Liberia

Liberia Flag

Why visit Liberia?

For the experienced adventurous traveler beaches, history, rain forests, scuba diving, tribal culture, tropical jungles, 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Batik clothing, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Breh (bread). Chicken Peanut Soup.
  Eddoes (taro root). Fufu (Bread). Geebee (Stew). Jollof Rice (Spicy Rice). Palava (Spicy Soup). Palm Butter Soup. Pepper Kala (Fried Dumpling). 
• Local Drink to Try: Gana Gana (Sugarcane Juice). Palm Wine (Palm Tree Sap). 

Fun Facts

• In 1847 declared independence but was not recognized by the USA until 1862.
• In 1848, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, African American from Virginia (state) was elected their President after moving there.
• In 1926, USA rubber company Firestone established their rubber plantation there.
  
• Cost of electricity (.54 per kWh) is considered among the highest in the world. 
  
• University of Liberia (Monrovia) is the country's largest and oldest (1862) university. 
  
• Natural resources include diamonds, gold, iron, and timber.
  
• Second-largest maritime registry of merchant fleet ships due to the lack of rules in the world.
  
• Growers of bananas, cassava, natural rubber, palm oil, and rice.
  
• Imports approximately 90% of their rice.
• Chimpanzees, duikers, elephants, hippopotamus, leopards, and monkeys are widely consumed as a delicacy (bushmeat).
  
• Polygamy marriages is praticed. Men can have up to four wives (ages 15–49).
• Mount Nimba Strict Reserve and Providence Island are pending registration on the 

  UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

  
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (November) Monrovia Children’s Day Festival
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Armed Forces Day, Decoration Day, J.J. Roberts' Birthday, Fast and Prayer Day, National Unification Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, Thanksgiving, William Tubman's Birthday, and Christmas.

Good to Know

• Poor infrastructure.
• Fuel, lodging, fuel, telephone services, and transportation are unevenly available.
  
• Disruption of communications service is common. 
  
• Due to poisoning, avoid eating amberjack, barracuda, bonito, grouper, mackerel, mahi-mahi, snapper, or tuna.
  
• Shop at the National Cultural Center (Kendeja) for wood carvings.
• Sanitation conditions to not meet our USA standards.
• Due to bilharzia risk avoid swimming or wading in freshwater lakes or streams.
• Buchanan offers beach towns.
  
• Cholera, Hepatitis (A, B, C), HIV, Malaria, Onchocerciasis, Polio, Rabies, Schistosomiasis, Typhoid, Tetanus, Yellow Fever are prevalent.
  
• Passports are required to be stamped at the Immigration Office on Broad Street (Monrovia) within 48 hours of arrival. 
  
• Ocean currents are strong.
• Adult literacy is low.
  
• Avoid public transportation.
• An International Driver’s License is required to drive.
  
• ATMs are not widely available. 
  
• English is their official language.
  
• Police force is limited.
  
• Credit cards and Traveler's checks are not widely accepted.
  
• Surfing is best in Robertsport.
• Use insect repellents containing 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
  
• Photography of air, government buildings, military, public buildings, and sea ports is not permitted.
• Winter months (November - March) dry dust poses issues.
  
• Pollution is a significant issue (Monrovia).
  
• Roads are often impassable following heavy rainfalls (May - October).
• Highly ranked for rape and sexual abuse towards women. Punishable up to life in prison.
• Treat your clothing and tents with permethrin.
  
• Homosexuality is illegal. Considered a first-degree misdemeanor with up to one year in prison.
  
• Has highly venomous Portuguese Man-of-War jellyfish.
• Avoid exploring in the dark.
• Ambulances do not include trained paramedics and often have little to no medical equipment onboard.
• Government corruption is rampant.
• Avoid crowds, demonstrations, and rallies.
• Does not have working landline telephone systems. Purchase or rent a local cellular phone. 
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $7,500USD.

Photo Credit: Сергей Корчанов/Pixabay 

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

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.

Lesotho

Lesotho Flag

Why visit Lesotho?

Ideal for the outdoorsy travelers seeking to enjoy birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, mountains, prehistoric footprints, rivers, ruins, skiing, and trout fishing.

Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Copper chess sets, gemstones, mats, porcupine quill jewelry, pottery, rock paintings, straw hats, tapestries, and weaved goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Kebabs. Likhobe (Stew). Motoho (Porridge). Oxtail Stew. Ting (Porridge).
• Local Drink to Try: Ginger Beer. Maluti Beer.

Photo Credit: Simon Allen/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1966, declared independence from the United Kingdom (UK).
  
• In 2007, a local textile worker's average income was $103USD per month.
  
• In 2020, Thomas Motsoahae Thabane, Prime Minister stepped down following allegations of murdering his ex-wife.
• Third largest in the world, completely surrounded by the territory of another country. 
  
• Completely surrounded by South Africa.
• Nearly 90% of the land consists of mountains.
• The highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana (11,420 ft).
  
• Moyeni (south) has dinosaur footprints.
  
• Diamonds are produced in: Kao, Letšeng, Liqhobong, and Mothae. Letšeng Mine the leading producer of value per carat.
  
• Katse Botanical Gardens holds a collection of medicinal plants. 
  
• Holds the highest literacy rate in Africa.
  
• The Midlands in England imports their handcrafted woolen blanket.
  
• Lesotho is divided into ten districts.
  
• The Basotho blanket (thick wool cover) makes for their traditional attire.
  
• Home to the highest rates of lightning strikes per square mile in the world.
• Only independent state in the world entirely above 3,281 ft in elevation.
  
• Approximately 40 million tons of soil are lost annually due to erosion.
  

Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Clarens Craft & Beer Festival, (March) Family Day, Moshoeshoe’s Day, Race to Rhodes, Surrender Hill Marathon, (April) Royal Drakensberg Mountain Bike Challenge, Splashy Fen Music Festival, (June) Duzi Trail Run, Ski Grand Prix, (July) Ski Festival, The Kings Cup, (August) 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge, National Snowboard Champs, (September) Morija Arts & Cultural Festival, Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge, Reggae Summer Fest, (October) Golden Gate Challenge, Soaring Eagle Mountain Run, (November) Ficksburg Cherry Festival, Ficksburg Cherry Race, Roof Of Africa, (December) High Altitude Summer Marathon, Lesotho Tourism Annual Festival, Lesotho and Jazz Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year, Moshoeshoe's Birthday, March Equinox, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Ascension Day, Africa Heroes Day, June Solstice, King's Birthday, September Equinox, Independence Day, December Solstice, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
  

Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Weak economy.
• Summer (December - March) is prone to rain and thunderstorms
• A stopover destination while traveling through South Africa.
  
• Rural hut flags have various homeowner meanings of goods sold: Green = Vegetables, Red = Meat. White = Sorghum Beer, and Yellow - Barley Beer.
• Highland snow occurs between May - September.
  
• Medical facilities are limited and ambulance service is unreliable.
  
• Skiing occurs between June - August (Oxbow).
• Trout fishing is best between September - May.
• Natives with a disability are known to face a significant cultural and social  barriers.
  
• Crime rate is high and foreigners are known to be targeted.
• Confine your explorations to daylight hours.
  
• Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
• Maximum VISA extensions permitted is five (up to 180 days). 
  
• Leave your valuables at home as baggage theft is known to occur at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) (Johannesburg). Airport plastic wrapping service acts as a deterrent.
  
• Majority of the roads are unpaved, a four-wheel-drive is recommended .
• Highest incidence of tuberculosis in the world.
• Due to high altitude take precaution and pace yourself.
• Rental cars are only available in Maseru.
  
• Significant levels of child labour does exist.
  
• Consensual same-sex sexual relations is criminalized.
  
• Visiting or transferring through South Africa two blank VISA pages are required.  All children under 18 are required to carry their birth certificate as well.  
  
• Traffic flows from the left, with vehicle steering on right.
  
• Prone to droughts, causing food and water shortages.
• Avoid mini-bus taxis.
• Do not consume tap water.
• Second  highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity following return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 30 days.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination from select countries. 

Maloti-Drakensberg Park (Jonathan's Gate), Sehlabathebe, Lesotho. Photo Credit: Arthur Hickinbotham/Unsplash 

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

Photo Credit: WhiskerFlowers/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Maloti-Drakensberg Park 

Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/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.

Lebanon

Lebanon Flag

Why visit Lebanon?

For the traveler seeking to explore the Middle Eastern to enjoy archaeological ruins, caving, coastal towns, cultural diversity, hiking, historical sites, mountains, nightlife, scuba diving, skiing, water sports, and whitewater rafting.

Raouché (Pigeons Rock), Beirut, Lebanon. Photo Credit: Tülay Arsal/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, copper, embroidered linens, gold jewelry, lace, leather, mosaic trays, pottery, and rugs.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Baba Ghanouj (dip). Baladi Cheese. Ka'ak (bread). Kibbe (meat pie). Kubideh (kebab type). Manaeesh (pizza). M'Juhdara (stew). Mulukhiyah (stew). Sambousek (stuffed pastry). Sayadieh (fish). Shawarma (sandwich). Sfouf (anise cake). Tabbouleh (salad).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Almaza (beer). Arabic Coffee. Arak (anise-flavored liquor). Ayran (yogurt). Chateaux (wine). Jallab  (sweet drink). Kefraya (wine). Ksara (wine). Musar (wine). 
  

Beirut, Lebanon. Photo Credit: mathewscaria/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• During the Ancient Period (3000 BC – AD 500) home to cedar tree forests.
• In the Bible, during a Wedding at Cana, Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11).
• In the Book of Jonah, Jonah Hebrew Prophet, directed by God disobeys his request and attempts to flee Khalde. Thrown overboard by sailors. Swallowed by a large fish. He prayed to God. God commands the fish to vomit Jonah out three days and three nights later.
  
• One of the smallest Asia countries.
  
• Compared to any other Arabic country produces the majority of skilled laborers.
• Formerly known as  "Switzerland of the East '' for their financial power and stability.
• Beirut was considered "Paris of the Middle East" amongst tourists.
• They follow the French legal system.
  
• Most tourists are from Japan, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
• Moustafa Farroukh (1901-1957), Painter was trained in Rome (Italy) and Paris (France) produced over 2,000 artwork pieces.
  
• The Prophet (1923) written by Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), Writer/Poet was the second best selling book behind the Bible.
  

Baalbek Roman Ruins, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. Photo Credit: djedj/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Beirut Pride, (July) Baalbeck International Festival, Batroun International Festival, Beiteddine International Festival, Byblos International Festival, Dhour Chwer Festival, Ehmej Festival, Jounieh International Festival, Tyre & South Festival, Zouk Mikael International Festival, (September) Tyr Festival, and (November) Kobayat International Festivals.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Armenian Christmas, St Maroun Day, Feast of the Annunciation, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Workers' Day, Martyrs' Day, Liberation & Resistance Day, Feast of the Assumption, Lebanese Independence Day, Christmas Day, Islamic New Year, Day of Ashura, Mawlid, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
  

• Falougha Lakes, Falougha-Khalouat, Lebanon. Photo Credit: kab_s/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Entry is known to be denied for travelers Egyptian Border Stamp, Jordanian Border Stamp, Israeli Border Stamp, and/or Israeli VISA.
• Not all beaches are swimmable due to inland waste dumping.
• Has a moderate Mediterranean climate; winters are cool and rainy while summers are hot and humid.
• A International Driver’s License is required.
• Scars of the Civil War remain prevalent (Beirut).
  
• Ski Season is generally from December - April.
• Dinner time is late, usually not until 8PM.
  
• During Ramadan (Holy Month) avoid drinking or eating in public places.
  
• Mosques will enforce entry and have strict dress codes.
  
• Beirut and Mount Lebanon have a severe garbage crisis.
  
• Open garbage dumping and waste burning is prohibited.
• LGBTI status and/or conduct is prohibited. Punishable by up to one year in prison.
  
• Lebanese Arabic is the spoken language; English and French are significantly spoken.
  
• Nightlife ranks #1 in the Middle East.
  
• Avoid Lebanon’s borders with Syria and Israel.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests.
• Pickpocketing and purse snatching is known to occur in crowded public areas.
  
• Importation of medication and medical supplies are limited. 
  
• Medical care and treatment does not meet our standards.

Lebanon. Photo Credit: Bobby Guidry/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with validity for ninety days following entry and one blank stamp page. No Israeli stamps or visas.
• Tourist VISA required.

Bsharri Mountains, North Governorate, Lebanon. Photo Credit: Raimund Andree/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: April - December
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Month: August
• Peak Season: June - August

 Tyre, Lebanon. Photo Credit: Peggychoucair/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Anjar, Baalbek, Bodai, Byblos, Cedars of God, Kadisha Valley, and Tyre.

Sidon Sea Castle, Sidon, Lebanon. Photo Credit: Mesut Toker/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. 

Latvia

Latvia Flag

Why visit Latvia?

Offers travelers architecture, art-nouveau, baroque, beautiful valleys, birdwatching, canoeing, countryside landscape, cycling, fishing, health clubs, hiking, hills, horseback riding, kayaking, lakes, markets, medieval houses, museums, national parks, natural hot spring spas, nightlife, rolling plains, sailing, sprawling forests, and wildlife.

Riga, Latvia. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amber, ceramic, herbal liqueur, leather products, wood goods, and wool goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alexandertorte (dessert). Biezpiena Sieriņš (snack). Borscht (cold meat soup), Jāņi Cheese. Kartupeļu Pankūkas (potato pancakes). Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi (stew). Rasols (salad). Rupjmaize (bread). Siļķe Kažokā (herring). Sklandrausis (sweet pie). Sorrel Soup. Zivju Zupa (fish soup). Speķa Pīrāgi (pastry). 
• Local Drink to Try: Alus (local beer). BIRZĪ (birch sap). Bukstiņputra (porridge). (Riga Black Balsam (liquor). Sula (birch sap).

Sauna at Cape Kolka (Baltic Sea), Latvia. Photo Credit: Jacqueline Macou/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• During the Great Northern War (1700–1721), nearly 40% of the population died from the plague.
  
• In 1991, became independent.
• Upon a time considered the "Paris of the North".
• Has over 3,000 lakes and over 12,500 rivers.
• Select streets (Riga) are named after former resident occupations.
• Home of the longest kayaking marathon in Europe.
• Amber is known to wash up along the shore coastline.
• There's no citizenship (of any country), and they cannot vote.
  
• Gauja River is their longest and Lake Drīdzis is their deepest.
  
• Nearly 56% of the total land accounts as forests.
  
• Has one of the largest underground gas storage facilities (in Europe).
  
• Traditional Latvian folklore has a collection of over 30,000 melodies and 1.2 million texts.  
  
• Riga’s Central Market is considered one of Europe’s largest markets. 
  
• Has over 800 Art Nouveau buildings.
  
• Compared to other western countries their rich in milk products. 
• Roughly has 4,100 mushroom species, wild picking in popular (autumn).

Rundāle Palace Museum, Latvia. Photo Credit:  lovelydress0/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Riga Music Festival, (February) Bach Music Festival, (March) Contemporary Drama Festival, (April) International Kayaking Marathon Gauja XXL, (May) Beer Fest, (June) Early Music Festival, Latvian Song and Dance Festival, Riga Opera Festival, (July) Metalshow Open Air, Positivus Music Festival, Riga Jurmala Music Festival, Saulkrasti Jazz Festival, Song & Dance Festival, Zvera, (August) International Sacred Music Festival, Riga Salsa Festival, (September) Baltic Pearl Film Festival, Gastronomy Festival, Sound Forest, Studentu Paradīze, (November) International World Music Festival, and Winterfest.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Restoration of Independence Day, Mother's Day, Pentecost, Midsummer's Eve, Midsummer's Day, Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Second Day of Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
  

Art Nouveau (Monument), Riga, Latvia. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Jurmala is popular for their beach.
  
• Sigulda is popular for horse-drawn carriages.
  
• Lake Pape (south of Liepaja) wild horses are known to roam freely.
  
• Cycling is popular in Aluksne, Baltic Sea shoreline, Gauja National Park, Latgale, and  Sigulda.
• Bird Migration Season is between August - November.
• Fishing is most popular in  Daugava Rivers, Kisezers Lake, Lielupe, and Vitkopi Reservoir.
• Riga is the fashion center of eastern Europe.
  
• Car theft is a common issue.
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Do not wear Lenin or Red Army clothing.
• During summer months (June - September) mosquito repellent is a necessity.
• Requires an International Driving Permit to drive.
• Before entering a Orthodox Church, turn off your mobile devices.
• Beyond summer months do not drink alcohol in public places. 
• Strictly adhere to the designated smoking areas.
• August offers the warmest sea temperatures.
• Salaca River (north) has the largest spawning ground for salmon amongst the eastern Baltic. 
  
• Free Port of Ventspils is one of the busiest amongst Baltic states.
  
• Sabile offers plenty of vineyards.
  
• Mid summer offers almost 20 daylight hours.
• The local cuisine consists of fatty foods with few spices.
• Proof of funds and a return plane ticket is required.
  
• Foreign tourists are targeted.
• Driving under the influence is a crime. Breathalyzer tests and roadblocks are often set up to catch violators.
  
• Avoid demonstrations which are known to occur frequently.
• U.S. toll-free numbers are not accessible there.
  
• U.S. currency that is crumpled, defaced, discolored, or torn will be rejected.
  
• Exportation and Importation of goods is strictly enforced: antiquities, business equipment, firearms, medications, and religious materials.
• Medical care and treatment does not meet our standards due to the lack of equipment and resources.
• Ambulance services are not available country wide.
• Prevalent Diseases include: Hepatitis A, Lyme, Tick-Borne Encephalitis, Tuberculosis.

National Library of Latvia (Castle of Light), Riga, Latvia. Photo Credit: Janitors/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank stamp page.
• Hepatitis A and Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccinations are recommended.
  
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.

Riga, Latvia. Photo Credit: Alina Kuptsova/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coldest Month: December - March
• Hottest Months: June - August
• Peak Season: July - August & December

House of the Blackheads (Museum), Riga, Latvia. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Historic Centre of Riga and Struve Geodetic Arc.

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.