Hungary

Hungary Flag

Why visit Hungary?

A destination which offers something for everyone whether to enjoy architectural landmarks, bicycling, casinos, caves, churches, folk art, folk music, hiking, historic cities, horseback riding, lakes, museums, national parks, rivers, thermal spas, villages, and vineyards.

Hungarian Parliament Building(Parliament of Budapest), Budapest, Hungary. Photo Credit: David Mark/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

Halászbástya (Fisherman's Bastion), Budapest, Hungary. Photo Credit: Giraffew/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, dolls, embroidery, lace, porcelain, pottery, spices, stoneware, tablecloths, table runners, and wine. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Dobos Cake (sponge cake). Goulash (soup). Halászlé (fish soup). Pörkölt (meat stew). Túrós Csusza (curd cheese noodles).
• Local Drink to Try: Borozó (wine). Bull Blood (wine).  Egri Bikavér (wine). Pálinka (fruit brandy). Tokaji  Aszú (wine). Unicum (bitter herbal). 

Sopron, Hungary. Photo Credit: akos147/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1978, Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President had the Hungarian Crown of St. Istvan returned.
• Amongst all the eastern European countries has the most luxury hotels.
• Turkish Baths (Budapest) are contributed by the Turks.
  
• Little remains of pre-baroque architecture due to wars.
  
• Invention birthplace of ballpoint pen, carburetor, Rubik's Cube, and vitamin C supplements.
• Citizens receive a tuition-free university education.
• Amongst one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
• Receives over 15 million international tourist travelers annually.
• Largest thermal water cave system in the world.
• Home to the second largest thermal lake in the world.
• Lake Balaton, is the largest lake in Central Europe.
  
• First country in the world to enact Laws of Ethnic and Minority Rights.
• Kékes is the highest mountain.
  
• Budapest (capital) has over 100 embassies.
  
• Has their own currency, Hungarian Forint (HUF).
• Holds the highest rate of patents filed.
• Budapest Metro is the second-oldest underground metro system in the world (1896). 
• Children, church employees, handicapp low income, pension recipients, and students all receive free universal health insurance coverage.
  
• Popular destination for Dental and Plastic Surgery Tourism.
• Széchenyi Medicinal Bath, is the largest medicinal bath in Europe.
  
• Esztergom Basilica, is one of the largest basilicas in Europe.
  
• Switched from using Latin Alphabet. 
• Paprika powder is a culinary staple.
  
• Centuries ago, Pannonia (west) received vines from the Romans.
• Napoleon III, last Emperor of France would order barrels of Tokaji wine annually.
  
• DIgestive liqueur bitter Unicum requires 40 herbs to create.
• Has approximately 450 public baths.
• Home to approximately 1,500 thermal springs.
• Herend Porcelain (Herend) is one of the world's largest operating ceramic factories (since 1826).
  
• Chess is considered a sport by popularity.
  
• Holds the second-highest number of Olympic gold medals in the world.
  
• Holds one of the longest undefeated consecutive runs (31 wins in 4 years) in football history.
• Millenary Benedictine Abbey was founded by Benedictine Monks.
  

Esztergom Basilica, Esztergom, Hungary. Photo Credit: Walkerssk/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Budapest International Circus Festival, (March) Budapest Fringe
  Festival, Budapest Spring Festival, Easter Festival, Friss Hús Budapest International Short Film Festival, Hollóko's Easter Festival, (April) Budapest Fashion Week, Budapest Lamb Toros Pork & Brandy Festival (May) Kocsonya Fesztival, Sutnicake Cake Festival, (June) Budafest Summer Opera & Ballet Festival, Danube Carnival, Formula One Grand Prix, International Guitar Festival, International Palace Tournament, Island Festival, Knight Tournaments, National Jewish Festival, Organ Concerts, Rockmaraton Festival, Szeged Summer Festival, Traditional Handicraft Fair, Valley of Magic Festival, VOLT Music Festival, (July) Balaton Cross Swimming Competition, Balaton Sound Festival, Budapest Pride, Frontier Castle Festivities, Hortobagy Shepherds' Festival, Kapolcs Valley of Arts Festival, Koros Valley Folk Arts Festival, Red Bull Air Race Budapest, (August) Debrecen Flower Carnival, Sziget Music Festival, (September) Buda Castle Wine Festival, Budapest Art Weeks, Budapest Contemporary Music Weeks, Budapest International Fair, Budapest International Wine Festival, Budapest National Gallop, Tihany Garda Fish Festival, (October) Budapest Fashion Week, Budapest Palinka and Sausage Festival, Oktoberfest, (November) Goose & Wine Festival, (December) Budapest Christmas Fair and Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year Day, National Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Pentecost Monday, Foundation Day, National Day, All Saints Day, Christmas Day, and Second Day of Christmas.

Hollókő Castle, Hollókő, Hungary. Photo Credit: Rene Rauschenberger/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Tokaj and Villany are best known as wine regions.
  
• Lake Balaton (west) is a water activities paradise.
  
• Known intolerance towards Jews, LGBT, and Roma.
  
• Targeted pick-pocketing crime towards tourists known to occur.
• Travelers’ checks are not widely accepted.
  
• Has zero tolerance for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) whether alcohol or drugs.
  
• Validate your public transportation ticket(s) to best avoid fines.
• Fines are paid at the Post Office. Police will confiscate your passport if you contest a fine as an “invitation letter”. Requiring you to resolve the dispute at the Police Station. Passport only returned after resolution and/or fine payment.

Tapolca, Hungary. Photo Credit: sikermarketing/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.

Széchenyi Medicinal Thermal Bath, Budapest, Hungary. Photo Credit: baklava/Pixabay 

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

Lake Balaton, Transdanubian Region, Hungary. Photo Credit: Jakob Straub/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Budapest (including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue), Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae), Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape, Hortobágy National Park (Puszta), Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment, Old Village of Hollókő (and its surroundings), and Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape.

Shoes on the Danube Bank Monument, Budapest, Hungary. Photo Credit: larahcv/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

Danube River, Budapest, Hungary. Photo Credit: joakant/Pixabay 

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

Honduras

Honduras Flag

Why visit Honduras?

An unpolished destination for travelers to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, cloud forests, colonial towns, culture, cycling, hiking, lowland jungle, ruins, scuba diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, volunteerism, white water rafting, and zip-lining.

Mahogany Bay, Honduras. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Cedar carvings, cigars, jade jewelry, leather goods, mahogany carvings, pottery, woven baskets, and woven hats.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Anafres (fondue). Baleada (stuffed tortilla). Plato Típico (national dish). Sopa de Caracol (conch soup). Yojoa Fish (fried).
• Local Drink to Try: Barena (beer). Guaro (liquor). Imperial (beer). Port Royal (beer). Salva Vida (beer). 

Copán Ruins, Honduras. Photo Credit: Juan Cernas/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1821, became independent.
  
• In 1969, fought with El Salvador (Football War).
  
• In 1969, the national flower changed from a rose to orchid.
  
• In 1998, Hurricane Mitch destroyed nearly 70% of their crops and infrastructure. Loss estimating around $3US billion.
  
• Known for coffee, natural minerals, sugar cane, textiles, and tropical fruit.
• Granted exemptions and land to USA based fruit companies in exchange for developing their northern region.
• Known for mining gold, lead, silver, and zinc.
• A suggestive inspiration for Cabbages and Kings book.
• Host to the largest Peace Corps mission in the world.
  
• Coco River divides them from Nicaragua.
  
• Many rivers and streams are also polluted with heavy metals from mining.
  
• Majority of Honduran refugees live in the United States.
  
• On Christmas Eve loved ones gather for dinner followed by a gift exchange at midnight.
  
• Annually (Yoro) around May or June fish fall from the sky for decades. There are many speculations as to how and why.
  
• Legends of "La Llorona" story is a ghost roaming waterfront areas mourning her children who drowned.
  

Roatán Island in Honduras. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (April) Punta Gorda Festival, (May) Feria de San Isidro, Festival de Lluvia de Peces, La Ceiba Carnival, (June) Feria Juniana, (July) Garifuna Festival, and (August) Sun Jam Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Americas Day, Holy Week, Labour Day, Independence Day, Francisco Morazán's Day, Discovery of America Day, Armed Forces Day, and Christmas.

Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Photo Credit: Adrian Castro/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Poorest country amongst the Americas.
  
• Northern shores and eastern region experience the greatest rainfall.
• Mesoamerican Barrier Reef  is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling.
  
• Montecristo Cloud Forest Reserve is easier accessed from El Salvador.
  
• Bacterial disease, Leptospirosis is found in still waters.
  
• Sand fleas exist (Bay Islands).
  
• Do not drink tap water. Poor water quality due to proper maintenance and treatment.
• Sanitation is often considered below our standards.
• Drug trafficking is a collaborate to their high daily homicides.
  
• Females are known to be forced into human trafficking and prostitution.
  
• Export of  birds and pre-colonial artifacts is prohibited.
  
• Export and import of export of business equipment, medication, and vehicles is strictly enforced.
• Dry Season is known to pose air pollution during forest fires.
• Prevalent diseases include Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria, and Zika.
• Avoid public transportation for safety reasons.

Port Of Roatan, Honduras. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/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.
• Required  Yellow Fever vaccination from select countries. Suggested: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies, Rubella, and Typhoid.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Rainy season is May - December. Subject to forest fires, flooding, and hurricanes.

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

Fortress of Santa Bárbara (El Castillo), Trujillo, Honduras. Photo Credit: David Diaz/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Copán and Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve.

Photo Credit: shannonleigh353/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. 

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

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. 

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? 

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. 

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? 

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.