: April - September
• Hottest Months: October - March
• Peak Season: December

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. 

Estonia

Estonia Flag

Why visit Estonia?

Known for beaches, boating, canoeing, churches, culture, fishing, golf, historical sites, horseback riding, islands, kayaking, lakes, medieval castles, manor houses, museums, national parks, pagan ruins, saunas, skiing, and winter sports.

Saaremaa (largest island), Estonia. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amber, caviar, dolomite marble, juniper wood carvings, hand-knit sweaters, leather goods, pottery, and vodka.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Curd Snack (sweet curd cheese). Hernetatrapuder (porridge). Kiluvõileib (sandwich). Leivasupp (bread soup). Mulgipuder (national dish). Rukkileib (black rye bread).
• Local Drink to Try: Kasemahl (birch sap). Vana Tallinn (herbal liqueur).

Tallinn, Estonia. Photo Credit: Martin Hochreiter/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1807, A Le Coq brewery was founded.
  
• In 1820, Saku Brewery was founded.
  
• In 1918, became independent from Germany and later invaded by Russia.
  
• In 1920, Russia resigned all sovereign claims.
• In 1926, radio broadcast began.
  
• During 1930, engaged in "secret military cooperation" with Finland.
• In 1943, thousands fled to Finland to avoid fighting in the German military.
• Held 1980 Summer Olympics Sailing Regatta (Tallinn).
• In 2001, won the Eurovision Song Contest 
  
• In 2004, became a NATO Member.
  
• In 2005, the first country in the world to hold internet voting in local elections. 
  
• In 2011, adopted Euro currency.
• In 2016, Kelly Sildaru, Freestyle Skier  won the  Winter X Games becoming the youngest gold medalist (13).
• Home to NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.
  
• Has 2222 islands and over 1400 lakes. 
• The city of Tartu has been burned down over 65 times.
  
• Island lore, place a doughnut-shape stone on the pile of stones and your wish will be granted (Hiiumaa Beach).
• Citizen Developers were instrumental to computer application, Skype.
• Saaremaa Island was off limits for many years.
  
• Rare Siberian Flying Squirrel is present (east area).
  
• Healthy males between 18-28 serve in the military for 8 or 11 month term tours of duty.
  
• All their natural gas is imported from Russia.
• Port of Tallinn is one of the largest port enterprises of the Baltic Sea.
  
• First post-Soviet Republic country to legalize same-sex marriages.
  
• Students learn English, Finnish, French, German, Russian, Spanish, or Swedish.

Pühtitsa Convent, 

Kuremäe, Estonia. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Baroque Music Festival, Tudengijazz Festival, (March) International Conference on Management, Economics & Social Science (ICMESS), Meremess, Saaremaa Opera Days, Tallinn Music Week, (April) Harpsichord Days Festival, International Choir Festival, International Conference of the Estonian Nurse Directors Association (EstNDA), Jazzkaar Festival, (May) Tallinn Craft Beer Weekend, (June) Grillfest Good Food Festival, Into The Valley Festival, International Folklore Festival BALTICA, Old Town Days, (July) Estonian Song Festivals, Haapsalu Tchaikovsky Festival, Hard Rock Camp, Hiiu Folk Festival, Juu Jaab Festival, Ollesummer, Parnu Opera Days, Tallinn Organ Festival, Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, Viljandi Music Festival, Voru Folklore Festival, (August) August Blues, August Dance Festival, Culture Night, Kuressaare Maritime Festival, Leigo Lake Music Festival, Tallinn Pride, Tartuff, Weekend Festival Baltic, White Lady Festival, (September) Walking Lights Festival, (October) Rainbow Jazz Festival, Tartu City Marathon, (November) St Martin Day Fair, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Tallinn Food Fest, (December) Christmas Jazz, Christmas Market, Kalana Saund Winter Wonder, and Midwinter Night's Dream.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, The Epiphany, Independence Day, Anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty, Good Friday, Native Language Day, Easter Sunday, Spring Day, Whitsunday, National Flag Day, Day of Mourning and Commemoration, Victory Day, Midsummer Day, Restoration Independence Day, European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism, Resistance Fighting Day, Local Government Day, All Souls' Day, Fathers' Day, Day of Declaration of Sovereignty, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Port of Tallinn, Estonia. Photo Credit: Angelo Giordano/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Old Hanseatic Tallinn is considered one of the most beautiful Eastern Europe Cities.
  
• Ski Season starts late December, best in the south.
• Ski tracks are often lit by torches.
  
• Late summer the sunrise is around 3AM and sunset around midnight.
  
• Lunch is their main meal.
• By law you must wear small reflectors on clothing during darkness outside. Failure to do so is subject to $50-$500USD fine.
  
• Pickpockets are known to target tourists.
  
• Crumpled, defaced, discolored, or torn U.S. currency is often rejected.
• Has zero tolerance for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
  
• Beyond metropolitan cities, medical care is considered below our standards.
• Seatbelts are mandatory.
  
• It's illegal to turn right at a red stop light.
  

Viru Gate, Tallinn, Estonia. Photo Credit: Aleksander Trunov/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Palmse Manor, Haljala Parish (Lääne-Viru County), Estonia. Photo Credit: Ningel/Pixabay 

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

Haapsalu Castle, Haapsalu, Estonia. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn and Struve Geodetic Arc.

Rakvere Castle, Rakvere, Estonia. Photo Credit: AI Leino/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. 

Eritrea

Eritrea Flag

Why visit Eritrea?

Known for architecture, beaches, culture, diving, historical sites, markets, and snorkeling.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Basketry, leather products, pottery, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Capretto (roasted goat). Injera (wheat pancake). Kitcha Fit Fit (breakfast dish). Shahan Ful (breakfast dish). Shiro (chickpea stew). Wot (spicy stew). Zighini (goat stew).
• Local Drink to Try: Mies (honey wine).

Fun Facts

• During the 4th Century (301 AD  - 400 AD) the Debre Sina (monastery) was built.
• In 1993, declared independence.
  
• In 1994, Jehovah Witnesses basic civil rights and citizenships were provoked.
• From 1955-2001, there were no elephant sightings.
• Shaped like a funnel tipped on its side.
  
• During the Ethiopian War, female equality blossomed as they fought along the side of male soldiers. 
• Italians designed over 400 buildings for them.
  
• Land is often community owned.
  
• Australian and Chinese companies are known to mine their copper and zinc.
  
• Coffee Ceremonies are common amongst visiting loved ones and special occasions in offering three rounds of coffee.
  
• Rank amongst the best cycling nations in the world.
  

Photo Credit: Silvia De Giovanni/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, Orthodox Christmas, Epiphany, Birth of the Prophet, Fenkil Day, Women's Day, Good Friday, Easter, May Day, Independence Day, Eid al-Fitr, Revolution Day, Eid al-Adha, and Christmas Day.
  

Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Among the worst in the world with Human Rights.
  
• Skin infection and irritation are common amongst travelers.
  
• All local media is government owned.
  
• Surge protector is recommended for your electronics.
  
• Currency Declarations are strictly enforced.
  
• Avoid wearing shorts in public.
• Same sex relationships is illegal; punishable by ten days to three years in prison.
• There are strict restrictions about the number of electronics permitted.
  
• Receipts on purchases and foreign exchanges is required. Failure to provide may result in confiscation, fines, and imprisonment.
  
• Not all hotels have running water. 
  
• Fuel and water shortages are common.
• Travel Permits required if traveling beyond Asmara.
  
• Unmarked minefields exist along the border.
  
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Do not display cash and valuable personal property. 
• There are no ATM's.
• Medical facilities and physicians are limited, payment is required in USD before rendering care.
  
• Diseases of dengue and malaria are prevalent.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity is required and two blank pages.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Fiat Tagliero Building, Asmara. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

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

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. 

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea Flag

Why visit Equatorial Guinea?

For the adventurous travelers seeking a lush tropical destination to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, colonial architecture, surfing, and volcanoes.

Fun Facts

• In 1472, Fernando Pó, Portuguese Explorer arrived while in route to India (Island of Bioko).
  
• In 1474, colonized by Portugal.
  
• In 1968, became independent of Spain.
  
• In 1979, Francisco Macías Nguema (1924-1979) late President was overthrown and murdered by his own nephew.
  
• In 1996, large oil reserves were discovered.
  
• Consists of two parts: insular (Islands of Bioko and Annobón) and mainland region.
  
• Once upon a time was considered one of the most prosperous African countries.
• From Malabo on a clear day you can see Mount Cameroon.
  
• Island of Bioko has approximately 143 species of birds. Favorite being the yellow finch. 
• Approximately 20% of children die before the age of five.
  
• Country is divided into eight provinces.
• Education is free and required for ages from 6-14.
  
• Mongomo, is home to  the second largest African country Catholic Church (Basilica of the Immaculate Conception).
• Catholic is the main religion practiced throughout the country.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (July) Africa Cup of Nations and (December) Malabo Hip Hop Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Labour Day, Feast of Corpus Christi, President's Day, Freedom Day, Constitution Day, Independence Day, Immaculate Conception and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Plagued by extreme poverty.
  
• Spanish, French, and Portuguese are official languages. Bubi and Fang are also spoken by locals.
  
• Not all beaches are swimmable due to pollution.
• Sanitation is often considered below our standards.
• Due to parasitic disease Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) do not stand or swim in still waters.
• Medical Care is very limited. Often considered below our standards.
• Skin infections are common.
  
• Do not accept Ekuele (Ek) currency, it's been replaced with CFA Francs.
  
• A Visitors Photography Permit is no longer required. Officials may attempt to fine or detain photographers. Never photograph airports, government buildings, harbors, military, police, ports or the Presidential Palace.
• Water supply is known to be limited and power outages are common.
  
• Human trafficking is a significant problem.
  
• Every airline Equatorial Guinea registered is banned from European Union (EU). 
  
• Public transportation is not considered reliable or safe.
  
• Avoid dark alleys, remote locations, and traveling alone.
  
• Nearly exclusively a cash economy; credit cards and travelers checks are not accepted.
  
• Prevalent diseases: Dengue Fever, Polio, Rabies, Schistosomiasis, Tuberculosis, and Yellow Fever.
• Cell phone coverage is known to be sporadic.
  
• Citizens driving while intoxicated is a widespread problem.
  
• Minor traffic violations are known to occur in hopes to extort bribes.
  

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.
• Yellow Fever & Polio Vaccination required. 

• Best Time to Visit: December - February
• Cool Months: July - September
• Hottest Months: January - May
• Peak Season: October - December

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  LinkedIn  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.

El Salvador

El Salvador Flag

"Pulgarcito de America" (Tom Thumb of the Americas) & "The Ireland of Central America"

Why visit El Salvador?

Offers travelers the opportunities to enjoy birdwatching, coastal scenery, colonial towns, culture, fishing, gray sand beaches, handicrafts, hiking, lakes, mountains, national parks, nightlife, ruins, surfing, tropical forests, villages, and volcanoes.

Lago de Coatepeque, Caldera, El Salvador. Photo Credit: ckaye/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carvings, ceramic dolls, clay crafts, hammocks, leather goods, paintings, weavings, and woven bedspreads.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Chorizo (pork sausage). Gallo en Chicha (rooster soup). Loroco (edible flower). Maria Luisa (dessert). Mariscada (seafood soup). Panes Rellenos (stuffed hot sandwich). Pupusas (flatbread/griddle cake). Salpicón (minced beef). Sopa de Pata (tripe cow). Viejitas (coffee biscuits).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Cadejo (microbrew beer). Pilsener (beer). Suprema (local beer). Tamarindo Juice. Tic Tack (liquor). Vinagre de Piña (fermented pineapple).
  

Santa Ana Volcano, El Salvador. Photo Credit: Andrea Santana Tellez/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1524, became colonized.
  
• In 1821, became independent from Spain.
  
• In 1998, Hurricane Mitch caused widespread flooding.
  
• In 2001, adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
• In 2001, a earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter Magnitude Scale. 
  
• Smallest and least densely populated country in Central America.
  
• One of the world's largest coffee producers, accounting for roughly 90% of their export earnings.
  
• Approximately 70% of the countries water is from Lempa River and their only navigational body of water.
• Similar immigration is compared to China.
  
• The only Central American country with no Caribbean coastline.
  
• Has over 300 rivers.
  
• Lake Güija is their largest natural lake. 
  
• Mountain Cerro El Pital divides the country into two physiographic regions. 
• Eight species of sea turtles exists in the world, four reside on the coast (green sea turtle, leatherback turtle, hawksbill, and olive ridley).
  
• Public Schools average 50 students per classroom.
  
• Ninth grade students choose a two-year high school (college preparation) or a three-year high school (for workforce/vocational career).
• Cojutepeque (Capitol) is the birthplace of Xuc (folk dance). 
  

Surfing, El Salvador. Photo Credit: fanocetti/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (May) Panchimalco Flower & Palm Festival, (July) Fiesta Julias, (August) Balls of Fire Festival, Festival of Corn, Fiestas Agostinas, (November) Festival of Hammocks, Fiestas Patronales, and San Miguel Carnival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Labour Day, Mother's Day, Father's Days, El Salvador Independence Day, All Souls Day, and Christmas Day.

Puerta del Diablo (Devil's Door), Panchimalco, El Salvador. Photo Credit: Gerson Rodriguez/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Visible exposed elements of natural disasters, poverty and war.
• Gang-related violent crime, high rates of poverty, and inequality are present.
  
• Coffee picking season is October - November.
  
• In the Gulf of Fonesca offers the best deep sea fishing.
  
• La Libertad attracts surfers from around the world.
  
• Restaurants/shops tend to close early afternoon for "siesta".
  
• Postage stamps are only sold at post offices.
  
• Access to sanitation, water supply, and water pollution pose issues of concern.
  
• Strong currents and undertows along the Pacific Coast beaches is considered dangerous even for experienced swimmers.
  
• Demonstrations and protests occur, avoid them!
  
• Shootouts between rival criminal gangs and police are common. 
  
• Avoid isolated and remote locations.
• Do not travel on public bus transportation.
  
• Credit card fraud (cloning) is common.
  
• LGBTI is prone to widespread discrimination.
  
• Private and public hospitals do not meet our standards. Most care providers only accept upfront cash payments.
  
• Prevalent diseases are: Chikungunya, Dengue, Tuberculosis, and Zika.
  
• Local drivers are often unlicensed and do not adhere to traffic rules.
• Local Law requires all parties in a vehicle accident to stay at the scene until the police respond.

Xanadu, El Salvador. Photo Credit: Oswaldo Martinez/Unsplash

This international destination requires:

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

Subject to earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides, severe flooding, and volcanic activity.

• Best Time to Visit: November - April
• Coldest Month: December
• Hottest Months: November - April
• Peak Season: August - December

El Imposible National Park (The Impossible National Park), El Salvador. Photo Credit: Gerson Rodriguez/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Joya de Cerén

Cathedral of Santa Ana, Santa Ana, El Salvador. Photo Credit: Erick Chang/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

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  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.