Guyana

Guyana Flag

"Land of Many Waters"

Why visit Guyana?

An unspoiled destination to enjoy architecture, birdwatching, cycling, fishing, hunting, mountains, rain forests, and waterfalls.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carvings, ceremonial pipes, cotton hammocks, diamonds, furniture, gold jewelry, paintings, pottery, and rum.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Metamgee (dumpling dish). Pepperpot (stew).
• Local Drink to Try: Banks (beer). Demerara (rum).

Fun Facts

• In 1966, became independent from the United Kingdom. 
• In 1974, land was leased to American new religious movement, Peoples Temple.
  
• In 1978, over 900 people died in a mass murder/suicide drinking cyanide-laced Flavor Aid (Jonestown).
  
• In 2007, World Cup Cricket Stadium completed.
  
• Celebrity Michael Philip Jagger, English Actor/Film Director/ Singer/Songwriter is known to enjoy matches at Bourda Cricket Ground from time to time.
  
• Second least populous country in South America.
  
• Only South American country with English as their official language.
  
• Science fiction novel, The Lost World inspired by the country. 
• Kaieteur Falls, is considered the world's largest single drop waterfall.
  
• Home to the largest unspoiled rainforests in South America.
  
• Rainforests are home to the world's rarest orchids.
• National monument, Umana Yana was built for Foreign Ministers meetings.

Photo Credit: Jolanda de Koning/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Mashramani, (March) Festival of Colours, Rupununi Rodeo, (April) Bartica Regatta, (May) Guyana Carnival, (August) Regatta, and (November) Races.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Republic Day, Phagwah, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Indian Arrival Day, Independence Day, CARICOM Day, Emancipation Day, Deepavali, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Youman-Nabi, and Eid-ul-Adha.

Good to Know

• A developing country. 
  
• Has very few beaches. 
• Endangered turtle nest on Shell Beach (northern coast).
  
• Credit cards are not widely accepted.
  
• Second highest HIV infection rate in the Western Hemisphere.
  
• Avoid driving or exploring after dark.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Do not drink tap water.
• Sanitation is often considered below our standards.
• Due to parasitic disease Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) do not stand or swim in still waters.
• Be mindful, mutual English words often have different meanings.
  
• Targeted crimes are known to occur ranging from armed robbery, carjacking, pickpockets, purse-snatch, sexual assault, and theft.
• Narcotics are known to be planted in travelers luggage.
  
• Stolen ATM pin data theft is common.
• Prevalent diseases include Chagas Disease, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Leishmaniasis, Malaria, and Zika Virus.

This international destination requires:

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

Photo Credit:  Dinesh Chandrapal/Unsplash

• Best Time to Visit: July - November
• Coolest Months: December - April
• Hottest Month: September 
• Peak Season: September - November & January - April

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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. 

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau Flag

Why visit Guinea-Bissau?

Known for beaches, jungle, national parks, and wildlife.

Fun Facts

• In 1974, became independent from the Portuguese.
• In 2005, a known transshipment point for Latin America Drug Traffickers transporting cocaine to Europe.
• Bissagos Islands, has 88 islands and islets.
  
• Musical instrument, kora is a gourd covered with animal skin and fishing lines for 21 strings.
  
• The baobab tree is considered a symbol of peace.
  
• Orango Islands National Park is a habitat for saltwater hippos.
  
• Largely exports cashew nuts, fish, and ground nuts. 
• Cuisine has a creole flair.
• French is taught as a foreign language.
  
• Children ages 7 - 13 are required to attend school.
• Peanut production was encouraged by the Portuguese.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Bubaque Festival, Guinea-Bissau Carnival and (May) Movimento Hip Hop Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Heroes Day, International Women's Day, Labour Day, Pidjiguiti Day, National Day, Readjustment Movement Day, Christmas Day, Korité, and Tabaski.

Good to Know

• Lacks sufficient resources and infrastructure.
  
• Corruption is known to exist at all levels of government. 
  
• Northern Districts may have land mines.
  
• By law, you must stand in silence upon the bugle blow and flag raising or lowering.
• Photography of bridges, government buildings, and the military is not welcomed.
  
• National language is Creole.
  
• Child Labor is commonly practiced.
  
• Avoid driving or exploring after dark.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Targeted crimes are known to occur ranging from armed robbery, carjacking, pickpockets, purse-snatch, sexual assault, and theft.
• Do not drink tap water.
• Sanitation is often considered below our standards.
• Medical facilities and practitioners are extremely limited; shortages and limitations exist.
• Skin infections are common.
  
• Due to parasitic disease Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) do not stand or swim in still waters.
• Prevalent diseases include Malaria, Rabies, and Yellow Fever.
• Land mines are known to exist throughout the country.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever vaccination required. 

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

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. 

Guinea

Guinea Flag

Why visit Guinea?

Known for beaches, forests, hiking, jungles, mangrove swamps, mountains, and waterfalls.

Bissau, Guinea. Photo Credit: Valéria Rodrigues/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Leather goods, musical instruments, pottery, and wood carvings.

Fun Facts

• In 1958, became independent from France.
  
• Since 1984, every Spring hundreds of Catholics walk from Conakry to Boffa (90 miles) in honor of Ahmed Sékou Touré (1922-1984), late President who died after a heart operation in the United States.
• In 1977, women led market riots banning the farm produce sales policy.
  
• Referred as "Water Castle of West Africa".
• Has rich deposits of diamonds and gold.
  
• Home to the world's bauxite reserve.
• Their rice is imported from Asia.
• Emerging regional producers of apples and pears. 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Macao Art Festival, (April) Festival des Arts de Conte, and (December) Festival International Kora et Cordes de Conakry.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Second Republic Day, Easter Monday, May Day, Africa Day, Assumption of Mary, Independence Day, All Saints' Day, Christmas Day, Mouloud, Qadr Night, Korité, and Tabaski.

Good to Know

• Poor infrastructure.
  
• Malnutrition is a problem.
  
• Avoid borders along the Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
  
• Avoid Conakry, Kissidougou, and Nzerekore.
  
• Theft amongst airport baggage handlers is known to occur.
• Local police are known to bribe tourist travelers.
• Do not drink tap water.
• Sanitation is often considered below our standards.
• Medical facilities and practitioners are extremely limited; shortages and limitations exist.
  
• Skin infections are common.
  
• Due to parasitic disease Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) do not stand or swim in still waters.
• Official language is French.
  
• Homosexuality is illegal. Subject to a fine and/or up to three years in prison. 
  
• Most vehicles are 20+ years old.
  
• A special Export Permit may be required on goods purchased.
• Photography of government buildings, military, police, or transportation facilities is not welcomed.
  
• Prevalent diseases include Dengue, Malaria, Measles, Meningoccocal Meningitis, Rabies, and Yellow Fever.
• Air quality poses an issue (October - May).
• Avoid driving or exploring after dark.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Crime is known to occur ranging from armed robbery, carjacking, pickpockets, purse-snatch, sexual assault, and theft.
• Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Exit: $5,000USD.

Rainy Season is May - October.

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Coolest Month: January
• Hottest Month: April 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve 

Photo Credit: Yaayaa Diallo/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.

Guatemala

Guatemala Flag

Why visit Guatemala?

For adventurous outdoorsy travelers seeking to enjoy architecture, beaches, birdwatching, colonial towns, culture, exotic wildlife, hiking, history, jungles, lakes, rainforests, ruins, scenic kayaking, and volcanoes. 

Tikal National Park (Ancient Mayan Citadel) Tikal, Guatemala. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee, masks, rum, and woven products.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Fiambre (salad). Gallo en Chicha (chicken stew). Kak'ik (turkey soup). Pastel de Banano (banana cake). Pollo a la Cerveza (chicken/beer sauce). Tamales. 
• Local Drink to Try: Dorada (beer). Gallo (beer). Guaro (liquor). Limonada con Soda (lemonade refreshment). Ron Zacapa Centenario (rum). Sol (beer). Victoria (beer). Zaya Gran Reserva (rum).

Lake Atitlán (Guatemalan Highlands), Guatemala. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1524, conquered by Spain.
  
• In 1541, the capitol moved due to volcanic mudflows.
  
• In 1773,  the capitol moved due to earthquakes.
• In 1776, new capital was founded.
  
• In 1821, became independent from Spain.
• In 1898, José María Reina Barrios (1854-1898), General was assassinated. 
• From 1960-1996, endured a bloody civil war.
  
• In 2012, Erick Barrondo won their one and only Silver Medal in the Summer Olympics (London) in Race Walking.
• One of the most traveled destinations in Central America.
  
• Most populated country in Central America.
  
• Volcán Tajumulco (13,850 feet), is the highest point amongst Central American countries.
  
• Has 5 lakes, 61 lagoons, 100 rivers, 4 swamps, and 252 wetlands.
• Exports include cloths, flowers, fruits, handicrafts, organic coffee, sugar, textiles, and vegetables.
  

Natural Monument Semuc Champey, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Photo Credit:  iTICS Guatemala/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Coffee Harvest Celebration, (April) Holy Week, (July) Coban Folklore Festival, La Fiesta Nacional Indígena de Guatemala, (August) Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción, and (November) Day of the Dead Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Holy Week, Labour Day, Mother's Day, Army Day, Bank Holiday, Assumption Day, Independence Day, Day of the Race, Revolution Day, All Saints' Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

Holy Church Cathedral Metropolitan Basilica of Santiago de Guatemala (Metropolitan Cathedral), Parque Central, Guatemala. 

Photo Credit: David Diaz/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• One of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere and Latin American country.
  
• Lake Atitlan and Rio Dulce are amongst the world's most beautiful lakes.
  
• Central and western areas have active volcanoes.
  
• Postal service is unreliable.
  
• Toilet paper is not flushed, instead disposed of in a nearby wastebasket.
• Beyond the beach or resort avoid wearing shorts in public.
• The legal driving age is 22.
  
• Avoid public transportation.
• Lowest literacy rate in Central America.
  
• Crime against Americans is known to occur armed robbery, carjacking, pickpockets, purse-snatch, sexual assault, and theft.
• Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.
• Do not use public ATMs due to scams.
  
• Strong currents, riptides, and undertow occur along the Pacific coast beaches.
  
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Aside from Guatemala City medical care is limited, medicine and equipment shortages are common.
• Medical facilities may require payment prior to rendering treatment or care.
• Zika disease is prevalent.
• Do not hail for public taxis.

Hill of the Cross, Guatemala City, Guatemala. Photo Credit: codyvanscyoc/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: $10,000USD.

Subject to earthquakes, fires, floods, mudslides (May - November), hurricanes (September - October), tropical storms (May - November).

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

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Photo Credit: renatomonterroso/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Antigua Guatemala, Quiriguá, and Tikal.

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.

Greece

Greece Flag

Why visit Greece?

Offers something for everyone whether enjoying ancient culture, architecture, authentic villages, beaches, birdwatching, blue-domed churches, casinos, caves, festivals, historic sites, islands, museums, nightlife, scuba diving, scenery, shopping, skiing, snorkeling, spas, temples, whitewashed homes, windsurfing, and yachting.

Santorini, Greece. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Bucket List Destination
• Cruise: Disembark/Embark
• Groups: Family, Friends, Incentive Travel, Multigenerational, Reunions
• Milestones: Anniversary, Birthday, Honeymoon, Retirement
• Romance
• Wine Connoisseurs & Mediterranean Cuisine Foodies
  

Village, Karpathos (Carpathos) Island, Greece. Photo Credit: analogicus/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy:  Ceramic tiles, colorful hand woven handbags, embroidery, handicrafts,  jewelry, lace, kilim rugs, leather goods, olive oil, plates, pottery, rugs, and wines.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Amygdalopita (almond cake). Avgotaracho (fish roe). Baklava (filo pastry). Bougatsa (breakfast pastry). Bourdeto (fish dish). Daktyla (bread). Diples (dessert delacy). Fasolada (soup). Feta (cheese). Formaela (hard cheese). Graviera (cheese). Gyros (roasted meat). Kopanisti (spicy cheese). Loukaniko (sausage). Loutza (pork tenderloin). Magiritsa (lamb soup). Melomakarona (honey macaroons). Saganaki (fried cheese). Spanakopita (filled pastry). Tiropita (feta pastry). Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters).
• Local Drink to Try: Commandaria (wine). Kitron (liqueur). Kumquat (liqueur). Mastichato (liqueur). Metaxa (brandy). Ouzo (anise alcohol). Retsina (wine). Tentura (cinnamon liquor). Tsikoudia (brandy). Zivania (brandy).

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos Island, Greece. Photo Credit: Greg Montani/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Petralona Cave (southern Balkans) has evidence of human ancestors dating back to 270,000BC.
• Birthplace of Western Civilisation around 3200 BC.
  
• Birthplace (776 BC) of the ancient Olympic Games (Olympia). 
  
• Birthplace of Democracy.
• Forgotten for 1700 years, Temple of Apollo Epicurius (Bassae) is considered one of the best preserved monuments.
  
• Varied by definition has between 1,200 - 6,000 islands.
• One of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.
  
• The Cyclades consists of 220 islands.
  
• Before soap, ancient Greeks historically soaked in water followed by daubs of olive oil. 
  
• Mamma Mia film was shot from Skiathos and Skopelos.
  
• Mount Olympus is the legendary home of the Greek gods (Twelve Gods).
  
• Founding Member of United Nations. 
  
• One of Europe's most mountainous countries.
  
• Males 18 - 60 could be required to serve the National Guard part-time.
  
• Large producer of almonds, figs, olives, rice, tobacco, tomatoes, and watermelons.
• Thessaloniki City ranks as a top party town worldwide.
  
• Construction project of the Thessaloniki Metro system is estimated to cost $1.83 billion. 
  
• Thyme is their most traditional herb. 
  
• The island of Icaria claims to have invented wine.
  
• Has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in Europe.
  

Karpathos (Carpathos) Island, Greece. Photo Credit: analogicus/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Patras Carnival, (February) Karnavali Carnival, (March) Thessaloniki Documentary Festival,(April) Feast of St George, (May) Athens Digital Arts Festival, Athens Festival, Hellenic Film Academy Awards (June) Aegean Festival, Athens Festival, Aegean Rally, Simi Festival, International Classical Musical Festival, Meis–Kaş Swim, Midsummer Eve, Navy Week, Santorini Film Festival, (July) Dionysia Wine Festival, Dodoni Festival, Epidaurus Festival, Hippokrateia Festival, International Folklore Festival, Puppet Festival, Renaissance Festival, Wine Festival, (August) Aegina Music Festival, Aeschylia Festival, Epirotika Festival, Olympus Festival, (September) Thessaloniki Film Festival and Festival of Popular Song, Thessaloniki International Fair,  (November) Thessaloniki Festival of Greek Cinema, Thessaloniki International Film Festival, (December) AthensCon, and VideoDance Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Clean Monday, Independence Day, Great Friday, Labour Day, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Assumption Day, Ochi Day, Christmas Day, and Glorifying Mother of God.

Parthenon (Temple), Athenian Acropolis, Greece. Photo Credit: Nick115/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• An entry fee is charged for beaches equipped with concessions, lifeguards, showers, sun beds, and umbrellas.
  
• June - September is commonly the Honeymooner Season.
• Spring is the best season for birdwatching (Crete and Lesbos).
  
• Between July - August the Cycladic Islands are prone to strong winds.
  
• Golf is available on Athens (Glyfada), Halkidiki and on the islands of Corfu, Crete and Rhodes.
• Scuba Diving is best in Corfu, Crete, Santorini, Zakinthos.
  
• Between December - March skiing is popular on Mount Helmos and Mount Parnassos.
• Windsurfing is popular on Kefalos on Kos, Prassonissi on Rhodes, and Vasiliki on Levkas.
• A special tourist police force and tourist police stations have been assembled for travelers (Dial 1571).
  
• No bare arms or legs are permitted in churches or monasteries.
  
• Smoking is prohibited in all public places.
  
• Most visited islands are Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, and Rhodes.
• Catamarans and hydrofoils services connect visits to various islands.
  
• Demonstrations and strikes are common. Avoid them!
  
• Tourist areas are prone to pick-pocketing and purse-snatching.
• Rental car theft is known to occur to steal luggage, passports, and valuables.
  
• Photography of the military persons and buildings is prohibited. Could lead to arrest.
• Mace or pepper-spray are illegal. Subject to arrest, confiscation or detention.
  
• Do not purchase protected antiques. Carry all receipts for all purchases.
  
• Handicap parking spaces and sidewalk ramps are often blocked by parked vehicles.
• Sidewalks are often narrow with broken paving stones, large holes, obstructed by trees and street signs.
• Buildings often lack accessible elevators and/or bathrooms.
• Hospitals may require payment in cash prior to treatment or hospitalization.
• International Driver’s Permit (IDP) required.
  
• Failure to validate your public transportation ticket could fine one up to 60 times the basic fare rate.
  

Theatre of Dionysus (Akropolis Hill), Athens, Greece. Photo Credit: yvanox/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: $10,000USD.

Subject to earthquakes, forest fires, and tremors.

Meteora (Monastery), Thessaly, Greece‎. Photo Credit: Tasos Lekkas/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - June & September - October
• Coolest Months: December - February 
• Hottest Months: July - August
• Peak Season: June - September

(Castle) Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes, Greece. Manfred Richter/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Acropolis Athens, Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina), Archaeological Site of Mycenae and Tiryns, Archaeological Site of Philippi, Archeological Site of Delphi, Archeological Site of Mystras, Archeological Site of Olympia, Delos, Medieval City of Rhodes, Meteora, Monasteries of Daphni Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios, Mount Athos, Old Town of Corfu, Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki, Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos, Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos.

Santorini, Greece. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/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

Skiathos Island, Greece. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay

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