Iran

Iran Flag

"Persia by the West"

Why visit Iran?

Known for ancient ruins, architecture, culture, gardens, hiking, mosques, mountain landscapes, museums, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and teahouses.

Azadi Tower, Tehran, Iran. Photo Credit: VladoZg/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, brassware, caviar, ceramics, embroidery, hand blown glass, rugs, sheepskin coats, and silks.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Albalu Polow (rice/cherries). Aush (soup).  Bastani Sonnati (ice cream). Falude (sorbet). Juje Kabab (chicken). Kashk e Bademjan (eggplant appetizer). Khoresh (stew). Khoresh e Fesenjan (stew). Koluche (cookie). Lavash (flat bread). Sholezard (saffron pudding).
• Local Drink to Try: Sekanjebin (honey/vinegar). Sharbat (flower petals). Shirazi (wine).

Qom City, Iran. Photo Credit: mostafa meraji/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
  
• Has the largest reserve of fossil fuels.
• A mountainous country, Mount Damavand is the highest point.
• Home to the 24th largest desert, Kavir Desert in the world.
• Home to the largest population of Persian leopards (north).
• The mall in Isfafan (Isfahan City Center) ranks as the seventh largest in the world.
  
• Largely produces apricots, cherries, cucumbers, dates, eggplants, figs, gherkins, pistachios, quinces, walnuts, and watermelons.
• Considered to have the largest refugee population (approximately 1 million) in the world.
  
• Influential culture from Greece, Italy, and Russia.
• World's largest exporter and producer of handmade carpets.
  
• Television was not introduced until 1958.
  
• While the world embraced the Internet around 1991, they only began in 1993.
• No longer hosts the "Beauty Queen of Iran".
• In a divorce, the mother has custody of the children until age seven when custody transfers to the father.
  
• Local tradition is to place a sugar cube in your mouth before drinking tea.

Deyr Gachin Caravansary “Mother of Iranian Caravansarais” (Kavir National Park), Qom Province, Iran. 

Photo Credit: Mostafa Meraji/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Fajr International Theater Festival, Jashn-e Sade, (February) Ashoura Festival, Sepandarmazgan, (March) Chaharshanbe Suri, Iranian Literature Olympiad, NowRuz, (April) Sizdah Bedar, (May)Tehran Book Fair, (June) Islamic Republic of Iran's International Holy Quran Competition, Tehran International Puppet Theater Festival, (August) National Festival of Youth Music, (September) Hosseini Infancy Conference, Iranian Biology Olympiad, Sacred Defence Week, (October) Festival of Mehr, Tehran International Short Film Festival, (December) Shab-e Yalda, and Chahar Shanbeh Soori.
• Holidays: Nowruz, Islamic Republic Day, Sizdah Bedar, Death of Khomeini, Revolt of Khordad 15, Anniversary of Islamic Revolution, and Nationalization of the Iranian Oil Industry. 

Naqsh-e Rostam (Tombs of Persian Kings), Fars Province, Iran. Photo Credit: Habib Zeiniadeh/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Dress conservatively (arms and legs) to Iranian local standards!
• Women must wear a scarf to cover their hair and neck. Also, no makeup. 
• Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings.
• Ahvaz, Tehran, and Zabol is prone to air pollution.
  
• Electronics and hotel rooms are known to be monitored. Confiscation of electronics occurs.
• Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.
• Avoid public transportation.
• Arrest even execution could occur if attempting to convert from Muslim.
• Severe fines and punishment for illegal use of alcohol, drugs, or trafficking.
• Non Muslim men and Muslim female relationships are illegal and punishable by death.
• Do not photograph government buildings or military. Strictly prohibited with severe fines, imprisonment or death.
• Only Iranian bank and credit cards are accepted.
• Your internet access to Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube will be blocked during your visit.
• Requires an International Drivers Permits. 

Shah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran. Photo Credit: Thieme/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

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

Since, August 6, 2002 the Travel Advisory is a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to arbitrary arrest, detention, imprisonment, and kidnapping of Americans.

Prone to earthquakes.

• Best Time to Visit: March - May & September - November
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Month: August 
• Peak Season: March - May

Shah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran. Photo Credit: Jörn Hendrichs/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran, Bam and its Cultural Landscape, Bisotun, Cultural Landscape of Maymand, Gonbad-e Qābus, Golestan Palace, Lut Desert, The Ensemble of Historical Sassanian Cities in Fars Province (Bishabpur, Firouzabad, Sarvestan), Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Pasargadae, Persepolis, Shahr-e Sukhteh, Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, Soltaniyeh, Susa, Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, Takht-e Soleyman, Tchogha Zanbil, The Persian Garden, Persian Qanat, Historic City of Yazd, and Caspian Hyrcanian Mixed Forests.

Photo Credit: Ebrahim Amiri/Pixabay 

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

Indonesia

Indonesia Flag

"Wonderful Indonesia"

Why visit Indonesia?

For the international traveler seeking to enjoy beautiful beaches, birdwatching, coral reefs, culture, gardens, golf, hiking, mountain biking, natural landscape, nature, rafting, rain forest, scuba diving, surfing, temples, volcanoes, and wildlife.

Tumpak Sewu (Coban Sewu), East Java, Indonesia. Photo Credit: Iqbal Nuril Anwar/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, batiks, ceramics, cloth, coffee, handbags, hand painted sarongs, handwoven cloth, jasmine tea, leather goods, paintings, porcelain, silver, tin art, and wood carvings. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Ayam Goreng (fried chicken). Bebek Betutu (duck). Botok Tawon (bee larvae). Gado Gado (salad). Gudeg (stewed jackfruit).  Ikan Bakar (grilled fish). Nasi Timbel (wrapped rice). Sayur Asem (vegetable soup). Se'i Babi (smoked meat). Siomay (steamed fish). Sop Saudara (spicy soup). Soto (soup). Tumpeng (rice dish). 
• Local Drink to Try: Anker (beer). Bintang (beer). Kopi Luwak (coffee). Kopi Susu (sweetened coffee). Sekoteng (hot ginger). Teh Botol (sweet jasmine tea).  

Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta Provinces, Indonesia. Photo Credit: Brigitte/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted.
  
• In 1883, Krakatoa Volcano erupted.
• Has over 17,000 islands but only 6,000 are inhabited.
• Historically, only virgin girls could perform the Legong Dance.
• Is the world's largest island country. 
  
• Supplies approximately 80% of the world's nutmeg.
• The nutmeg tree is native to Maluku Island.
• Sulawesi Island is home to Kopi Luwak (coffee), which is partially digested coffee cherries from a luwak (cat) faeces.
  
• Most majority populuated Muslim country.
  
• Kopi Luwak (coffee) is considered the most expensive in the world, averaging between $100-$600 a pound (around $35-$100 a cup).
  
• Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) is the highest peak.
  
• Sunda Island was once linked to the Asia mainland.
  
• Home to the world's largest lizard, Komodo Dragon on islands of Flores, Gili Motang, Komodo, and Rinca.
• Exposed feet soles are not welcomed in public.
• Lake Toba is the largest lake (Sumatra Island).
  
• Early human remains "Java Man" dates back to around 1,000,000 years ago (Java Island).
• A part of the Coral Triangle. 
• Agricultural producers of cacao, coffee, palm oil, medicinal plants, rice, spices, and tea.
  
• Has 127 active volcanoes.
• Jatiluhur Dam helps to irrigate 590,000 acres of rice fields.
  
• First developing country to operate a satellite system (Palapa).
  
• Borobudur Temple is the largest Budahist temple in the world. 
  
• Experiences approximately 4,000 earthquakes annually.
  
• Natives known to worship ancestral spirits with beliefs they may inhabit forests, large trees, mountains, sacred sites, or stones.
• Each province has their own traditional attire and dress. 
  
• Badminton and football are the most popular sports played. 
  

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan (Pura Bratan), Bali, Indonesia. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Jember Fashion Carnaval, (February) Jakarta International Expo, (March) Indonesia Fair, Indonesia Fashion Week, Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, JKT48 Single's Members Election, (April) Indo Defence Expo & Forum, Indonesia International Motor Show, Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival, Q! Film Festival, Tour de Lombok Mandalika, (May) Tour de Flores, (June) Bali Arts Festival, Jakarta Fair, Jakarta Great Sale Festival, Jakarnaval, (July) ARTJOG, Indonesia International Auto Show, Indonesian Movie Actors Awards, Solo Batik Carnival, Yadnya Kasada, (August) Art Jakarta, Jakarta International Literary Festival, Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran, Sunny Side Up Tropical Festival, We the Fest,(September) Indonesia International Book Fair, Tour de Singkarak, (October) Gandrung, Jakarta Fashion Week, Java Soulnation, Trade Expo Indonesia, Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, (November) Anime Festival Asia, Indonesia Menari, Jogja International Heritage Walk, Mentawai Festival, Tour de Borobudur, (December) Djakarta Warehouse Project, Indonesian Film Festival, and Jakarta International Film Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Day of Silence, Good Friday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Buddha's Birthday, Pancasila Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Islamic New Year, Birthday of the Prophet, Ascension of the Prophet, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

Prambanan Temple (Rara Jonggrang), Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Photo Credit: Deny Sabri/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Has two seasons: Wet Season (November - April) and a Dry Season (May - October).
  
• Sanitation conditions are considered below our standards.
• One must carry their passport with them at all times.
• Demonstrations are common, avoid them.
• Credit Card fraud is common.
• Cities are known to lack good air quality.
• Medical care and treatment is considered below our standards. A cash payment could be required prior to care.
• Most visited islands include: Bali Island, Java Island, Kalimantan Island, Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara), Sulawesi Island, and Sumatra Island.
• Hiking should be registered and plans known to local authorities.
  
• Never consume an unattended drink due to "drink spiking" known to cause illness and death.
• Only Ambon and Bali have hyperbaric chambers.
  
• Due to elevation with a slight breeze golf is best on Bali and Java Island.
• Receive, eat, and give with your right hand.
• Do not drink tap water.
• Prevalent Diseases include: Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, and Zika Virus.
• Humidity is high, averaging between 70%-80%.
• Due to humidity mosquitos can be a problem.
• Public transportation is commonly over crowded.
• Java Island has the most population.
• Avoid exploring at night.
  
• Central Sulawesi and Papua require a government issued Travel Permit.
  
• Best surfing islands Bali, Lombok, and Sumatra.
• Be respectful and mindful to Muslim enforced Sharia Law.
• Great beach locations are on islands: Bali, Gili, Java, Lombok, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara, and Sumatra.
• Bali Island and Java Island have spectacular rice field views.
  

• Point (not your index finger) using your right hand; your thumb with four fingers folded under is the recommended.

Bali, Indonesia. Photo Credit: moritzklassen/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 30 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $7,500USD.

Rice Terraces, Bali, Indonesia. Photo Credit:  Simon Bardet/Pixabay 

Monsoon Season is November - March. 

Subject to droughts, frequent earthquakes, high humidity, tsunamis, typhoons, volcano eruptions, and wildfires.

Padar Island, Indonesia. Photo Credit: Rina Agtiana/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - June & September
• Coolest Month: January
• Hottest Month: September 
• Peak Season: July - September & December - January

Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia. Photo Credit: Marjo Groenewegen/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Borobudur Temple Compounds, Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy, Komodo National Park, Komodo National Park, Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, Prambanan Temple Compounds, Sangiran Early Man Site, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, and Ujung Kulon National Park.

Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo Credit: Tresia Hoban/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. 

India

India Flag

Why visit India?

Offers travelers ancient culture, architecture, art, beaches, caves, culture, festivals, history, monuments, museums, nightlife, plantations, religious shrines, skiing, spectator horse races, temples, theatre, vineyards, and waterfalls.

Photo Credit: Sathish Kumar Periyasamy/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, dolls, gems, musical instruments, paintings, saffron, shawls, silks, and tea.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Chaats (snacks). Dhokla (chickpea snack). Masala Dosa (rice crèpe). Rogan Josh (lamb curry). Vada Pav (potato sandwich).
• Local Drink to Try: Assam Tea (black). Chhaang (alcohol). Feni (spirit). Hadia (rice beer). Lassi  (yogurt). Naan (flatbread). Nilgiri Tea. 

Bada Bagh Temple (Barabagh), Rajasthan, India. Photo Credit: Volker Glätsch/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Hindus believe bathing in the Gange River will wash away your guilt.
  
• Ayurvedic Medicine is deeply rooted and remains in practice.
  
• Traditional weddings are an elaborate three day event. The Wedding Ceremony averages up to two hours followed by a Reception on the third day.
• Second-most populous country in the world.
  
• Ongoing disputes with neighbors China and Pakistan.
• Climate is attributed by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert.
  
• Has over 500 wildlife sanctuaries.
  
• Second largest military in the world.
• Agricultural growers of cotton, jute, oilseed, potatoes, rice, sugarcane, tea, and wheat.
• Largely exports chemicals, engineering goods, jewelry, manufactured leather goods, petroleum products, software, and textile goods.
• Has no national language.
  
• Birthplace to Yoga Sutras (short verses used in yoga).
• The ivory white marble Taj Mahal (Agra) was built to hold the tomb of the emperor's wife.  
• Marriages are commonly arranged by parents or family elders.
  
• Although illegal, Bride Dowry (cash or gifts) is still being practiced.
• Bride Burning, death for failure to contribute to a Bride Dowry is known to occur, even though it's illegal.
  
• Women commonly wear a sari, a single long piece of cloth (six yards long), knot tied around the waist and then over one shoulder.
• Men commonly wear dhoti (similar to the sari) and pagri (turban).
  
• Shalwars (pants) are wide at the waist with cuffed ankle bottoms.
  
• Kameez is a long tunic shirt worn by men.
  
• Cooking spice stables include cardamon, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. 
  
• Most popular sport is cricket.
  
• Historically, traded spices with Asia and Europe.
• Largest producer of tea in the world.
  
• Cow slaughter is largely banned.
  
• Sundarbans National Park, has the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world. 
  
• Built during the "Golden Age", Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya) is their oldest temple.  
  
• Third largest rail network in the world.
  

Taj Mahal, Agra, India. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Army Day, Development Film Festival, Heritage Walk Trivandrum, Indian Sports Honours, Indore Fashion Week, Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters, National Youth Day, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Ragam Festival, Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally, Swathi Sangeethotsavam, The Great Indian Film & Literature Festival, (February) Bangalore Fashion Week, Hyderabad Queer Pride, International Yoga Festival, Khajuraho Dance Festival, Lavasa Women's Drive, Mahindra Blues Festival, Maramon Convention, Rose Festival,(March) All India Police Band Competition, FICCI Frames, India Fashion Week, Kitab Festival, (April) Lakme Fashion Week, Nirbhaya Samaroh, (May) Kerala Fashion League, (June) Mid-India Yearly Meeting, Sindhu Darshan Festival, (July) Elite Model Look India, Kargil Vijay Diwas, FPAI Indian Player of the Year, (August) Freedom Jam, (September) Bandra Fair, Mage Parab, Mysore Fashion Week, Pune International Literary Festival, Thunderstrock Festival, (October) ATMOS Festival, India Film Project, Indian Super League Hero of the League, Torawati Rajput Sabha,(November) Great Indian Rock,  Indian Super League Emerging Player of the League, (December) Cochin Carnival, Indian Sudoku Championship, Nandikar's National Theatre Festival, National Tribal Dance Festival, Natyanjali, Serendipity Arts Festival, and Vijay Dibos.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Pongal, Uttarayan, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Jayanti, Mahatma Gandhi's Death Anniversary, Onam, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Arunachal Pradesh, Vishu, Cheti Chand, Kanshi Ram's Jayanti, Bihar Day, Rajasthan Day, Utkala Dibasa, Pana Sankranti, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's Jayanti, Samrat Ashoka's Jayanti, Puthandu, Pohela Boishakh, Bihu, Labour Day, Maharashtra Day, Gujarat Day, Rabindra Jayanti, Annexation Day, Telangana Formation Day, Maharana Pratap Jayanti, Valmiki Jayanti, Accession Day, Sardar Patel Jayanti, Karnataka Rayjotsava, Andhra Pradesh Raashtra Avatharana Dinotsavam, Haryana Foundation Day, Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day, Kerala Foundation Day, Chhattisgarh Foundation Day, Kanaka Jayanti, and Armed Forces Flag Day.    

"Gateway of India", Mumbai, India. Photo Credit: Walkerssk/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Air pollution, malnutrition of children and poverty are an issue. 
  
• Plan to dress conservatively.
• Traveling between regions you'll experience changes in attire, cuisine, customs, language, religion, and traditions.
• Avoid public display of affection.
• Kerala Massages are popular. A method using herbal medicated oils with heat and steam.
  
• Public smoking is prohibited.
• Avoid standing with your hands on your hips, as it's considered aggressive behavior.
• Remove shoes while visiting monuments, mosques, and temples.
• Satellite phones require a permit.
  
• Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) is known for their beaches, dive sites, and woodpeckers.
  
• Adhere to Beach Warning signs, undertows can be powerful and deadly.
• Do not travel to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Telangana, Tripura, or along the Pakistan Border.
• Targeted theft crime is known to occur in tourist areas.
• Credit card ATM cloning is common.
• A permit to buy, consume, or transport alcohol could be required. Varies by location. 
  
• Same sex relations is illegal.
  
• Surrogacy is illegal to travelers.
  
• Present diseases: Malaria, Rabies, Tuberculosis (TB), and Zika Virus.
• To drive, requires an International Drivers License.
• Public transportation is prone to overcrowding.
• Do not drink tap water. 
• Sanitation is often considered below our standards.
• The quality of medical care and treatment varies by locations.

Delhi, India. Photo Credit: Rhiannon/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $5,000USD.

Thar Desert, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), India. Photo Credit: Rhiannon/Pixabay 

Monsoon Season is June - October. 

Subject to cyclones, earthquakes, flooding, humidity, mountain snowstorms, typhoons.

Lingmala Waterfall, Maharashtra, India. Photo Credit: Ron Mitra/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Coldest Months: December - January
• Hottest Months: April - May
• Peak Season: November - March

Ellora Caves (Elura) Maharastra, India. Photo Credit: Simon Hallo Fraser/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Agra Fort, Ajanta Caves, Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda Bihar, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), Churches and Convents of Goa, Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Fatehpur Sikri, Great Himalayan National Park, Great Living Chola Temples, Great Living Chola Temples, Great Living Chola Temples, Group of Monuments at Hampi, Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Historic City of Ahmedabad, Humayun's Tomb Delhi, Jaipur, Kaziranga National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Khangchendzonga (Kangchenjunga) National Park, Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Railways of India, Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Qutb Minar and its  Monuments, Delhi, Rani ki vav (The Queen's Stepwell), Red Fort Complex, Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Sun Temple Konârak, Sundarbans National Park, Taj Mahal, The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, The Jantar Mantar, The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, and Western Ghats.

Ganges (Ganga) "Sacred River", India. Photo Credit: Simon Hallo Fraser/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.