Madagascar

Madagascar Flag

Why visit Madagascar?

Best known for beaches, birdwatching, coral reefs, culture, fishing, hiking, landscape, scuba diving, surfing, tropical islands, and wildlife.

(Lemur). Photo Credit: Fabio Grandis/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Embroidered fabric, linen, local spices, semi-precious stones, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Akoho (chicken dish). Hena Kisoa Sauce (pork dish). Lasopy (soup). Masikita (skewer). Mofo Gasy (breakfast bread). Ravitoto (meat dish). Romazava (casserole). Sesika (black pudding).
• Local Drink to Try: Ranonapango (rice water). Ranovola (burnt rice tea). Three Horses Beer (pale lager). Trembo (palm wine). 

Photo Credit: aga2rk/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Home to two-thirds of the world's chameleon species.
  
• Valiha is an instrument made of bamboo (28 strings) that resembles a bassoon but sounds like a harp.
  
• Over 90% of their wildlife is found nowhere else on earth.
• Many native plant species are used as herbal remedies and illness treatments.
  
• Split from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago.
  
• One of the primary rice producers in the world.
• World's second largest island country. 
  
• The French built canals connecting chains of human-made and natural lakes.
• Home to around 170 palm species.
  
• Near Ilakaka provides half of the world's supply of sapphires.
  
• Has one of the world's largest reserves of ilmenite (titanium ore).
  
• Largely exports cloves, vanilla, and ylang-ylang.

Photo Credit: mika mamy/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Alahamadi Be, (April) Santabary Festival, (June) Famadihana, Feria Oramena, Fisemana Festival, (July) Hiragasy, (September) Donia Music Festival, and (October) Maddajazzcar.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Women's Day, Martyrs' Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension, Whit Monday, Independence Day, Assumption, All Saints Day, Christmas Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Good to Know

• Considered one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world.
  
• Lacks infrastructure.
  
• English is not widely spoken.
  
• Fianarantsoa (north) produces red, rose, sparkling, and white wine.
  
• Most roads are unpaved and impassable in the rainy season (November - April).
  
• Restaurant sanitation does not always meet our standards.
• Cyclone Season is between December - April. 
  
• Undernourishment and hunger amongst citizens is relevant.
  
• Annual bubonic plague outbreaks from September - April.
• Public transportation is unreliable.
• Criminals are known to steal luggage from Airport Baggage Claim areas.
• Avoid use of public transportation.
• Avoid exploring after dark. Street lighting is limited.
• Has no working traffic signals.
• The Local government restricts the export of precious gems.
• Prominently cash country. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
• Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminal for persons under 21. Violators are subject to fines and imprisonment.
• Pedestrian injuries are common due to lack of sidewalks and designated pathways.
  
• Relevant diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Plague, Rabies, Polio, and Tuberculosis.
• Randomly vehicle checkpoints occur by local police. Inform the officer you're a U.S. Citizen and display your recommended photocopy U.S. Passport through the window.
  
• Use of mobile phones is illegal, including hands-free.
• Helmets are required to be worn on motorcycles.
• Seat belts are required.

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar. Photo Credit: photosforyou/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and three blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination from select countries. 

Nosy Be, Madagascar. Photo Credit: Rossana Bollero/Pixabay 

Prone to cyclones, flooding, and monsoons.

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

Photo Credit: aga2rk/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, and Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve.

Photo Credit: Anthony-X/Pixabay 

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

Luxembourg

                                                                                                                       Luxembourg Flag

Why visit Luxembourg?

Appeals to travelers seeking a European experience to enjoy abbey towns, biking, birdwatching, breweries, castles, cross country skiing, fishing, folk traditions, forests, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, ice skating, museums, river valleys, sailing, scenic countryside, scuba diving, villages, waterskiing, and wineries.

Vianden Castle, Vianden, Luxembourg. Photo Credit: Michael Gaida/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, ceramics, cheeses, designer clothes, jewelry, leather bags, mustard, pâté, porcelain, smoked ham, and sparkling wines.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bouneschlupp (bean soup). Cancoillotte (cheese). F'rell am Rèisleck (trout). Judd Mat Gaardebounen (pork). Kachkeis (cheese). Kriibsen (pork) Kachkeis (cheese). Kriibsen (crayfish). Quetschentaart (plum tart). Träipen (sausage).
• Local Drink to Try:  Beierhaascht (beer). Bofferding (beer). Crémant de Luxembourg (wine) Grand Brewing (beer). Ourdaller (beer).

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Photo Credit: djedj/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• During Paleolithic Age between the Rhine and Meuse rivers evidence of their first settlers is known.
• In 698 AD, Abbey of Echternach (Echternach) was established by a missionary saint and monks.
• In 1556, became part of the Spanish Netherlands.
• Hollenfels Castle from the 11th Century has been repurposed as a hostel and youth activity center.
  
• World's second largest Investment Fund Center.
  
• Southern area (Gutland) is nicknamed "Little Switzerland".
  
• Home of world's largest steel company (Arcelor Mittal).
  
• Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Maria Teresa was born in Cuba (Havana).
  
• Animated film, Mr Hublot won an oscar.
• Highly ranked as one of the world's best performers in environmental protection.
  
• Largely produces dry white and sparkling wines.
• One of the least populated countries in Europe.
  
• Formerly the second richest country in the world.
• Sells the most alcohol compared to other European countries.
  
• Locals greet kiss one another three times on alternating cheeks.
• Referred as the "Green Heart in Europe".

Bourscheid Castle, Bourscheid, Luxembourg. Photo Credit: Yvonne Huijbens/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Carnival Parade, Printemps Musical, (April) L'Emaischen, Wine Fair, (May) Choréographique Luxembourgeois, Dancing Procession, Danz Festival Lëtzebuerg, Féerie du Genêt, Festival International Echternach, International Classical Music Festival, Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg, (June) Fête de la Musique, Wine Festival, (July) Agricultural Fair, Beer Festival, Festival de Wiltz, Old Diekirch Festival, Open-Air Concerts, (August) Pottery Festival, Procession of the Holy Virgin, Schueberfouer, (September) Art Kirchberg, Fête du Raisin et du Vin, Wine and Grape Festival, and (December) Marché de Noël.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Europe Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, National Day, Assumption of Mary, All Saints' Day, Christmas Day, and St Stephen's Day.

Photo Credit: Yvonne Huijbens/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket is required.
• Avoid public demonstration.
• Northern region (Eisleck) offers the best dramatic scenery.
• Petty theft is known to occur on public transportation.
• Considered accessibility friendly.
• Prone to road congestion morning and evenings.
• Diversely influenced by Austrians, Belgians, Dutch, French, Germans, and Spanish.
• Drivers must carry a blank accident report in their vehicle in the event of an accident. Report is necessary for any accident not involving injury. 
• Maximum allowable blood alcohol content while driving is 0.05%.
• Seat belts are required.

Clervaux, Luxembourg. Photo Credit: Yvonne Huijbens/Pixabay 

• 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.

Luxemborg City, Luxembourg. Photo Credit: Sergejs Gubarevs/Pixabay 

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

Echternach, Luxembourg. Photo Credit: Philipp Semmler/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: City of Luxembourg

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Photo Credit: Pit Karges/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. 

Lithuania

Lithuania Flag

Why visit Lithuania?

Known for art, birdwatching, bicycling, boating, castles, churches, culture, fishing, folk art, forests, historical sites, horseback riding, hunting, ice fishing, lakes, museums, music, nightlife, rivers, and theatre.

   

Trakai Island Castle, Trakai, Lithuania. Photo Credit: Anaterate/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy:  Amber, Chocolate, Folk Crafts, Leather Works, Linens, Metal Work, Pagan Art, and Wood Carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bulviniai Blynai (potato pancake). Grybai (mushrooms). Kugelis (potato pudding). Kumpis (smoked ham). Saltibarsciai (soup). Skilandis (sausage).
• Local Drink to Try: Kalnapilis (beer). Maluninku (liqueur). Midus (liqueur). Raguti (beer). Suktinus (liqueur). Svyturys (beer). Utenos (beer).

Photo Credit: nerami30/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Grand Duke Algirdas built (1346) the Cathedral of the Theotokos (Orthodox Church). 
• The Palace of the Grand Dukes hosted the the first opera (1636).  
  

• Kaunas Railway Tunnel is the f

  irst (1860) and still in operation. 
• In 1918 became independent.
• Klaipeda port is ice-free all year.
  
• The Vilnius Hitchhiking Club is a leading due paying organization dedicated towards getting a free ride.
  
• Nemunas River (largest) is used in international shipping.
  
• A folklore, a groom carrying his bride over seven bridges on their Wedding Day is said to bring good luck.
• Speaks one of oldest languages in the world, archaic Indo-European.
  
• Birdwatching is popular at Curonian Spit.
• Romuva Sanctuary (Sambia) is where Krivis, Pagan Pope resided.
  
• Aukštojas Hill (Medininkai Highlands) is the highest point (965 ft).
  
• Home to over 330 bird species.
  
• Rye bread is eaten during most meals. 
  
• Launched three satellites to space: LitSat-1, Lituanica SAT-1 and LituanicaSAT-2.
  
• Church of St Peter & St Paul (Vilnius) has over 2000 different interior decor items.
  
• Has over 75 breweries and 32 of them are microbreweries.
  
• A 10 year education is mandated (ends at 16 years old).
  
• Asveja is the longest and Tauragnas is the deepest lake.
  
• Has approximately 3,000 lakes (majority in the northeast) and over 1,000 rivers and streams.
• Basketball is their national and most popular sport.
  
• Largest fresh water supplies amongst European countries.
• Has 5 national parks, 30 regional parks, and 402 nature reserves.
  
• Amongst those few in the world permitting hot air balloons over the city (Vilnius). 
  
• Birthplace of team sport, ritinis.
• Tourists largely visit from Belarus, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Russia, UK, and Ukraine.
  
• Organic farming is popular.
• Provides free state-funded healthcare to all citizens and long-term residents.
  
• SIM cards out number the population.

Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo Credit: Jacqueline Macou/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Lithuanian Indoor Athletics Championships, Vilnius Book Fair, (March) Kaziuko Mugė, Vilnius International Film Festival, Užgavėnės, (April) Kaunas Jazz, (May) Kauno Miesto Diena, Miss Lithuania, (June) Kilkim Žaibu, Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival, Parbėg laivelis, Saint Jonas's Festival, Vilnius Culture Night, (July) Devilstone Open Air, Great Žemaičių Kalvarija Festival, Klaipėda Sea Festival, Lithuanian Archery Championships, (August) Be2gether, Lithuanian Athletics Championships, Mados Infekcija, (September) Vilnius Marathon, and (December) Baltijos Garsas.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Restoration Day, Independence Day/National Day, March Equinox, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, June Solstice, St John's Day/Day of Dew, King Mindaugas’ Coronation Day, Feast of the Assumption of Mary, September Equinox, All Saints' Day, All Souls' Day, December Solstice, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Second Day of Christmas. 
  

Hill of Crosses, Šiauliai, Lithuania. Photo Credit: Arunas Bruzas/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Vilnius is often compared to Prague.
  
• Vilnius is nicknamed "Rome of the East" and "Jerusalem of the North".
  
• Rural areas (south) horses are the preferred mode of transportation.
  
• Eastern region has thousands of lakes.
  
• Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
• Few cruise lines offer a port of call.
  
• Nightlife is in Vilnius.
• The National Song Festival (Dainu Svente) occurs every four years.
  
• Palanga is a popular summer spot.
  
• Tourists are known to be targeted for pick pocketing and purse snatching,
• Cyclists enjoy the scenic route of EuroVelo 10 which starts in Nida and follows the Curonian Spit to Palanga.
• Paddlers enjoy Aukstaitija National Park (north-eastern).
• Curonian Lagoon is popular for sailing.
  
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense.
• Fishing known for crawfish, carp, crawfish, eel, lamprey, pike, salmon, salmon trout, sardines, and trout.
• LGBTI are known to be physically and verbally assaulted.
  
• Beaches are guarded. Select designated areas are nude bathing.
  
• Antiques and artwork 50 years or older require a permit to export.
  
• Seat belts are mandatory.
  
• Smoked fish is considered a delicacy.
  
• Cuisine is influenced by Germany, Scandavania, and Russia.
  
• Low beam lights on vehicles are required while driving.
  
• Scammers are known to boot rental cars demanding compensation to remove the boot.
• Requires proof of funds and a return plane ticket.  
• Rail service connects to Belarus, Germany, Poland, and Russia.
• Ferry service connects to Ahus (Sweden), Kiel (Germany), Mukran (Germany), and Stockholm (Sweden) from Port of Klaipeda.
• Prevalent Diseases: Lyme Disease, Rabies, Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE), and Tuberculosis.

Church of St Peter & St Paul, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

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

Photo Credit: Darin McLeod/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coldest Months: December - February 
• Hottest Months: June - August
• Peak Season: December, May - June 

Photo Credit: kmarius/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Curonian Spit, Kernavė Archaeological Site, Struve Geodetic Arc, Vilnius Historic Centre

Nida, Lithuania. Photo Credit: Makalu/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  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.